The Druid’s Call by E.K. Johnston

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Set years before the events of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Druid’s Call follows Doric as she attempts to find her place in the world. Abandoned as a child by her human parents, Doric is rescued by wood elves and raised as one of their own – well, sort of. She faces adversity and takes charge of her destiny, mastering the arts and magic of being a druid. 

What I like about this YA novel is that the reader doesn’t have to be familiar with Dungeons & Dragons lore or have watched Honor Among Thieves. While there are some Easter eggs throughout the story, a casual reader won’t be left confused by them.

E.K. Johnston navigates us through the Neverwinter woods and onward to the Emerald Enclave with such familiarity. She humanizes (or, at the very least, de-monsterifies) creatures long thought to be villainous feral beasts. Hell, even the protagonist is a humanoid with an infernal heritage that is often thought of as demons in-world. By seeing the world through Doric’s eyes, however, we learn that outside appearances don’t always match what’s on the inside.

I do like the glimpses into Doric’s past that Johnston sprinkled throughout the book. How her human parents were ashamed of her, hiding her away in the attic until they ultimately abandon her in the woods while she sleeps. We see that no matter the obstacle, she was willing to stare it in the face and defy expectations. And while her found family wasn’t always open to her sharing their space, they grow to understand all that she has to offer.

Though I would have liked a little more things about Simon, who makes an appearance in the novel. In the film, Simon makes it seem like they have more history than just a couple of chance encounters.

And because I listened to the audiobook, I do want to mention that Emily Lawrence did a magnificent job as the book’s narrator. 

I also look forward to reading Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ other prequel, The Road to Neverwinter by Jaleigh Johnson. Until next time, keep on huntin’.