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Edge of the Barrier
Anne Blankenship has only seen blurry photographs and rough sketches of the aliens that destroyed the world. All she knows is that one day, they invaded Earth, and then the next, NewMerica was forced to live within a force field to protect its people from the creatures.
But for Anne, that happened over a thousand years ago, and all she cares about now is passing her career test and becoming a doctor. But the announcement of "The Royal Lottery" and a chance to meet the prince cause chaos all around her. Little does Anne know that these events will lead her to break both physical and social barriers alike.
But for Anne, that happened over a thousand years ago, and all she cares about now is passing her career test and becoming a doctor. But the announcement of "The Royal Lottery" and a chance to meet the prince cause chaos all around her. Little does Anne know that these events will lead her to break both physical and social barriers alike.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2023
2 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Aleese Hughes
10 books67 followersAleese Hughes is many things: a mother and wife, an avid reader, a performer, and an author. Aleese enjoys her time at home with her children and relishes the opportunities to pick up a good book or write one herself.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 9, 2023
I received an ARC from the author. Here is my honest review.
As a middle school teacher, this book checks a lot of the boxes for things my students are looking for in a book. This books is for all the kids that loved novels like The Selection, as well as The Hunger Games.
It is filled with action that keeps the reader engaged the entire time. It is layered with moments of love, loss, excitement, nervousness, anger, etc making it fast paced and hard to put down. At moments where I wasn’t sure where the author was going, she hits you with a twist that brings the action right back.
The story is written in a way that emotionally attached you to the main character. I found my self being upset or angry at parts when she didn’t succeed but cheering at moments she did!
Overall, the book is a great cross between science fiction and fantasy that I think will capture the attention of a lot of readers.
As a middle school teacher, this book checks a lot of the boxes for things my students are looking for in a book. This books is for all the kids that loved novels like The Selection, as well as The Hunger Games.
It is filled with action that keeps the reader engaged the entire time. It is layered with moments of love, loss, excitement, nervousness, anger, etc making it fast paced and hard to put down. At moments where I wasn’t sure where the author was going, she hits you with a twist that brings the action right back.
The story is written in a way that emotionally attached you to the main character. I found my self being upset or angry at parts when she didn’t succeed but cheering at moments she did!
Overall, the book is a great cross between science fiction and fantasy that I think will capture the attention of a lot of readers.
March 8, 2024
This is similar to the Hunger Games so if you enjoy that, you’d love this. It’s not exactly the hunger games either. It’s a different dystopian story. Supposed to have aliens, but in book 1 they are just mentioned. I am very intrigued to know how this is all going to play out.
October 9, 2023
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. If I could give this story more than 5 stars, I would. A gripping story of a young girl studying to follow as a doctor in her father’s footsteps. But in this section of where she lives, there are rules to follow. So when things go wrong on test day, her future becomes uncertain. But what happens next is a mind bending, heart pounding journey of how she becomes the girl that all the royals will watch, including a prince or two. Things are about to change, and she seems to be the key. Prepare to be swept away as the beautifully written storyline captures your attention, and your heart as the plot unfolds.
April 7, 2024
This is a teen/ya dystopian science fiction story about life on Earth a thousand years after an alien invasion forced the United States to build a protective dome over 2/3 of the country for protection. Life in the dome is very strict and unforgiving, and the citizens of NewMerica don't have the freedoms that they once have.
Eighteen year old Anne Blankenship has only ever wanted to be a doctor like her father, and the only thing she has to do is pass her career test. She only gets one shot at this test, and whatever results she gets will assign her to her job for the rest of her life. When things don't go as expected that morning, all seems lost for Anne, until the announcement of the royal lottery. One lucky commoner girl will be randomly selected to attend a courtier ball with the crowned prince, where she can have the chance to win his heart.
The thing I liked about Anne is she didn't care about the ball nonsense at all. She was highly uninterested in the whole affair, and found the excitement surrounding it to be annoying. Imagine her surprise when her name is chosen, especially since she did not submit her name for the drawing.
She is whisked away to the capital and realizes life is very different for those who live in the capital compared to her commoner village. For starters, they get to pick their jobs! Life is really overwhelming for Anne in the days leading up to the ball, and when she gets devastating news from home, all she wants to do is go home to her sisters. But Anne starts to realize something is amiss in the capital, especially when she sees her best friend in the hallway one night, entering the royal office. She starts to sneak out to do research in the big library, which leads to a shocking discovery about the commoners who are selected to become courtiers, including her best friend.
At the end there is action, a plot twist, and we finally catch a glimpse of the aliens. The ending leaves off on a doozy of a cliffhanger for Anne. I thought this was a very cute book, this is exactly the kind of story I wanted to read when I was a young teenager.
Eighteen year old Anne Blankenship has only ever wanted to be a doctor like her father, and the only thing she has to do is pass her career test. She only gets one shot at this test, and whatever results she gets will assign her to her job for the rest of her life. When things don't go as expected that morning, all seems lost for Anne, until the announcement of the royal lottery. One lucky commoner girl will be randomly selected to attend a courtier ball with the crowned prince, where she can have the chance to win his heart.
The thing I liked about Anne is she didn't care about the ball nonsense at all. She was highly uninterested in the whole affair, and found the excitement surrounding it to be annoying. Imagine her surprise when her name is chosen, especially since she did not submit her name for the drawing.
She is whisked away to the capital and realizes life is very different for those who live in the capital compared to her commoner village. For starters, they get to pick their jobs! Life is really overwhelming for Anne in the days leading up to the ball, and when she gets devastating news from home, all she wants to do is go home to her sisters. But Anne starts to realize something is amiss in the capital, especially when she sees her best friend in the hallway one night, entering the royal office. She starts to sneak out to do research in the big library, which leads to a shocking discovery about the commoners who are selected to become courtiers, including her best friend.
At the end there is action, a plot twist, and we finally catch a glimpse of the aliens. The ending leaves off on a doozy of a cliffhanger for Anne. I thought this was a very cute book, this is exactly the kind of story I wanted to read when I was a young teenager.
September 26, 2023
Edge of the Barrier
By Aleese Hughes
This was a fun book. It follows a “commoner” girl who wins the lottery and is invited to a royal ball. She has to navigate a very different way of life while also coming to the realization that not everything about her world is as it seems.
The backdrop to this very familiar theme is a world post alien invasion. The people live under a dome of protection and are ruled by the upper class. The world building is interesting. And the set up of a possible insidious faction has me hooked.
My main issue with this are some very convenient set ups for the MC as well as a decision made by her parents that is taken pretty much in stride even though the consequences could be quite devastating. I felt like even though I was willing to suspend my disbelief on the initial decision, I wanted a little more emotion from the MC. Maybe some anger at their selfishness or something.
But ultimately I had a great time reading this book and will be picking the next one up when it comes out 😊
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
By Aleese Hughes
This was a fun book. It follows a “commoner” girl who wins the lottery and is invited to a royal ball. She has to navigate a very different way of life while also coming to the realization that not everything about her world is as it seems.
The backdrop to this very familiar theme is a world post alien invasion. The people live under a dome of protection and are ruled by the upper class. The world building is interesting. And the set up of a possible insidious faction has me hooked.
My main issue with this are some very convenient set ups for the MC as well as a decision made by her parents that is taken pretty much in stride even though the consequences could be quite devastating. I felt like even though I was willing to suspend my disbelief on the initial decision, I wanted a little more emotion from the MC. Maybe some anger at their selfishness or something.
But ultimately I had a great time reading this book and will be picking the next one up when it comes out 😊
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2023
Cattiness reigns
A tale of the dangers that the have’s looking down upon the have-not’s. The author paints a vivid picture of the many differences in how capital life differs from that in the factions. Career choices, dress expenses, food availability, housing waste, etc. There is a vast number of born-Capitalists who fritter away resources while the royal family plays the victim as the masses rebel against the Crown.
Some futuristic advice for gaining the attention of a Crown Prince:
External beauty defines your worth.
Disregard your health to maintain a slim figure.
‘Never dress for yourself; always dress to impress.’
Provide entertaining content for the cameras at all times.
But are these harmful comments really futuristic and dystopian? Aren’t we already instilling self-destructive ideas into our daughters’ heads? Isn’t it well past time to cease doing that?
Will Anne be able to break down the walls in order to make a difference in how the Capital-born treat their world and the people in it? Totally looking forward to the next book to find out!
A tale of the dangers that the have’s looking down upon the have-not’s. The author paints a vivid picture of the many differences in how capital life differs from that in the factions. Career choices, dress expenses, food availability, housing waste, etc. There is a vast number of born-Capitalists who fritter away resources while the royal family plays the victim as the masses rebel against the Crown.
Some futuristic advice for gaining the attention of a Crown Prince:
External beauty defines your worth.
Disregard your health to maintain a slim figure.
‘Never dress for yourself; always dress to impress.’
Provide entertaining content for the cameras at all times.
But are these harmful comments really futuristic and dystopian? Aren’t we already instilling self-destructive ideas into our daughters’ heads? Isn’t it well past time to cease doing that?
Will Anne be able to break down the walls in order to make a difference in how the Capital-born treat their world and the people in it? Totally looking forward to the next book to find out!
October 7, 2023
This is another dystopian story along the lines of Hunger Games/Divergent meets Cinderella. A little different but is it enough to make it really stand out in a very crowded field of work. The characters are well developed and the plot moves along at a nice pace. It’s an easily anticipated script- the heroine will have hardship, she will get selected to participate in the Ball though she doesn’t want to and of course, you can see the ending coming from a mile off - it wasn’t really a cliff hanger. Perhaps the author could have given us more on what is happening with the missing courtiers, what is going on in the outside world, etc. A deeper background would bring some depth to the piece and help set it apart from all the others in this genre. It has potential but is it going to get there as a series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2023
A Must-Read
I recently finished Edge of the Barrier (The Barrier Series Book 1) and I am blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Aleese Hughes has a true flair for writing; her characters are real, the plot is exciting, and the descriptions are spot-on. I literally couldn't put this book down! This Dystopian Romance novel is a loose retelling of Cinderella and it has alien invasions, a slow-burn romance, a royal ball, and so much more. I was also drawn in by the slow-burn romance between Anne and the prince. Edge of the Barrier is highly imaginative, tense and emotional, has well-developed characters, is mysterious and ominous, has a strong female protagonist, and is fast-paced and engaging. Fans of The Hunger Games, The Selection, and Divergent will especially enjoy this book. I would highly recommend Edge of the Barrier to readers of all ages who enjoy dystopian fiction.
I recently finished Edge of the Barrier (The Barrier Series Book 1) and I am blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Aleese Hughes has a true flair for writing; her characters are real, the plot is exciting, and the descriptions are spot-on. I literally couldn't put this book down! This Dystopian Romance novel is a loose retelling of Cinderella and it has alien invasions, a slow-burn romance, a royal ball, and so much more. I was also drawn in by the slow-burn romance between Anne and the prince. Edge of the Barrier is highly imaginative, tense and emotional, has well-developed characters, is mysterious and ominous, has a strong female protagonist, and is fast-paced and engaging. Fans of The Hunger Games, The Selection, and Divergent will especially enjoy this book. I would highly recommend Edge of the Barrier to readers of all ages who enjoy dystopian fiction.
October 18, 2023
Edge of the Barrier transports readers into a post-apocalyptic world shrouded in mystery and danger. Anne, a determined young woman on a path to becoming a doctor, finds herself amidst the chaos of a society striving to recover from an ancient alien invasion.
Drawing on romance and science fiction elements, this YA Dystopian novel weaves a captivating narrative, offering a fresh perspective with its inventive take on the Cinderella tale. The book's strength lies in its vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and a tantalizing slow-burn romance that keeps the pages turning. Fans of dystopian tales like The Hunger Games and The Selection will find themselves engrossed in this gripping adventure.
Drawing on romance and science fiction elements, this YA Dystopian novel weaves a captivating narrative, offering a fresh perspective with its inventive take on the Cinderella tale. The book's strength lies in its vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and a tantalizing slow-burn romance that keeps the pages turning. Fans of dystopian tales like The Hunger Games and The Selection will find themselves engrossed in this gripping adventure.
April 10, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Aleese Hughes' work, and it won't be my last. Once the audiobook started, I was so caught up in the story that I listened until the end in one sitting. Anne Blankenship wanted to become a doctor like her father. Riots in the streets and the announcement of "The Royal Lottery" were two distractions that Anne didn't need as she worked to attain her career path. The worldbuilding was complicated. There was plenty of action. I liked the character of Anne as she faced her obstacles. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Kasey Miracle's narration was great, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which contained my opinions.
April 23, 2024
One Thousand years ago an alien invasion caused part of the United States to raise a protective barrier to prevent the invaders from destroying their society.
Anne just wants to pass her employment examination so she can be a doctor. Background events seem to point to things not being quite so clear cut with the NewMerican regime but Anne will not be distracted from her goal, until it becomes unavoidable.
I was expecting a full on Sci-Fi, Alien romp, but what I found was a delightful character driven story that sets the scene for Anne's story whilst laying a trail for the Alien intrigue to come in the rest of the series.
Knowing that this is part of a series, I wasn't surprised by the sudden end and I feel that it sets up the anticipation for book 2 nicely.
Excellent narration on the audio book
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Anne just wants to pass her employment examination so she can be a doctor. Background events seem to point to things not being quite so clear cut with the NewMerican regime but Anne will not be distracted from her goal, until it becomes unavoidable.
I was expecting a full on Sci-Fi, Alien romp, but what I found was a delightful character driven story that sets the scene for Anne's story whilst laying a trail for the Alien intrigue to come in the rest of the series.
Knowing that this is part of a series, I wasn't surprised by the sudden end and I feel that it sets up the anticipation for book 2 nicely.
Excellent narration on the audio book
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.com/
February 4, 2024
Intriguing story, and characters but an end that left much to be desired.
The far future setting was an interesting choice given the fact that technology on the whole is not as advanced as you might expect it to be in the 36th century even with the supposed alien attack 1000 years prior. The overall story is an intriguing one and plays more YA than it does adult fiction, which is not a negative comment, simply a remark on the style of storyline.
For such a short read, it does move a little slowly and is more slow burn than fast paced, but again this lends itself to the story being told.
The issue I had with this was that the ending was not a 'book ending' event, and I was at first confused. It seemed as though it was the end of a chapter, but it was in fact the end of the book. I was aware this was a series in the making, but the book ending felt like it was just cut off.
The far future setting was an interesting choice given the fact that technology on the whole is not as advanced as you might expect it to be in the 36th century even with the supposed alien attack 1000 years prior. The overall story is an intriguing one and plays more YA than it does adult fiction, which is not a negative comment, simply a remark on the style of storyline.
For such a short read, it does move a little slowly and is more slow burn than fast paced, but again this lends itself to the story being told.
The issue I had with this was that the ending was not a 'book ending' event, and I was at first confused. It seemed as though it was the end of a chapter, but it was in fact the end of the book. I was aware this was a series in the making, but the book ending felt like it was just cut off.
September 27, 2023
Ok this book is good and I can't wait to see where it goes. Our FMC, Anne, has only seen hazy photographs and sketches of the aliens that devastated the Earth. From that first line, I was interested. Are the Aliens going to come back (of course they are at some point, right....)?
Anyway, Anne is training to go into the medical field, and sure enough things go wrong from there.
Without spoiling this book, Anne becomes the center of attention and not always the attention she wants.
Get this book!
Anyway, Anne is training to go into the medical field, and sure enough things go wrong from there.
Without spoiling this book, Anne becomes the center of attention and not always the attention she wants.
Get this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
3.5/5
I didn't really like the characters, but i loved the story.
It did give of divergent/hunger games vibes.
The fmc was a bit of a know it all, the parents left their 3 kids for a pregnancy (WTF!!) , The grandma was fun but manipulative.
All genders wore make-up so that's nice. I read this book in 1 sitting, the world building was amazing and the plot exciting. It leaves you with more questions then answers, and you want to know what happens next. It was all very mysterious.
will I read book 2. Yes I think I will.
I didn't really like the characters, but i loved the story.
It did give of divergent/hunger games vibes.
The fmc was a bit of a know it all, the parents left their 3 kids for a pregnancy (WTF!!) , The grandma was fun but manipulative.
All genders wore make-up so that's nice. I read this book in 1 sitting, the world building was amazing and the plot exciting. It leaves you with more questions then answers, and you want to know what happens next. It was all very mysterious.
will I read book 2. Yes I think I will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
This book reminds me of several years ago when I was flying through dystopian ya fiction. It has all the ingredients for that kind of world and I’m glad that the author decided to put their own spin on it! It was quite engaging and memorable. I was flipping through the pages in anticipation. Can’t wait for more!
March 14, 2024
A story with a sensation of Hunger Games meets fairytale ball with a twist. With exceptionally developed characters, Hughes sets the scene for a perfect dystopian novel. The story is well developed and perfectly narrated. With a strong female lead the story progresses at a nice pace. A great start to what I expect will be an exceptional series! Can’t wait for book 2.
May 9, 2024
This dystopian YA book has as ociety very similar to The hunger games and I absolutly love it. It was fast paced, some action and I got very attached to the characters (way quicker then I usually get).
But Aleese..... you cannot end the book like that when the second book is not even out yet! I need it like yetsterday!!!
But Aleese..... you cannot end the book like that when the second book is not even out yet! I need it like yetsterday!!!
August 10, 2024
oh what a cliff hanger
Interesting story that reminds me of a few others except 3 children still seems like quite a bit to be allowed in the new world and the creepy sci fi twist that is sure to arise once it’s realized. Well off to go get the next book so I can find out what happens.
Interesting story that reminds me of a few others except 3 children still seems like quite a bit to be allowed in the new world and the creepy sci fi twist that is sure to arise once it’s realized. Well off to go get the next book so I can find out what happens.
October 11, 2023
This story follows Anne as she tries to overcome the hurdles life throws at her. I found this story to be a futuristic Cinderella retelling with some interesting characters. Can't wait to read what happens next! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, seems to follow the standard poor girl meets rich boy. But there are many layers hidden waiting to be explored. Are there really aliens, what are the riots about? Hopefully more will be answered in the next book which I need to read as I read this one super fast.
October 12, 2023
Super fun read!
The selection meets aliens! I'm very interested to see where this series goes and can't wait for the next one. I liked the idea of her falling for someone who wasn't the prince. It was a refreshing take on the dystopian lottery stories.
The selection meets aliens! I'm very interested to see where this series goes and can't wait for the next one. I liked the idea of her falling for someone who wasn't the prince. It was a refreshing take on the dystopian lottery stories.
December 17, 2023
Unfolds in a post-alien-invasion world. Anne Blankenship, aspiring to be a doctor, navigates societal chaos and a mysterious past. Hughes' flair for vivid characters and an exciting plot, combined with a touch of mystery, makes this a compelling read for fans of science fiction and dystopia.
January 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am such a mood reader, and I have been in a reading slump lately. This book helped pull me out of it! Unfortunately, Goodreads won't allow me to rate this what I wanted to rate it, a 4.57. I am very excited for the next book in the series!
March 8, 2024
wow
What an amazing YA dystopian book! I was expecting something else entirely but what I got was way better. The way she builds each character and their relationships and the tension about what is going on is perfection
What an amazing YA dystopian book! I was expecting something else entirely but what I got was way better. The way she builds each character and their relationships and the tension about what is going on is perfection
October 9, 2023
This book was cool. It had slot of alien action. If you like young adult books you will love this book.I received a copy of this book before it was released.
October 10, 2023
Captivating
The characters are so well developed that I really felt immersed in the world of the Barrier Series. It includes beautiful artist renditions in each chapter also!
The characters are so well developed that I really felt immersed in the world of the Barrier Series. It includes beautiful artist renditions in each chapter also!
October 14, 2023
ARC reader here and I have to say what Aleese did with the cross between science fiction and fantasy kept me hooked. Very creative and intriguing plot that has me wanting to read more from Aleese.
March 4, 2024
Fun, easy YA read. I liked that there were aliens which was a fun twist that warmed my scifi loving heart! It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm curious to see what happens.
March 10, 2024
Talk about cliffhanger 😳😲
I'll be waiting for book two. This was an enjoyable book full of mystery. I have so many questions.
I'll be waiting for book two. This was an enjoyable book full of mystery. I have so many questions.
May 3, 2025
What a fascinating read. Earth destroyed by Aliens, who could ever imagine that. Anne doesn’t quite know what to do with that information. Can’t wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews