Ennara and the Fallen Druid

By Angela Myron

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand.
Born with a mask that foretold magical powers, she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon.

Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara's parents that she is her world's only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara doesn't want to leave on the dangerous quest, but when she learns the curse threatens her world, she reluctantly agrees.

Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara's magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Oct 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781927940082

Angela Myron

Angela Myron is the award-winning author of the middle grade fantasy series Ennara and a stack of technical manuals on everything from nonlinear editing to data encryption. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their twins.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Mask and the Dragon

Misty?

A twig snapped. A damp chill surrounded Ennara, picking up goose bumps on her arms. The girl hugged herself and stomped her feet to fend off the cold. Why couldn’t the cow make things easy for her tonight?

She took a tentative step between two wild rosebushes. The sun slowly sank toward the distant hills across Lake Coeur. If she hadn’t stayed so late fishing at the docks with Kithe, she’d be home by now, cow tucked safely in the well-lit barn.

Ennara glanced around the gloomy forest. Long shadows stretched across the pasture between her and the farmhouse. She shivered. Her father, Lir, had warned her to bring Misty back before sunset. She wasn’t afraid of the dark, but she didn’t want to meet one of the monsters stalking around at night that Kithe told her about.

She heard the familiar clang of the cow’s bell and called again, stepping near the sound. Trees blocked her view. She peered between them, trying to catch a glimpse of the exasperating bovine.

The life-filled woods departed as the last rays of light slipped behind the hills, leaving a hollow version of its higher self. The girl shivered a second time and rubbed her arms.

The bell sounded once more. Ennara jumped and spun around. She ran a few steps in the direction of the sound, further into the trees.

Through the approaching dusk, she caught a glimpse of metal. There it was—the cow’s bell and collar hung on the limb of a young cottonwood. How had Misty managed to get it off? Confused, the girl stepped toward the bell.

Behind her, a twig snapped. She froze. She turned to see a tall shadow flitting among the trees. Her heart fluttered as she backed away.

M … misty? she whispered.

A hiss and knocking replied. Was that a raven? No, the sound wasn’t quite right.

She tripped on a branch and landed on something soft and wet. Ugh! It was just her luck to land in mud. She lifted her hand in the lingering daylight to see it dripping with a murky liquid. Her stomach knotted. What was it? Too runny to be mud. She grabbed for the offending stick and felt … fur.

She stifled a scream and scrambled to her feet. A whimper escaped her lips.

Ennara squinted at the lumps on the ground. Was that a branch or a leg? Was that a boulder or the body of … a cow?

Misty? the girl’s voice quivered. Her eyes welled with tears. She’d brought the cow in for three years without a hitch. She remembered how hard she worked to convince her parents to let her bring Misty in by herself. And now her cow was … dead? Her nose began to run. She sniffed and rubbed it on her sleeve.

She stumbled to the pasture. She had to get away from whatever was stalking through the forest and get back to the farm. The sun had fallen behind the hills. Light was fading into twilight.

The rasping-gurgling was right beside her now. She whirled, her jagged breath catching in her chest. The shadow darted. She ran for the open field where some twilight remained. Her legs wobbled with fear. She stumbled.

She looked up, and there it was before her. She froze. Crouching in the darkness of a great pine was the twisted shape of a man, like a broken shadow come alive. Red eyes blinked slowly at her. A mouth lined with pointed teeth curled into a smile. The demon opened its mouth wide and let out another gurgling hiss. Long, sharp claws grasped the earth as it crept toward her.

She screamed, scrambling backward. The creature cackled and licked its lips. It paused, sniffed the air, and swiped a bloody, black claw at a shrub. Was it taunting her? Her stomach sank. She somehow found her feet and lurched into a run.

The shadow darted to her side, making no effort to stay hidden. It felt like the trees were closing in around her. Her entire body shook. She tripped again. Could she make it to the farm?

The demon pounced, pushing the girl in the dirt. The sweat on her brow turned icy; the shadow creature drew all warmth out of the air. It pressed its claws into her leather vest. Jagged breaths came close as it breathed in her scent. She squeezed her eyes shut. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

Ennara! her father shouted.

Daddy! she screamed.

Glass and metal crashed over her head. Fire fell around her. A lantern lay broken at the base of the tree in front of her. The flames spread, hungrily devouring the oil mixed with tinder. The creature growled and clawed at her back before darting into the fleeting shadows.

Lir pulled her onto his horse. Her limbs tingled; the warmth of her father and his stallion was like a tonic. She collapsed in the saddle.

He spurred the steed to the pasture. A screech tore through the blackness behind them. Her muscles tensed again as they sped to the farm. She peered past her father through the lengthening dusk. A shadowy shape bound out of the woods and tore across the field after them. She squeezed the horse’s neck and buried her face in his mane.

Light the trench! Lir shouted as they approached the farmhouse, Aenor! A shadespawn comes! Light it now!

In the twilight, Ennara could make out her mother on the porch. The woman, dressed in her familiar work wear, lit a lantern and ran to the edge of the dirt lane to the farm. She struck a flint on the earth. A dazzling wall of blue and lavender flame erupted, encircling the house, outbuildings, and barn. Her graceful features and long golden hair were lit brilliantly. She stepped away from the blaze and ran to the barn.

Buckwheat screamed as Lir urged him through the burning wall. He swept his cloak over the silver quarter horse’s back. The girl flinched as the steed leapt, anticipating searing heat, but it never came. Strange, she thought. The fire must have come from one of her aunt’s alchemical mixtures, but Ennara hadn’t seen it before.

In the barn, Aenor had lit three lanterns and had driven the hens inside before she returned to the house to light it as well. The confused birds huddled in a corner of their pen, clucking quietly and tucking their heads under their wings. Lir helped his shaking daughter off the horse. Her knees buckled when she hit the solidity of the earth. She grabbed for a railing on the horse’s stall for support.

Her father cupped her chin. Are you hurt? he said in a shaky voice.

No, I’m … I’m okay.

That creature … the shadespawn … it didn’t touch you?

It … it clawed at my vest—

Lir turned her around. He ran his hands down tears in the thick leather. He exhaled, lifted his eyes, and hugged her. His warmth and strength loosed her nerves. A sob caught in her throat. He held her tighter and took a deep breath.

We’d better get in the house before the lumos powder burns out. Stay close to me. The shadow creatures can’t enter light.

They ran to the house, her father holding a lantern before them as they went. Every window was lit by lanterns and candles. Her mother waited for them at the door, her forehead crinkled in worry as she rushed to embrace her husband and daughter.

My god, you’re covered in blood … her words trembled as she pushed the bangs away from Ennara’s face.

It’s Misty’s …

Aenor embraced her. She ushered the girl upstairs to get out of the soiled clothing and wash. As Ennara soaked in a warm bath, her mind replayed her narrow escape from the shadespawn in the forest. She was glad to be home, safe.

Ennara studied herself with her mother’s silver glass hand mirror. She hadn’t slept well. Her eyes, normally hazel, looked gray. They were puffy and streaked with red. She couldn’t get the image of the shadespawn out of her mind, imagining it stalking outside her bedroom, sifting through the cracks in the door, and creeping up to her bed. Her mother had left a lamp glowing in her room—in fact, the whole house was lit—for the remainder of the night. She kept her covers tucked up to her chin, peering into the shadows. Now that it was daylight she felt safer, but the shadespawn lingered in her thoughts.

She picked up a brush and tugged it through her short blonde hair. It didn’t matter if she wore it long or short; it always flopped right in her face. She sighed and blew the wispy strands away.

She studied the visage—what was it that made her any different? Pink cheeks, small nose. She didn’t look so different than other girls. But not when she was born. A tiny membrane covering her face—the caul—had marked her as someone different.

She gazed at the tattoo that marked her as a magic user. Orange and red flames reached to her fingertips, bursting from a green and gold dragon that gripped the back of her right hand and wrapped its tail around her wrist. The tattoo was meant to warn non-magic users of her supposed abilities, not that she had any; she’d merely studied the theories behind magic, never used it.

A sharp crack came from the window. She rose and looked outside; the lanky Kithe Fontaine squinted up at her with a handful of pebbles. Kithe was the only child in Hogin her age. They’d been friends for as long as she could remember.

Seeing the girl, he did a cartwheel and a jig. She winced. Kithe was clumsy. He stood a hand taller than her, and people always assumed he was older. Just a month older, she begrudgingly admitted. If he kept up his antics, he’d sprain an ankle or punch a hole through the chicken pen. She unlatched the window.

Are you here for eggs? she called to him. He often came by to buy eggs for his father’s inn. He nodded. I’ll be right down!

The boy did a roundhouse kick at the air and landed on his feet. He raised his arms in triumph and bowed to an imaginary audience. Ennara turned from the window and ran downstairs as her aunt arrived. The widow of her father’s brother studied her, the woman’s deep brown eyes bordered by worry lines.

Hi, Aunt Marsaili! she shouted as she ran through the kitchen to the back door. Her aunt waved her on.

She made the steps as Kithe hopped onto the fencepost next to the chickens. A hero in his own mind, the youth held a stick and fenced with an imaginary opponent.

Kithe! Be careful!

He glanced over, wobbled on his toes, and fell into the coop. With a surprised Aaah! he landed square in the birds’ water trough, splashing its occupants. A cacophony of squawks, screeches, and feathers erupted from the pen.

His unruly black hair was plastered to his head, and his clothes were drenched. He looked like a troll soaked in mud with his face covered in seed and freckles. Ennara laughed. He had more freckles than anyone she knew. When they were younger, she would say they were fairy kisses, to which he vehemently objected.

He hopped out of the pen and sat on the ground to empty his boots of water and seed. Ennara picked up a basket, delicately entered the coop, and gathered a dozen eggs, cooing at the hens to calm them.

Thanks, he said, blushing as she handed the basket to him. He drew a dripping silver coin from his pocket and handed it to her.

I have something to tell you, she said, lowering her voice. But first we need to find out what my parents are discussing with Aunt Marsaili.

She held a finger to her lips and motioned him to follow her up the outer staircase to her parents’ chamber. The shadespawn story would have to wait.

She slowly opened the patio door and tiptoed down the hall to the staircase above the front room and kitchen. From there, they could hear the conversation below while staying hidden.

Lir and Aenor sat at the table while her aunt paced the floor. The woman, who was a few years younger than her mother, was usually calm, filled with a kind of quiet confidence. But right now her tutor was clearly worried. She crossed the room and peered out the window at the chicken coop and garden. After seeming to confirm nothing appeared amiss, she straightened and took a deep breath.

They are here, Lir said. Aunt Marsaili’s response was muffled.

Kithe elbowed Ennara. "What did she

Reviews for Ennara and the Fallen Druid

[bemislibrary · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This would be a good tale for a middle school library to have available for readers interested in dragons and magic. It is not too scary and the plot moves along quickly. Ennara will appeal to the female reader and the adventure part will appeal to the males.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 STARS This is a fantasy novel with wizards, monsters, evil and a bunch of children that save there people. It is full of drama, danger, action, magic, adventure and brave friends that save each other on a quest. It is a clean story. The characters are loveable. You want the main ones succeed and you want to cheer for them along the way. Ennara Gaern is a eleven year old girl who was born with a gift. She has been trained in the principle of magic but never done it. It is said that one day she will be powerful. She is a farm girl. Kithe the only other child her age in their village. His father runs the local inn. He sees her ride off with a stranger and rides to her rescue. Tork a wizard he is asked to help save the village from the shadow demons and he thinks the only way is to travel to the sunken city to find a special sword. He says the only chance he has if Ennara leaves her family and goes with him. The main transportation is horses. It is a time when magic is in the land in a few people. Most are taken and trained away from their home. Ennara's parents were able to bribe the midwife to keep her at home. She has never left her village before. The story is aimed at children but adults can enjoy it too. At least I did. I would read and look forward to the next book in the series Ennara and the Book of Shadows (Ennara, #2). I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give a honest review of the book by Net Galley.

[4sherilyn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ennara and the Fallen is a great middle school fantasy book. A few of the characters seemed like ones I'd seen before (Kithe) but I liked them in spite of that. I'm a sucker for the wise teacher/mentor character and so loved Tork. All in all a plot format you feel you've seen before but with plenty of unique additions that made you want to take the adventure again. Oh and I really want a Smoos. I so wish she were real.

[steeleyjan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A few years ago, I read a book called "The Warded Man", and I thought it was one of the most mystical and original books I had ever read.Angela Myron has managed to bring an equally original and magical adventure to paper for the pre-teen reader.One thing that I really like about young adult fiction is the way it grabs the reader quickly and pulls them right into the story. Young adult fiction gets right down to business, and for readers like me who require engagement from page one... it works.I love young women up front and centered in a novel, and Ms. Myron gives us that in the character of Ennara, who is an 11 year old with magical gifts, and is not afraid to use them. The fate of a whole society is in her hands, and she does not disappoint. Without a doubt, this book will keep the 8-12 age group engaged. Very well written.The narrator is character consistent, and soft, and that is no small thing. There are a few issues with sentence run-on and monotone dialogue. Did it ruin this great book for me? No. Would I still have listened had I known? Absolutely. Adults as well as the younger reader are going to enjoy this selection. Recommended!

[kira_anne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow! What a fun read! Ennara and the Fallen Druid had such a unique concept with fun loving characters and great action that had me entertained throughout the story. The book is for young readers, but I can definitely see adults enjoying it as well. I definitely recommend this book and this author. I will be reading more about Ennara and her adventures.I received this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[spacechick365 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book started a little confusing. It jumps into the middle of a fight and leaves you wondering if you missed something. Once the story got going though, it was hard to put down. It kept my attention and it left me wanting to read the next book.

[greymith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was given an audiobook version in exchange for an honest review. I liked this audio book in spite of the fact that it was somewhat predicable in spots. The only real draw back was the narrator, who had a strange way of parsing the sentences. There were pauses in spots I would have expected, although I did like the various inflections she used for the characters. Still, I tried not to let that influence my view of the story content.The story follows Enarra, who is a branded magic user, but who does not know much about how to use magic. Enarra stumbles across a monster who attacked some cows and who begins to stalk her, but she is saved by members of her village. Enarra quickly learns about an evil that is making a come back and is tied to a fallen druid. She embarks on a journey with a magic mentor and her best friend. Along the way they pick up another companion from a ship where the captain attempts to kidnap Enarra for his own use rather than to deliver them to an underwater city as chartered. They also meet an devious merchant lady who works to assist the druid and tries to hamper Enarra and her companions. Overall, this was a nice listen and I would recommend it to others.

[sszkutak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ennara is a special girl, she was born into the world with the ability to use magic more powerful than other witches and wizards, however since she was little she has only practiced theory and history of her abilities. Now her homeland is threatened by creepy shadow creatures and she must join a wizard to retrieve a sword of power to fight these monsters. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, Ennara has been on my Netgalley bookshelf for a long time and I kept trying to get through newer books instead of reading this one, I am not really sure why. I love this cover, the synopsis has always caught my eye and still I did not gravitate to it. The other day I finally did and I flew through it. The book itself has a plot that reminded me a lot of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books, but written for a middle grade audience and the main character is a magic user. So while there were a lot of similarities there was also enough differences that it kept me interested.As for characters, I really liked all of them and disliked those that, when it came down to it, I was meant to dislike. Ennara is young but strong, and stubborn but rightfully so and her companions really help her grow into her abilities and help her along the way without being annoying, possessive, or greedy. Overall this was a marvelous middle grade book and I can only imagine that the series is enjoyable as well. Great for lovers of fantasy, magic, and adventure.

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Won in a LibraryThing Giveaway.I found it a nice length for an Audiobook. Enjoyed the story immensely, and can't wait to share with the kids! Well plotted, clear imagery, and well able to stretch the imagination. Storyline has been overdone by publisher and other reviewers, so no need to go over it all here. Just be prepared to enjoy whether 10 or 100!I was less happy with the narrator, not because of her skills, but because I found her voice too saccharine.

[fortifiedbybooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is truly a Children’s Fantasy book. It isn't meant for all ages, but parents/adults will enjoy reading it to kids who haven’t learned to read yet, and while I won’t be reading the next book in the series, I’m sure most children will want to. They’ll love the variety of characters and the fast paced excitement of Ennara’s, and her friends’, adventures. The story reads a bit like a children’s version of a D&D game. Ennara and her best friend Kithe stock up on supplies such as healing potions, they find armor, weapons, and other equipment along the way, and there’s even a fire elemental (My wide-eyed response: “Oh, no! That can’t be good!”). What keeps this from being an all-ages book are some of the events happening a little too conveniently, and the “boss fight” of the story, when they go against the Fallen Druid, is wrapped up too easily. Also, there is a lesson of team work that reads a little too much like an 80′s after school special.

All in all, this is a 4 star book. I greatly enjoyed most of it, and I would buy it for children ages 4-10. It’s especially a good choice if you’re trying to encourage a child to read more, or if you’re tired of reading the same old stories every night at bedtime.

[yamayukkikun · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Was given this book in exchange for an honest review.This book is especially unique about magical terms, and the plot is also very interesting. At the beginning, when Ennara and her friends first started the adventure, it was exciting. However, the story falls into cliché at the end and it's such a waste. It has great potential.