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Magian #1
Ithia
A self-described part-time hermit, Ithia would rather take a hike alone than mingle in a crowd. When pulled into a supernatural world filled with secrecy and deceptions, she is forced to deal with her past.
An encounter with Tyrsten, a mysterious follower of an ancient spiritual order, changes her forever. Ithia soon discovers that Tyrsten expects her to restore his world with her untapped magical powers. Navigating a mystical land, She is hunted by those threatened by her very existence.
Who can Ithia trust when she can’t trust herself?
What revelations await her in the shadows?
Will Ithia find her way home?
An encounter with Tyrsten, a mysterious follower of an ancient spiritual order, changes her forever. Ithia soon discovers that Tyrsten expects her to restore his world with her untapped magical powers. Navigating a mystical land, She is hunted by those threatened by her very existence.
Who can Ithia trust when she can’t trust herself?
What revelations await her in the shadows?
Will Ithia find her way home?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Jen Valena
10 books163 followersJen Valena is a fantasy and paranormal romance author.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Want to read
January 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2020)! 🎁
July 7, 2019
Couldn’t put it down and then couldn’t wait till the next one!
Ithia is an extremely well-paced story that is a delicious blend of sci-fi and magic balanced with even doses of universal themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and all the short-comings, disappointments, and blunders that come with living a human (or even a Magian) existence. As Ithia quickly learns, it’s quite the balancing act to “find yourself” amidst the task of saving not only your own world, but a world you never knew existed. But hey, no pressure! Valena weaves a compelling web of complex, quirky characters so real and relatable that you may just forget you are reading a book and find yourself fully invested in their fantasy world as if it was your own. They made me want to laugh, cheer, and even warn them of impending danger. A fun read that never slows down until you inevitability regret having to say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made within the pages. But just until the next book, that is! Best thing I've read in quite a while!
Ithia is an extremely well-paced story that is a delicious blend of sci-fi and magic balanced with even doses of universal themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and all the short-comings, disappointments, and blunders that come with living a human (or even a Magian) existence. As Ithia quickly learns, it’s quite the balancing act to “find yourself” amidst the task of saving not only your own world, but a world you never knew existed. But hey, no pressure! Valena weaves a compelling web of complex, quirky characters so real and relatable that you may just forget you are reading a book and find yourself fully invested in their fantasy world as if it was your own. They made me want to laugh, cheer, and even warn them of impending danger. A fun read that never slows down until you inevitability regret having to say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made within the pages. But just until the next book, that is! Best thing I've read in quite a while!
November 14, 2017
A real page turner! I love the characters and the unexpected plot twists. Valena created a well developed world, full of its own mythology. The action sequences had me on the edge of my seat and the quieter passages of the book were compelling as the world was explained and explored. There was a great mix of suspense and magic with a dash of humor. Even the secondary characters were flushed out and propelled the storyline. A great read for fantasy lovers! I can’t wait for book two!!!
December 6, 2017
Finding your soul mate in a parallel world.
Ithia is a curious young woman who loves to read and meditate. She lives with her “Gramps” in an unnamed rural village and often falls asleep while reading underneath an umbrella-like oak tree overlooking Gramp's property. One thing Ithia doesn't realize: She is being watched—by two separate beings. That large tree, it turns out, marks the site of a portal to a parallel world. One day, while she is sleeping beneath the tree, a mysterious observer from “the other side” kidnaps her. From there, Ithia's adventure begins.
The parallel world is called Ma’thea. At first glance, it seems much like earth two hundred years ago— the society is agrarian, their technology is medieval, and the favored mode of transportation is a loyal horse. Ithia quickly discovers, however, that many of Ma'thea's residents have abilities unlike anything she has witnessed on modern earth.
Ithia's journey leads her to a healing springs and a magical maze-like forest. She encounters a woman's circle where “seers” teach her the art of visioning, and of the web-like connectivity that binds all living things, past present and future. Her adventures take her to castles, prisons and peculiar villages. She meets herbalists, soldiers, fortune tellers, and a handsome young man named Tyrsten who is desperately attempting to decipher the whereabouts of his missing spiritual teacher.
With Tyrsten's help, Ithia unlocks her own hidden abilities. She learns how to form protective “energy bubbles,” around herself and her friends. She learns how to speak with her spirit animals. Her education is weighted down by Tyrsten's expectations, and her own doubts; however, one thing becomes clear: Her arrival to this parallel world was no coincidence. She has history here. Past lives? Future obligations?
This first novel by Jen Valena is well-written and includes special attention to the dynamics of relationships. The layers of plot and character demonstrate that all actions and choices are connected. The author's precision with character interactions brings conversations to life. This novel presents a number of metaphysical notions for the reader to ponder. Perhaps there is more to the world than what is visible with the human eye—colors, auras, energies, intentions and opportunities—details that we can only observe and interpret with the “inner eye.” The reader begins to view the author's parallel world as a mirror for our own world where our reliance on technology often outweighs our reliance on humanity, or human potential. As Ithia discovers the advantage of forming friendships, we root for her. As she learns to trust, we recognize her journey.
I strongly recommend Ithia to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy or even light science fiction with a strong focus on relationships. The primary relationships in this novel are explored deeply and realistically—particularly the story between Ithia and Tyrsten. Additionally, If you enjoy fantasy inspired by metaphysical musings, this is definitely a book for you.
Disclaimer: I have known and admired the author for a several years, and was given an advanced copy of this book with the request of an honest review.
Ithia is a curious young woman who loves to read and meditate. She lives with her “Gramps” in an unnamed rural village and often falls asleep while reading underneath an umbrella-like oak tree overlooking Gramp's property. One thing Ithia doesn't realize: She is being watched—by two separate beings. That large tree, it turns out, marks the site of a portal to a parallel world. One day, while she is sleeping beneath the tree, a mysterious observer from “the other side” kidnaps her. From there, Ithia's adventure begins.
The parallel world is called Ma’thea. At first glance, it seems much like earth two hundred years ago— the society is agrarian, their technology is medieval, and the favored mode of transportation is a loyal horse. Ithia quickly discovers, however, that many of Ma'thea's residents have abilities unlike anything she has witnessed on modern earth.
Ithia's journey leads her to a healing springs and a magical maze-like forest. She encounters a woman's circle where “seers” teach her the art of visioning, and of the web-like connectivity that binds all living things, past present and future. Her adventures take her to castles, prisons and peculiar villages. She meets herbalists, soldiers, fortune tellers, and a handsome young man named Tyrsten who is desperately attempting to decipher the whereabouts of his missing spiritual teacher.
With Tyrsten's help, Ithia unlocks her own hidden abilities. She learns how to form protective “energy bubbles,” around herself and her friends. She learns how to speak with her spirit animals. Her education is weighted down by Tyrsten's expectations, and her own doubts; however, one thing becomes clear: Her arrival to this parallel world was no coincidence. She has history here. Past lives? Future obligations?
This first novel by Jen Valena is well-written and includes special attention to the dynamics of relationships. The layers of plot and character demonstrate that all actions and choices are connected. The author's precision with character interactions brings conversations to life. This novel presents a number of metaphysical notions for the reader to ponder. Perhaps there is more to the world than what is visible with the human eye—colors, auras, energies, intentions and opportunities—details that we can only observe and interpret with the “inner eye.” The reader begins to view the author's parallel world as a mirror for our own world where our reliance on technology often outweighs our reliance on humanity, or human potential. As Ithia discovers the advantage of forming friendships, we root for her. As she learns to trust, we recognize her journey.
I strongly recommend Ithia to anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy or even light science fiction with a strong focus on relationships. The primary relationships in this novel are explored deeply and realistically—particularly the story between Ithia and Tyrsten. Additionally, If you enjoy fantasy inspired by metaphysical musings, this is definitely a book for you.
Disclaimer: I have known and admired the author for a several years, and was given an advanced copy of this book with the request of an honest review.
November 30, 2017
A wonderful fantasy book
Both my son and I read Ithia and enjoyed it greatly. It has a wonderful mix of fantasy and metaphysics that blend beautifully. The story pulls you in right away and immerses you into the world. Ithia is a dynamic character that I think most people will be able to connect with. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy lovers.
Both my son and I read Ithia and enjoyed it greatly. It has a wonderful mix of fantasy and metaphysics that blend beautifully. The story pulls you in right away and immerses you into the world. Ithia is a dynamic character that I think most people will be able to connect with. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy lovers.
July 16, 2018
Amazing new series!!
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Ithia. The author takes you to a world filled with wonder, intrigue, mystery and romance. The pages go quickly as you cheer, yell, and laugh with the well developed characters. If you’re looking for a new series to immerse yourself in this Is it! Next book please!!!:)
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Ithia. The author takes you to a world filled with wonder, intrigue, mystery and romance. The pages go quickly as you cheer, yell, and laugh with the well developed characters. If you’re looking for a new series to immerse yourself in this Is it! Next book please!!!:)
August 8, 2021
Must read for fantasy sci-fi fans
As an author myself, I'm inspired by the writinh of this novel.
Ithia is an amazing read. If you love fantasy and the idea of merging that with multi verse theory, then you'll love this as much as me.
Ithia is an amazing character in an amazing world. In fact all the characters in this story are believable.
As an author myself, I'm inspired by the writinh of this novel.
Ithia is an amazing read. If you love fantasy and the idea of merging that with multi verse theory, then you'll love this as much as me.
Ithia is an amazing character in an amazing world. In fact all the characters in this story are believable.
Want to read
July 26, 2021I’d recommend this fantasy book for someone that would enjoy a heroine’s journey that explores a supernatural world with metaphysical overtones. The plot is mostly character driven, all of them with complex motivations.
November 10, 2019
There is so much storytelling in this book. It is more of a supernatural saga about another world with magic than a straight up romance. Don't get me wrong there is a lot of chemistry between Ithia and Tyrsten and their connection is a major theme throughout the book but it is only a piece. It is more of a story of the awakening of Ithia's powers, her discovery of the rules and workings of this magical world and her role in correcting so many wrongs that have transpired there.
I really liked the author's voice as she wrote this great adventure and the many secondary characters she created along the way. I can hardy wait to see what happens in the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked the author's voice as she wrote this great adventure and the many secondary characters she created along the way. I can hardy wait to see what happens in the second book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2019
This is the story of Ithia and the start of her adventure. The story had action, mystery, adventure and quite a few funny scenes. I loved to like and hate all the characters. I loved the pace and how answers to what was happening were slowly revealed as Ithia learned who to trust and who to question. Once I started reading I was hooked to the end. An amazing story ans start of an adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2019
Having certain abilities makes her a target for some, a heroine to others.
Finding faith in her abilities and skills is hard as long as she feels uncertain she is able to trust herself.
Success and failure are related to how you see them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finding faith in her abilities and skills is hard as long as she feels uncertain she is able to trust herself.
Success and failure are related to how you see them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. This was definitely a hard book to put down. The story and characters are well written. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2022
WHAT AN EPIC ADVENTURE!!!. This was a slow burn but once it caught the pages stayed on fire. Ithia and Tyrsten together blazes the way for a an exciting new adventure for me. Thank you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2024
I finished this book in 2 days.. absolutely loved it. It is very hard to find a book with all these elements in it and i was so happy there were 2 more! (I already finished them too)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews