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Born to Be #1
Oracle's Quest
An orphan with a painful past. A wizard running out of time. Together, they’ll discover the most powerful magic is hidden within.
Orphaned at birth and bullied his whole life, Idi never thought he’d grow up to become anything other than the village idiot. When a washed-up wizard tells him he’s destined to become a legendary magician, he’s certain he’s got the wrong urchin. But that doesn’t stop Idi from tagging along on his quest to save the future king.
After seven decades spent puttering around with his magic, Marcus worries his time for heroics has come and gone. So when an oracle entrusts him to train the only boy capable of saving the entire kingdom from dark magic, he jumps at his final shot for glory.
As Idi studies magic under his new master, he struggles to push past the painful memories of abuse and self-doubt that block his powers. But with each step along their perilous quest to save the future king, Idi’s confidence grows along with his healing touch. As dark magic creatures join the race to sway the future king’s heart, Idi and Marcus must learn to believe in themselves to free the kingdom from the clutches of evil.
Idi and the Oracle’s Quest is the first book in the exciting Born to Be series of YA fantasy adventure novels. If you like magical creatures, action-packed quests, and journeys of self-discovery, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Buy Idi and the Oracle’s Quest today to start the adventure!For fans of ML Spencer’s Rivenworld, CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, & Edding’s Belgariad.
Orphaned at birth and bullied his whole life, Idi never thought he’d grow up to become anything other than the village idiot. When a washed-up wizard tells him he’s destined to become a legendary magician, he’s certain he’s got the wrong urchin. But that doesn’t stop Idi from tagging along on his quest to save the future king.
After seven decades spent puttering around with his magic, Marcus worries his time for heroics has come and gone. So when an oracle entrusts him to train the only boy capable of saving the entire kingdom from dark magic, he jumps at his final shot for glory.
As Idi studies magic under his new master, he struggles to push past the painful memories of abuse and self-doubt that block his powers. But with each step along their perilous quest to save the future king, Idi’s confidence grows along with his healing touch. As dark magic creatures join the race to sway the future king’s heart, Idi and Marcus must learn to believe in themselves to free the kingdom from the clutches of evil.
Idi and the Oracle’s Quest is the first book in the exciting Born to Be series of YA fantasy adventure novels. If you like magical creatures, action-packed quests, and journeys of self-discovery, then you’ll love Tracy Traynor’s heartfelt coming-of-age story.
Buy Idi and the Oracle’s Quest today to start the adventure!For fans of ML Spencer’s Rivenworld, CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, & Edding’s Belgariad.
- GenresFantasy
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2014
30 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
T.N. Traynor
19 books43 followersA story lover from an early age, Tracy Traynor waited until she was fifty-five before chasing her dream of being an author. Now, she is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author who writes in several genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 19, 2017
** I tried not to give away too much, but there still might be spoilers**
I am usually not a fantasy reader, but this book touched me on so many levels that I just could not stop. The choice of and reason for Idi's name struck me so deeply that I could not help but root for him from the very beginning. There are so many underlying messages here:
- your belief system and how it shapes your life, whether good or bad;
- the idea of just wanting to be remembered in this world ("for doing something wonderful" - Idi);
- selflessness for the greater good (the selfless acts of the 4 witches for the sake of the King bearer);
- patriotism (the allegiance to King Hamish and Cassandra, which is only hinted at in the first book is just spine chilling)
I loved the suspense, the wonderful descriptions and the diverse array of characters - pixies, fairies, witches, awful demons, magicians. The language used sometimes reminded me of The Big Friendly Giant - I found it endearing and funny.
I loved Cassandra's strength - not because she was not afraid, but because she did what was right and what was required even when she was terrified.
This book brings such a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself and the pride in being a part of something amazing. The characters, in their own way, from their own worlds, work together toward only one goal and they do so with complete dedication. Each one has a part to play and they give everything of themselves for a cause greater than themselves.
If this was a movie (and I so wish it would be one day!), it would be two hours long and there would be dead silence in the theatre the whole time. I have only just started the second book, but I am already up in arms over what Absalom will bring to book 2, what King Hamish will do and how Talia will prepare for what is to come. Mostly, will Idi get to know his true name in book 2? I am completely taken by Idi and the Oracle's Quest and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy!
I am usually not a fantasy reader, but this book touched me on so many levels that I just could not stop. The choice of and reason for Idi's name struck me so deeply that I could not help but root for him from the very beginning. There are so many underlying messages here:
- your belief system and how it shapes your life, whether good or bad;
- the idea of just wanting to be remembered in this world ("for doing something wonderful" - Idi);
- selflessness for the greater good (the selfless acts of the 4 witches for the sake of the King bearer);
- patriotism (the allegiance to King Hamish and Cassandra, which is only hinted at in the first book is just spine chilling)
I loved the suspense, the wonderful descriptions and the diverse array of characters - pixies, fairies, witches, awful demons, magicians. The language used sometimes reminded me of The Big Friendly Giant - I found it endearing and funny.
I loved Cassandra's strength - not because she was not afraid, but because she did what was right and what was required even when she was terrified.
This book brings such a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself and the pride in being a part of something amazing. The characters, in their own way, from their own worlds, work together toward only one goal and they do so with complete dedication. Each one has a part to play and they give everything of themselves for a cause greater than themselves.
If this was a movie (and I so wish it would be one day!), it would be two hours long and there would be dead silence in the theatre the whole time. I have only just started the second book, but I am already up in arms over what Absalom will bring to book 2, what King Hamish will do and how Talia will prepare for what is to come. Mostly, will Idi get to know his true name in book 2? I am completely taken by Idi and the Oracle's Quest and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy!
July 7, 2018
Quite a romp for YA fantasy lovers, with witches, magicians, fairies, pixies, an evil dragon, demons, and other characters with special powers. I guess you could say there’s something for everyone. And there are a lot of characters and storylines that eventually intertwine in the looming battle between good and evil. There’s also a fallen princess who’s pregnant with a baby referred to as “The One.”
This is the first in a series, so the characters’ various quests and missions are largely unfinished at the end of book one, which sets readers up for the next installment.
Lots of humor is thrown in as you get to know the characters, especially Idi, which is short for Idiot – what the village kids called him. But it turns out Idi is no idiot, and, in fact, plays an important role in the story.
There are some editing issues, but not enough to spoil the story for me.
This is the first in a series, so the characters’ various quests and missions are largely unfinished at the end of book one, which sets readers up for the next installment.
Lots of humor is thrown in as you get to know the characters, especially Idi, which is short for Idiot – what the village kids called him. But it turns out Idi is no idiot, and, in fact, plays an important role in the story.
There are some editing issues, but not enough to spoil the story for me.
March 6, 2018
In book one of the Born to Be Fantasy Series (entitled Idi & The Oracle's Quest), by T. Traynor, the world of Talia is soon to be at war, with its rival kingdoms preparing to attack the land of Havenshire. A headstrong princess must flee her home or risk being killed, while a tormented young boy must train to become a magician, leaving all he knows behind, so that he might one day be able to aid his kingdom.
When an evil wizard intrudes on a lover's meeting, Princess Cassandra is forcibly banished from her father's kingdom, and finds herself preparing for the birth of a prophesized babe. Cassandra meets new allies, who help her to go into hiding for many years while else-where, a boy named Idi (often picked on by his peers) is taken in by a grand magician, Marcus, and taught to draw on his inner gift of magic.
For years, the evil wizard searches for princess Cassandra, while Marcus trains Idi up to be an exceptional header and magician. On more than one occasion, we see Idi's magic save the lives of innocents, giving us a glimpse into his selfless and compassionate nature. This giving nature is tested when Idi and Marcus come across a young babe, and Idi being the compassionate boy he is, takes the child in (when he is but a child himself) and raised her as his own.
I came to adore this book for its brave and loveable characters, and its uniquely crafted world. Traynor paints a vivid picture of the fairytale world of Talia and, in my opinion, has a genuine talent for worldbuilding.
I found the politics of this world to be interesting, often creating high-tension scenes that lead to conflicts between good and evil. I turned the pages, unable to stop reading, for its characters genuinely felt like people I had gotten to know personally.
The book raises various issues, such as:
~ The existence of a traitor in King Hamish's own castle (Havenshire.)
~ A clan of elemental witches, hell-bent on destruction.
~ The killing of innocent people, in the name of evil (black magic.)
All of these issues show an unfair world, where much evil exists. I began to think about the history of our own world and the countless battles the human race has raced, of which (sadly) I'm sure there will be more to come.
There is an almost dictatorship like feel as the evil wizard begins to take over the running of the kingdom of Havenshire. I find this situation somewhat comparable to one in real life~ the issue of President Donald Trump, who appears to me as an evil man, only seeming to care about profiting from his country, and not for its actual citizens.
I found it enlightening that throughout all of the darkness in this novel, true belief was the key to Idi finding his magic ability when he and Marcus stumble across an injured baby girl. The depth of love Idi has for this child never ceased to amaze me. With her love, Idi is shown to be capable of anything, defying any and all odds against him.
End Quote: 'It can only mean one thing: the war has begun.'
Book one ends on a cliffhanger, which I think only adds to the charm of this clever tale, for its last sentence sparks the start of the next book.
Idi & The Oracle's Quest is a wonderfully written tale of Fantasy, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to lovers of Fantasy worldwide.
My Rating? Five Stars.
When an evil wizard intrudes on a lover's meeting, Princess Cassandra is forcibly banished from her father's kingdom, and finds herself preparing for the birth of a prophesized babe. Cassandra meets new allies, who help her to go into hiding for many years while else-where, a boy named Idi (often picked on by his peers) is taken in by a grand magician, Marcus, and taught to draw on his inner gift of magic.
For years, the evil wizard searches for princess Cassandra, while Marcus trains Idi up to be an exceptional header and magician. On more than one occasion, we see Idi's magic save the lives of innocents, giving us a glimpse into his selfless and compassionate nature. This giving nature is tested when Idi and Marcus come across a young babe, and Idi being the compassionate boy he is, takes the child in (when he is but a child himself) and raised her as his own.
I came to adore this book for its brave and loveable characters, and its uniquely crafted world. Traynor paints a vivid picture of the fairytale world of Talia and, in my opinion, has a genuine talent for worldbuilding.
I found the politics of this world to be interesting, often creating high-tension scenes that lead to conflicts between good and evil. I turned the pages, unable to stop reading, for its characters genuinely felt like people I had gotten to know personally.
The book raises various issues, such as:
~ The existence of a traitor in King Hamish's own castle (Havenshire.)
~ A clan of elemental witches, hell-bent on destruction.
~ The killing of innocent people, in the name of evil (black magic.)
All of these issues show an unfair world, where much evil exists. I began to think about the history of our own world and the countless battles the human race has raced, of which (sadly) I'm sure there will be more to come.
There is an almost dictatorship like feel as the evil wizard begins to take over the running of the kingdom of Havenshire. I find this situation somewhat comparable to one in real life~ the issue of President Donald Trump, who appears to me as an evil man, only seeming to care about profiting from his country, and not for its actual citizens.
I found it enlightening that throughout all of the darkness in this novel, true belief was the key to Idi finding his magic ability when he and Marcus stumble across an injured baby girl. The depth of love Idi has for this child never ceased to amaze me. With her love, Idi is shown to be capable of anything, defying any and all odds against him.
End Quote: 'It can only mean one thing: the war has begun.'
Book one ends on a cliffhanger, which I think only adds to the charm of this clever tale, for its last sentence sparks the start of the next book.
Idi & The Oracle's Quest is a wonderfully written tale of Fantasy, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to lovers of Fantasy worldwide.
My Rating? Five Stars.
August 10, 2017
Idi & The Oracle's Quest (Born To Be Book 1) is, as the title and my hopes suggest- first novel from the series of books written by T. Traynor.
This novel has everything that I love about fantasy novels. It has immersive storyline, the characters are interesting enough to be remembered for the entire novel, and there is even the atmosphere of fantasy realms in which the novel takes place. The story of the novel is complex. However, it is not too complex so that readers cannot follow the events and everything that is going on. It is just “enough’’ complex and it its complexity in which we can see the author adding more and more characters connected with the main plot, we can see that the author wants to say to us that the story will definitely not be over in the first book.
Idi is our main protagonist. Together with Marcus, who is an elderly wizard, he is about to go into an unexpected journey that will include finding a boy named Idi and helping him to learn The Way. Together the two of them will find themselves in many different adventures that involve slaying dragons, traveling through the fantasy realm and finally finding The One- a man prophesized to become the king of realm of Thalia. However, Idi’s main goal is not only to learn how to be one of the most powerful wizards. He also needs to find his true value and fight his inner fears and demons, which adds even more depth into the story.
Idi & The Oracle's Quest (Born To Be Book 1) is fantastic fantasy novel written by creative, smart and intelligent author who knows how to write a quality fantasy story. 5 out of 5.
This novel has everything that I love about fantasy novels. It has immersive storyline, the characters are interesting enough to be remembered for the entire novel, and there is even the atmosphere of fantasy realms in which the novel takes place. The story of the novel is complex. However, it is not too complex so that readers cannot follow the events and everything that is going on. It is just “enough’’ complex and it its complexity in which we can see the author adding more and more characters connected with the main plot, we can see that the author wants to say to us that the story will definitely not be over in the first book.
Idi is our main protagonist. Together with Marcus, who is an elderly wizard, he is about to go into an unexpected journey that will include finding a boy named Idi and helping him to learn The Way. Together the two of them will find themselves in many different adventures that involve slaying dragons, traveling through the fantasy realm and finally finding The One- a man prophesized to become the king of realm of Thalia. However, Idi’s main goal is not only to learn how to be one of the most powerful wizards. He also needs to find his true value and fight his inner fears and demons, which adds even more depth into the story.
Idi & The Oracle's Quest (Born To Be Book 1) is fantastic fantasy novel written by creative, smart and intelligent author who knows how to write a quality fantasy story. 5 out of 5.
July 21, 2017
A supernatural magical read
If you like shape shifters, demons, and other underworld beasts, you will love this story. Based on the supernatural and a boys journey to discover himself this story will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen. Good read also a series. I am looking forward to the next one. This one was a great escape and distraction from the stress of the work day.
If you like shape shifters, demons, and other underworld beasts, you will love this story. Based on the supernatural and a boys journey to discover himself this story will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen. Good read also a series. I am looking forward to the next one. This one was a great escape and distraction from the stress of the work day.
January 29, 2020
When an innocent dalliance, masked in deception, ends with murder, the king has some difficult decisions to make. For the good of his kingdom, he must abandon his daughter, keep her, and the baby she carries, from sight and mind, but her exile brings further danger as dark magic consumes the land, rekindling threats once forgotten. Meanwhile, the great magician, Marcus, is given an important quest, he is to find a young boy dubbed Idi by those of his town. Orphaned at a young age, Idi soon became an outlet for the town's animosity, and no matter how he tried he could never leave. Never would he have imagined such a future awaited him. Never could he believe he was destined for greatness. It is said he will grow to be a great magician and protect the future king, but first, he must find him, but there are others who want to bend this infant to their own whim, leading him down a darker path. Can Idi discover the magic within and walk the path of greatness, or will evil continue to expand its grasp upon the kingdom?
Idi and the Oracle's Quest is a fantasy fiction by T N Traynor. One of the most memorable things about this novel is the underlying message, through the downtrodden, undermined Idi we learn anything is possible through belief. conditioned into believing he is worthless it takes a lot for Marcus to instil in him confidence and self-appreciation, and it is during this the great journey unfolds. Magic combines with action, adventure, and manipulation to craft a fable of epic proportions. War is coming, ancient forces stir, and adventures begin. A great start to the series, tensions are high, the threat is emerging, and the path can lead either way, to destruction or salvation.
Idi and the Oracle's Quest is a fantasy fiction by T N Traynor. One of the most memorable things about this novel is the underlying message, through the downtrodden, undermined Idi we learn anything is possible through belief. conditioned into believing he is worthless it takes a lot for Marcus to instil in him confidence and self-appreciation, and it is during this the great journey unfolds. Magic combines with action, adventure, and manipulation to craft a fable of epic proportions. War is coming, ancient forces stir, and adventures begin. A great start to the series, tensions are high, the threat is emerging, and the path can lead either way, to destruction or salvation.
March 22, 2018
This book simply has all the wonderful elements required for an awesome fantasy world: a prophecy, a chosen one, and a never-ending battle of good and evil. As the story begins, a great magician by the name of Marcus is summoned to go on a journey, to find a boy named Idi and groom him into the best magician the land of Talia has ever seen. Things aren’t as easy as they sound. Along the way, they are confronted with demons and evil until they eventually find a place to settle and build a life. From there, things are only just beginning. Marcus and Idi, along with child they recruited along the way named Katrina, are standing on the edge of a war and they are all key components in it. A subplot within the story follows the journey of Cassandra, an ex-princess who is tasked with birthing the One.
I loved how at the end of the story, all the subplots and ideas came together to form the foundation for the rest of the series. Each of the characters have their own hopes and dreams, and I am definitely interested in reading further just to see if they all achieve their goals. Especially Katrina and her wish to become a knight.
I loved how at the end of the story, all the subplots and ideas came together to form the foundation for the rest of the series. Each of the characters have their own hopes and dreams, and I am definitely interested in reading further just to see if they all achieve their goals. Especially Katrina and her wish to become a knight.
December 29, 2017
A Wonderfully Descriptive Fantasy
In Idi & the Oracle’s Quest, the author does an amazing job describing the characters, scenes, world, and troubles by drawing me in and making me love the people. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Idi and see how he becomes confident in himself without being corrupted by his talents. I found the pacing of the story to be perfect, enough action to keep me interested, and the perfect amount of interaction with the characters so I could truly care about what happened to them as the story unfolded. It will be interesting to see what happens to the kingdoms in the next book, Idi & the Talisman of Talia.
In Idi & the Oracle’s Quest, the author does an amazing job describing the characters, scenes, world, and troubles by drawing me in and making me love the people. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Idi and see how he becomes confident in himself without being corrupted by his talents. I found the pacing of the story to be perfect, enough action to keep me interested, and the perfect amount of interaction with the characters so I could truly care about what happened to them as the story unfolded. It will be interesting to see what happens to the kingdoms in the next book, Idi & the Talisman of Talia.
December 31, 2017
I love a good epic fantasy and this one didn't disappoint. Perfect for young adult readers, lovers of fantasy and magical elements, and the constant struggle between good vs. evil. The plot moves along at a steady pace and quickly draws the reader in, becoming invested in the main characters. There's plenty of nail biting tension and action to keep you riveted from start to finish.
Marcus is the perfect teacher, his wisdom and power add to his charm and his affection for Idi makes him the ideal magician and governing entity during Idi's formative years. Idi's character was my favorite and I loved his arc from scared, dirty, and ignorant child that's been cast aside to confident, powerful, and kind adult. There's much to love about this book including Casey's bitter and devastating past that forces her from a life of ease and comfort into the daily toil of survival. Her resolve to carry out her fate is admirable as well as the love she carries for those who have stood by her. Add in witches, demons, and dark magic and this gem of a novel packs in a lot of story which is pursued further in subsequent books.
An epic fantasy read I highly recommend!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
February 17, 2019
An epic fantasy of the battles of good and evil
I was immediately engaged and immersed in all the threads of this story that combined into an epic tapestry. Idi, a reviled orphan boy, Marcus a renowned magician and healer, Cassandra, the princess victimized and banished as the result of a spell by an evil sorcerer, Fairies and witches and demons, playing in the affairs of men to create an all-consuming war. And the quest to find the boy who will save their world. It’s a great story and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
I was immediately engaged and immersed in all the threads of this story that combined into an epic tapestry. Idi, a reviled orphan boy, Marcus a renowned magician and healer, Cassandra, the princess victimized and banished as the result of a spell by an evil sorcerer, Fairies and witches and demons, playing in the affairs of men to create an all-consuming war. And the quest to find the boy who will save their world. It’s a great story and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
February 28, 2019
I have loved fantasy novels since I was little because of the way that they weave relatable stories into a fantastical setting. I love to pick up a good book and get lost in it's pages. I found this book to be a perfect example of the kind of story that made me love reading. I'm very excited about finding this series and I've already started on book 2. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
July 22, 2017
Idi is the short name for Idiot; the village idiot to be precise. Or is he? His initial brash, arrogant, self-protection becomes the protective layer of another. The adventures of Idi are compelling reading as the sensitive, generous, healing nature of Idi is unwrapped. This story of witchcraft in a medieval society highlights the values of friendship in an unlikely alliance.
August 8, 2016
This was a very good that is suitable for the YA audience. There is some violence, but it is not graphic. It has a wonderful underlying message about the importance of believing in yourself and accepting your flaws. The characters and the world are so realistic it’s hard to believe this is a first novel. It s filled with all sorts of magical creatures, fairies, witches, pixies, magicians; some good, some bad and some, I hope that are just mistaken.
Marcus is a wonderful character and he has already helped who walk in the light so many to reach their full potential. Idi is by far his biggest challenge, for the first 13 years he has known nothing but physical and mental abuse which has scarred him in many ways. It takes Marcus a long time to make Idi realize that he has the potential that he knows he has, but her never gives up and there is only one time that he gets angry with him. It is this issue and others that I’ll mention that kept me from giving the book 5 stars. Marcus was sent to Idi by the Oracle Olenna and together they were to complete the mission to find The One who has been prophesied to save and unite the lands. With all the magical people and aspects available does he not realize that if their actions were endangering their mission that Olenna or another messenger would have been sent to him to make sure that they continued? I feel like his anger at Idi wasn’t justified and wasn’t explained either. It could have been explained as a device by one of those working with Norvora or Norvora himself, but instead it wasn’t. I can already see the reasons, the author gave us hints and this reason is one of the reasons that Idi has overcome his past and embarked on a wonderful future.
The other reason for the deduction is spelling and grammar which I don’t usually consider but I saw that this story had a proofreader and I feel like the mistakes should have been caught. There aren’t many and the story is very good but they do slow a reader down and interrupt the flow. There is one instance where the world stile was used then a couple of paragraphs later it was used again, only spelled incorrectly as style. There were some instances where the order of words made me think that the story was written by an author who learned English as their second language. A proofreader, professional or not’ paid or unpaid should have caught these mistakes.
I really enjoyed the novel and plan to read the next book when it is released in December; although I hope it is released sooner.
4.25/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
Marcus is a wonderful character and he has already helped who walk in the light so many to reach their full potential. Idi is by far his biggest challenge, for the first 13 years he has known nothing but physical and mental abuse which has scarred him in many ways. It takes Marcus a long time to make Idi realize that he has the potential that he knows he has, but her never gives up and there is only one time that he gets angry with him. It is this issue and others that I’ll mention that kept me from giving the book 5 stars. Marcus was sent to Idi by the Oracle Olenna and together they were to complete the mission to find The One who has been prophesied to save and unite the lands. With all the magical people and aspects available does he not realize that if their actions were endangering their mission that Olenna or another messenger would have been sent to him to make sure that they continued? I feel like his anger at Idi wasn’t justified and wasn’t explained either. It could have been explained as a device by one of those working with Norvora or Norvora himself, but instead it wasn’t. I can already see the reasons, the author gave us hints and this reason is one of the reasons that Idi has overcome his past and embarked on a wonderful future.
The other reason for the deduction is spelling and grammar which I don’t usually consider but I saw that this story had a proofreader and I feel like the mistakes should have been caught. There aren’t many and the story is very good but they do slow a reader down and interrupt the flow. There is one instance where the world stile was used then a couple of paragraphs later it was used again, only spelled incorrectly as style. There were some instances where the order of words made me think that the story was written by an author who learned English as their second language. A proofreader, professional or not’ paid or unpaid should have caught these mistakes.
I really enjoyed the novel and plan to read the next book when it is released in December; although I hope it is released sooner.
4.25/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
July 17, 2018
Reviewed by Autumn (age 14) for Reader Views Kids (7/18)
If you like mysterious rendezvous, witches, castles, demons, dragons and a quest to save the world then “Idi & The Oracle’s Quest,” book one in the Born to Be series, by T N Traynor, is a story you definitely should read.
A spell of forbidden love is cast, only to leave a princess grieving over her love after he is killed, and she is banished from her kingdom for the child she is carrying. Little does she know that the elements or earth witches have taken a solemn vow to protect her and her unborn child from an evil wizard by the name of Norvora. If he gets control of the child, he will unleash unimaginable horrors from the depths of Astaroth.
A plan is made by the fairies to intercept Princess Cassandra and her unborn child before Norvora can reach them. Their journey takes them through a forbidden forest to reach the mountains to a town called Tamarind.
A great and kind wizard named Marcus is called upon by the oracle Oleanna to find a boy named Idi who will become the greatest wizard of all time. Idi is an orphaned boy who has been pick on his entire life and felt like he would never amount to anything, until Marcus finds him and asks that he accompanies him on an important quest to save the kingdoms. Together they will set out on a journey to find the child who is meant to be king.
I really enjoyed reading “Idi & The Oracle’s Quest.” The story line was fast paced with hint of suspense. I liked how the author combined characters such as wizards, elemental witches, dwarfs and a dragon in a not-so-fairy-tale-like setting. The chase through the forest kept you on the edge of your seat, not knowing if Cassandra and the fairies would make it to safety before the evil wizard Norvora and his henchmen caught up with them. Every chapter had a twist in the story that was exciting and unexpected. My favorite character would be Idi. He felt like no one cared for him, but he would not give up on others and was always there for them.
“Idi & The Oracle’s Quest”, book one of the Born to Be series, by T N Traynor is a magical story that will leave you wanting more. I would recommend this story for 9th graders and up, and I look forward to the next book in the “Born to Be series.”
If you like mysterious rendezvous, witches, castles, demons, dragons and a quest to save the world then “Idi & The Oracle’s Quest,” book one in the Born to Be series, by T N Traynor, is a story you definitely should read.
A spell of forbidden love is cast, only to leave a princess grieving over her love after he is killed, and she is banished from her kingdom for the child she is carrying. Little does she know that the elements or earth witches have taken a solemn vow to protect her and her unborn child from an evil wizard by the name of Norvora. If he gets control of the child, he will unleash unimaginable horrors from the depths of Astaroth.
A plan is made by the fairies to intercept Princess Cassandra and her unborn child before Norvora can reach them. Their journey takes them through a forbidden forest to reach the mountains to a town called Tamarind.
A great and kind wizard named Marcus is called upon by the oracle Oleanna to find a boy named Idi who will become the greatest wizard of all time. Idi is an orphaned boy who has been pick on his entire life and felt like he would never amount to anything, until Marcus finds him and asks that he accompanies him on an important quest to save the kingdoms. Together they will set out on a journey to find the child who is meant to be king.
I really enjoyed reading “Idi & The Oracle’s Quest.” The story line was fast paced with hint of suspense. I liked how the author combined characters such as wizards, elemental witches, dwarfs and a dragon in a not-so-fairy-tale-like setting. The chase through the forest kept you on the edge of your seat, not knowing if Cassandra and the fairies would make it to safety before the evil wizard Norvora and his henchmen caught up with them. Every chapter had a twist in the story that was exciting and unexpected. My favorite character would be Idi. He felt like no one cared for him, but he would not give up on others and was always there for them.
“Idi & The Oracle’s Quest”, book one of the Born to Be series, by T N Traynor is a magical story that will leave you wanting more. I would recommend this story for 9th graders and up, and I look forward to the next book in the “Born to Be series.”
July 23, 2018
Idi and the Oracle's Quest is a YA fantasy novel that introduces the reader to the magical world of Talia. When Oleanna, chooses Marcus to save the One, the old magician is touched that the oracle has such faith in him. He's instructed to find the titular character, Idi, who is fated to be a great magician in his own right.
The novel is very complex. We get to see multiple POVs so that, as readers, we get to see the birth of the One, the allies who are trying to save the kind carrier, as well as the villains who want to take over Talia. Marcus and Idi start out trying to reach Cassandra before she gives birth, only to find their quest waylaid for years. I kept reading to see when all of the storylines would intercept and was glad when, at the end, they do -- only to see that this is just the beginning of their story.
Chock full of fantastical characters, from fairies to pixies, demons and witches, magicians, oracles and dwarves, Traynor has created a world that makes me want to return it to see what happens next. A war is brewing, and while seven years have passed since the One was born, there is still a lot of story to be told. I'm especially curious to find out about Idi's true name.
I recommend this for readers of YA fantasy, especially fans of Diana Wynne Jones and JRR Tolkien.
The novel is very complex. We get to see multiple POVs so that, as readers, we get to see the birth of the One, the allies who are trying to save the kind carrier, as well as the villains who want to take over Talia. Marcus and Idi start out trying to reach Cassandra before she gives birth, only to find their quest waylaid for years. I kept reading to see when all of the storylines would intercept and was glad when, at the end, they do -- only to see that this is just the beginning of their story.
Chock full of fantastical characters, from fairies to pixies, demons and witches, magicians, oracles and dwarves, Traynor has created a world that makes me want to return it to see what happens next. A war is brewing, and while seven years have passed since the One was born, there is still a lot of story to be told. I'm especially curious to find out about Idi's true name.
I recommend this for readers of YA fantasy, especially fans of Diana Wynne Jones and JRR Tolkien.
August 18, 2016
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a great Fantasy read.
The author sucks you into the world and the characters carry you along.
A great adventure for teens and older.
This is a great Fantasy read.
The author sucks you into the world and the characters carry you along.
A great adventure for teens and older.
September 5, 2019
My Review Of IDI &The Oracle’s Quest (Born To Be-Book 1) by TN Traynor
IDI & The Oracle’s Quest is a magical story with many different and wonderful characters. This is the perfect book to read when you have a free day and a long evening. I felt that this book expresses that everyone is special through the character IDI an Orphan living a life where he doesn’t feel loved or understood and doesn’t feel special at all. But life and growth can make all the difference.
The story itself follows Marcus and the band of brothers as they prepare to meet the chosen one. However, Marcus is sent by a magic oracle to help IDI discover he is magical and special and hopes he will help him discover the chosen one. However, will Marcus convince IDI of his hidden powers? Will they go on a journey to find the chosen one? Read this book to find out.
I loved all the magical characters in this book, each one very easy to imagine and very different from others. My favourite was Turtledoff, a dwarf-like creature with a friendly attitude and broken old English speech. He was a very interesting and lovable character.
I enjoyed how the land the characters travelled were just as imaginative as the characters themselves. I thought the author did a great job at showing that both land and person worked together to protected the worlds around them. Often the thought that no one is alone popped into my head.
I also loved how the author quoted what different names mean. I too enjoy looking up and learning what different names mean and thought this feed nicely into IDI desire for identity. The little images within the book leading your way through some of the story gave the book itself a beautiful quality while reading.
I think people who enjoyed Merlin the TV show or read the book, would enjoy IDI &The Oracle’s Quest as an adult. If you enjoy books that take you on a quest of magic and discovery. Followed by characters that will not only touch your heart. But will also take you under their spell and make you believe in creature you’ve yet to meet. Then you’ll love this book.
IDI & The Oracle’s Quest is a magical story with many different and wonderful characters. This is the perfect book to read when you have a free day and a long evening. I felt that this book expresses that everyone is special through the character IDI an Orphan living a life where he doesn’t feel loved or understood and doesn’t feel special at all. But life and growth can make all the difference.
The story itself follows Marcus and the band of brothers as they prepare to meet the chosen one. However, Marcus is sent by a magic oracle to help IDI discover he is magical and special and hopes he will help him discover the chosen one. However, will Marcus convince IDI of his hidden powers? Will they go on a journey to find the chosen one? Read this book to find out.
I loved all the magical characters in this book, each one very easy to imagine and very different from others. My favourite was Turtledoff, a dwarf-like creature with a friendly attitude and broken old English speech. He was a very interesting and lovable character.
I enjoyed how the land the characters travelled were just as imaginative as the characters themselves. I thought the author did a great job at showing that both land and person worked together to protected the worlds around them. Often the thought that no one is alone popped into my head.
I also loved how the author quoted what different names mean. I too enjoy looking up and learning what different names mean and thought this feed nicely into IDI desire for identity. The little images within the book leading your way through some of the story gave the book itself a beautiful quality while reading.
I think people who enjoyed Merlin the TV show or read the book, would enjoy IDI &The Oracle’s Quest as an adult. If you enjoy books that take you on a quest of magic and discovery. Followed by characters that will not only touch your heart. But will also take you under their spell and make you believe in creature you’ve yet to meet. Then you’ll love this book.
April 9, 2018
Elder magician Marcus has been guided by Oleana, an oracle, to search out and mentor Idi, a street orphan, who Oleana claims will be important in the protection of the prophesied One against the rising evil within the kingdom, but Marcus wonders what makes lowly Idi special in this important mission. Meanwhile, Cassandra, daughter of King Hamish, witnesses her secret lover killed by her father and finds herself banished from the kingdom, unaware that she is pregnant with the One or that the evil wizard Norvora is the one who has manipulated these events in order to control the One in freeing the evil trio of witches and bringing about his own dark kingdom. Can Oleana’s prophesy and Marcus’ mentorship of Idi stop the evil designs of Norvora in regards to the One? This is only book one of a fantasy series about a rising battle between good and evil magical forces within a world of kingdoms, and it is easy to see that the author is very much a knowledgeable fan of the fantasy genre. However, readers will have to be patient to avoid getting lost in the construction of the series’ mythology. The first book appears to be more about setting up the background actions leading up to the major conflict between the good and evil forces, which I assume will unfold in the next book of the series. Idi, as the main title character, is barely seen in most of the book. The reader is introduced to several characters from fairies, pixies, witches, wizards, knights, and elemental spirits that cross paths in set-up interactions that define the light and dark sides, then the story jumps forward seven years with a quick flashback to provide a new resolution to a previous action that was actually a small cliff hanger. Jumping back to the later time, the character pieces are brought closer together for tighter suspense and action. Readers will need to avoid the rush to action to be sure they understand the fantasy world they are in.
September 2, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Idi & The Oracle's Quest (Born To Be Book 1)
Author: T Traynor
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 19 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is very much your standard YA fantasy adventure with all the elements you would expect: wizards, dragons, monsters, a quest. But that’s okay. I enjoyed it anyway.’ Male reader, aged 16
‘A dark tale; a little bit scary in parts. Always exciting though. I liked the characters, particularly Marcus (he reminds me of my older brother). The odd paragraph’s a bit clunky and difficult to read and I had to work a bit to keep on top of who was who, but I did enjoy this. Even the cover is good although the face of Marcus looks a bit strange.’ Female reader, aged 17
‘A good, solid fantasy adventure. Fits the genre perfectly. Not too original perhaps, but fantasy readers love, well, fantasy.’ Male reader, aged 19
‘This is a rollercoaster of a book. I read, then I re-read it, not just for the Wishing Shelf Awards, but because I liked it so much. The relationship between Idi and Marcus is the best part, sort of love/hate. The plot – learning magic was sort of Harry Potter. The ending was exciting. I will read the next.’ Female reader, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrilling fantasy adventure for YA. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Idi & The Oracle's Quest (Born To Be Book 1)
Author: T Traynor
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 19 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is very much your standard YA fantasy adventure with all the elements you would expect: wizards, dragons, monsters, a quest. But that’s okay. I enjoyed it anyway.’ Male reader, aged 16
‘A dark tale; a little bit scary in parts. Always exciting though. I liked the characters, particularly Marcus (he reminds me of my older brother). The odd paragraph’s a bit clunky and difficult to read and I had to work a bit to keep on top of who was who, but I did enjoy this. Even the cover is good although the face of Marcus looks a bit strange.’ Female reader, aged 17
‘A good, solid fantasy adventure. Fits the genre perfectly. Not too original perhaps, but fantasy readers love, well, fantasy.’ Male reader, aged 19
‘This is a rollercoaster of a book. I read, then I re-read it, not just for the Wishing Shelf Awards, but because I liked it so much. The relationship between Idi and Marcus is the best part, sort of love/hate. The plot – learning magic was sort of Harry Potter. The ending was exciting. I will read the next.’ Female reader, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A thrilling fantasy adventure for YA. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 17, 2019
•audiobook•
4.5
I wish this was all in ONE book instead of a ‘trilogy’!
I loved this (almost?) MG magnificent quest adventure! An early murder the reader is witnessed to - due to the loss innocence of the princess which leads to a pregnancy - is the only concern for younger readers.
The characters were all loud and vivid. Very clearly defined.
The plots and sub themes slowly came together and was both subtle yet almost perceivable.
The fairies were incredible and shape shifters! I’m not a fan of most shape shifting fantasies but this worked. And I LIKED it.
The antagonist was easily someone you wanted to punch in the face. Very cut and dry evil. If he has a redeeming quality, we’ve yet to see it. And since it was admitted his followers ‘used women for one reason only’, its highly unlikely to hope we’ll ever empathize with him.
Our protagonist and his mentor are very Noblebright. I feel like we didn’t watch Idi grow; it was almost something that happened because we were told he changed.
With the flipping back and forth with our main and supporting characters, timing was lost and unexplained or skipped over.
For anyone accepting these minuscule flaws and is looking for a quick, incredible tale that will sweep you up and make you wish you had all three books to listen to in one day, I’d strongly recommend this.
Steve White is a very talented voice actor. The over dozen characters had distinguishing voices and emotions. He was very easy to listen to and brought this audiobook to life. It was more than I expected.
4.5
I wish this was all in ONE book instead of a ‘trilogy’!
I loved this (almost?) MG magnificent quest adventure! An early murder the reader is witnessed to - due to the loss innocence of the princess which leads to a pregnancy - is the only concern for younger readers.
The characters were all loud and vivid. Very clearly defined.
The plots and sub themes slowly came together and was both subtle yet almost perceivable.
The fairies were incredible and shape shifters! I’m not a fan of most shape shifting fantasies but this worked. And I LIKED it.
The antagonist was easily someone you wanted to punch in the face. Very cut and dry evil. If he has a redeeming quality, we’ve yet to see it. And since it was admitted his followers ‘used women for one reason only’, its highly unlikely to hope we’ll ever empathize with him.
Our protagonist and his mentor are very Noblebright. I feel like we didn’t watch Idi grow; it was almost something that happened because we were told he changed.
With the flipping back and forth with our main and supporting characters, timing was lost and unexplained or skipped over.
For anyone accepting these minuscule flaws and is looking for a quick, incredible tale that will sweep you up and make you wish you had all three books to listen to in one day, I’d strongly recommend this.
Steve White is a very talented voice actor. The over dozen characters had distinguishing voices and emotions. He was very easy to listen to and brought this audiobook to life. It was more than I expected.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It could have gone through another edit. There were a lot of little errors and problems that a strong editor could have ironed out of the book, and as an editor, those issues were abundantly clear to me. However, I found the story itself to be entertaining enough, and I don't feel those problems would keep a reader looking for a quick read from enjoying. Unless you're the type to be a grammar Nazi, a writer who's picky about stuff being just right in every way, or a freelance editor like myself, you're probably not going to notice the issues most of the time.
The characterization was pretty strong with several characters having particularly unique voices, which I appreciated. The variety in character, personality, and voice was refreshing, and I liked the struggles they all went through between choosing right or wrong in the entirety of the story.
That's another thing. Right and wrong were clearly defined in the book with consequences for doing either clearly outlined too. It's hard to find books that keep that line from becoming blurred, particularly in fantasy, so I liked that Traynor did this well. If you're looking for that in your fantasy books, then this book has that going for it, for sure!
I would recommend this story. It's a good choice for younger kids (pre-teens and up), I would say. There wasn't anything terribly inappropriate, in my opinion, and the book doesn't use any foul language. Kids who like adventure books with magic and wizards mixed in will enjoy this, and it's easily accessible for even reluctant readers.
The characterization was pretty strong with several characters having particularly unique voices, which I appreciated. The variety in character, personality, and voice was refreshing, and I liked the struggles they all went through between choosing right or wrong in the entirety of the story.
That's another thing. Right and wrong were clearly defined in the book with consequences for doing either clearly outlined too. It's hard to find books that keep that line from becoming blurred, particularly in fantasy, so I liked that Traynor did this well. If you're looking for that in your fantasy books, then this book has that going for it, for sure!
I would recommend this story. It's a good choice for younger kids (pre-teens and up), I would say. There wasn't anything terribly inappropriate, in my opinion, and the book doesn't use any foul language. Kids who like adventure books with magic and wizards mixed in will enjoy this, and it's easily accessible for even reluctant readers.
December 19, 2017
This is everything I love about fantasy. I really loved that is had a such a positive feeling. Marcus grabbed me from the start as a thoughtful, deep teacher. Teaching the emotionally damaged young Idi is a challenge for him. Actually, it’s teaching him that he is worth being taught that is really the challenge. Idi is a truly beautiful character, and that is shown in many ways, but the most touching to me was the way he cares for Katrina.
While we watch the story unfold with Marcus and Idi, there is another thread that is equally developed with Casandra. I felt this thread had a really rich fantasy element with the characters. Turtledoff was probably one of my favorites in the whole story. Though it would be hard to pick because throughout all of the story there were so many beautiful and fun characters.
The world was rich and well built. I enjoyed the pace and the way it all wove together. There were parts that had me biting my nails with the tension and parts that had tears burning the edges of my eyes. Fantastic story. I highly recommend this charming fantasy to readers of all ages, and look forward to continuing the series myself.
While we watch the story unfold with Marcus and Idi, there is another thread that is equally developed with Casandra. I felt this thread had a really rich fantasy element with the characters. Turtledoff was probably one of my favorites in the whole story. Though it would be hard to pick because throughout all of the story there were so many beautiful and fun characters.
The world was rich and well built. I enjoyed the pace and the way it all wove together. There were parts that had me biting my nails with the tension and parts that had tears burning the edges of my eyes. Fantastic story. I highly recommend this charming fantasy to readers of all ages, and look forward to continuing the series myself.
April 23, 2019
Idi & The Oracle’s Quest: Born to be Free is a thoroughly enjoyable, magical adventure of Idi’s transformation from a young abused orphan to a powerful healer. Under the tutelage of Marcus, a has-been wizard, Idi embarks on an epic adventure to save the chosen one from a host of evil characters. This captivating tale is full of witches, knights, magicians, dwarves, pixies, fairies, and other magical creatures. The story follows Idi’s evolution from a young bullied boy with low self-esteem into a loving caretaker of a child and ultimately into the most powerful healer in the land. It was heartwarming to see Idi’s self-confidence increase along with his powers.
The story also follows Cassandra; a princess exiled from the kingdom by her father over a forbidden love. She and her child eke out a meager existence, and Cassandra fights tooth and nail to protect her child from demons and dragons and other evil beings. Near the end of the story, they meet Idi and Marcus. The ending was a partial closure, no doubt paving the way for another adventure in book 2. This was a great read and I highly recommend it for lovers of fantasy. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.
The story also follows Cassandra; a princess exiled from the kingdom by her father over a forbidden love. She and her child eke out a meager existence, and Cassandra fights tooth and nail to protect her child from demons and dragons and other evil beings. Near the end of the story, they meet Idi and Marcus. The ending was a partial closure, no doubt paving the way for another adventure in book 2. This was a great read and I highly recommend it for lovers of fantasy. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series.
May 8, 2017
Fantasy is Alive!!! Idi Oracle’s Quest author T.N. Traynor
A sweeping adventure that takes the reader through a Disney like experience of fantasy, witches, goblins, and strange roses that put the characters to sleep in an impenetrable enclosure. I especially loved Marcus the magician, as the senior citizen of his imaginary world. Nothing could stop him as he gained strength and wisdom in spite of his age, a fair representation of the elderly today. The characters were well developed, and as I got to know each one, enjoyed the roles the author assigned. I was amazed at the fantasy world that Traynor set up, a world that I could escape to, get reeled into, and still enjoy characters that seemed life like with success, failure, love, and the calamities that arise for us all. There were some corrective issues that should have been caught by the author’s proofreader, but still I award this book five stars for a wonderful, fascinating intriguing story and delightful imaginable settings and characters. Congratulations to the author for the success of a first book well written.
A sweeping adventure that takes the reader through a Disney like experience of fantasy, witches, goblins, and strange roses that put the characters to sleep in an impenetrable enclosure. I especially loved Marcus the magician, as the senior citizen of his imaginary world. Nothing could stop him as he gained strength and wisdom in spite of his age, a fair representation of the elderly today. The characters were well developed, and as I got to know each one, enjoyed the roles the author assigned. I was amazed at the fantasy world that Traynor set up, a world that I could escape to, get reeled into, and still enjoy characters that seemed life like with success, failure, love, and the calamities that arise for us all. There were some corrective issues that should have been caught by the author’s proofreader, but still I award this book five stars for a wonderful, fascinating intriguing story and delightful imaginable settings and characters. Congratulations to the author for the success of a first book well written.
March 25, 2018
An awesome fantasy tale filled with all sorts of magical creatures, and a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled! Idi has a destiny, and that destiny is to find the prophesied future “king,” and also offer his protection. He soon meets Marcus, a magician, and he joins Idi in his quest. Together, they search Talia for the mother of the prophesied child. However, all manner of darkness and evil stand in their way, and war looms as time escapes them. Especially as others are also searching for the mother of the child...
T.N. Traynor has written an amazing story, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I loved the numerous magical creatures, dark creatures, and the obstacles that Idi and the other characters must face.
It’s a very refreshing read! I loved Idi learning to become a magician, and the tough choices that must be made. This is a wonderful tale of good vs. evil, with original story lines, characters, and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with originality, great world building, and a plot that doesn’t stop.
T.N. Traynor has written an amazing story, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I loved the numerous magical creatures, dark creatures, and the obstacles that Idi and the other characters must face.
It’s a very refreshing read! I loved Idi learning to become a magician, and the tough choices that must be made. This is a wonderful tale of good vs. evil, with original story lines, characters, and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy with originality, great world building, and a plot that doesn’t stop.
April 6, 2018
What a fantastic magical read. I recommend this book to anyone that loves fantasy or are fans of books like Lord of the Rings and other similar series. Its is a great tale twisted into a magical world full or witches, dragons, fairies, dwarves, etc.
It was a nice fluent read for me. The way the author wrote the story was easy to follow and flowed smoothly. I enjoyed how the author inserted some of her own personal experiences into the story with personal struggle in education with reading and writing with dyslexia. I liked how this experience was molded into the characters of her novel.
This is a fantastic novel for the YA fantasy lovers. Very enticing and energetic read that keeps the page turning. I don't want to sit and write a review the retells the story, I'm not one for spoilers, but I recommend this read. The ending is a bit abrupt but that is just leaving the story open for another to follow. Well done Traynor on a well thought out world that brings mystery and fantasy creatures to life in this coming of age fantasy tale.
It was a nice fluent read for me. The way the author wrote the story was easy to follow and flowed smoothly. I enjoyed how the author inserted some of her own personal experiences into the story with personal struggle in education with reading and writing with dyslexia. I liked how this experience was molded into the characters of her novel.
This is a fantastic novel for the YA fantasy lovers. Very enticing and energetic read that keeps the page turning. I don't want to sit and write a review the retells the story, I'm not one for spoilers, but I recommend this read. The ending is a bit abrupt but that is just leaving the story open for another to follow. Well done Traynor on a well thought out world that brings mystery and fantasy creatures to life in this coming of age fantasy tale.
February 19, 2019
This story is one of many reasons why I love fantasy novels so much. It was rich with a descriptive world filled with magicians, knights, fairies and pixies just to name a few. Essentially a tale of good versus evil it was delightfully written in multiple points of view of which I also like to see in this sort of novel. I personally didn't notice some of the comma placement and editing issues other reviewers have mentioned but then, when I really get into a story I often don't pay attention to that sort of thing and am able to read past it. Such might have been the case with this.
The story of a well-intentioned magician named Marcus who mentors a young man named Idi while undertaking a quest to find the mother of "the one" from the prophecy was engaging and enthralling. It had my attention from start to finish, regardless of it ending without the reader learner what Idi's true name is. Idi & the Oracle's Quest, the first in a series, is a definite must read for anyone who loves YA fantasy fiction!
The story of a well-intentioned magician named Marcus who mentors a young man named Idi while undertaking a quest to find the mother of "the one" from the prophecy was engaging and enthralling. It had my attention from start to finish, regardless of it ending without the reader learner what Idi's true name is. Idi & the Oracle's Quest, the first in a series, is a definite must read for anyone who loves YA fantasy fiction!
April 12, 2018
I enjoyed this story immensely! Idi, the main protagonist, underwent quite a transformation from a bullied and abused child to a true hero under the skillful Marcus’s guidance. I was wondering myself, how this boy, who had not an ounce of belief in himself, could eventually grow into someone, who was tasked with protecting the future King, and Idi’s journey was certainly an eventful one! Cassandra and her heartbreaking story also deeply touched me, and I held my breath every time new dangers threatened her and her baby’s safety. All of the supporting characters, together with villains of course (who, I must say, were certainly formidably evil!) created an incredibly riveting story where good and evil meet in a deadly combat, and only the true heroes, who are pure in heart, will defeat the ancient evil. A great first book in the series which I definitely would love to continue! Five stars.
May 4, 2019
This was a fantastic fantasy YA read. The beginning of the story really pulled me in with prophecies and chosen ones and wonderful dynamic characters, each with their own flaws.
I don't know what I liked most in this book the exciting plot or the characters, but they both worked really well together.
There was a part in the book where there is a seven year jump that made the book sag a little bit because there is a bit of a catch up to figure out where and what all of our wonderful POV characters were up to. It didn't last long though and got back to the plot fairly quickly.
I know this is a several book series and it certainly leaves in a cliffhanger making me want to wonder what is next in store for our heroes and how will that prophecy unfold? When reading books with chosen ones and prophecies I'm always split between wanting to see the prophecy come to life and what if the prophecy breaks...what then? I'll have to read the next one to find out.
I don't know what I liked most in this book the exciting plot or the characters, but they both worked really well together.
There was a part in the book where there is a seven year jump that made the book sag a little bit because there is a bit of a catch up to figure out where and what all of our wonderful POV characters were up to. It didn't last long though and got back to the plot fairly quickly.
I know this is a several book series and it certainly leaves in a cliffhanger making me want to wonder what is next in store for our heroes and how will that prophecy unfold? When reading books with chosen ones and prophecies I'm always split between wanting to see the prophecy come to life and what if the prophecy breaks...what then? I'll have to read the next one to find out.
June 25, 2019
This is a good read for young adults, with magic and magical creatures on the good and dark sides. The main character, Idi, has both great potential and great self-doubt. His fatherly instincts make him particularly endearing. The author's style is highly accessible and visual, making it easy to see and hear the action in one's head while reading along. As a seasoned reader, I found it to be a pleasant ride through familiar country, with occasional interesting back roads to explore. I was not satisfied with the ending, however, which involved too many characters who were not featured prominently in the story. It almost seemed I had started the next book in the series without finishing the first one. I would have liked more in the way of resolution of the main plot lines. This book also would benefit from an edit to fix the many comma splices, as well as a few grammar issues and typos. Still, I enjoyed getting to know Idi, and I recommend this book for young readers.
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