The Beast Call Review

Title: The Beast Call
Author: Anne Tibbets
Publish Date: Published May 4th 2011 by PREMIER DIGITAL PUBLISHING LLC


Synopsis:

Seventeen year old Dray is no ordinary human. But possessing a magical capability to talk to animals in a land where magic is feared, is dangerous. When Dray's adventure hungry brother leaves the family farm to join a rebel militia, Dray follows him, but as Dray discovers her natural warrior capabilities, and word of her magical talents are discovered by the rebel General, Dray becomes an intricate part of the revolution, and the evil King Nuro would like nothing more than to see her destroyed.

I was extremely excited to volunteer to review this book. Not knowing much about the story, I was intrigued by the brief synopsis of magic, rebel militia, revolution and an evil King.


The story starts on a farm, in a primitive culture, where your parents decide what fate you will lead. Lurin, the eldest son in the family, is expected to marry, have children and inherit the family land. Dray, the eldest daughter, is expected to take care of the animals on the farm, and be betrothed to whom her parents chose.


One day, a rebel militia comes through the land to recruit soldiers. This, having never in his life traveled outside the land he lived on intrigues Lurin. A tragedy happens that causes Dray to be infuriated with her parents, and she stands up for herself for the first time. She runs off to mope, and Lurin comes to her with his idea… Leave with him and join the militia.
Lurin is used as an errand boy, and Dray takes care of the animals for the militia. Dray does not mind, because she knows she has a special gift. Dray has always kept it to herself, knowing that magic was forbidden in her land. Dray watches Lurin, trying to learn to fight with the General, but realizes that he does not have it in him. Dray starts training with the General, and Lurin is very upset that she is upstaging him. Not long, the General discovers Dray’s talent with the animals, and realizes that she is a great asset to the militia. The rebels travel from town to town, recruiting, to try to overthrow King Nuro.


As the rebels travel through the towns, they are pleasantly surprised that they find many that are willing to join the cause. Dray learns more how to use her abilities, and helps with the mission. The rebels engage in many battles, and Dray proves that she is a natural born leader without even trying. Lurin becomes very jealous of her, and tries to convince the General that he can be a better warrior than Dray.


King Nuro learns of the rebels, and sends out his soldiers to kill the one the prophecy speaks of. He is a ruthless King, having no qualms about killing those that don’t follow his orders. He has total control of the land, putting many traders out of business to live in poverty.


I really enjoyed this story…it is filled with magic, prophecies, magical creatures, a cause, and a budding romance. Everything you need to keep your interest alive. I felt that Dray was a very strong character, by going against the norms that is expected of her and willing to go out of her comfort zone. She definitely proves that she is a person worthy of fulfilling her destiny.






My Over All Rating: