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Aigis Trilogy #1
Strength
When gods are confronted by problems they can’t solve alone, they call upon mortals with supernatural abilities, called Aigis, to step in.
Seventeen-year-old Roxie Lohr has always wondered why her eyes glow different colors whenever she feels intense emotion. Aerigo, a captivating Aigis, not only gives her the answer but also whisks her away into a host of new problems. Suddenly, Roxie finds herself thrust into exotic worlds, an unexpected romance, and a conflict between gods in which only they can decide the outcome…
Seventeen-year-old Roxie Lohr has always wondered why her eyes glow different colors whenever she feels intense emotion. Aerigo, a captivating Aigis, not only gives her the answer but also whisks her away into a host of new problems. Suddenly, Roxie finds herself thrust into exotic worlds, an unexpected romance, and a conflict between gods in which only they can decide the outcome…
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Angela B. Macala-Guajardo
9 books24 followersAngela Guajardo is an award-winning author, blogger, sports journalist, and editor whose heart lies with young adult fantasy. She currently lives in the Phoenix metro with her husband and fur babies. When not writing or editing, she nerds it out on various video games, walks her dog, binges on various paranormal programs, or watches lots of sports.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 6, 2015
I started this book around 9:30 last night and finished it at 3:30 am. I simply could NOT put it down. S.M. Welles really knows how to draw in a reader and keep him/her hanging on for the ride! First the negative, which is way overshadowed by the positive, but I want to address it because someone else made the comment that she doesn't know how to write. Bull! She is obviously an amazing writer, with excellent use of language, dialogue, character development, and description. I did see several errors, but they were minor (a few misspellings, a couple of missed d's on the end of some past tense words. These things are simple to correct, and hopefully the author will go over it again and do so. Easy enough for ebook or POD. :)
Now, on to the positives! The character development of Roxie was great, showing her as someone who had been through some tough times but who had come out on top with a good self-image and an understanding of self appropriate to someone her age. The other main protagonist, Aerigo, not only has a badass name, great courage, concern for others, and boy can he take a beating! However, he's not the invulnerable, emotionless guy you might think, and sometimes his emotions get the better of him. All heroes have to have a fatal flaw, right? The bad guys are easy to hate. The limitations of the gods are spelled out well and I was reminded of the rules of the Greek gods in ancient tales; i.e., Zeus forbidding direct interaction with humans, but sending demigods to work for them.
The system of magic is original and believable, unlike many books these days. (Brent Weeks being one with his "Black Prism" series). There are rules and consequences, and a penalty for using too much power. The author shows fantastic originality and creativity in both the development of her magic system and also the way in which it is introduced to the reader. Roxie's adjustment to her newfound abilities is realistic. The sense of urgency in saving people and worlds is palpable, keeping the reader in a state of nail-biting tension.
The best part of Welles' writing is her descriptive powers. As I followed the protagonists from world to world, each was captivating in its own way. They are differentiated by their inhabitants, languages, architecture, styles of dress, and social customs. I could easily see Phailon's towering wall around the city in my mind's eye, as well as the stick huts of the swamp world of Sconda. The fight scenes are fast and furious, leaving the reader on the edge of her seat. The imagery is clear and concise, with the actions of those involved flowing from one motion to the next, leaving no doubt as to what was occurring.
From her admirable characters in their fantastic worlds to her amazing descriptions of magic and action, S.M. Welles has gotten herself a new fan in me. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Now, on to the positives! The character development of Roxie was great, showing her as someone who had been through some tough times but who had come out on top with a good self-image and an understanding of self appropriate to someone her age. The other main protagonist, Aerigo, not only has a badass name, great courage, concern for others, and boy can he take a beating! However, he's not the invulnerable, emotionless guy you might think, and sometimes his emotions get the better of him. All heroes have to have a fatal flaw, right? The bad guys are easy to hate. The limitations of the gods are spelled out well and I was reminded of the rules of the Greek gods in ancient tales; i.e., Zeus forbidding direct interaction with humans, but sending demigods to work for them.
The system of magic is original and believable, unlike many books these days. (Brent Weeks being one with his "Black Prism" series). There are rules and consequences, and a penalty for using too much power. The author shows fantastic originality and creativity in both the development of her magic system and also the way in which it is introduced to the reader. Roxie's adjustment to her newfound abilities is realistic. The sense of urgency in saving people and worlds is palpable, keeping the reader in a state of nail-biting tension.
The best part of Welles' writing is her descriptive powers. As I followed the protagonists from world to world, each was captivating in its own way. They are differentiated by their inhabitants, languages, architecture, styles of dress, and social customs. I could easily see Phailon's towering wall around the city in my mind's eye, as well as the stick huts of the swamp world of Sconda. The fight scenes are fast and furious, leaving the reader on the edge of her seat. The imagery is clear and concise, with the actions of those involved flowing from one motion to the next, leaving no doubt as to what was occurring.
From her admirable characters in their fantastic worlds to her amazing descriptions of magic and action, S.M. Welles has gotten herself a new fan in me. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
November 7, 2014
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
I wasn’t sure about this book at the start, but thankfully it improved as it went along.
Roxie was an okay character but I didn’t love her. Aerigo overwhelmed me a bit with his info-dumps, and I could not believe the way he went around showing off his super-powers in front of the general public – what the heck was that about?
The storyline seemed a little silly at the beginning, and the pace was quite slow. Thankfully around the half-way mark things improved a bit, but I did feel like the book switched genres a bit, as it started out seeming like sci-fi, and then seemed to have fantasy elements such as trolls and dragons.
There was a hint of romance, but I didn’t see it coming, and I was a little surprised by it to be honest.
The ending was a huge cliff-hanger. It will be interesting to see where the rest of this series goes.
6 out of 10.
I wasn’t sure about this book at the start, but thankfully it improved as it went along.
Roxie was an okay character but I didn’t love her. Aerigo overwhelmed me a bit with his info-dumps, and I could not believe the way he went around showing off his super-powers in front of the general public – what the heck was that about?
The storyline seemed a little silly at the beginning, and the pace was quite slow. Thankfully around the half-way mark things improved a bit, but I did feel like the book switched genres a bit, as it started out seeming like sci-fi, and then seemed to have fantasy elements such as trolls and dragons.
There was a hint of romance, but I didn’t see it coming, and I was a little surprised by it to be honest.
The ending was a huge cliff-hanger. It will be interesting to see where the rest of this series goes.
6 out of 10.
March 1, 2013
I actually found most of this book boring. It seemed to drag on far to much. While the whole 'gods' theme was different, it just didn't do much for me. I didn't notice anything that would keep me reading the series. The ending was a cliffhanger but typical of many novels.
November 2, 2013
I liked this book!
March 8, 2022
Frankly, I don't know what I think about this book. I'm conflicted. The storyline is promising, and I will continue reading the next one. I thought there were too many characters and worlds to cover in this first book. It's like the story couldn't wait to move forward, racing over to the finishing line and ignoring everyone or events surrounding the two main characters. The consequences be damned.
At least, I thought that happened at the beginning of the story. For example, Aerigo showcased his power in the open, and one that I really cannot accept was how placid the cruise owner - the Herschel family reacted over the incident in the suite.
The story did get better after they left earth. Upon arriving in the alien worlds - Phailon, Sconda and Druconica, the author gave us a lengthy introduction that includes the languages, clothing, architectures, technologies, peoples, games, etc. It's also full of fast-paced actions, almost chaotic!
At least, I thought that happened at the beginning of the story. For example, Aerigo showcased his power in the open, and one that I really cannot accept was how placid the cruise owner - the Herschel family reacted over the incident in the suite.
The story did get better after they left earth. Upon arriving in the alien worlds - Phailon, Sconda and Druconica, the author gave us a lengthy introduction that includes the languages, clothing, architectures, technologies, peoples, games, etc. It's also full of fast-paced actions, almost chaotic!
December 10, 2014
Does she make it....
What a great read. Very well written and very interesting. A young girl finds out that she is not really human and that she must help stop a war between God's. She has a short amount of time to figure out her powers and help the other remaining Aigis stop one God from waging war on all the other God's and their world's. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
What a great read. Very well written and very interesting. A young girl finds out that she is not really human and that she must help stop a war between God's. She has a short amount of time to figure out her powers and help the other remaining Aigis stop one God from waging war on all the other God's and their world's. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
January 12, 2015
You are more than you know
For 17 year old Roxi that is especially true. Her years of life on Earth as a human were just a small part of who she really is. She is the last of two super warriors created by a god to protect all worlds. Yes, plural. How's that for having to grow up fast?
I would recommend this book for middle grades and older.
For 17 year old Roxi that is especially true. Her years of life on Earth as a human were just a small part of who she really is. She is the last of two super warriors created by a god to protect all worlds. Yes, plural. How's that for having to grow up fast?
I would recommend this book for middle grades and older.
tbr-own-ebook
February 6, 2014#free on #amazon #kindle Strength (The Aigis Trilogy) by S.M. Wells
#Fantasy #romance
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA0416S?t...
#Fantasy #romance
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA0416S?t...
May 9, 2013
Review pending... I need a few days to think about it all!
June 25, 2013
Good book, interesting and engaging plot....for someone who likes Magical Sci Fi, and war, it is a good easy read :)
September 29, 2014
it was interesting in the beginning but got extremely boring really really fast. I dropped reading around 60% after discovering myself skipping more lines than what i was reading.
October 2, 2013
alot going on. wonder what will befall our heros next
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews