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Layla: Ian's Realm Saga
Unlike the prior edition ( born at Night book 3.1) this edition includes the sequel Fallen Morning, is illustrated, and has been completely rewritten.Paperbacks will be released soon.
Abbi and Elisa didn't mean to enter the Realm. It was all an accident, one which sent Ian and Elisa's brother Brad on a dangerous journey to find them.
Fighting a dragon can leave you exhausted, in pain, and vulnerable.
After a grueling struggle with Stenhjaert the dragon at the portal entrance, Ian manages to escape, collapse in the Realm, and as a bedraggled hero, continue his quest. He stumbles upon a beautiful woman in the woods while searching for Abbi and Elisa. In the condition he's in, it's little wonder that this stranger's campfire, her warm meal, and her gentle massage makes him lose touch with who he is, and why he had entered the Realm in the first place.
How was he to know the woman was a sorceress...or had a sinister agenda?
Abbi and Elisa didn't mean to enter the Realm. It was all an accident, one which sent Ian and Elisa's brother Brad on a dangerous journey to find them.
Fighting a dragon can leave you exhausted, in pain, and vulnerable.
After a grueling struggle with Stenhjaert the dragon at the portal entrance, Ian manages to escape, collapse in the Realm, and as a bedraggled hero, continue his quest. He stumbles upon a beautiful woman in the woods while searching for Abbi and Elisa. In the condition he's in, it's little wonder that this stranger's campfire, her warm meal, and her gentle massage makes him lose touch with who he is, and why he had entered the Realm in the first place.
How was he to know the woman was a sorceress...or had a sinister agenda?
527 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2019
1 person is currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Gardner
53 books184 followersWith a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...
Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 2, 2022
Great Story! I want MORE.
It's a great thing that D.L. Gardner has more books in this series!
Ian's Realm is an alternate world inhabited by wizards, little people, magical beasts and clans of indigenous people who live a simple life. Ian would prefer to live in the Realm, with his long lost father, but when he last left he sealed the portal to protect both of his worlds from the powerful dragon, Stenhjaert.
In this, the third book in the series, Ian returns to the Realm to save his girlfriend Abbi and her young charge, Elisa, who were accidentally whisked to the realm when trying to use a magical shield. Ian is joined, by Elisa's brother Brad who has been to the Realm before. Each young man chooses a different path to try to save the girls.
Brad heads to the hills to meet up with the Kaemperns, a local tribe which now include Ian's father. This band of strong friends join together to try to find Abbi and Elisa and protect their world from evil.
Ian meets up with a lovely young woman named Layla. He believes she will help him find the girls and return to Seattle. Unfortunately, Ian becomes confused by his feelings towards her despite her alliance with the evil Queen Hacatine. Is it love...or is it sorcery? Can the power of good win over the power of evil?
The action is non stop as this cast of colorful characters vie to save the Realm, and the modern world as well, from destruction.
I really enjoyed reconnecting with characters from earlier in the series and meeting new characters as well. I especially enjoyed the developing relationships between Ian and others in the story. Ian is a true hero who puts his own desires aside for the good of many.
I would recommend reading the other books first for a better understanding of the people and places in this story. The author does a good job giving enough information to understand the back story - but to get the full effect it would be best to read the Ian's Realm Saga first.
It's a great thing that D.L. Gardner has more books in this series!
Ian's Realm is an alternate world inhabited by wizards, little people, magical beasts and clans of indigenous people who live a simple life. Ian would prefer to live in the Realm, with his long lost father, but when he last left he sealed the portal to protect both of his worlds from the powerful dragon, Stenhjaert.
In this, the third book in the series, Ian returns to the Realm to save his girlfriend Abbi and her young charge, Elisa, who were accidentally whisked to the realm when trying to use a magical shield. Ian is joined, by Elisa's brother Brad who has been to the Realm before. Each young man chooses a different path to try to save the girls.
Brad heads to the hills to meet up with the Kaemperns, a local tribe which now include Ian's father. This band of strong friends join together to try to find Abbi and Elisa and protect their world from evil.
Ian meets up with a lovely young woman named Layla. He believes she will help him find the girls and return to Seattle. Unfortunately, Ian becomes confused by his feelings towards her despite her alliance with the evil Queen Hacatine. Is it love...or is it sorcery? Can the power of good win over the power of evil?
The action is non stop as this cast of colorful characters vie to save the Realm, and the modern world as well, from destruction.
I really enjoyed reconnecting with characters from earlier in the series and meeting new characters as well. I especially enjoyed the developing relationships between Ian and others in the story. Ian is a true hero who puts his own desires aside for the good of many.
I would recommend reading the other books first for a better understanding of the people and places in this story. The author does a good job giving enough information to understand the back story - but to get the full effect it would be best to read the Ian's Realm Saga first.
December 13, 2022
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
12th December 2022
TITLE: Layla: Born at Night
AUTHOR: D.L. Gardner
Star Rating: 4
“A young adult, fantasy adventure packed full of twists, turns – and peril!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is a skilfully plotted fantasy from the pen of D L Gardner. I have enjoyed other books by this author including The Keeper which I very much enjoyed. In Layla, the author returns the reader to the Realm, a magical world full of wizards and dragons! Ian (the protagonist) and Brad (Elisa´s brother) return to the Realm to find Abbi and Elisa. But the plan is thwarted by a nasty queen and Layla, a temptress of sorts who´s very keen on Ian.
I must say, there´s a lot going on in this young adult novel. There´s plenty of peril for the characters to battle through; and I particularly enjoyed Ian´s dilemma as he´s bewitched by Layla. The ending is also strong; the best way with an adventure story as it´s the part the reader always remembers best.
In terms of readership, this is very much for teenagers, say 13 – 16 year olds. There´s suspense, but it´s never scary, and the writing style is accessible for that age group. I would recommend reading the trilogy first, just to get a grip on the characters and the fantastical setting. And why wouldn´t you? I just checked out the blurb for the trilogy and it sounds excellent! All in all, this is a wonderful book, and I think fans of J K Rawling and C S Lewis will find much to enjoy here.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
12th December 2022
TITLE: Layla: Born at Night
AUTHOR: D.L. Gardner
Star Rating: 4
“A young adult, fantasy adventure packed full of twists, turns – and peril!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is a skilfully plotted fantasy from the pen of D L Gardner. I have enjoyed other books by this author including The Keeper which I very much enjoyed. In Layla, the author returns the reader to the Realm, a magical world full of wizards and dragons! Ian (the protagonist) and Brad (Elisa´s brother) return to the Realm to find Abbi and Elisa. But the plan is thwarted by a nasty queen and Layla, a temptress of sorts who´s very keen on Ian.
I must say, there´s a lot going on in this young adult novel. There´s plenty of peril for the characters to battle through; and I particularly enjoyed Ian´s dilemma as he´s bewitched by Layla. The ending is also strong; the best way with an adventure story as it´s the part the reader always remembers best.
In terms of readership, this is very much for teenagers, say 13 – 16 year olds. There´s suspense, but it´s never scary, and the writing style is accessible for that age group. I would recommend reading the trilogy first, just to get a grip on the characters and the fantastical setting. And why wouldn´t you? I just checked out the blurb for the trilogy and it sounds excellent! All in all, this is a wonderful book, and I think fans of J K Rawling and C S Lewis will find much to enjoy here.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
July 21, 2019
The book didn't really grab my attention till about 30% through then wham*** read the rest in less than 24 hours. I hadn't read the first two books before I read Layla. Who cares as it was a fine read. Ian and Abbi are great friends and when you start this book Ian is struggling being back in his current world and Abbi is doing her best to cope with his depression.
Elisa, a child friend of Abbi and Ian, has friend who is dying. In an attempt to cure this boy Abbi and Elisa believe the Dragon Shield that belongs to Ian's dad may do the trick. When Abbi and Elisa try to use the shield they accidentally get transported back into the Realm.
Ian attempts to rescue the girls and he is thwarted by running into a beautiful seductres named Layla. Layla discovers that Ian has the key to unlock the dragon's lair and from there it's pandemonium.
This is a very entertaining book and well worth reading.
Elisa, a child friend of Abbi and Ian, has friend who is dying. In an attempt to cure this boy Abbi and Elisa believe the Dragon Shield that belongs to Ian's dad may do the trick. When Abbi and Elisa try to use the shield they accidentally get transported back into the Realm.
Ian attempts to rescue the girls and he is thwarted by running into a beautiful seductres named Layla. Layla discovers that Ian has the key to unlock the dragon's lair and from there it's pandemonium.
This is a very entertaining book and well worth reading.
March 8, 2019
I was glad to get back into the Realm with Ian. The last time he was there, he left as a hero. But this time he...he knows he wasn't supposed to come back, but he couldn't not come. And some people were not happy to see him.
To say more is to give a lot away. The plot shows how we struggle with decisions in life and how looking like a traitor isn't the same as being one. Gardner does well on describing emotions and getting the reader into the character's head. Good read.
To say more is to give a lot away. The plot shows how we struggle with decisions in life and how looking like a traitor isn't the same as being one. Gardner does well on describing emotions and getting the reader into the character's head. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews