The Lost Remnant (Pieces of Eden, Book 1) by J.N. Race tells the story of Azsha, a young gypsy dancer who would do anything to escape her restricted life. Lubekka, her overbearing stage mother, confines her to the show-wagon since infancy. Her yearning for a chance at life is granted, but Azsha soon discovers an ancient divine conflict that threatens the present and the future. The hint of this conflict is presented early in the prologue. While seeking to unlock the mystery of herself, Azsha wonders if she could right the wrong.

This YA high fantasy has a solid premise and depth for its plot and characters. On the other hand, it took me quite a number of chapters to familiarize and be comfortable with Race’s world-building. Azsha is a lovable lead character; flaws and all. I even find her quirky horse, Beyberry, endearing. Due to being kept in a wagon for such a long time, her knowledge of the outside world is understandably limited.

I initially felt that Race focused the story mostly in the city of Eldersage, which seemed to not move the storyline much in terms of setting. When Azsha finds several fascinating and other key characters there – particularly the shifty Lysandre / Kalo, and Ayalana, the intriguing sea nymph – I later understood that Eldersage is imperative to the plot’s direction. Overall, The Lost Remnant is lush and layered, a tale of creation, family, loss, secrecy and self discovery. The ending provides both closure and the promise of a new adventure.

In the great expanse of time and space there are no small characters. That is what Azsha Daggerwall learns after she escapes the only life she has ever known to experience the world outside of her gypsy wagon. The Lost Remnant: Pieces of Eden Book 1 by J.N. Race masterfully creates a complete world with its history of creation, and leads the characters through their parts in shaping the future of the universe under the watchful eye of The Master and his brother, Mikesh, who is inclined toward evil. This world is inhabited by many types of creatures with detailed social rules, and Azsha must learn quickly as she is confronted by many situations for which she has no preparation. Overcome by the need to find answers she has concerning her background, which was kept secret by her adoptive parents, Azsha travels to the Capitol city of Eldersage. She encounters many different people she discovers have particular roles to play in her life and future. The problem is sorting out the good from the bad, and trusting in her strength and, as yet unknown, gifts to choose the right path.

A thoroughly engrossing, exciting and enjoyable story, The Lost Remnant: Pieces of Eden Book 1 by J.N. Race immerses you in a delightful world that is full of wonder but is facing possible destruction. The characters are diverse and well developed, and the plot weaves them all together to fulfill their destinies. This is a book that sparks the imagination so that you feel as if you are part of the story and the action keeps the pages turning. Much like other popular epics, Book 1 is complete in and of itself, but knowing that there is more to come is an added bonus.

The Lost Remnant (Pieces of Eden Book 1) is an epic fantasy, paranormal magic novel centered around the life of a young girl named Azsha. She is beautiful beyond compare, dances in her family's gypsy wagon, and has long flowing locks of lavender hair. All her life her mother has never let her out of the wagon, so one night Azsha makes a run for it and ends up in a village. The first friend she makes is Kalo, who in turn introduces her to Ayalana. J.N. Race weaves an epic story that almost seems to be two separate stories in one. There is a first mystery that must be solved when Etticacia is kidnapped instead of Azsha, and then a second quest when fighting Tempest. All are woven together into a coming of age story in a world unlike anything we know now.

Bits of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, magic, demons, old world, parallel worlds, family drama, and coming of age are all woven together to create this epic tale that spans more than just one battle or quest. The Lost Remnant is so well written that it draws you in; you see yourself in this world; you feel yourself walking the streets of the village, the halls of the castle, and smelling the fires burning. You are drawn into the story and you want to see where it goes; you want to root for certain characters, and against others. This book is labeled as young adult, and I agree there. I feel it would be a great book for teens, young adults, or even adults. No sexual scenes at all and mild monster violence.

In The Lost Remnant (Pieces of Eden Book 1) by J.N. Race, Azsha leads a sheltered existence, with her rumored beauty and purity a closely guarded treasure hidden from the outside world. She feels stifled and curious about what she misses out on, catching only glimpses from the window of her gypsy caravan and snatches from the tales of her brother and her father. She feels particularly resentful towards Lubekka, the woman she believes to be her mother. When an attempt is made to wrest her from the protection of the gypsy camp, Azsha is thrust into a new existence, where she learns combat skills and becomes involved in the intrigues of the spirited Princess Etticacia, but she also discovers more about her mysterious origins. Aiding her is an unlikely cast of characters that includes the stallion Beyberry, who could be far more than he appears, and a mage trapped in the body of a stuffed toy. As the stakes rise, Azsha must learn to tap into her considerable inner resources.

While The Lost Remnant (Pieces of Eden Book 1) by J.N. Race is off to a slowish start, it is rich in world-building detail and the pace does pick up fairly soon. Particularly fascinating is the mythological aspect, where different hours each seem to have their own deity. If you enjoy a diverse variety of magical and semi-magical races and creatures, you will probably enjoy this world where elves, avians, dragons and mages exist alongside regular folks, known as 'humes' for short. In Azsha, the story has an engaging protagonist whose character blends just the right measures of vulnerability and strength to make her appear authentic, despite her supernatural legacy. This book is the first of a series.