Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure

The Rise of the Fifth Order, Book 1

By: Autumn M. Birt

Narrated by: Thom Bowers

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

In the buried archives of the Temple of Dust may lie the secret to defeating the Curse, a creature which seeks to destroy 16-year old Ria for the forbidden gifts she possesses. But it is from among the ranks of those who control the Curse where Ria will find her best chance of success.

Only the Priestess Niri can save Ria from the forces that hunt her, if Niri doesn't betray the girl first. Along with Ria comes Ty and his sister, Lavinia, both bound to defend Ria from the Church of Four Orders. However, Ty has been living a life less than honest and keeping it from his sister. To survive a journey that takes them across the breadth of their world, the four must learn to trust each other before pursuit from the Church and Ty's troubled past find them.

Born of Water is the first book in the Rise of the Fifth Order saga, full of elemental magic and epic fantasy adventure. Welcome to the mythical world of Myrrah, ruled by the Church of Four Orders - Fire, Earth, Water, and Air.

©2012 Autumn M. Birt (P)2016 Autumn M. Birt

A Great Start to an Amazing Series

Any additional comments?

Niri is a Priestess of water that failed to identify an elemental during the festival. She wants to make amends to her order and goes on the hunt for this girl. But when she finds Ria she realizes there is more to this girl than what she originally thought. So she goes on a quest to find out the truth about Ria’s powers and her own. Lavinia and Ty are brother and sister and friends to Ria, they go along to keep Ria safe but end up learning more about themselves. But this is a race against time since the Curse has been released to hunt down Ria. But secrets about the church are going to be exposed and Niri is going to learn that although she is the weakest of the elementals she has more power in her than she knows.

When elementals are discovered, they are taken away from their families and indoctrinated into the church. This is the only life Niri has known for years and at first those teachings is all that she sees. But as the story progresses she learns that there is more to the story of the church and it is not as wonderful as she has been told. Ria has this amazing power but she is scared to use it because of the Curse hunting them down. I loved watching her grow throughout the story.

Ty has his own secrets and at first hates Niri. But when you learn about his apprenticeship you can understand his feelings. And then there is Lavinia. She is a young girl ready to go into her apprenticeship and along for adventure but finds her own, unconventional place in the world.

This book is full of action, adventure and wonderful locations. It is very descriptive and draws the reader in. I listened to the audio book and couldn’t wait to get back to it as soon as I had to stop. Thom Bowers did a wonderful job of narrating. It was easy to follow along with each character.

If you are looking for a new young adult fantasy series, this is the series for you. I strongly recommend checking out Born of Water. As for me I can’t wait to read Rule of Fire or even better listen to it on audiobook.

I received Born of Water for free from the author in a giveaway.

Born of Water

Wow! I've had this book sitting in my kindle for a while, but never got around to reading it. Then I won the audio book in a giveaway, and now I'm hooked. Admittedly, there were about a hundred pages there that I wanted to murder one of the main characters for being a big baby, but they got over it, eventually. The magic system is a little wonky, but interesting. I like the characters, but wish the narrator had done a better job of differentiating between their voices. The story is interesting enough that I would read the e-book when I couldn't listen to the audio book. I very much look forward to the next in the series.

Surprisingly good

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's one of those books you contemplate returning at the beginning , but continue on and before you know it, you are busy searching for another audio company because book 2 is unavailable at audible.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure?

The different quest to find out what rhea's power is ,tthe ways of the church and the order of 4

What three words best describe Thom Bowers’s performance?

Not horrible but he does not do multiple characters well ( at all) but I've heard worst, I was still able to listen until the end

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither, it's a good adventure to pass time... Intriguing and definitely left me curious to know "what's next"

Any additional comments?

Audible needs to update their library, I'm sick of listening to books only to find out that part 2 is not yet available and probably never will. As a result, the listeners either loses interest or stop purchasing anything that says part 1. For the prices of these book, do better!

Starts off slowly, stick with it, it's worth it

If you could sum up Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure in three words, what would they be?

Magic, fantasy, love

What did you like best about this story?

Lavinia and Darag's proposal/marriage scene was very touching. And the battle sequences were very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my sea

Which character – as performed by Thom Bowers – was your favorite?

I loved all the characters so it's a hard choice. He really brought the characters to life, giving each a unique voice

Any additional comments?

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

I'm curious to know what happens next..

Was Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure worth the listening time?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Born of Water is the first book of three so far.
Since the Church of Four Orders is Fire, Earth, Water, and Air,
I'm thinking that there will be at least one more book in this series.

The plot was interesting and things were not always as they seemed.
Four young people are thrown into of the unknown while danger comes their way.
The characters do act a bit young, but that is understandable since the story centers around Ria who is only 16-years-old.

Niri is caught between staying loyal to the church and keeping Ria safe from the Curse.
Then, add in Ty, his sisters, and a monster, This creates enough interest and angst to move the story along rather quickly.

The quality of the writing is Good and I'm curious to know what happens next in this Fantasy Series.

The narrator, Thom Bowers, did a decent job.

Note:
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in
exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Great Fantasy Audiobook

Where does Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of my favorite books. The world really comes alive while listening to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure?

The storm that's conjured, how Ria saves their parents ship and then Nirri fighting the curse with her water magic.

What does Thom Bowers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gives voice to the characters and enriches the story

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene between Lavinia and Darag when they make their choice.

Any additional comments?

A great audiobook. Fans of Fantasy, and supporters of Indie authors, will love this book.

Fantasic Adventure

This is the first I've heard of Autumn M. Birt, it won't be the last. Sixteen year old Ria has an ancient curse after her because she has forbidden powers the church does not allow. Priestess Niri, Lavina (Ria's best friend) and Ty Lavina's brother) travel away from their homes to help Ria escape the curse and the church. Each of these characters learn so much throughout their journey. I especially enjoyed meeting Darag and his people. I am excited to read the sequel.
The narrator, Thom Bowers did an incredible job with all of the characters voices. He is a master narrator in my opinion.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

Excellent!!!

What did you love best about Born of Water: Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure?

While a little slow in the beginning it soon picked up the pace and the action stayed going til the end. The romance is sweet and the characters are dynamic. There's a good dose of humor as well. This story really draws you in and leaves you wanting more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved all the characters so it's a hard choice, but my top 3 would be Lavinia and Darag, their love is so pure and sweet, and Niri, she's such a strong female character.

Have you listened to any of Thom Bowers’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to anything else read by Thom Bowers, but would do so in a heartbeat. He really brought the characters to life, giving each a unique voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lavinia and Darag's proposal/marriage scene was very touching. And the battle sequences were very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Any additional comments?

Overall great listen and I highly recommend if you love fantasy.

YA

Any additional comments?

I felt that the plot was a too slow for my tastes and the characters not very interesting.Yet I am probably not the authors target audience and this book is skewed toward a younger reader.Overall i was entertained by the story.The narrator has a pleasant voice and did a good job portraying the book.I received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review

This book was not for me

Any additional comments?

I found this book boring and a little dry for my taste. I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.