The Quest of the Emerald Rattleback

Defenders of the Realm, Book 1

By: Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Narrated by: Nicholas Cain

Join the magical journey of four young students as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their first year at the Institute, where magic and danger collide. Can they overcome the obstacles and save their Kingdom from impending threats?

A Clean YA Epic Fantasy

Herja, Penelope, Kaia, and Wickham are ready for a new adventure as they reunite at the Institute for witches and dragons. Their excitement is short-lived as news of King Diesel's passing and the Odentia army marching toward Eldavon puts everyone on high alert.

The crown is concerned for their youngest daughter, Adina, who is part of the first-year witches. The students are sent on a quest to collect the shed skin of the Emerald Rattleback, but their mission is cut short by an attempted kidnapping. The witch students, including Adina, are pursued by spies and must navigate the Silent Marshes to evade them. Join these young witches and dragons on a thrilling adventure of magic, bravery, and friendship.

The Quest for the Emerald Rattleback is the first book in the Defenders of the Realm series.
Have you read the prequel A Journey to Power?

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©2023 Marie-Hélène Lebeault (P)2023 Marie-Hélène Lebeault

An adventure for the ages

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Beautifully narrated by Nicholas Cain, The Quest of the Emerald Rattleback is wonderfully witty and an imaginative epic fantasy as friends Herja, Penelope, Kaia, and Wickham return back to a prominent Institute that prepares witches and dragons to take their place in service of their kingdom once ready to do so. None of them could have imagined that they would find themselves caught up in a broiling war with fellow neighboring kingdom. As things exploded around the friends, putting their skills and feeling upon a fragile lines as the world around becomes more dangerous.

Highly recommended.

Students are not defenseless

At first I was not sure about this book, it is a fantasy style story about people at war, They have dragon shifters, witches, and humans in one kingdom, and just humans in the other. The kids were attacked because one was a new princess to the first kingdom. I look forward to seeing the next book.

A delightful blend of excitement and heart!

Embark on a whimsical journey with Marie-Hélène Lebeault's "The Quest of the Emerald Rattleback," where magic and friendship intertwine seamlessly. Nicholas Cain's narration brings each character to life, immersing readers in a world filled with wonder and danger. This clean YA epic fantasy is a delightful blend of excitement and heart, perfect for fans of enchanting adventures.

Loving this adventure

Now that the kids know if they are a witch, dragon or human & have turned 14 they willnow attend their educational institute to learn more about their abilities & roles in society. The witches quickly learn that they will be leaving for the silent marshes. Of course fate is tempted & they are ambushed again!! But thanks to their quick thinking & resourcefulness they are able to make it out alive.
This is a great story about youth learning to survive in a hostile environment. Great fantasy read. My favorite part is when Herja sings my favorite nursery rhyme!! My 2nd favorite part is that the kids are choosing not to focus on love or whom they’re attracted too. 13 & 14 is too young to worry about that.

School Commenced

I enjoyed the first book of the "Defenders of the Realm" series. Herja, Penelope, Kaia, and Wickham started their first year at the Institute for witches and dragons. Each of them faced trials and tribulations, individually and together as a group. I admired the characters. I enjoyed their interactions. The worldbuilding was creative, and I liked that both real and mythical creatures were represented. Nicholas Cain's narration was delightful, and his performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Great story

I (read) listened to the 0.5 prequel first (A Journey to Power) and I’m glad I did, this book continued right where it left off. The storyline continues to be fun and filled with adventure. I really enjoy the characters and I’m so excited to hear who everyone is “fated” to end up with. I have my suspicions…but this author always catches me off guard and right when I think I know what’s going to happen, it goes a completely unexpected way!

good

I had to listen to this twice due to personal reasons but overall it seems to be a good story with good narration.

Great lesson

I liked the plot, the way the students overcome difficulties and learn from the events. I find the idea very exciting and realistic. When groups are on the move, something can always go wrong and it is up to each individual to stick together, not only to survive, but also to learn and use their strengths for the good of all.