The Beast at the Gate (Rayna of Nightwind Series, Book 1): Rayna of Nightwind Series, Book 1

Following a bizarre lightning storm, a young college student named Rayna Powell finds herself alone in a desolate, red wasteland zone called the Band. In making her way out, she realizes the Band was only the beginning of her ordeal. Trapped in a strange land where danger and death lurk behind every corner, Rayna sees "magic" everywhere--the very watch she wears now glows with unknown energies. She is a student of science and logic. Yet, what she witnesses in this place defies them both. Reluctantly joining forces with a mysterious woman with a bounty on her head, they struggle to survive and avoid detection from Nephredom's minions. Rayna finds herself caught in the middle of political strife and faction wars, as she comes to terms with the chaotic power growing inside of her. It is a magic so fierce, that the inhabitants of Taren call her a "Power", the greatest and rarest kind of mage. Though she does not yet know it, Rayna is the only one who can prevent Taren's destruction. Rayna must find a way to control her magic and use it well if she is to survive what's to come. The Beast at the Gate is an unforgettable fantasy sci-fi adventure, with high stakes and thrills at every turn! When Rayna Powell seeks to avoid running into a woman standing in the middle of the road on a rainy night, the ensuing crash hurtles her into another world, where she crosses a barren, lightning-filled plain to emerge in a land that hails her as a god returned. Rayna reluctantly gets drawn into an ancient conflict between the folk of West Taren and their eastern kin. Confronting inhuman magicians known as Red Robes and their ruthless king, Rayna and her newfound allies uncover a startling secret about the world's origin... In Rayna of Nightwind, R.A. Baker has created a fascinating world with a rich history and a fascinating cast. Not only is the end result entirely satisfying and absorbing, it will have you forgetting everything you've just read. If ever an author wanted a way to ensure that readers go on to buy the sequel, this is how to do it.