The Finding

Legend of Oescienne #1

by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found...

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.

But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Amazon, Fiction

508 pages, ebook

First published June 20, 2009

About the author

Fantasy Author. Swordswoman. Chicken Mama. These are just a few of the titles Jenna Elizabeth Johnson proudly goes by. She is the author of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, including the award-winning Legend of Oescienne series, the Otherworld series, and the Draghans of Firiehn novella series.

Besides writing fantasy adventures featuring domineering dragons, headstrong heroines, brooding Celtic warriors, and all the magical creatures in between, she is a competitive HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) practitioner, participating in longsword tournaments whenever she gets the chance.

During her down time, Jenna can be found exploring the open spaces of California’s Central Coast, camping in Yosemite National Park, reading books and webcomics, or hanging out with her flock of overly-affectionate lap chickens.

You can join Jenna’s readership at www.jennaelizabethjohnson.com.

Reviews

[Eileen Cunliffe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. Dragged on and on with blathering and laborious details having nothing to do with the story... seemingly written in to lengthen the book.

[Gerold Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this via the "eBook Giveaways discussion" on Goodreads.

Humans have been extinct for centuries so when the dragon Jaax hears that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he takes her away to Ethöes - a place he considers to be safe - where the old dragon, Hroombra can keep an eye on her. However, unknown to Jaax, someone - or something - is watching him - and the infant....

The book is full of very descriptive phrases, for example: "A single road twined through the village and the randomly placed dwellings like a brown snake searching out mice in a harvested field." Another example: "The road itself was wide and smooth like a great lazy snake creeping through the autumn-dried fields."

The story revolves around Jahrra as she matures. She and her small group of friends are faced with many conflicts: problems at school, peer pressure, emotional conflict, name calling, racial pressure, pompous rich kids and many more issues.

What I liked:
1) The book is well written, well edited and I found only one grammar error (two if you consider use of "an" instead of "a" when the following word begins with the letter "h") [an hour vs a hour].
2) No swearing, and no profanity.
3) Very descriptive storytelling.
4) A "Pronounciation Guide" is provided for all the unusual names like "Phrym", the name of Jahrra's semequin (horse).

What I disliked:
1) The dragon Jaax is away all the time, always too busy to assist in Jahrra's upbringing, always busy with "other matters". The reader is never given an inkling into what these "other matters" are.
2) Jahrra costantly dreams of a "hooded figure". The hooded figure's identity is not resolved in the story. Is he good or bad? Readers are left without knowing.
3) The story is very slow. Often something happens and the reader expects it to lead to something dramatic - but it doesn't. Example: a pair of eyes are reported to be watching from the woods (several times). Nothing comes from this mysterious watcher.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy story of a young girl, Jahrra, growing up and coming of age among elves and dragons. The author does a great job creating colorful landscapes and emotional atmosphere often seen through Jahrra's eyes, though other characters tell their point of view from time to time as well. The author creates the escapades that young children often face, making friends and enemies at school, becoming aware of class and status in society, wonderment in learning, and finding courage to stand up to dares. Jahrra has determination and strength, and as the story closes the stage is set for Jahrra to become the hero that many believe she will be even though she is not aware of her purpose yet. Where this story is more of a 'coming of age' I suspect future books will feature more quests and battles as the enemy draws closer to Oescienne. I believe this story is geared towards teen and young adult readers, but I have to admit that even older readers like me can enjoy a good story like this.
Note: Readers will want to review the pronounciation dictionary before starting this book.

[C. Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an adult and this seems to be oriented to preteens. The whole book covers a few years in the heroine's youth. The writing is good, but it drags with too much detail making the same points over and over. It's okay as it's the first book in the series. I didn't find the fantasy elements, especially the dragons and how they fit in the societies, very interesting.

[Teri Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to what seems to be a promising series.

I like stories with intelligent creatures, especially dragons, so I was naturally drawn to this book. I did like it and intend to read the rest. My only complaint is that it really drags in parts. The descriptions of houses, etc. while minutely interesting, doesn't carry the story forward. Things I would be more interested in are not addressed at all. How/what do Jaharra and Hoombra eat, who cooks and how? It mentions bread and cheese, but not how it got there. I don't need a lot of detail, but is food delivered? Jaharra is rarely home, who cooks and cleans? Who tends to Phrym, where does his food come from? Why don't the super rich kids gave tutors, why do they have to travel so far to attend a one room school? What happened to the acorn given to Jaharra when Jaax 1st got her? Did she inherit the land and orchard from her parents? Why is it, and the house, not occupied or tended to? She could be collecting a little rent money. How is she handling bathing, washing clothes, and she is old enough to have a period...all she seems to do is go to school, take lessons, play with friends, ride, camp out. Which sounds like fun, but is not very realistic unless they have caretakers. Mostly I like this book, but I was left with these practical questions just because they are not addressed. Other questions I assume will be answered in the next couple of books.

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you watch the first Lord of the Rings movie and just sit there stunned at the ending which had no conclusion like I did? That is kind of how I felt about this book.

This is a fantasy story that appears to be written for pre-teens. It is the story of Jahrra, a human child born in a time when humans are extinct because the human race was changed into a race of dragons due to a curse.

We watch Jahrra grow from infancy to about age 12 in this first book in the series. She is raised as a Nesnan and is unaware that she is human. She is being groomed for her destiny but is unaware of what her destiny is. She experiences loss, has to learn to deal with bullies, and explores the forbidden woods.

I liked this story but just feel like a lot was missing. The story is a little slow and many items hinting at something about to happen are referenced, yet that something doesn't happen in this book of the series. I sure hope it does in the next.

[Teresa Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good


Good book and I would recommend this book to my friends. I gave it five stars because it was a good book.

[robin page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons and drama

A well written story of a time when dragons protected and taught humans, devoted to keeping them safe. One human girl is the linchpin to bringing humans back to populate this world again after a tyrant takes the kingdom. I will read more from this author.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend of Oescienne is an exciting fantasy adventure series that encompasses dragons, prophecies and heroes of mythic proportions. Humans have been extinct for centuries. So, when the dragon, Jaax, learns that a human infant has been found in Oescienne, he is skeptical. But upon seeing the blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl he takes responsibility for her, never revealing to her or anyone else the true nature of her existence.

All her life Jahrra has heard stories pertaining to the legends of Oescienne, but never could she imagine she might have anything to do with them. She’s far too busy avoiding bullies at school and seeking adventure with her friends to worry about what her dragon mentor, Jaax, might be keeping from her. It most certainly never dawned on her that she might somehow play an integral role in the legendary prophecies of Oescienne.

Author Jenna Elizabeth Johnson’s Legend of Oescienne series delights and entertains with each captivating book in this exciting collection. With powerful imagery, we are introduced to an enchanting world with a colorful array of mystical characters. Each book leads seamlessly into the next, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Finishing with an epic conclusion that does not disappoint, people who love fantasy fiction will thrill at the Legend of Oescienne series which is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

[Anne Kinslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Kinslow.
I fell in love with this story!
Written so beautifully and the story just flowed. I found it hard to put this book down, as I was enthralled from beginning to end.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Fantasy Tale.

[Nikki Bao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaax, a dragon, finds out that there is a human baby that has been found. After some years have passed, Jahrra, the baby, is busy with school. She knows that there are secrets being kept from her, but is unsure what they are or what they could mean.

[Laurie Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely lyrical tale told with eloquence. Thank you Jenna for sharing your work with the world.

[Natty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and conceived epic tale. Will definitely continue to read.

[William Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time for a new review. As is often the case, I found The Finding (Legend of Oescienne #1) by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson on Bragmedallion.com. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):
When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found...
Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.
But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.

What I liked about The Finding:
The Finding was an enjoyable read. I liked Jahrra and the dragon Hroombra. Jaax was just enough of an unknown to thoroughly irritate Jahrra and lend mystery to the story. Jahrra’s friends and their battles against the bullies at school added drama, and the worldbuilding was excellent. Overall, this was a good start to the series.

What I didn’t like about The Finding:
For me, the book dragged in spots, was overly descriptive, and often repetitive. These factors distracted me from the overall story.

Overall impression of The Finding:
Despite the somewhat slow pace of the book and other issues noted above, I liked the book and added the second book of the series to my TBR. If you enjoy epic fantasy with good worldbuilding, try this one!

My rating:
4 Stars

[Meagan Poetschlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this book on my kindle when Amazon threw it on my recommendation list. I love anything to do with dragons so I gave it a read.

Jahrra is born as the only human in a world where the humans were lost hundreds of years ago. The Finding is book one, which tells the story of how the dragons found her and raise her into young adulthood. The magical land of Oescienne waits for its human savior, and she has no idea that the balance rests on her small human shoulders.

The world Jenna created is wonderfully beautiful and the characters are realistic and full of personality. I love Phyrm and Jahrra's best friends. I wanted to punch the twins and their possy on multiple occasions. It was a well written story and a fascinating in depth world. And of course, I loved the very different personalities of the two dragons Jaxx and Hroombra.

The only thing that I didn't like was all the school drama and training Jahrra had to endure. I would have liked a bit less of her childhood drama and more history of the world and main villain. That being said, I know this is the first of a series and there is so much more to discover in Oescienne. I cant wait to read more.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

After rescuing a baby from inside an oak tree in the village of Crie in northern Oescienne, Aydehn, an elf invites Raejaxorix,a dragon to his home to see the baby for himself.

When the dragon takes a look at the baby and confirms that she is indeed human, he promises to deliver her to Korli dragon Hroombramantu in Oscienne, far away from the tyrant Crimson King.

Before he takes her away, however, the dragon and elves both settle on a name for the baby, Jahrra Drisihn.

And so Jahraa is entrusted in the care of an elf couple Abdhe and Lynhi who raise her as their own and as a Nesnan elf.

Unbeknownst to them there’s a creature watching them from the shadows of the dense forest and has witnessed their meeting. He’s puzzled by the presence of the baby and is determined to find out what the Tanaan dragon🐉 is doing with an infant.

Six years later, Jahraa still visits Hroombra at the Castle Guard Ruin where he revels her with stories of real elves, Tulle tribe and dwarves who inhabit the outskirts of Oescienne. He also tells her stories about the dragon Raejaaxorix. She would listen staring in childlike wonder. Meanwhile there’s still no word from Jaxx this whole time except reports concerning his diplomatic duties in Osecienne.

By now Jahraa has also become a handful and possesses a stubborn streak. She’s loves exploring her environs, causing innocuous mischief with her farm animals and bugs 🐜 around the house in her wake.

She’s due to start school with the rest of the local children and while her parents are feeling relieved 😌 because this means less encounters with strange bugs and reptiles, they are concerned that she won’t listen to her teachers and stir up trouble with her classmates. She’s a smart kid but she’s only eager to learn what Hroombra is willing to teach her. She only prefers Hroombra’s teachings.

When they share their concerns with Hroombra, he assures them that she’ll be fine and she will adapt in no time. We follow Jahraa’s adventures with her new friends with Gieaun and her brother Scede.

This is the first book in The Legend of Oescienne series and a great start of a fantasy series. Would recommend to young readers and lovers of fantasy.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll give this book 3 stars because I'm holding out hope for the series. This book is good, don't get me wrong, it just isn't fab, but it has promise and potential as the series goes along. Many people liken it to Eragon or Harry Potter. I don't see Harry Potter, there really isn't magic in this book, but I guess Eragon due to the dragons and Elves. I liken it more to Lord of the Rings, there are Elves and mentions of Dwarves, but more than that, this book is the set up for what comes next. You have to spend years as Jahrra grows up, she learns, trains, endures bullies, the loss of her adopted family, and being raised by an elderly dragon, never knowing who she really is or the responsibility resting on her. Unlike Harry Potter or Eragon, you aren't immediately sucked into a book you just can't put down. However, the promise of what to come is tantalizing. #NetGalley #TheFinding

[Veracious · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Finding... Well let me start with it has taken me a very long time to Finish not for fault from the story or the writing but from me wanting to savour the enjoyment of reading about this whole world in such detail, I could almost travel in this place and know where I was going and not need a map.
Some areas may have been a bit to long but I still enjoyed reading that aswell I got a real sense of how such small things to most adults can be a major issue to a child, made me stop a few times to think back on my own childhood and wonder about different things, this was such an unexpected result from reading a fancy book.

Thank you Jenna for such a pleasant read the slow pace and description of everything in this world you have created, the next book is already calling my name.

[Ruthanne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book but then I love dragons & elves & magic. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. The story is tightly plotted about a young girl destined to save the world with the help of dragons & elves. While a work of fiction, this YA books teaches about the appreciation of differences. It is well written & not at all preachy. I highly recommend this book.

[Sarah Jewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Finding

Acquired this book free on Amazon. Greatly enjoyed reading this novel to my baby. We look forward to reading the remainder of the series.

[Flewts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant story.

[Tanya Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written

I enjoyed this book. I found it well written with a good storyline and interesting characters. Looking forward to the rest.

[wend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a good fantasy story, this didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Lora Desrosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful welcome into Ethoes' world of Oescienne! Beautiful backdrop and buildup for one of the best adventures I have ever embarked upon! I really loved this series, and this first book reeled me right in.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like dragons, elves, and an unknown princes, you will like this book. The battles are manly on the school playground in book 1, but you can tell that the real battle is close at hand. This book has wonderful characters.

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic for beginners

I don't know if I LOVE it...but I love that it exists. I think my 4th grader could get through it, and it's gripping enough that it would help her love fantasy, but the story is simple enough that you don't have to be Tolkien-level to enjoy it. Not as much nuance as KM Shea, for example, but it's an epic for sure.

Good for fans of Mossflower and Redwall.

[Scott Sammons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another loss leader balloon price series.

This story is fun enough, though there are far too many divergences from what I believe to be universal juvenile behaviour to be entirely credible. Pollo Longstockings, Laura Engles, Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, or even Becky Thatcher would never accept a dare that didn't force the challenger to prove his own willingness to do the same action. That in itself is trivial, the story is OK. I do object to the pricing scheme. In the author's defense the higher priced final books are still modest. I just do not wish to participate in this kind of marketing. There are no cliffhangers or offensive elements within the story.

[Naoé · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the world and the characters were lovable for the most part and I'm honestly intrigued by the plot.
But everything was so slow, I'm sorry I wanted to love this book really but I felt like nothing was happening like the plot didn't progress sadly.
And as much as I love a good dragon book I want to read books that I'm really compelled to read not just ones I want to give a chance especially when it comes to fantasy series.

[Kimberly C. Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy good for young readers and up!

Well written with great characters. This book would do well being read to younger kids and enjoyed by fans of this genre. This book gives a good build up of the characters and background for what I imagine is yet to come. Will the stubbornness and pride of Jarrah be a help or hindrance?

[Susan Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good beginning

This is a good start to what promises to be a good series. Lots of twists and turns, character development and good editing.