Four warriors of Southern Eilin receive a vision: a young girl locked in a cell. There is no question as to what this vision means. They must leave behind comfort and safety to depart on a dangerous journey to Northern Eilin – the toilsome region to the north of the wall dividing their world in half. As warriors of the south, it is their duty. But as they prepare for the journey the next morning, their plans are complicated by an unexpected addition to their team.

They struggle to stay on track as their attention is split between the mission and the difficulties within their group. Trust is tested and allegiances questioned as they get closer to unraveling the mystery of the captive girl. It will take all of their strength and focus to overcome the powers they fight against and make it home alive.

Book 1 of the Eilinland series.

To go forward, some people must first go back. Bailey Davenport’s Eilinland: Through The Wall follows a team of five warriors—and a last-minute newbie addition—as they venture for a rescue mission into the unfriendly land north of a world-dividing wall. Allegorical elements subtly crisscross this story: from the wall itself, which has only a single gate and seems to represent Christ, to the demon-like beings called sniws, who bicker and scheme and beset the rescue team. Our heroes, too, fight among themselves like cats, yet never become irritating. Davenport has assembled a cast of characters who genuinely care for each other despite disagreements and hardships. Overall, Eilinland: Through the Wall serves a light, entertaining read, with good thematic substance to accompany the fun.

Best for: Fans of young-adult fantasy, though older readers may also enjoy it.

Discern: One character is caught stealing and let off the hook fairly easily.