Venators: Magic Unleashed

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.