About the Book:
When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found . . .
Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home. But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine.
About the Author:
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson has cherished her imagination since the day she discovered it (probably around the age of two) and has enjoyed the many adventures and retreats it has offered her since. Miss Johnson grew up and still resides on the Central Coast of California, the very place where the Legend of Oescienne began to blossom into the epic it has become. "The province of Oescienne is based primarily on the topography of this area, and some specific locations in the novel reflect actual sites. These places are dear to me, and I wanted to share their natural magic with those who might read my books."
Miss Johnson has a BA in Art Practice with a minor in Celtic Studies from the University of California at Berkeley. It was during her time in college that she decided to begin her first novel, "I had these stories stored away in my head and had even sketched out some ideas during art class. One day it dawned upon me that if I didn't write these stories down, then I would be the only one ever to enjoy them. Furthermore, reading such works as Beowulf, The Mabinogi and The Second Battle of Maige Tuired in my Scandinavian and Celtic Studies courses only added fuel to the fire."
Having a degree in art has also aided Miss Johnson in creating the world of Ethöes. All of the artwork found on this website was done by the author. "Having a picture, especially a map, helps me visualize the story more completely. I hope that the images I have placed on my webpage will help my readers get a better idea of what my world looks like. Of course, you are always welcome to disregard them if the image you have in your head is better than the one I offer."
Besides writing and drawing, Miss Johnson enjoys reading, gardening, camping and hiking. She also loves animals and bird watching and has many bird feeders set up in her garden at home.
The Finding is only the first novel in a planned series. The second book, The Beginning, is nearing completion.
Excerpt:
Thenya slowly approached the towering dragon and pulled back a violet-blue cloth revealing a tiny face, two bright blue eyes and quite a lot of golden-blond hair. Jaax’s heart caught in his throat: blue eyes.
“When was this child found exactly?” he asked, perhaps a little too harshly.
“A few days after the Solsticetide, about a week ago.” Aydehn’s response from beside him was both startled and automatic.
“And you’re positive she was newborn the day you found her?”
Jaax was finding it hard to wait for his friend’s answers. His mind was beginning to hum, mingling with the buzzing of the curious voices of the onlookers.
“Oh yes, absolutely sure, only a few hours or so.”
Jaax’s head was no longer humming but spinning. Blue eyes!
“Your children Aydehn, they’re born with eyes white except the pupils, is this not true?” he continued in that rough voice.
“Why of course, any race containing elf blood or dwarf blood is born with white eyes and then the color comes in later. In fact, the only known race to be born with blue eyes is . . .”
“Human.” Jaax cut him off. “And not just part human, full-blooded human. A pure-blooded human, unbelievable! Impossible!”
His voice was now a hiss, almost inaudible over the growing clamor of the shifting and murmuring throng. Jaax was astounded. He knew he’d hoped for this, for centuries he had, but he’d never expected this day to come after so many long years of disappointment. How could a human, a race that’s been extinct for five hundred years, end up inside an oak tree in a tiny village in northern Oescienne? Could the Oracles, then, be telling the truth? Had Ethöes not forsaken them after all? Jaax took in a deep breath and released it on a long, heated sigh.
“Well Aydehn, I’ll definitely be taking this child off your hands.” His words carried over the crowd, suddenly hushed by the return of the dragon’s strong voice. “Don’t worry, she’ll be well protected.” he added after seeing Thenya’s tearful eyes, “I’ll take her to the Korli dragon Hroombramantu in Oescienne. She’ll be well secluded and protected there, so Ethöes willing, the Crimson King will never find her.”
“When was this child found exactly?” he asked, perhaps a little too harshly.
“A few days after the Solsticetide, about a week ago.” Aydehn’s response from beside him was both startled and automatic.
“And you’re positive she was newborn the day you found her?”
Jaax was finding it hard to wait for his friend’s answers. His mind was beginning to hum, mingling with the buzzing of the curious voices of the onlookers.
“Oh yes, absolutely sure, only a few hours or so.”
Jaax’s head was no longer humming but spinning. Blue eyes!
“Your children Aydehn, they’re born with eyes white except the pupils, is this not true?” he continued in that rough voice.
“Why of course, any race containing elf blood or dwarf blood is born with white eyes and then the color comes in later. In fact, the only known race to be born with blue eyes is . . .”
“Human.” Jaax cut him off. “And not just part human, full-blooded human. A pure-blooded human, unbelievable! Impossible!”
His voice was now a hiss, almost inaudible over the growing clamor of the shifting and murmuring throng. Jaax was astounded. He knew he’d hoped for this, for centuries he had, but he’d never expected this day to come after so many long years of disappointment. How could a human, a race that’s been extinct for five hundred years, end up inside an oak tree in a tiny village in northern Oescienne? Could the Oracles, then, be telling the truth? Had Ethöes not forsaken them after all? Jaax took in a deep breath and released it on a long, heated sigh.
“Well Aydehn, I’ll definitely be taking this child off your hands.” His words carried over the crowd, suddenly hushed by the return of the dragon’s strong voice. “Don’t worry, she’ll be well protected.” he added after seeing Thenya’s tearful eyes, “I’ll take her to the Korli dragon Hroombramantu in Oescienne. She’ll be well secluded and protected there, so Ethöes willing, the Crimson King will never find her.”
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