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The Aurora Antidote
A young woman's journey into an enchanting, new world and a magical quest to uncover her family's hidden legacy – all in the hopes of a cure for her comatose sister. The Aurora Antidote is a stunning debut in a new, contemporary fantasy series about the lengths one will go to in order to safeguard family.
"A sweeping tale that entangles the tender bonds of family within an elaborate web of magic... Synergistic and sensitive, this first installment in a promising new series offers a well-rounded story with a perfect conclusion that teases much more to come... [A] crowd-pleasing novel with a dynamic race-against-the-clock plot that will have you reading well into the night." - Indies Today
"[A] coming-of-age story [veiled] beneath the supernatural... Aptly-paced and full of peculiar turns [with] a propensity to leave the reader hanging on to unanswered questions until just the right moment... [U]nique yet down-to-Earth... With an imaginative cast and an engaging story, fans of magical realism will enjoy this story's headfirst rush into the action." - Independent Book Review
Dylan Dubois had always assumed her mother's 'magic' stories were just that – stories. After the fire at her family home, however, she's forced to reconsider many things regarding her mysterious, late mother. With her father gone, perished in the flames, Dylan alone is left to care for her younger sister, whose body now lies comatose in the local hospital.
Grief stricken, Dylan struggles to cope with recurring nightmares, which coincidentally also began the night of the fire. When she finds an ancient book hidden amongst her mother's belongings, Dylan becomes convinced it holds the key to her sister's salvation. The cryptic symbols within hint at a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations – one that might be capable of unimaginable healing.
Unable to solve the riddle alone, Dylan enlists the help of a handsome, redheaded stranger, whose past also seems shrouded in secrets. Kit (as he calls himself) is unusually swift, has a sly smile and knowledge beyond his years. Though he may be her only hope at deciphering her mother's book, Kit's unsavory habit of vanishing without a trace whenever it suits him also causes Dylan to doubt his intentions.
With her sister's life hanging in the balance, Dylan has no choice but to trust her shifty, new ally. Together, she and Kit must race to solve the puzzle of the ancient book, so as to unlock the power of her family's legacy, and finally wake her sister from everlasting sleep.
"A sweeping tale that entangles the tender bonds of family within an elaborate web of magic... Synergistic and sensitive, this first installment in a promising new series offers a well-rounded story with a perfect conclusion that teases much more to come... [A] crowd-pleasing novel with a dynamic race-against-the-clock plot that will have you reading well into the night." - Indies Today
"[A] coming-of-age story [veiled] beneath the supernatural... Aptly-paced and full of peculiar turns [with] a propensity to leave the reader hanging on to unanswered questions until just the right moment... [U]nique yet down-to-Earth... With an imaginative cast and an engaging story, fans of magical realism will enjoy this story's headfirst rush into the action." - Independent Book Review
Dylan Dubois had always assumed her mother's 'magic' stories were just that – stories. After the fire at her family home, however, she's forced to reconsider many things regarding her mysterious, late mother. With her father gone, perished in the flames, Dylan alone is left to care for her younger sister, whose body now lies comatose in the local hospital.
Grief stricken, Dylan struggles to cope with recurring nightmares, which coincidentally also began the night of the fire. When she finds an ancient book hidden amongst her mother's belongings, Dylan becomes convinced it holds the key to her sister's salvation. The cryptic symbols within hint at a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations – one that might be capable of unimaginable healing.
Unable to solve the riddle alone, Dylan enlists the help of a handsome, redheaded stranger, whose past also seems shrouded in secrets. Kit (as he calls himself) is unusually swift, has a sly smile and knowledge beyond his years. Though he may be her only hope at deciphering her mother's book, Kit's unsavory habit of vanishing without a trace whenever it suits him also causes Dylan to doubt his intentions.
With her sister's life hanging in the balance, Dylan has no choice but to trust her shifty, new ally. Together, she and Kit must race to solve the puzzle of the ancient book, so as to unlock the power of her family's legacy, and finally wake her sister from everlasting sleep.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
ELA Hugh
1 book7 followersEla Hugh is a Toronto-based mother, lawyer and author of the new YA/NA fantasy novel: The Aurora Antidote. A longtime devourer of fantasy literature and an avid traveler, Ela’s own writing journey began in 2009 following a summer abroad in Japan, China and South East Asia – a trip from which she drew many inspirations for her debut novel. When she isn’t reading or writing, Ela can usually be found planning her next adventure or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and young son.
If you'd like to know more about Ela, feel free to check out her website at: elahugh.com
If you'd like to know more about Ela, feel free to check out her website at: elahugh.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 6, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dylan Dubois had always assumed her mother's 'magic' stories were just that – stories. After the fire at her family home, however, she's forced to reconsider many things regarding her mysterious, late mother. With her father gone, perished in the flames, Dylan alone is left to care for her younger sister, whose body now lies comatose in the local hospital.
Grief stricken, Dylan struggles to cope with recurring nightmares, which coincidentally also began the night of the fire. When she finds an ancient book hidden amongst her mother's belongings, Dylan becomes convinced it holds the key to her sister's salvation. The cryptic symbols within hint at a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations – one that might be capable of unimaginable healing.
Unable to solve the riddle alone, Dylan enlists the help of a handsome, redheaded stranger, whose past also seems shrouded in secrets. Kit (as he calls himself) is unusually swift, has a sly smile and knowledge beyond his years. Though he may be her only hope at deciphering her mother's book, Kit's unsavory habit of vanishing without a trace whenever it suits him also causes Dylan to doubt his intentions.
With her sister's life hanging in the balance, Dylan has no choice but to trust her shifty, new ally. Together, she and Kit must race to solve the puzzle of the ancient book, so as to unlock the power of her family's legacy, and finally wake her sister from everlasting sleep.
The Aurora Antidote (The Aurora Anthology #1) by ELA Hugh is a solid YA fantasy with a great sense of adventure and a dash of mystery at its core. It's easy to fall into the world of the characters - both the real world and the fantastical world hidden just below the surface of what we know. The world is pretty well colorfully described. It took me a little while to find myself interested in the characters, but I was a bit more interested in reading Kit's part of the story. That said, I was still invested in Dylan's quest to solve the mystery of her family and help her sister, but not quite to the same degree. The story really takes off and reeled me in when both Dylan and Kit have to work together.
As much as I enjoyed visiting the world of The Aurora Antidote and getting to know it's characters, there are still a few shortcomings that took it down a notch or two in my mind. There are a few times throughout the novel that the dialogue and writing come across as stiff and somewhat unnatural. These moments didn't flow well and would stand out enough to take me out of the story. If you follow me you'll know that I read a lot of YA fantasy and while this novel is a good debut it didn't really stand out from the crowd. Some elements felt just a little too familiar for the genre in that it never quite had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next.
Overall, ELA Hugh's The Aurora Antidote is an imaginative and adventurous YA fantasy with intriguing characters on a quest. While it's not quite a favorite of mine, I'd still recommend it to those interested in the genre and I'm still interested in seeing what's next for the characters in the forthcoming book two. I think the author's style could only be further refined and improved as she continues on. Thanks again to ELA Hugh for this opportunity!
Dylan Dubois had always assumed her mother's 'magic' stories were just that – stories. After the fire at her family home, however, she's forced to reconsider many things regarding her mysterious, late mother. With her father gone, perished in the flames, Dylan alone is left to care for her younger sister, whose body now lies comatose in the local hospital.
Grief stricken, Dylan struggles to cope with recurring nightmares, which coincidentally also began the night of the fire. When she finds an ancient book hidden amongst her mother's belongings, Dylan becomes convinced it holds the key to her sister's salvation. The cryptic symbols within hint at a legacy that has been passed down through her family for generations – one that might be capable of unimaginable healing.
Unable to solve the riddle alone, Dylan enlists the help of a handsome, redheaded stranger, whose past also seems shrouded in secrets. Kit (as he calls himself) is unusually swift, has a sly smile and knowledge beyond his years. Though he may be her only hope at deciphering her mother's book, Kit's unsavory habit of vanishing without a trace whenever it suits him also causes Dylan to doubt his intentions.
With her sister's life hanging in the balance, Dylan has no choice but to trust her shifty, new ally. Together, she and Kit must race to solve the puzzle of the ancient book, so as to unlock the power of her family's legacy, and finally wake her sister from everlasting sleep.
The Aurora Antidote (The Aurora Anthology #1) by ELA Hugh is a solid YA fantasy with a great sense of adventure and a dash of mystery at its core. It's easy to fall into the world of the characters - both the real world and the fantastical world hidden just below the surface of what we know. The world is pretty well colorfully described. It took me a little while to find myself interested in the characters, but I was a bit more interested in reading Kit's part of the story. That said, I was still invested in Dylan's quest to solve the mystery of her family and help her sister, but not quite to the same degree. The story really takes off and reeled me in when both Dylan and Kit have to work together.
As much as I enjoyed visiting the world of The Aurora Antidote and getting to know it's characters, there are still a few shortcomings that took it down a notch or two in my mind. There are a few times throughout the novel that the dialogue and writing come across as stiff and somewhat unnatural. These moments didn't flow well and would stand out enough to take me out of the story. If you follow me you'll know that I read a lot of YA fantasy and while this novel is a good debut it didn't really stand out from the crowd. Some elements felt just a little too familiar for the genre in that it never quite had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next.
Overall, ELA Hugh's The Aurora Antidote is an imaginative and adventurous YA fantasy with intriguing characters on a quest. While it's not quite a favorite of mine, I'd still recommend it to those interested in the genre and I'm still interested in seeing what's next for the characters in the forthcoming book two. I think the author's style could only be further refined and improved as she continues on. Thanks again to ELA Hugh for this opportunity!
August 3, 2023
The Aurora Antidote is a magical adventure story full of characters I really came to care about. If you love magical forests, family relationship stories, or adventure/treasure hunt themes, this book is for you!
April 16, 2023
Really enjoyed this one. A strong recommend for any fantasy reader, especially fans of magical realism and those with a keen sense of wonder and mystery. The story essentially follows a young woman in her quest to save her sister. Through happenstance and desperation, she is drawn into a magical world lying unseen just beneath the surface of our own world. In the process, she discovers her own connection to this world. The story is well told and engaging, a serious tale with plenty of lighthearted moments to brighten the mood.
The book is fast paced and exciting without feeling too rushed. The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of this magical world, making the reader feel immersed without feeling overburdened with detail that would ultimately slow down the narrative. The chapters are punchy, with each one skillfully peeling another layer of the mystery. The different threads of the story come together nicely at the end – enough complexity and intrigue to keep the reader engaged without being convoluted.
The book is fast paced and exciting without feeling too rushed. The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of this magical world, making the reader feel immersed without feeling overburdened with detail that would ultimately slow down the narrative. The chapters are punchy, with each one skillfully peeling another layer of the mystery. The different threads of the story come together nicely at the end – enough complexity and intrigue to keep the reader engaged without being convoluted.
April 19, 2023
Ela Hugh's brilliant fantasy adventure, The Aurora Antidote, delights and entertains in so many ways. This heart warming story describes Dylan and her friends' journey as they investigate and travel to exotic destinations in order to help her sister's recovery. It's an adventure/fantasy not to be missed. A gripping plot keeps your interest throughout this feel-good story. The vivid language is descriptive and colourful... a true pleasure to read. The story moves forward at the right pace from one chapter to the next... keeping the reader's attention from beginning to end. Any age will enjoy this adventure though it was primarily written for young adults. I enjoyed every page. I rate it as a 5 star book based on the gripping story, the magical world the characters navigate and the many unexpected turns in the storyline. A true gem! I really look forward to the 2nd book!
May 22, 2023
Although not a fan of fantasy fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing tale that slowly unfolds and gains the momentum that captures the reader's imagination.
In particular, I found the imaginative descriptions of places visited along the journey to wonderfully rich in detail. The restaurant in New York, 'Eternalate', reminded me of the 'Hall of Mirrors' in Versailles. The tree house room that overlooked the green house and all of Maggie's mansion were fantastical.
At times, the language used to describe the interactions between characters felt a bit stilted and cliche, but I nevertheless found the story well written, overall intriguing, imaginative, and well researched (enriched by the Asian mythology).
Bravo!
In particular, I found the imaginative descriptions of places visited along the journey to wonderfully rich in detail. The restaurant in New York, 'Eternalate', reminded me of the 'Hall of Mirrors' in Versailles. The tree house room that overlooked the green house and all of Maggie's mansion were fantastical.
At times, the language used to describe the interactions between characters felt a bit stilted and cliche, but I nevertheless found the story well written, overall intriguing, imaginative, and well researched (enriched by the Asian mythology).
Bravo!
July 27, 2023
This was such a fantastic read. The globe-trotting, the mystery, the chemistry... it all bubbles into a perfect little recipe of adventure.
I also loved the brisk pacing of the story that whisked us from one conversation to the next set piece while giving us just enough time to digest the story beats and get familiar with the cast.
And the cast itself really is the showpiece. Dylan is one of those characters who could easily end up a cliche but has so many relatable and endearing traits that you end up taking every risk and leap of faith right by her side. And Kit is just awesome. A brilliant balance of shady and charismatic. How can you NOT root for him?
More books please!
I also loved the brisk pacing of the story that whisked us from one conversation to the next set piece while giving us just enough time to digest the story beats and get familiar with the cast.
And the cast itself really is the showpiece. Dylan is one of those characters who could easily end up a cliche but has so many relatable and endearing traits that you end up taking every risk and leap of faith right by her side. And Kit is just awesome. A brilliant balance of shady and charismatic. How can you NOT root for him?
More books please!
April 16, 2023
A real page turner! The first few chapters pulled me right into the story, and I couldn't wait to read what happened next. I really connected with the two main characters and enjoyed how their relationship developed over the course of the book (with its ups and downs). The scenes where characters are undergoing some intense personal hardship (physical or emotional) are expertly written - drawing you into every moment and further building your connection to the story. I definitely recommend this to my friends and their teenage kids.
May 23, 2023
The Aurora Antidote is an intriguing start into a fascinating fantasy world created by ELA Hugh. She quickly grabs your attention with strong character development, both revealing traits about them but also shrouding them in mystery. It makes you want to keep turning pages to uncover what's coming next.
The pacing of the book is great, gripping you with cliffhangers chapter to chapter and questioning who's who and what their motives are.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
The pacing of the book is great, gripping you with cliffhangers chapter to chapter and questioning who's who and what their motives are.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
June 7, 2023
As a big fan of fantasy books and movies, I loved the way The Aurora Antidote infused real life experiences that we can all relate to with magic and energy throughout the book. I loved the connections built within all the characters, the surprises (no spoilers here but you'll know what I mean!) and the writing is so descriptive it at times felt I was seeing what I was reading. Great read, highly recommended, look forward to the next one!
August 2, 2023
I was drawn in by this book from the get-go, the magical realism and mysterious Kit character spoke to my love of books like The Golden Compass.
Her words painted these beautiful dream-scapes which visuals are still fresh in my memory:
'In the dark a big tiger lurks among long pink grass flowing in the wind...'
The main character has such sad circumstances and her quest to save her one last family member, her sister, is a magical journey of a lifetime.
I can't wait to read the sequels!
Her words painted these beautiful dream-scapes which visuals are still fresh in my memory:
'In the dark a big tiger lurks among long pink grass flowing in the wind...'
The main character has such sad circumstances and her quest to save her one last family member, her sister, is a magical journey of a lifetime.
I can't wait to read the sequels!
September 28, 2023
I just finished reading this. How long before the next book comes out? I need to read it! :)
I won't give away the story, but have to say this author is very good at describing things. I could picture everything in my head, from the fountain, to the fields, in the cave, everything! Hurry up and get the next book out! :)
I won't give away the story, but have to say this author is very good at describing things. I could picture everything in my head, from the fountain, to the fields, in the cave, everything! Hurry up and get the next book out! :)
May 15, 2024
A good read. Interesting characters. Main plot is completed while leaving the door open for the following books in the series. Takes a little while to get going at the beginning, but it's all info you'll need in the rest of the story, so the plot exposition has to go in somewhere. Looking forward to the next part.
July 6, 2023
Fun story about a girl finding her secret family ability and being introduced to a fantastical world. Starts a bit slow but gets fun when Kit and Dylan get going. Maggie character a favourite. I enjoyed the mysticism and look forward to seeing some tricks out of Kitsune.
July 27, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Pacing was a bit inconsistent, but characters were well developed and interesting. Excellent first chapterand the story kept my attention throughout. Was glad to get an answer to the question that hung in the background since Chapter 1. I'll be looking out for Book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2023
A promising start for ELA Hugh. I can't help but look forward to her next one!
May 29, 2023
Reminiscent of Leigh Bardugo's 'Shadow and Bone'. It was an absorbing combination of the mythic, the magical, and the intensely personal.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews