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Born to Be #2
Idi & the Talisman of Talia
Book 2 of the 'Born to Be' series, Idi & the Talisman of Talia continues exactly where book 1 finishes. Idi is about to discover his real name and Marcus continues to educate him, both in magic and self-confidence. All our loved characters are back, including the three witch clans, the Oracles, Absalom and Cassandra. Introduced for the first time is the adorable Goblin Fart Platoon, with Celestine and Bert leading them on their mission.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2016
11 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
T.N. Traynor
20 books45 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 3, 2017
ard to the
I have been waiting for the next instalment since reading Oracles Quest. I was not disappointed. A fantasy full of magic and enthralling plots that keeps you turning the pages. Lovely characters that you can care about. Especially like the goblins, the Fart Troop. Great read for fantasy lovers young and old alike.
I have been waiting for the next instalment since reading Oracles Quest. I was not disappointed. A fantasy full of magic and enthralling plots that keeps you turning the pages. Lovely characters that you can care about. Especially like the goblins, the Fart Troop. Great read for fantasy lovers young and old alike.
March 9, 2019
A rich tapestry of storylines and characters
This second in the series about Idi and the Talisman of Talia is a richly woven tapestry of many threads. The design is barely visible at first, but all are gradually coming together to reveal the whole. Idi, Marcus and Katrina are the primary characters, strongly supported by a cast of witches, warriors, goblins and magicians. Idi’s task is to find the boy born to save their world. The unleashing of evil by a sorcerer controlled by three wicked witches imprisoned in an orb, is set to destroy the kingdom. For our heroes, just as their task seems complete new dangers arise.
I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this epic fantasy series!
This second in the series about Idi and the Talisman of Talia is a richly woven tapestry of many threads. The design is barely visible at first, but all are gradually coming together to reveal the whole. Idi, Marcus and Katrina are the primary characters, strongly supported by a cast of witches, warriors, goblins and magicians. Idi’s task is to find the boy born to save their world. The unleashing of evil by a sorcerer controlled by three wicked witches imprisoned in an orb, is set to destroy the kingdom. For our heroes, just as their task seems complete new dangers arise.
I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this epic fantasy series!
February 8, 2020
A good continuation of this tale. Idi and all the others continue to grow and gain powers. But so does the power grow on the side of evil. There are several looming questions that leave the reader anticipating the next book. This is a very enjoyable read and I look forward to book 3!!
While I would love to write in my review the other aspects of the book that I enjoyed, I fear that I might reduce your enjoyment by saying too much. You will enjoy this book! And let’s leave it at that.
While I would love to write in my review the other aspects of the book that I enjoyed, I fear that I might reduce your enjoyment by saying too much. You will enjoy this book! And let’s leave it at that.
May 24, 2019
Idi & The Talisman of Talia (Book 2 in the Born to Be series) picks up where Idi & The Oracle’s Quest (Book 1) left off. Idi continues to grow in maturity and in his power to heal. I enjoyed following his quest to figure out who he is and why he’d been abandoned as a child. Idi and Marcus continue their mission to find and protect the chosen one. The familiar and loved characters from Book 1 returned in Book 2, including fairies, witches, magician, knights, and even an ogre. I was amused by the Goblin Fart Platoon. The witch clans fought amongst each other, and other groups battled as well. As they get to know each other better, members of the various groups learned that those who are different can be friends instead of foes. Historical prejudices are challenged and overcome.
Cassandra is reunited with her father in his castle. She begins a quest of her own to search for her missing son. Idi’s adopted daughter Katrina grows and matures and is training to become a knight. Without giving away a spoiler, Katrina becomes a hero in her own right.
Traynor does a great job with character development. In this story, I grew an even deeper fondness for the main characters and greater empathy toward their mission. Will the forces of good unite to conquer the evil sorcerer and demons from destroying Talia? I’m looking forward to finding out what happens in Book 3.
Cassandra is reunited with her father in his castle. She begins a quest of her own to search for her missing son. Idi’s adopted daughter Katrina grows and matures and is training to become a knight. Without giving away a spoiler, Katrina becomes a hero in her own right.
Traynor does a great job with character development. In this story, I grew an even deeper fondness for the main characters and greater empathy toward their mission. Will the forces of good unite to conquer the evil sorcerer and demons from destroying Talia? I’m looking forward to finding out what happens in Book 3.
May 10, 2018
After reading the first book in the series I just had to find out what happens to Idi and the prophecy that he’s a part of, so naturally, I had to grab book 2! What I enjoyed the most about the second installment was the fact that it focused on Idi’s “soul-searching”: Idi grows from a young boy - the laughing stock of the village - into a mature young man, finding in himself the strength of forgiveness at last. I also grew extremely fond of little Katrina, who developed into quite a character of her own, strong-willed and charismatic. Besides that, the plot was excellent as it was in book one: full of action, adventure, and intrigue. Another great thing about this story is that it shows that not everything is black and white and that even heroes may have their doubts, and villains may not be so “villainy” after all. Enjoyed it very much, and I’m already looking forward to reading book 3!
January 16, 2019
T. N. Traynor is the author of Idi and the Talisman of Talia, the second book in her Born to Be trilogy. The summary states that this leaves off exactly where Book 1, Idi and the Oracle's Quest left off. I went in at a disadvantage having not read the previous book and I felt clouded throughout the read because of that. The cover illustration and characterizations like "Goblin Fart Platoon" in the summary place this firmly in a children's story and obviously in the fantasy genre as well.
Had I read book one and already been immersed in this magical world and been introduced to these characters, I would have really enjoyed this. It is fast paced and fun with a surprising amount of depth to characters and the storyline that I didn't expect. Traynor is a talented writer and I can see this series easily becoming a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Had I read book one and already been immersed in this magical world and been introduced to these characters, I would have really enjoyed this. It is fast paced and fun with a surprising amount of depth to characters and the storyline that I didn't expect. Traynor is a talented writer and I can see this series easily becoming a favorite for kids and adults alike.
January 13, 2018
An Action-Packed Fantasy Adventure
In Idi & the Talisman of Talia, the characters I’ve grown to care for in the first book are back and they are on the move, getting ready for battle. I love all of the different perspectives as I am immersed in the worlds of the different factions which make up Talia. I saw how Idi has grown up into a mature man who realizes he is more than just a name, yet he still has insecurities with regard to who he really is, why his parents gave him up, and how he can possibly become everything the Oracle says he will be. This story could be enjoyed by all ages and I would recommend it.
In Idi & the Talisman of Talia, the characters I’ve grown to care for in the first book are back and they are on the move, getting ready for battle. I love all of the different perspectives as I am immersed in the worlds of the different factions which make up Talia. I saw how Idi has grown up into a mature man who realizes he is more than just a name, yet he still has insecurities with regard to who he really is, why his parents gave him up, and how he can possibly become everything the Oracle says he will be. This story could be enjoyed by all ages and I would recommend it.
April 9, 2018
This story keeps getting better with every book. It begins where it left off in book one, with wizard Idi (short for "idiot") wanting to know about who he is, starting to know what his true name is (Note: It's best to read book 1 first. There are a lot of characters and complex plot that will make more sense if you discover who they are in the first book.)
It's filled with tense action, and also plenty of laughs. It has a cast of fun characters matched against the ever-present evil ones. Characters make rash promises that are certain to cause them grief in the next book. Looking forward to the conclusion of the story.
It's filled with tense action, and also plenty of laughs. It has a cast of fun characters matched against the ever-present evil ones. Characters make rash promises that are certain to cause them grief in the next book. Looking forward to the conclusion of the story.
April 29, 2018
I absolutely loved the first in this series, and “Idi and the Talisman of Talia” was a fantastic continuation! Idi is a great character full of depth, and his journey to discover who he is creates a truly moving tale.
In this book we find Idi learning magic, although this task is a challenge for him as it requires the two things he struggles with: Strength and desire. Through the story, and with the power of love, Idi learns to overcome these struggles.
Traynor has created an exceptional world, and a story that is as compelling as it is fresh. A truly wonderful adventure, with truly wonderful characters in an exciting setting!
Can’t wait to read the third!
In this book we find Idi learning magic, although this task is a challenge for him as it requires the two things he struggles with: Strength and desire. Through the story, and with the power of love, Idi learns to overcome these struggles.
Traynor has created an exceptional world, and a story that is as compelling as it is fresh. A truly wonderful adventure, with truly wonderful characters in an exciting setting!
Can’t wait to read the third!
June 21, 2018
This second installment of the Born to Be books leaves off where the first one did. It opens with Idi setting out on a journey to find his real name. However, he is only given more mysteries. The story bounces around to show the movement of many different quests from Cassandra’s search for her son to the goblins preparing for war.
Seeing each of the different groups from their own point of view really made it tough to choose a group to root for. However, I loved the bits of humor that the author has mixed in with the seriousness, like the shenanigans of the witches learning how to fly. There’s plenty going on in this book to keep a range of readers interested.
Seeing each of the different groups from their own point of view really made it tough to choose a group to root for. However, I loved the bits of humor that the author has mixed in with the seriousness, like the shenanigans of the witches learning how to fly. There’s plenty going on in this book to keep a range of readers interested.
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed book 2 of the "Born To Be" series as much as book one. This book picked up where the first one ended. The original characters continued to grow and work through hardships. There were new characters added that I liked. There was plenty of action. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Steve White's narration was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
June 28, 2018
Just as fun as the first book
Sequels often fail to capture the same things that made you love the first book, but that's not the case here. The author has done an excellent job of bringing us back into her world and sharing the wonder of magic. This book was a lot of fun to read and I definitely recommend it.
Sequels often fail to capture the same things that made you love the first book, but that's not the case here. The author has done an excellent job of bringing us back into her world and sharing the wonder of magic. This book was a lot of fun to read and I definitely recommend it.
September 28, 2020
Idi & the Talisman of Talia is a fitting follow-up to Idi & the Oracles Quest - the first book in the Born to Be trilogy.
All of the key characters from book one return, along with some new ones, and their stories progress with built-in intrigue and a few twists along the way.
I'm looking forward now to finding out how the tale concludes in Idi & the Sirocco Witch.
All of the key characters from book one return, along with some new ones, and their stories progress with built-in intrigue and a few twists along the way.
I'm looking forward now to finding out how the tale concludes in Idi & the Sirocco Witch.
April 21, 2022
Entertaining Read
A fantasy story with a wide cast of characters. As with many fantasies, the underlying plot is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. Good character development quickly draws the reader in and the story moves along at a steady pace. This story should appeal to all readers from young adult to seniors who enjoy the genre.
A fantasy story with a wide cast of characters. As with many fantasies, the underlying plot is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. Good character development quickly draws the reader in and the story moves along at a steady pace. This story should appeal to all readers from young adult to seniors who enjoy the genre.
July 11, 2018
The second book is just as good as the first. I loved the scene with the broom. Idi finds his name or does he? A child's simple joy in watching ships on the sea ends in disaster as it all coalesces. Well written with great characters. Good book.
Read
February 25, 2020Old characters, and new
Another epic take with and ending making you wonder what comes next! Got to follow some old characters we love and meet some new ones :)
Another epic take with and ending making you wonder what comes next! Got to follow some old characters we love and meet some new ones :)
June 17, 2025
Good read
Interesting was on how the author pulls the story together, from time to time you get some whiplash. Thanks for your hard work.
Interesting was on how the author pulls the story together, from time to time you get some whiplash. Thanks for your hard work.
November 6, 2017
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
5th November, 2017
TITLE: Idi & the Talisman of Talia, Book Two of the ‘Born to Be’ Trilogy
AUTHOR: Tracy Traynor
Star Rating: 4/5
‘A cleverly plotted fantasy populated with fun and interesting characters.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
To start with, I must tell you I do enjoy a good fantasy, whether it be Harry Potter (Snape is so cool), the overly slushy Twilight or the charms of The Hobbit. To me, a cleverly plotted adventure set in a world of monsters and magic is the makings of a ‘best night in’. So, I was delighted to settled down, my dog resting her paws on my feet, with this YA fantasy saga.
So, let’s begin with the plot. Well, this story is very well plotted. Lots happen from the very first chapter all the way through to Chapter Thirty. Twists and turns seem to fill almost every page; and there is plenty of mystery to keep a YA reader enthralled.
Also, for the most part, I enjoyed this author’s writing style. She is very capable at describing setting and characters but without being overly flowery. For example, ‘the daisy-filled grass was a lush green and soft underfoot’. A simple sentence, but rather vivid, working well in a fast-paced fantasy. The author’s no Hemmingway but that’s okay; often, with fantasy adventure, if the writing style is too complex, it kills the pacing of the story. Well, that’s not a problem here.
The characters (I liked Marcus the best), as with the fantasy world, are vividly constructed, and the author works well with speech, using it to develop the story all the way up to the exciting end.
Yes, all in all, a good, solid fantasy; unpredictable for the most part, and inhabited by interesting, purposeful characters.
So, who would I recommend it to? Well, I checked it out on Amazon, and the suggested age level is 11 – 18. This, I feel, is to a little too optimistic as the book lacks the complexity of, say, Harry Potter, to keep a 16 – 18 year old enthralled. But I would happily recommend it to any 10 – 13 year old. They, I think, would love it!
Editing 7/10
Writing Style 7/10
Content 8/10
Cover 7/10
Sum it up in a few words: Perfect for a young fantasy addict.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
5th November, 2017
TITLE: Idi & the Talisman of Talia, Book Two of the ‘Born to Be’ Trilogy
AUTHOR: Tracy Traynor
Star Rating: 4/5
‘A cleverly plotted fantasy populated with fun and interesting characters.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
To start with, I must tell you I do enjoy a good fantasy, whether it be Harry Potter (Snape is so cool), the overly slushy Twilight or the charms of The Hobbit. To me, a cleverly plotted adventure set in a world of monsters and magic is the makings of a ‘best night in’. So, I was delighted to settled down, my dog resting her paws on my feet, with this YA fantasy saga.
So, let’s begin with the plot. Well, this story is very well plotted. Lots happen from the very first chapter all the way through to Chapter Thirty. Twists and turns seem to fill almost every page; and there is plenty of mystery to keep a YA reader enthralled.
Also, for the most part, I enjoyed this author’s writing style. She is very capable at describing setting and characters but without being overly flowery. For example, ‘the daisy-filled grass was a lush green and soft underfoot’. A simple sentence, but rather vivid, working well in a fast-paced fantasy. The author’s no Hemmingway but that’s okay; often, with fantasy adventure, if the writing style is too complex, it kills the pacing of the story. Well, that’s not a problem here.
The characters (I liked Marcus the best), as with the fantasy world, are vividly constructed, and the author works well with speech, using it to develop the story all the way up to the exciting end.
Yes, all in all, a good, solid fantasy; unpredictable for the most part, and inhabited by interesting, purposeful characters.
So, who would I recommend it to? Well, I checked it out on Amazon, and the suggested age level is 11 – 18. This, I feel, is to a little too optimistic as the book lacks the complexity of, say, Harry Potter, to keep a 16 – 18 year old enthralled. But I would happily recommend it to any 10 – 13 year old. They, I think, would love it!
Editing 7/10
Writing Style 7/10
Content 8/10
Cover 7/10
Sum it up in a few words: Perfect for a young fantasy addict.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
February 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to book 3.
The world is very in depth with lots of characters that were engaging and humorous at times.
There were some small editing errors that made smooth reading a little difficult a few times, but I am not sure if they are writer error or conversion to Kindle version error that ran paragraphs together, honestly.
The only other issue was that the book changes each chapter to different viewpoints/character activities that all are intertwined in the story (which I loved), but sometimes I wasn't sure who they were when first starting a new chapter because it had been so many chapters since I read about them before. Some type of continuity at the beginning of the chapters would have helped.
But because the story was so engaging those small things seemed much less than they would have in a burdensome book.
The world is very in depth with lots of characters that were engaging and humorous at times.
There were some small editing errors that made smooth reading a little difficult a few times, but I am not sure if they are writer error or conversion to Kindle version error that ran paragraphs together, honestly.
The only other issue was that the book changes each chapter to different viewpoints/character activities that all are intertwined in the story (which I loved), but sometimes I wasn't sure who they were when first starting a new chapter because it had been so many chapters since I read about them before. Some type of continuity at the beginning of the chapters would have helped.
But because the story was so engaging those small things seemed much less than they would have in a burdensome book.
July 26, 2017
Idi & The Talisman of Talia by T N Traynor. This is book two of the ‘Born to Be’ trilogy and neatly picks up where book 1 finished. The book title suggests that ‘Ide’ is the main character, but, there are several threads to this story with many characters playing major roles. I found myself identifying with Marcus and Katrina. Tracey’s easy-to-read style kept my attention for several days. She builds scenes with great atmosphere using countryside and weather to the maximum. With descriptive skill, Tracey draws emotions to the front and then fades them in exhaustion. - Honeysuckle Pear - 26-Jul-2017.
August 21, 2018
The second book in this series cleverly answers questions but doesn't tell the reader too much to ruin it's surprises. Full of derring-do and adventure, the tale explores coming of age, magic and the mystery of the self.
June 29, 2018
What imaginative fun!
I love a good epic fantasy and this next installment is just as intriguing as the first. 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. I was quite fond of the witches and of course Idi. He embarks on quite the adventure - but he's not the only one!
Marcus remains the perfect teacher and provides Idi with the wisdom and affection that he needs to overcome his past. Katrina grows up and learns much and the witches were oodles of fun. There's a lot happening which at times can be a bit overwhelming to keep up with the vast amount of characters and interweaving storylines. Plenty of bodily function humor and silliness but it balances the more intense parts of the book. A great sequel to the first novel which was quite enjoyable.
An epic fantasy young adult read I highly recommend!
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews