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Ælefas
"A YA quest book for our times, with echoes of the Bible, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Philip Pullman." - Ellis Potter, author of 3 Theories of Everything
In a future world of Forgettings, history is trapped in an eternal medieval age and sorcery is brain-powered neurojectics, the lore of a distant technological past . But this power is forbidden to Tobi’s people, the Alp folk, which makes it all the more disturbing when her own father is imprisoned for smuggling an object of power into the city of Ælefas. As Tobi and her brother struggle to free their father from the dark schemes of neurojectors and geists, they face ancient mysteries and unexpected attacks. They defend themselves by blade and by dazzling Scriptus power, but the situation gets bleaker as the city comes under growing threat by an outlawed neurojector and his army of creants—and he has Tobi and her family firmly in his sights.
In a future world of Forgettings, history is trapped in an eternal medieval age and sorcery is brain-powered neurojectics, the lore of a distant technological past . But this power is forbidden to Tobi’s people, the Alp folk, which makes it all the more disturbing when her own father is imprisoned for smuggling an object of power into the city of Ælefas. As Tobi and her brother struggle to free their father from the dark schemes of neurojectors and geists, they face ancient mysteries and unexpected attacks. They defend themselves by blade and by dazzling Scriptus power, but the situation gets bleaker as the city comes under growing threat by an outlawed neurojector and his army of creants—and he has Tobi and her family firmly in his sights.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 15, 2021
Captivating from the beginining to the end and at the same time uniquely thought provoking and deep.
This book is about an intrepid brother and a risk-averse sister who are left to fend for themselves while they defend their father who has been imprisoned for reasons they don't understand. Their journey tests their hope-trust as they wrestle with sorcery, disinformation, and their own weaknesses.
I found it refreshing to read a sci-fi novel where sorcery is evil, chastity is venerated, and drugs are harmful. The terms invented to explain the setting of the novel were intuitive and repetitive enough that I easily picked up their meanings. I was quickly absorbed in the world of Tobi and Fry with each page-turning chapter that usually ended with a cliff-hanger like a good mystery novel. The book ended satisfyingly with enough of a teaser to make a person eager for the next book in the series.
While I was easily pulled into the story line, I frequently found myself being yanked back to reality. These moments related to the evil in the story world which link closely with what happens in the real world - demon worship, human sacrifices and mind-altering drugs. Since I find these disturbing, I wish there had been less of them in the book. Due to the subject matter, I would say that this book is suited for teens and adults who are not too sensitive. The main defense the characters used against these powers was prayer. As a Christian, I would have liked to have seen a defense including more Scripture (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12).
There were several thought provoking concepts in the book, the last of which is one character's mantra - look forward, never back - as it coincides with another character's sudden recollection of something important. One thought provoking idea mentioned early in the book is that some memories (or emotions attached to them) could be altered and not just read and recalled, but I don't recall this sorcery being used in the book beyond the passing mention of it. I wonder if these ideas will be developed more in a future book...
This book is about an intrepid brother and a risk-averse sister who are left to fend for themselves while they defend their father who has been imprisoned for reasons they don't understand. Their journey tests their hope-trust as they wrestle with sorcery, disinformation, and their own weaknesses.
I found it refreshing to read a sci-fi novel where sorcery is evil, chastity is venerated, and drugs are harmful. The terms invented to explain the setting of the novel were intuitive and repetitive enough that I easily picked up their meanings. I was quickly absorbed in the world of Tobi and Fry with each page-turning chapter that usually ended with a cliff-hanger like a good mystery novel. The book ended satisfyingly with enough of a teaser to make a person eager for the next book in the series.
While I was easily pulled into the story line, I frequently found myself being yanked back to reality. These moments related to the evil in the story world which link closely with what happens in the real world - demon worship, human sacrifices and mind-altering drugs. Since I find these disturbing, I wish there had been less of them in the book. Due to the subject matter, I would say that this book is suited for teens and adults who are not too sensitive. The main defense the characters used against these powers was prayer. As a Christian, I would have liked to have seen a defense including more Scripture (Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12).
There were several thought provoking concepts in the book, the last of which is one character's mantra - look forward, never back - as it coincides with another character's sudden recollection of something important. One thought provoking idea mentioned early in the book is that some memories (or emotions attached to them) could be altered and not just read and recalled, but I don't recall this sorcery being used in the book beyond the passing mention of it. I wonder if these ideas will be developed more in a future book...
October 13, 2024
Overall rating: 4/5 I felt like the beginning was a little slow, and that some of the characters could have been developed more fully (especially Kessra). I believe this is part of a series, so it makes sense for the author to save some character development for later. But I was hoping for a redemption arc for Kessra, so I was a little disappointed by the ending.... Maybe it's still coming, though?
Literary value: 4/5 Since I read a lot of classics, I have high expectations for writing quality. Aelefas was well-written, if not quite on par with Austen or Tolkien. :) But it was still well done.
Worldview: 5/5 I would have liked a little more explanation of geists and the various fantasy religions; I did eventually catch on, it was initially disorienting. Also, I felt like more theology could have been incorporated into the story (some was present, but I would have liked a deeper exploration, especially with Kessra's character arc).
Enjoyability: 4/5 Again, the beginning was a little slow. Once it picked up, I couldn't put it down, but I probably wouldn't have gotten past the slow beginning if a friend hadn't recommended it, and warned me about the slow start. But once it got going, I really connected with the characters, and the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing!
Caveats: I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under 14, although that would depend on the individual. Some of the action scenes could be frightening to sensitive readers, and I found one flashback scene to a pagan ritual particularly disturbing. Some readers might not have a problem with it, though, and more sensitive readers could easily skim those scenes. (There are also a few torture scenes, which aren't gory/descriptive, but which could again be disturbing to a sensitive reader.) The violence, etc., is much less than typical adult fantasy, but a little bit more than what I'm used to.
Literary value: 4/5 Since I read a lot of classics, I have high expectations for writing quality. Aelefas was well-written, if not quite on par with Austen or Tolkien. :) But it was still well done.
Worldview: 5/5 I would have liked a little more explanation of geists and the various fantasy religions; I did eventually catch on, it was initially disorienting. Also, I felt like more theology could have been incorporated into the story (some was present, but I would have liked a deeper exploration, especially with Kessra's character arc).
Enjoyability: 4/5 Again, the beginning was a little slow. Once it picked up, I couldn't put it down, but I probably wouldn't have gotten past the slow beginning if a friend hadn't recommended it, and warned me about the slow start. But once it got going, I really connected with the characters, and the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing!
Caveats: I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under 14, although that would depend on the individual. Some of the action scenes could be frightening to sensitive readers, and I found one flashback scene to a pagan ritual particularly disturbing. Some readers might not have a problem with it, though, and more sensitive readers could easily skim those scenes. (There are also a few torture scenes, which aren't gory/descriptive, but which could again be disturbing to a sensitive reader.) The violence, etc., is much less than typical adult fantasy, but a little bit more than what I'm used to.
May 28, 2021
This is an epic-length tale that takes place in a futuristic (albeit medieval-like world) where magic is brain-fueled “neurojectics,” and the remnant of a technological past. The story follows Tobi Wulfhall and her brother as they journey to the marvelous city of Ælefas. There, they meet unexpected obstacles when their father is suddenly accused of smuggling a forbidden object, plunging the whole family into the malevolent plots of a neurojector. I would recommend this book to any young adult looking to read an enthralling fantasy story with a captivating plot, relatable characters, and overall a book to quench your reader-soul.
This is a transporting midnight-read, filled with adventure, strange creatures, and an ancient ash that can blot out the memories of entire kingdoms.
This is a transporting midnight-read, filled with adventure, strange creatures, and an ancient ash that can blot out the memories of entire kingdoms.
March 15, 2021
Surprisingly gripping and enjoyable read
At the book's outset, I was a little worried. It seemed like too much was going on too quickly and I thought I might not be in for a great read. But suddenly, by chapter 2, the author had found his stride and I found myself immersed in the world of the novel. Sufficed to say, I couldn't put it down. The world of Aelefas is well-imagined and complex. It is a book I highly recommend. Needless to say, I hope there will be a Book 2.
At the book's outset, I was a little worried. It seemed like too much was going on too quickly and I thought I might not be in for a great read. But suddenly, by chapter 2, the author had found his stride and I found myself immersed in the world of the novel. Sufficed to say, I couldn't put it down. The world of Aelefas is well-imagined and complex. It is a book I highly recommend. Needless to say, I hope there will be a Book 2.
April 8, 2021
My daughter loved it so much that she snuck it under the covers to read after her bedtime! The plot is full of details that seamlessly fit together and is such a page turner. She felt transported in time and thought that she was one of the characters. This book has all the elements of a great story: magic, adventures, humour, and hope. It is a clean book that celebrates life!
October 15, 2021
This book is worth reading.
It took me until about halfway through to get properly invested in the protagonists, but I ate up the rest of Aelefas pretty quick once I got past that point. I'm certain the future books in the series will be superior to the first, but even were this a solo novel, I'd still recommend it.
It took me until about halfway through to get properly invested in the protagonists, but I ate up the rest of Aelefas pretty quick once I got past that point. I'm certain the future books in the series will be superior to the first, but even were this a solo novel, I'd still recommend it.
February 14, 2021
A YA quest book for post-modern times, with echoes of the Bible, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Philip Pullman.
This page-turner is richly complex, engaging the mind and the emotions. Both medieval and futuristic, it suggests two alternative goals of life: to be absorbed into the bliss of oneness/all or established in identity and relationships. The ending is satisfying and leaves us eagerly awaiting part 2.
This page-turner is richly complex, engaging the mind and the emotions. Both medieval and futuristic, it suggests two alternative goals of life: to be absorbed into the bliss of oneness/all or established in identity and relationships. The ending is satisfying and leaves us eagerly awaiting part 2.
April 16, 2021
From my 15-year old daughter: A brilliant, well thought out universe filled with bravery and questioned loyalties. Toby's, Fry's, and Kessra's stories weave into a beautiful piece of work that makes me want more. I can't wait for the next book!
March 9, 2021
Adventurous!
Too many cryptic words, which took sometime to get used to (may be due to my lack of experience reading much fantasy). Most of the book focused on the dark side of sorcery and hence less time to invest on the good guys. So I was detached from the proceedings. But I liked the pace and some of the sci-fi like aspects used. Also enjoyed the back-story of the forgetting.
Too many cryptic words, which took sometime to get used to (may be due to my lack of experience reading much fantasy). Most of the book focused on the dark side of sorcery and hence less time to invest on the good guys. So I was detached from the proceedings. But I liked the pace and some of the sci-fi like aspects used. Also enjoyed the back-story of the forgetting.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews