THE BOOKS
Editorial Reviews
* In Rayna of Nightwind, R.A. Baker has created a fascinating world with a rich history and a fascinating cast. -Apex Reviews
* Not only is the end result entirely satisfying and absorbing, it will have you forgetting everything you've just read. If ever an author wanted a way to ensure that readers go on to buy the sequel, this is how to do it. -Total Sci-Fi Online.com
* When Rayna Powell seeks to avoid running into a woman standing in the middle of the road on a rainy night, the ensuing crash hurtles her into another world, where she crosses a barren, lightning-filled plain to emerge in a land that hails her as a god returned. Rayna reluctantly gets drawn into an ancient conflict between the folk of West Taren and their eastern kin. Confronting inhuman magicians known as Red Robes and their ruthless king, Rayna and her newfound allies uncover a startling secret about the world's origin... -Library Journal
Rayna of Nightwind (Hardcover 1st edition of "The Beast at the Gate")
ISBN-13: 978-0978751876
From the stunning imagination of R. A. Baker comes the first novel in his Taren series. In the troubled land of Taren rules a bitter, oppressive regent named Nephredom, who alone maintains the ""Gate""—a psi-magical barrier that contains thousands of mutated beasts, that were once men. However, the strain of keeping the Gate has pushed Nephredom to the edge of madness, and it is only a matter of time before the Gate opens. . . Into this world comes an outsider. Following a bizarre lightning storm, college student Rayna Powell finds herself lost and alone in Taren with only her stubborn instincts and logical mind to guild her. She is a student of science, but what she experiences in Taren defies science, and forces her to come to terms with the unknown powers growing inside her. Many of the people of Taren believe Rayna to be a ""power"", the greatest kind of mage, who holds wields the legendary ""magic chaotic." Treachery and political strife run rampant as opposing factions clash, with Rayna caught in the middle. She reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious woman with a bounty (imposed by Nephredom himself) on her head, who—in exchange for Rayna’s help — promises to help Rayna in her quest to return home. However, as they flee and hide from Nephredom’s red-robed minions, the price of the stranger’s help may be higher than what Rayna is willing to pay. Rayna of Nightwind is a bold sci-fi/fantasy hybrid, resonating notes of Silverberg and Terry Brooks, yet starkly painted with the author’s unique brush. Compelling, and often humorous, the richly imagined world of Taren beckons.
The Beast at the Gate ("Rayna of Nightwind, paperback edition")
ISBN-13: 978-1535567121
Following a bizarre lightning storm, a young college student named Rayna Powell finds herself alone in a desolate, red wasteland zone called the Band. In making her way out, she realizes the Band was only the beginning of her ordeal. Trapped in a strange land where danger and death lurk behind every corner, Rayna sees "magic" everywhere—the very watch she wears now glows with unknown energies. She is a student of science and logic. Yet, what she witnesses in this place defies them both. Reluctantly joining forces with a mysterious woman with a bounty on her head, they struggle to survive and avoid detection from Nephredom’s minions. Rayna finds herself caught in the middle of political strife and faction wars, as she comes to terms with the chaotic power growing inside of her. It is a magic so fierce, that the inhabitants of Taren call her a “Power”, the greatest and rarest kind of mage. Though she does not yet know it, Rayna is the only one who can prevent Taren’s destruction. Rayna must find a way to control her magic and use it well if she is to survive what's to come. She must not fail!
Beyond the Band of Death
ISBN-13: 978-1535567220
The Land of Taren is in Crisis! A clone from the past sent to a forbidding future, Rayna of Nightwind is given the charge of traveling beyond the deadly containment zone known as the Band. She must find a way to deactivate the sky machines before they make Taren uninhabitable. She wields the greatest telepathic power of all—the Wild Magic Chaotic. However, Rayna still has much to learn about her newfound abilities and time is running out. In the meantime, Taren’s Queen Keris and King Ciredor must face the Beasts who are determined to destroy Jerel and cast the rest of Taren into ruin. And they must face their old adversary Aric for one final battle…but this time she comes as Queen of the Dragons! The second installment in R.A Baker’s long-awaited fantasy and sci-fi epic is here! Baker masterfully weaves the concepts of time travel, cloning, “psi-magic” and dragon battles in an amazing way no other author can. Come see why fans are raving about the Nightwind series!
Two Merchants and a Thief
ISBN-13: 9781310267635
In book one of Branded Souls: What happens when a land has no great warriors or wizards to save it from disaster? Who will answer the call?
A powerful ruling sorcerer known as the “Chaotic Prince” has set his sights on a city of mortals called Jhargus. He intends to conquer that land and crush its people with his magical might.
Two young merchants, Kelric and Laran, are like day and night. One—thoughtful and kind—the other brash and often cruel. When fate has them cross paths with a beautiful, yet mysterious thief, their lives are forever changed.
The thief leads them through a magical portal where the three are left, not only in another world, but with the palms of their hand covered with a strange, circular emblem. The symbols are etched into their skin…like a brand. They soon find out the Eternal Brands grant those who possess them great power—binding its ancient magic to the very souls of their wielders.
And so, two brother merchants, along with the thief, are all who stand between the Chaotic Prince and the future of Jhargus. Before it’s over, one merchant will fall in love, and the other will fall into darkness.
The Book That Started It All
The Beast at the Gate (Rayna of Nightwind) has its own website!
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