Venators: Magic Unleashed

by Devri Walls

Overview

The dark unknown beckons three young adventurers in this“fast-paced and supernaturally entertaining” YA fantasy series debut (Addison Moore, New York Times bestselling author of the Celestra series)

When their college dorm is infiltrated by creatures from another realm, Rune Jenkins, her twin brother Ryker, and their friend Gray Malteer face otherworldly dangers beyond imagining. While Rune and Gray are able to escape, Ryker is kidnapped and taken to Eon—an alternate world where monsters and magic thrive.

With the help of a supernatural guide, Rune and Gray must now travel to Eon to save Ryker—and discover the surprising truth about their own ancestry. They are Venators: genetically enhanced protectors between Earth and this new world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards. But as Rune and Grey attempt to find their way through Eon, and learn to accept the responsibility of their inherited powers, they are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game…

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612542836
Publisher:	Brown Books Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/21/2020
Series:	The Venators Series , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	416
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Devri Walls is a US and international best-selling author. She specializes in all things fantasy and paranormal. She’s best known for her uncanny world-building skills, her intricate storylines, and the ability to present it all in an easy-to-digest voice. Devri loves to engage with her loyal following through online sessions organized for her readers and social media. Devri lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband and two kids. When not writing, she can be found teaching voice lessons, reading, cooking, or binge watching whatever show catches her fancy.

Editorial Reviews

04/16/2018
Rune and Grey are just trying to fit in at college, when they pass through a gate to find that they have special genetic powers that make them Venators, ideal peacekeepers in a supernatural civil war. While Grey has long had an inkling about his place in this otherworldly dimension, Rune is of a single mind—saving her twin brother, Ryker, who was also kidnapped and brought to the strange place against his will. The action-packed first installment in Walls's (Wings of Arian) new series features a dizzying array of werewolves, vampires, faeries, and dragons, all out to aid, manipulate, or kill the human Venators. At times, the plot is given to over-dramatization, peppered with dialogue that can feel unnatural and monological. Subtle hints at past conflicts between the main characters don't entirely bring them into focus, and the iconic creatures of the night ultimately come across as a paranormal hodgepodge, without distinctive characteristics. Attempts to take on racism and sexual predation are respectable but brief, instead of building blocks to a larger theme. The result is a murky telling that relies too often on witty retorts and pure adrenaline. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

04/01/2018
Gr 10 Up—A dynamic, intriguing, and magical world with interesting characters and a story that will engage teens. Rune and Grey are college students who are intrigued by the paranormal. Rune's twin brother, Ryker, mocks Grey but is also struggling with his draw to the supernatural. When their dorm is plagued by creatures from another realm, Ryker is kidnapped and taken to Eon, an alternate world where vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures are fighting to keep peace. Rune and Grey also transport to this realm to save Ryker and learn of their true ancestry. They are part of a long history of Venators, descendants of genetically enhanced humans designed to protect the inhabitants of Eon, and to keep them from harming the people of Earth. In order to save Ryker and themselves, they must learn their place in this new world. Walls' third-person narrative gives great insight into each protagonist. Each character has unique motivations that propel the story forward. The world-building is fascinating and well developed, and Walls has done everything right to create a solid series opener. Readers will be begging to see what happens to their heroes. VERDICT The fleshed-out world-building, intense action sequences, hinted-at-romance, and entertaining dialogue make this book a first purchase.—Aileen Barton, Belle Isle Library, Oklahoma City

School Library Journal