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Born of Wind
When the elements collide, the truth ignites
Meleena never quite fit in among her fellow aquatic Meruyans, always skipping school to hide out and marvel at the natural world around her. So when she wins a place on the coveted Council Apprenticeship team, no one is more surprised than her.
As she embarks on a tour of the nations, Meleena’s curiosity catches the attention of the Warix, a race born with the power to control wind. But she is unprepared for the secrets she uncovers as she explores this new land. The Warix are locked in a deadly civil war, and her own people are being oppressed and exploited with no way out.
Meanwhile, the benevolent of the two fighting Warix nations send their brightest young spy, Flax, on a mission. When Flax is transferred to Sen’Drorn, the enemy city, he is thrilled. His duty: observe daily life as a planted tech apprentice, and gain any intel for his people. But his secret personal mission in this city causes him to get into real trouble.
After separate run-ins with the Sen'Drorn, Meleena and Flax meet under cruel circumstances. Desperate to resolve this tangled conflict, they team up to locate an ancient weapon sought by both sides. Can they unite these warring peoples in time to each save their own?
The debut novel from J.B. Lesel throws you headlong into a diverse world where the elements take physical form to shape the lives of all. Perfect for fans of James Cameron’s Avatar, and The Last Airbender.
Meleena never quite fit in among her fellow aquatic Meruyans, always skipping school to hide out and marvel at the natural world around her. So when she wins a place on the coveted Council Apprenticeship team, no one is more surprised than her.
As she embarks on a tour of the nations, Meleena’s curiosity catches the attention of the Warix, a race born with the power to control wind. But she is unprepared for the secrets she uncovers as she explores this new land. The Warix are locked in a deadly civil war, and her own people are being oppressed and exploited with no way out.
Meanwhile, the benevolent of the two fighting Warix nations send their brightest young spy, Flax, on a mission. When Flax is transferred to Sen’Drorn, the enemy city, he is thrilled. His duty: observe daily life as a planted tech apprentice, and gain any intel for his people. But his secret personal mission in this city causes him to get into real trouble.
After separate run-ins with the Sen'Drorn, Meleena and Flax meet under cruel circumstances. Desperate to resolve this tangled conflict, they team up to locate an ancient weapon sought by both sides. Can they unite these warring peoples in time to each save their own?
The debut novel from J.B. Lesel throws you headlong into a diverse world where the elements take physical form to shape the lives of all. Perfect for fans of James Cameron’s Avatar, and The Last Airbender.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
6 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Lesel
4 books4 followersJ.B. Lesel is a fantasy writer living in California and sometimes in the forests of Germany. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, being in the wilderness, and sometimes volunteering abroad on wildlife biology research projects.
She has a Master's of Science in Business Psychology and worked for an ad agency in SEO/ data analytics, in a lab, and as a life coach.
She has a Master's of Science in Business Psychology and worked for an ad agency in SEO/ data analytics, in a lab, and as a life coach.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 29, 2021
*** Disclaimer : I received e-copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Vulpine Press. ***
It was interesting coming of age YA fantasy that revolved around Maleena’s journey out of her hometown, seeing the outside world for the first time and getting involved in upcoming civil war between powerful nations. It was about power and dominance, oppressive rulers, deception and exploitation, fighting for good cause, heartbreaks, friendship, and good vs bad.
🌷𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
✴interesting world and terminology for people, technology, and food and places.
✴Writing was lucid, descriptive, and vivid.
✴alternative third person narrative mainly from Maleena and Flax’s perspective.
✴Characters were realistic.
✴Maleena was the character that most teen could relate to. It was great to see how she developed in her journey and how her perspective changed.
✴Flax was fast learner and had heart of gold. His dilemma was relatable and realistic.
✴world was amazing- legend of Wind Goddess and her pendent, four elemental spirits that created world, different civilizations, their cultural difference, dispute between Warix nations, technology.
✴many layers and messages in the book.
✴Climax was interesting
✴End was sad and lovely at the same time.
🌷𝙒𝙝𝙮 3.5/4 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨:
✴it felt too long and too descriptive making it tempting to skim the pages.
✴I didn’t care about Flax and Yulah’s romance and relationship.
🌷Overall, Born of Wind was unique, interesting, and adventurous fantasy with amazing world. I recommend it to MG and YA fantasy readers who love #adventure and descriptive world.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
It was interesting coming of age YA fantasy that revolved around Maleena’s journey out of her hometown, seeing the outside world for the first time and getting involved in upcoming civil war between powerful nations. It was about power and dominance, oppressive rulers, deception and exploitation, fighting for good cause, heartbreaks, friendship, and good vs bad.
🌷𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
✴interesting world and terminology for people, technology, and food and places.
✴Writing was lucid, descriptive, and vivid.
✴alternative third person narrative mainly from Maleena and Flax’s perspective.
✴Characters were realistic.
✴Maleena was the character that most teen could relate to. It was great to see how she developed in her journey and how her perspective changed.
✴Flax was fast learner and had heart of gold. His dilemma was relatable and realistic.
✴world was amazing- legend of Wind Goddess and her pendent, four elemental spirits that created world, different civilizations, their cultural difference, dispute between Warix nations, technology.
✴many layers and messages in the book.
✴Climax was interesting
✴End was sad and lovely at the same time.
🌷𝙒𝙝𝙮 3.5/4 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨:
✴it felt too long and too descriptive making it tempting to skim the pages.
✴I didn’t care about Flax and Yulah’s romance and relationship.
🌷Overall, Born of Wind was unique, interesting, and adventurous fantasy with amazing world. I recommend it to MG and YA fantasy readers who love #adventure and descriptive world.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
September 23, 2021
4 stars
Overall, I enjoyed following Meleena in her adventures. But once she was in it, it seemed she couldn't get a break. At times, I felt I didn't have time to rest between actions. :)
~
The first chapter read more like a prologue than a first chapter. I love prologues, so I like to know when a novel has one (only to enjoy it more and not wonder later why that first chapter was there).
~
However, the ending reads fast and I didn't put the book down to finish and see how Meleena saves the day. An enjoyable read.
*** Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Vulpine Press. ***
Overall, I enjoyed following Meleena in her adventures. But once she was in it, it seemed she couldn't get a break. At times, I felt I didn't have time to rest between actions. :)
~
The first chapter read more like a prologue than a first chapter. I love prologues, so I like to know when a novel has one (only to enjoy it more and not wonder later why that first chapter was there).
~
However, the ending reads fast and I didn't put the book down to finish and see how Meleena saves the day. An enjoyable read.
*** Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Vulpine Press. ***
October 22, 2024
Born of Wind is a young adult high fantasy that made me imagine a world where Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Avatar: The Way of Water. A "Clash of Avatars", if you will.
The plot is exciting and always keeps you guessing as you follow Meleena on her journey across a new land during her apprenticeship to becoming a council member for her water race; the Meruyans. I really enjoyed the world-building and loved the unique spin on steampunk-type inventions, but powered by the wind abilities of the Warix. The world is just beautifully thought out and depicted through Meleena's love of nature and Flax's apprenticeship with a Warix tinker.
My reason for rating 4 stars is because the story jumped around a lot and I often found myself lost in the timeline of the story. When the points of view switch, sometimes the characters backtracked to when they left the previous scene, so it wasn't abnormal to see the same scene twice from two different points of view, which was just a little disorienting. I caught on quickly, but the few times it happened (it wasn't often), I was jolted out of the story trying to understand where I was in the sequence of events.
This book is focused primarily on legends, tribal cultures, and world-building, so I would've liked to better connect to the characters; but as it is, I loved Flax's story the most and really enjoyed his whole character arc.
Overall, if you enjoy slower-paced fantasy with heavy world-building and a twisty plot, Born of Wind might be the book for you!
Content disclaimers: Usual curse words are substituted for book-unique words. There is some action/gore, but it's very mildly depicted. There is some romance, and sexual content is alluded to, however, it's all closed door and there is nothing shown on page.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
The plot is exciting and always keeps you guessing as you follow Meleena on her journey across a new land during her apprenticeship to becoming a council member for her water race; the Meruyans. I really enjoyed the world-building and loved the unique spin on steampunk-type inventions, but powered by the wind abilities of the Warix. The world is just beautifully thought out and depicted through Meleena's love of nature and Flax's apprenticeship with a Warix tinker.
My reason for rating 4 stars is because the story jumped around a lot and I often found myself lost in the timeline of the story. When the points of view switch, sometimes the characters backtracked to when they left the previous scene, so it wasn't abnormal to see the same scene twice from two different points of view, which was just a little disorienting. I caught on quickly, but the few times it happened (it wasn't often), I was jolted out of the story trying to understand where I was in the sequence of events.
This book is focused primarily on legends, tribal cultures, and world-building, so I would've liked to better connect to the characters; but as it is, I loved Flax's story the most and really enjoyed his whole character arc.
Overall, if you enjoy slower-paced fantasy with heavy world-building and a twisty plot, Born of Wind might be the book for you!
Content disclaimers: Usual curse words are substituted for book-unique words. There is some action/gore, but it's very mildly depicted. There is some romance, and sexual content is alluded to, however, it's all closed door and there is nothing shown on page.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
February 5, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!
Within the first couple of pages, I was drawn into a new world, and eager to explore it.
I love how this world takes its shape slowly as the story progresses- it made me feel like I was discovering it through the eyes of the characters.
As I read the story of young people from different backgrounds learning the intricacies of the societies they come from and the way their world works, I saw a parallel to the world we live in, and that made the story relatable. The characters felt real to me, and all showed growth as perspectives were explained and they learned more about people outside themselves.
I love that this story has something for everyone in it. As a coming of age story, it is layered with self discovery. As a study of civilizations and the interactions between cultures, it is a lesson in understanding, compassion and moral development. As an allegory to the world we live in, it is an incredible truth. As a story in and of itself, it is an entertaining journey through a vivid world, with unique and complex characters.
I rarely find a book that makes me want to reach out and thank the author. This one did.
I cannot wait for more of this world to come to life!
Within the first couple of pages, I was drawn into a new world, and eager to explore it.
I love how this world takes its shape slowly as the story progresses- it made me feel like I was discovering it through the eyes of the characters.
As I read the story of young people from different backgrounds learning the intricacies of the societies they come from and the way their world works, I saw a parallel to the world we live in, and that made the story relatable. The characters felt real to me, and all showed growth as perspectives were explained and they learned more about people outside themselves.
I love that this story has something for everyone in it. As a coming of age story, it is layered with self discovery. As a study of civilizations and the interactions between cultures, it is a lesson in understanding, compassion and moral development. As an allegory to the world we live in, it is an incredible truth. As a story in and of itself, it is an entertaining journey through a vivid world, with unique and complex characters.
I rarely find a book that makes me want to reach out and thank the author. This one did.
I cannot wait for more of this world to come to life!
April 25, 2021
Born of Wind is the debut fantasy novel of JB Lesel about warring groups of people with elemental powers. Meleena is a Meruyan—a race of fish-like humanoids. She lives with her family above land and wants nothing more than to study the natural world around her. Her life is turned upside down when she finds a magical pendent that is being fought over by two Warix (horned wind people) factions. The story also follows Flax, a Warix spy trying to find his father.
This novel had truly fantastic worldbuilding. I loved learning about all the different groups and clans of different people living in the world. The different animals that the characters stumble across are always well thought out and interesting. I would definitely love learning more about this world.
This novel had truly fantastic worldbuilding. I loved learning about all the different groups and clans of different people living in the world. The different animals that the characters stumble across are always well thought out and interesting. I would definitely love learning more about this world.
February 10, 2021
Meleena is the heroine that readers will identify with as she goes on a hero's journey to find her path and harness her power in this deep, creative world full of aquatic and earthly wonders. If you're into adventure, fiction/fantasy, world-building, realistic and strong female characters, this is the book for you. Overall, superb story and hard to put down!
March 28, 2021
Meleena is a typical teenager. She pushes the boundaries her parents and community impose on her. When she wins a seat on the council, she and the other two winners go on a tour of all the communities. During this tour, they realize that things are not always as they seem. This was a great coming of age book. I would recommend it to others.
March 15, 2021
This is a wonderfully immersive fantasy novel and fantastic debut.
I only just dipped my toe into the world of fantasy at the beginning of this year and this was the perfect book to make me love the genre.
The story follows Meleena, a Meruyan from Pontai'Desa who has been skipping a lot of her last year of school to sneak into the forest and sketch the nature and animals. Coming from a land focused on fishing and farming, she must choose one to be an apprentice in but she isn't interested in either. She wants to be a naturalist.
After, surprisingly, getting an apprenticeship with the council, and visiting neighbouring lands, she aims to make her wish come true.
At the same time, Flax, a Warix goes undercover as a spy to Sen'Drorn City from Sen'Prin City. He gets an apprenticeship in Borax's workshop.
Both Meleena and Flax discover more than they bargained for on their respective journeys.
Born Of Wind is amazingly descriptive and you are fully immersed in this world. You learn more about the relationships both past and present between the cities, what caused 'The Great Split' and subsequent wars.
Meleena is the perfect protagonist and it is a real coming of age story. You can't help but root for her.
I only just dipped my toe into the world of fantasy at the beginning of this year and this was the perfect book to make me love the genre.
The story follows Meleena, a Meruyan from Pontai'Desa who has been skipping a lot of her last year of school to sneak into the forest and sketch the nature and animals. Coming from a land focused on fishing and farming, she must choose one to be an apprentice in but she isn't interested in either. She wants to be a naturalist.
After, surprisingly, getting an apprenticeship with the council, and visiting neighbouring lands, she aims to make her wish come true.
At the same time, Flax, a Warix goes undercover as a spy to Sen'Drorn City from Sen'Prin City. He gets an apprenticeship in Borax's workshop.
Both Meleena and Flax discover more than they bargained for on their respective journeys.
Born Of Wind is amazingly descriptive and you are fully immersed in this world. You learn more about the relationships both past and present between the cities, what caused 'The Great Split' and subsequent wars.
Meleena is the perfect protagonist and it is a real coming of age story. You can't help but root for her.
August 20, 2021
I found this book on a free review site, and downloaded for my unbiased review.
The story switches between the viewpoints of Meleena and Flax, a girl and a guy, and we see how their very different worlds influence each other in small ways, building to a greater solution they are both trying to get to together. Watching characters go from disliking each other, to becoming friends, to solving problems in their world (without giving away spoilers), it was nice to see that there were complex ideas of "villains".
We get backstories and enough explanations for all the baddies, including the 'evil' nation in general, leading us to appreciate their charm and try to understand them. Themes of, nobody is just 2D or evil, but is just misguided and we are all just trying to figure it out.
We are just sensitive creatures in pain.
I thought the worldbuilding was really cool and unique, with great descriptions and appreciation for nature that reminded me of Barbara Kingsolver, but fantasy. The characters flowed together well, in a way that shows the author has a grasp of storytelling technique. Some of the writing was on the simple side, and could have flowed better, but its good for a first time author. I hope to read more in the future.
The story switches between the viewpoints of Meleena and Flax, a girl and a guy, and we see how their very different worlds influence each other in small ways, building to a greater solution they are both trying to get to together. Watching characters go from disliking each other, to becoming friends, to solving problems in their world (without giving away spoilers), it was nice to see that there were complex ideas of "villains".
We get backstories and enough explanations for all the baddies, including the 'evil' nation in general, leading us to appreciate their charm and try to understand them. Themes of, nobody is just 2D or evil, but is just misguided and we are all just trying to figure it out.
We are just sensitive creatures in pain.
I thought the worldbuilding was really cool and unique, with great descriptions and appreciation for nature that reminded me of Barbara Kingsolver, but fantasy. The characters flowed together well, in a way that shows the author has a grasp of storytelling technique. Some of the writing was on the simple side, and could have flowed better, but its good for a first time author. I hope to read more in the future.
March 14, 2021
AMAZING fantasy book that will one-day stand head and shoulders above the rest of what is out there!
I am impressed with the writing, and am not easily impressed. There is so much depth in it: of world-building, of characters, themes, and so many little details that bring this to life. The point of view switches between a various characters at different places in society, and we learn of the world slowly, skillfully unfolding in a way that is not overwhelming, but still fast paced. An action adventure, but fun and thought-provoking.
There is a great mixture of politics and individual story, social issues that can relate to our world but in an objective way that gets you thinking and doesn't tell you what is right, but shows the consequences of fear-based reasoning and control, vs. love based. Even the villains are deep, rather than just 'evil' they have legitimate backstories which make you like them.
There is also a good amount of humor! It adds an amazing, fun and quirky tone to the story. Many characters are legitimately funny and even sassy in their own way.
LOVE IT!!
I am impressed with the writing, and am not easily impressed. There is so much depth in it: of world-building, of characters, themes, and so many little details that bring this to life. The point of view switches between a various characters at different places in society, and we learn of the world slowly, skillfully unfolding in a way that is not overwhelming, but still fast paced. An action adventure, but fun and thought-provoking.
There is a great mixture of politics and individual story, social issues that can relate to our world but in an objective way that gets you thinking and doesn't tell you what is right, but shows the consequences of fear-based reasoning and control, vs. love based. Even the villains are deep, rather than just 'evil' they have legitimate backstories which make you like them.
There is also a good amount of humor! It adds an amazing, fun and quirky tone to the story. Many characters are legitimately funny and even sassy in their own way.
LOVE IT!!
July 13, 2021
Unique world and characters
The world and characters are unique and interesting. I almost wished for a picture book! However, I found the telling lacked a polished rhythm. It is suited well for a juvenile audience.
The world and characters are unique and interesting. I almost wished for a picture book! However, I found the telling lacked a polished rhythm. It is suited well for a juvenile audience.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews