Summer Sword (Birth of Djinn Magic)

Sometimes, it was a little dry though. If I could find it anywhere for sale, I would totally buy it.

Summer Sword - Birth of Djinn Magic by James Livingood is a story about a unique friendship that develops between a wind "spirit" named Thunder Born and regular guy named Wyatt. Wyatt is kindhearted soul who planned a fabulous camping trip for his friends, but soon finds himself unemployed and alone. Just when you think Wyatt is losing his spirit due to all the catastrophes that befall him during his camping trip, his friendship and bond with Thunder Born rejuvenates him and makes him whole again. For such a short story, Summer Sword contains several thought provoking insights if one only looks beneath the surface -or should I say, looks high in the sky and listens to the wind? I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Jack Noland. He has an easygoing voice that made Wyatt come to life. He was very believable and had great intonation and pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, which I received for free in exchange for an honest review.

Wyatt planned a lovely camping trip, bought some new gear, invited friends, and then suddenly became unemployed. Sitting at his campsite, his friends having departed, he drinks a few beers and starts hearing voices. Lucky for him he is not going crazy, but rather chatting with a wind esper, Thunder Born, who is in hiding from his own kind while he rebuilds his strength after a mugging (of sorts). I have listened to 2 other Livingood books, Pale Rider and Magic Factory, and the man set a high bar with those works. Summer Sword is a close third in enjoyment, though I feel this work has the most potential for a worthy series. In fact, this audio edition contains a snippet from Book 2 in the series, and I quite enjoyed the teaser. So Wyatt is someone I can immediately sympathize with. While I have never been fired or let go from a job, I can totally relate to having a sudden change in circumstances…. and when you couple that with friends deserting you, you have one sad puppy of a character. He definitely needed Thunder Born. The wind espers in general are pretty interesting. They can give a part of themselves to affect the world around them, or to pacify a larger, meaner wind esper. Thunder Born is mugged harshly at the very beginning of the story and he has to stay in hiding for a time to rebuild his strength. Hence, he is lonely too and decides to chat up poor Wyatt via the camp fire. Things get fun & raucous once these two have built up their friendship. Indeed, a sword comes into play. There’s an accidental fire, perhaps a near drowning. Even a thoroughly burnt marsh mellow. Yep. Best camping trip ever. While this story was a little slower to start than other Livingood stories, I did quite enjoy the plot once the setting was in place. I definitely look forward to the full version of Book 2. I received this book free of charge from the author (via the GoodReads Audiobooks Group) in exchange for an honest review.

A great little short story. How a young man meets a fire spirit and becomes friends with it. Finding a sword in a little shop fits the story well. There several mysteries within the tale.