Renaria - Into the Adyton

Renaria #1

by J.L. Wilson

A small memento, a universal power...

At Seventeen, Leda has her priorities in order: gaming first, real life second. She suffers through school, skips the extracurriculars, and runs home so that she can log-on to Renaria. High school parties? Yeah, right. Her weekends usually involve her prized headset, a pile of gummy bears, and her loyal feline companion, Sphinx, by her side.

Unless her Mother forces her to socialize more, she’ll be max level by winter. That is… until a magical storm, a handsome Elf Diviner, and a whirlwind of adventure turns Leda’s game into a reality. In the end, Leda will have to decide: Ignore the quest and turn off the game, or dive in and risk everything for a shot at escaping into a world she never could have imagined.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2014

About the author

J.L. Wilson is a super fan of wizards, space travel, gaming, tripping over cats, and coffee.

During her graduate studies in anthropology she focused primarily on humans and their interaction with technology. All kinds! Language, tools, cyborgs, etc. When not writing or reading you can find her in World of Warcraft, FFXIV or the latest MMORPG creating new characters or exploring new quests.

Connect with her! -
Author J.L. Wilson's Facebook
Author J.L. Wilson's Twitter

Reviews

[The Life Of A Firefly · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received this as an ARC from the author*

What an adventure, I am actually speechless right now!!!

Starting this novel, I never thought I would love it as much as I do. The novels world is astounding, there is so much going on with this book, a rich mythology, a fantastic storyline, so much description of characters, of other-worlds and universes. This book has magic, adventure, action, and even a lovely romance which is slow and forms over the course of the book, not too quick. I have grown to love the main characters, Leda and Alex, Travis and Menaia, and I think I may have fallen in love with Caleb <3. Even the characters such as Prenexia, Kasinel and Garik and all the other minor characters. I have come to care about them.

I have went through a roller coaster of emotions with this book, I have felt happiness, and worried, love, excitement, and laugh-out-loud moments, such emotions I find rare in books. It is the same passion I have had about novels such as Harry Potter and Divergent. It blends sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and romance in one.

This book is truly a well written, action packed novel with all the aspects every great novel has !! I recommend this book to everyone, and can I say, I hope there will be another book after this. !!! :D

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Just wow! This was an awesome book!

* Let me start by saying I received a copy of this book for an honest review *

This is like a digital version of Jumanji meets the Chronicles of Narnia! It's set in Earth's distant future you follow a set of twins and their friends as they play a seemingly harmless video game.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the story follows Leda and her brother Alex on their mysterious and twisted journey to Renaria. They experience and learn things they thought were only fantasy, but the stakes are higher than they could have ever imagined.

Great read, beautifully written, and I can't wait for more!

[C.K. Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Tron! There's a new user in town and HER name is Leda! Being a gamer girl myself this book had me at the first mention of MMORPG. Is Renaria an online gamer's virtual paradise or a real mystical place full of magical beings and beautiful landscapes that rival any here on earth? Find out for yourself when you enter Into the Adyton. You won't be disappointed!

J.L. Wilson Author Spotlight and Review

[Jennifer Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever played a game and thought, "Wow, if only this was real?"


Well, in J.L. Wilson's debut novel Renaria - into the Adyton it is. If you love all things magic and fantasy. You will love this novel.


The time is set in the future Earth after a Worlds War in 2126. After Earth is almost destroyed by what they think is an asteroid. Not only does Earth now have a new day Novusday, But there is now virtual video games. Leda, our main character is seventeen and a High-Elf Scout in her favorite game Renaria. Along with her twin brother Alex a "Sorien" or soldier and guild member Travis a "Prior" or healer. Will be contacted by a fairy like Feon with intructions concerning keeping them safe. They will be led to a fourth member of there chosen team Menaia a "Mage". Together these four will piece together information sent to them revealing, Renaria as a real place. Connected to there world through the video game by the evil Adepts. They travel to Renaria and meet the real Magistrates of the Consortium. This is where they will find out they were chosen to defend Renaria from the Adepts and stop them from stealing a special Ore that fuels terrible weapons, used in the real world Earth. The four team members or "Seons" must decide to stay and fight to protect Renaria and Earth or go home.


This book was such a joy to read. The characters are well developed and I love how time is spent on each character and their own journey and trials they face in Renaria and training. There is reference to a slight romance between Leda and Caleb. I do wish this was a little better developed. Leda has an obvious crush on Caleb and he knows it, as they can read thoughts. At the end Caleb kisses Leda and vows to see her again. I just felt the building of a romance was missing. The thought he's just not that into you crossed my mind as Caleb stops himself anytime he starts to show possible affection for Leda and moves on with his duties. I so hope there is a sequel to this book. I want more of Leda and Caleb. I'm also interested to see how life is after the Seon's or our characters return home. AND.. what a cliff hanger Leda spots her dad coming home. In this novel Leda and Alex's Dad has gone missing and presumed dead. However. Leda is contacted by her dad in the game. He was fully aware of all things Renaria before he went missing and its with his help, through Leda's visions that the Seon's figure out how to get to Renaria and Leda is able to access her abilities. What abilities? Well each of our characters takes on the abilities of there chosen game characters (happy dances). How awesome would that be. I have to say the world building and pure imagination of J.L. Wilson is not only incredible it is refreshing.


So if you are a gamer or a lover of all things fantasy and magic. This is the perfect read for you. Journey with our Seon's to a place of magic and adventure, train with them, and defeat evil.


Enter the world of Renaria.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC*
The book was a fantastic read. It moved quickly and flowed nicely, was easy to follow. It was also very interesting and kept me captivated. Definitely awaiting the *hopeful* release of a sequel in the near future!!
Definitely recommend reading :)

[Ginny Gallagher]

Renaria: Into the Adyton is a fantastic debut fantasy adventure by J.L. Wilson.

The story takes place in the year 2126 and follows MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) gamers, Leda, Alex, Travis, and Menaia as they discover that their favorite game, Renaria, "isn't a game."

The world building, characters, and adventure is very well done although at times the story was a little hard for me to follow. I think the reason I had a hard time absorbing some of the story is because I'm not a gamer so I had to let things sink in a little and then move forward with the story.

I loved the interaction between the "gamers" and the people of Renaria. All of the characters are likable and the author does a great job of letting us experience all of their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

There is a good balance of action, adventure, and world building which keeps the story moving along at a fairly fast pace.

I really enjoyed reading Renaria: Into the Adyton. I would love to see a terminology and character list added into the book. I think the character list would be interesting to see and the gaming terminology would be helpful for those of us who had to google what MMO means. :)

I am anxious to see what happens next in the fascinating world of Renaria. What happens after Leda's Dad returns home? Is there a future romance between Leda and Caleb? How are the people of Renaria doing? So many questions. I'm looking forward to discovering the answers in book 2.

If you like fantasy and adventure then you will enjoy Renaria: Into the Adyton.
If you enjoy gaming then you will love Renaria: Into the Adyton.

"It is difficult for most--to see what they do not want to see. But you must train your mind to see past the darkness, to see the light. For all that there is evil, there is good. This has been the reality from the beginning of the cosmos." --Caleb, Renaria: Into the Adyton by J.L. Wilson

Renaria: Into the Adyton is available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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[S. Naomi Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Renaria: Into The Adyton is the first book by indie author J. L. Wilson, and tells the tale of Leda, Alex, Travis and Menaia, four young gamers who find themselves pulled into the fantasy world of Renaria in order to combat a dark power that threatens to engulf not just Renaria, but the entire universe.

I have to admit, this book left me with some pretty mixed feelings.

On the one hand, the story that it tells is good, and the characters felt real enough that I could relate to each of them in some small way. The fantasy world of Renaria is nicely described, and is filled with an interesting mix of elements both familiar and new. What's more, the writing itself shows a lot of promise, technical ability and maturity, something which is often lacking in the debut works of indie authors. So far, so good.

On the other hand, I found it slightly lacking in some ways. The main characters don't seem to really face that many genuine threats within the story, with only two really standing out for me; one quite early on as they're trying to find their way into Renaria, and then the big battle with the bad guys at the end. This means that for most of the narrative you're just following them around as they're taught their arts and learn more about the inhabitants of the world around them.

There were also a few instances where the sentence structure seemed to fall apart a little, breaking the suspension of disbelief slightly and drawing me out of the story. This is unfortunate, for as I've already said it's pretty clear that the author isn't lacking in ability.

I really wanted to love this book, I really did. The premise sounded great (albeit a little clichéd, perhaps), the set-up ticked all the boxes for what promised to be a rip-roaring adventure, but in the end it simply didn't grab me as hard as I wanted it to. That isn't to say it's a bad book, and indeed it does have a lot going for it; if world-swapping fantasy mixed with MMORPG elements is your thing then I'd definitely recommend giving it a read. Furthermore I'd say that this is an author with a lot of potential and I certainly encourage her to continue writing and publishing. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book to see how the story continues.

[Vesper Vesper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Click the logo to read the full review.

I picked this up because the moment I read the synopsis, I wanted to read it. I mean, who sees a lot of books with lead characters who are gamers... and the game ends up being real? I don't. So, I became super excited to read it. However, what I read was not what I expected.

It felt like there wasn't enough detail to draw me into the story. There are several scenes lacking. Where there's action, there's not enough happening to keep me at the edge of my seat. It also seems like the brother and sister are complacent with what's happening as the story guides us up to the plot.

When finally introduced to Renaria, it finally goes in depth with the world and some of its plants/animals. I really appreciate the thought that went into the world... (click the logo at the top to read the rest of the review)

[Samantha Clysdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review All About YA.


I was wowed by the story. It's the world I always saw happening in real life. It was so well written at the exciting parts I would spill hot coffee on my self. Ouch. Warning do not drink hot coffee while reading this book. So I am going to leave it at this. Let's just say this is a book that everyone should pick up.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to beta read this novel and as a lover of all things scifi-fantasy and gaming, I couldn't wait. It was a delight to read and I hope to read more from this author in the future. We'll done. 5 stars.

[Aleatoric · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beta-reader, I found it to be an engaging tale paralleling life's adventures and desires to realize one's full potential. I was impressed with the depth of description and uniqueness of the world created in this novel. A must read for any fantasy/sci-fi/gaming friend!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it more stars if I could! The outside of the box thinking and imagination of J.L Wilson is truly fantastic. I truly enjoyed the read and will look forward to book #2.

[Patricia A.Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I love the book and I think you will find that out
That you will love this book too
Great Book I love the book
Thank you for letting me read this book I Love it

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Not in the mood for this. By 10% I was spending most of the time criticizing the prose ("Morning fog sat mysteriously atop the foliage" - how exactly does fog sit mysteriously?), which leant heavily on the Tell Don't Show approach to writing. I am a little bemused by the number of 5 star reviews for this book; I can only assume that the story-telling gets a hell of a lot better as the book progresses. Unfortunately I don't have the patience to find out.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more, but it didn't quite pull me into the story and make me eager to turn the next page. I kept waiting for the story to build. I do like the author and think I will give (her?) another chance because she doesn't lack for ability and imagination.

[Andy Peloquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited about reading this book, as the concept seemed interesting. While the premise (youths from this world being sucked into another) could be a bit clichéd, it's always interesting to see how the author pulls it off.
There were a number of things that the author introduced that made the story intriguing. There was a very real sense of the real world (Texas), and a lot of the story set in our world was easy to follow.
That being said, I found the writing a bit choppy. The sentences tended to be a bit erratic and jerky, without any real flow. There were some pretty jarring transitions that were hard to follow simply because of lack of narrative and description. There was no real sense of the world of Renaria. Considering that it was a whole brand new world, you'd think that there would be a bit more explanation of the world around them than just their immediate surroundings.
Another thing I found difficult was the fact that the teenagers never really seemed to feel emotions. I understand that teenage emotions are different than those of adults, but there seemed to be little genuine fear, anger, or anything. The only thing was the kids felt loss at not having parents, and it was hard to connect with the characters. (My recommendation to the author: read Brandon Sanderson's The Rithmatist to find a good way of writing YA fantasy).
There was also very little character development. The main character learned her skills FAR too quickly for my tastes, and they all became kind of bad-ass without any real development or growth.
Lack of description was also challenging for me. I still don't know what the "elf" character Caleb looks like. Perhaps it was described once, but never again. I vaguely recall the descriptions of the main characters, but I don't remember them being clearly described.
The climax was a bit anticlimactic for me. I never worried that the characters would lose, or that there would be anything bad happening if they did. The sense of urgency just wasn't there, and I was disappointed by the climax. With the ending the way it is, I felt no desire to read more.
Aside from these things, the rest of the writing was solid. Grammatically correct and with good punctuation and formatting, it was a decent read.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]