Enemy Born

by Jessica Greyson

The Land of Saram was once one, but the city of Verturn in the plains of Arumda has broken away, declaring itself separate from the kingdom of Saram and the authority of the High King. Carwyn, the princess of Verturn, finds herself in chains and at the mercy of the High King of Saram. Will justice or mercy prevail as she faces the consequences of being enemy born.

Genres: Christian, Fantasy, Novella, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published June 15, 2021

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been in my Audible collection for a while now and I finally got around to listening to it. While not long, it was a powerful allegory. Some might say it was a bit simple, but I think it is its simplicity that makes it so powerful.

Greyson is an extremely talented author. I love all her books. Her passion for Jesus shines through all of them.

I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy allegories, short stories, and non-magical fantasy.

[Abigail Harris]

Wow! Such a powerful story!

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet (without taking the easy road or skirting around the truth) allegory! :)

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! This story was incredible! Admittedly, the story of salvation, unmerited favor, righteousness in Christ, and suffering for His sake is one that I've heard over and over, know intimately, and could probably recite pretty much at the drop of a hat. But having it put in this setting with these metaphors in these words, it hit me all over again in a fresh and beautiful way. Tears flowed through a good portion of the story as I recognized Princess Carwyn--a representative of humanity, yes, but so much more. This is the love of my Savior for me--an enemy by birth, condemned and unworthy. This is my new identity in His love. And this is my calling to walk faithfully as His witness in a blinded and hostile land.

This is just such a beautiful, powerful, breathtaking allegory that I now want to share with so many people! Highly recommended.

Content--mentions of blood, wounds, beatings, etc. (not graphic); mentions of war and deaths; one use of "damnation" (referring to judgment) and one of "bastard"

[Libby May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful little story is amazing and if you haven't read it yet I highly reccomend it and you can get an eCopy if you sign up for the author's newsletter.
It's worth the time. It's not to long, and I don't love eCopies but I read through this little thing in one sitting.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Jesus’ redemption of us never gets old no matter how many times it is retold. I love that this story includes the coming destruction on the enemy and his bride’s efforts to bring others into his family, as well as the joy of suffering for him.

A wonderful short story.

[Ejayen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it more than some other allegories.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins...and you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel...you, to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Colossians contains some of my favorite word-pictures about salvation/sanctification, and Enemy Born takes these truths and spins them into a full-blown allegory. The story of a princess who finally understands the truth behind her own and her country's greatest enemy, and the Prince who is willing to take on a traitor's punishment for the sake of the relationship that was originally meant to be...the full and perfect forgiveness offered for enmity and betrayals greater than we understand and the unbelievable love offered to us over and over again are exquisitely brought into sharp relief.

Cleanly and carefully written, this is a short story that challenged me to to reevaluate the lies that so easily creep in and poison the relationship I could have with both the Father and the Son. I found myself pausing several times while I read as things that I have long known struck me in new ways, and whether this is to you an old, old story or one you have never heard, I recommend taking a few moments to read this book.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book not knowing what it was about. But it's by one of my favorite authors, so I needed to read it. ;)
I don't love allegory, but this was one of the better ones I've read. I liked the main character, and the symbolism was very potent. It had some really good messages in it.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to say that after trying multiple times (including this one), allegory is just not my thing. This was a better-written one, though.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one on Audiobook. This is a beautiful, short allegory. Well written, well-read (performed?) and to the point. Well done!

[Autumn Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, simply BEAUTIFUL!! Loved it so much! Only complaint is that it could have been embelished more, and would have loved if it was longer.

[Erin Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of allegories and this one was so sweet and beautifully written.