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Void Waker #1
Dryad's Touch
When darkness aligns and light struggles,
When all good things start to wander,
Then it will be as foretold
That Gaia’s war will have begun.
In the beginning Gaia brought order to chaos. After creating the Mortal Realm and birthing seven gods, she faded, leaving nothing behind but her blood. Her children lived in peace for a time. But once they shaped the elves and the first prophecy emerged, tensions rose.
Thousands of years later war looms over the hearts of many. As the plans of an evil god fall softly into place, Nara of the Dryad’s dreams of adventure lead her into more daring situations than she had expected to face. Kingdoms hang in the balance of her decisions while gods tempt her with a destiny they only hope she will fulfill.
With dryads whispering in her ears, Nara is unaware of the events unfolding across the world as many seek out their own roles in the unavoidable war. For even the touch of a dryad and the blessing of gods cannot fully wipe chaos from the realms.
When all good things start to wander,
Then it will be as foretold
That Gaia’s war will have begun.
In the beginning Gaia brought order to chaos. After creating the Mortal Realm and birthing seven gods, she faded, leaving nothing behind but her blood. Her children lived in peace for a time. But once they shaped the elves and the first prophecy emerged, tensions rose.
Thousands of years later war looms over the hearts of many. As the plans of an evil god fall softly into place, Nara of the Dryad’s dreams of adventure lead her into more daring situations than she had expected to face. Kingdoms hang in the balance of her decisions while gods tempt her with a destiny they only hope she will fulfill.
With dryads whispering in her ears, Nara is unaware of the events unfolding across the world as many seek out their own roles in the unavoidable war. For even the touch of a dryad and the blessing of gods cannot fully wipe chaos from the realms.
- GenresFantasy
344 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2017
2 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Graybill
2 books24 followersAshley “Whitebread” Graybill was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. A child of the 90’s, she grew up on shows like Hercules and Xena, which fed her young imagination. These led her to learn about actual mythology from various parts of the world and brought her to a love of fantasy, starting with stories such as The Hobbit and Acorna.
Her grandmother was a major contributor to her writing. Carolyn Whitebread encouraged Ashley to write, even if some of it was fanfiction. She also purchased her the many books and comics that gave Ashley inspiration. Sadly, Carolyn passed away in 2006; however, from death life may emerge. This was a major catalyst in Ashley’s life.
After Ashley met her husband through online gaming in 2008, she took a leap of faith and moved 1500 miles to be with him. She is now a mother to four beautiful children who keep her moving. She is also a gamer, an adventurous cook, a lover of sushi, and (as some describe her) extremely eccentric.
Her grandmother was a major contributor to her writing. Carolyn Whitebread encouraged Ashley to write, even if some of it was fanfiction. She also purchased her the many books and comics that gave Ashley inspiration. Sadly, Carolyn passed away in 2006; however, from death life may emerge. This was a major catalyst in Ashley’s life.
After Ashley met her husband through online gaming in 2008, she took a leap of faith and moved 1500 miles to be with him. She is now a mother to four beautiful children who keep her moving. She is also a gamer, an adventurous cook, a lover of sushi, and (as some describe her) extremely eccentric.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 10, 2017
Nara is an elf on the cusp of coming of age, and she is eager to leave her home island and explore the world. Everything changes the moment a visiting elf, Castien, arrives on the island, requesting to speak with the elders. Castien refuses to tell Nara his many secrets, but she’s drawn to his touch and wishes to leave with him. Of course, doing so will mean leaving behind the dryads few besides she can speak to.
Meanwhile, Elona and Thaos struggle against one another and the will of the goddess Thena. Their children and followers bend and obey as the war brews. Though once Thaos’s lover, Elona struggles to determine truth from lie as she fights for the peace of her people. Though immortal beings with great power, even they cannot stop prophecies.
Dryad’s Touch is a captivating book full of magic, romance, and conflict. Each character has his or her own agenda and many will keep you guessing their true intentions. May favorite character is Fallon, and I hope we get to see more of him in the coming books! There were a LOT of characters in this book, and the relationships were complex, leaving me a bit confused as to who was related to or with who. There is a family tree at the end of the book, but I didn’t find it until I was already finished. >_< Still, once I got a feel for the different characters and their relationships, I got pulled in deep. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out!
Meanwhile, Elona and Thaos struggle against one another and the will of the goddess Thena. Their children and followers bend and obey as the war brews. Though once Thaos’s lover, Elona struggles to determine truth from lie as she fights for the peace of her people. Though immortal beings with great power, even they cannot stop prophecies.
Dryad’s Touch is a captivating book full of magic, romance, and conflict. Each character has his or her own agenda and many will keep you guessing their true intentions. May favorite character is Fallon, and I hope we get to see more of him in the coming books! There were a LOT of characters in this book, and the relationships were complex, leaving me a bit confused as to who was related to or with who. There is a family tree at the end of the book, but I didn’t find it until I was already finished. >_< Still, once I got a feel for the different characters and their relationships, I got pulled in deep. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out!
October 11, 2017
Dryad's Touch is a fantastical story told from many different points of views all across Arlania as a massive tale is spun of a coming war among the gods of the realm, instigated by the youngest elder god in the pantheon.
Each character is well-crafted and real, their pasts not overlooked in their creation, but perhaps more importantly, their pasts not overlooked in their motivations and current actions within the time period of the story. A.W. Graybill manages to wrap together thousands of years of history and make something tangible in the lives of a dozen or so characters.
While not all the characters are likable, many are lovable and it's plain the ones you root for were made for such a purpose even as all suffer from realistic pain in a relatable, yet magical, world. I found as I read this story, it was never simple. The lives and the world were as complex as real life and neither the characters nor the world stopped growing. There was always more to explore.
If you are a fan of mythology and fantasy and thrive on tension, betrayal, and hints of romance, you will love this book and be hooked for the rest of the series.
So many mysteries yet remain, and this is only the beginning of what is sure to be an entrancing adventure...
Each character is well-crafted and real, their pasts not overlooked in their creation, but perhaps more importantly, their pasts not overlooked in their motivations and current actions within the time period of the story. A.W. Graybill manages to wrap together thousands of years of history and make something tangible in the lives of a dozen or so characters.
While not all the characters are likable, many are lovable and it's plain the ones you root for were made for such a purpose even as all suffer from realistic pain in a relatable, yet magical, world. I found as I read this story, it was never simple. The lives and the world were as complex as real life and neither the characters nor the world stopped growing. There was always more to explore.
If you are a fan of mythology and fantasy and thrive on tension, betrayal, and hints of romance, you will love this book and be hooked for the rest of the series.
So many mysteries yet remain, and this is only the beginning of what is sure to be an entrancing adventure...
March 8, 2018
Received a free copy through GoodReads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews