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Books of Aenya #3
The Feral Girl: The Aenya Saga: Book One of Three
When food becomes scarce and her brother is sold into slavery, Thelana is sent far from home to find civilization. The days that ensue become a fight for survival as she treks through an unforgiving wilderness teeming with flesh-eating saurians, mind-altering ruins, and Outsiders who trade in human lives.
The Feral Girl is a harrowing tale of survival, hope, and the limits of the human heart.
This latest Kindle exclusive includes seven stunning new, never-before-seen illustrations---twenty-five works in total--- showcasing the beautiful and exotic worlds of The Feral Girl .
The Feral Girl is a harrowing tale of survival, hope, and the limits of the human heart.
This latest Kindle exclusive includes seven stunning new, never-before-seen illustrations---twenty-five works in total--- showcasing the beautiful and exotic worlds of The Feral Girl .
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2023
21 people are currently reading
2004 people want to read
About the author
Nick Alimonos
4 books45 followersI am a full-time novelist who has devoted the past forty years of his life to storytelling. My books have earned me a loyal fanbase, and accolades from fiction contests and magazine critics.
By six years of age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and that was to tell stories. Before I could even spell my name, I was asking the servers at my father's restaurant to write down the scenarios running rampant through my skull. When I turned nine, I dragged my father to DC Comics headquarters in New York City to solicit my superheroes. By fourteen, I was querying publishers for an anthology of short stories, and I completed my first ninety-thousand-word novel in high school.
Throughout my life, teachers and classmates widely regarded me as a literary prodigy. I earned my English degree at the University of South Florida, where I minored in Ancient History, helped as a tutor, and ran a fiction website where I helped aspiring writers achieve their goals.
In 2023, I sold my business to devote myself fully to fiction. My books mix fantasy and Sci-Fi with an emphasis on classic storytelling and lovable characters. They include Ages of Aenya, The Princess of Aenya, and The Feral Girl.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I DO NOT write erotica or adult content, at least, no more adult than "A Game of Thrones." Despite repeated attempts to clarify the situation, Goodreads continues to ignore my requests to fix their broken algorithm, which suggests my books are something other than fantasy adventures. So, if you are looking for titillating fiction, the Aenya Series may not be for you.
By six years of age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and that was to tell stories. Before I could even spell my name, I was asking the servers at my father's restaurant to write down the scenarios running rampant through my skull. When I turned nine, I dragged my father to DC Comics headquarters in New York City to solicit my superheroes. By fourteen, I was querying publishers for an anthology of short stories, and I completed my first ninety-thousand-word novel in high school.
Throughout my life, teachers and classmates widely regarded me as a literary prodigy. I earned my English degree at the University of South Florida, where I minored in Ancient History, helped as a tutor, and ran a fiction website where I helped aspiring writers achieve their goals.
In 2023, I sold my business to devote myself fully to fiction. My books mix fantasy and Sci-Fi with an emphasis on classic storytelling and lovable characters. They include Ages of Aenya, The Princess of Aenya, and The Feral Girl.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I DO NOT write erotica or adult content, at least, no more adult than "A Game of Thrones." Despite repeated attempts to clarify the situation, Goodreads continues to ignore my requests to fix their broken algorithm, which suggests my books are something other than fantasy adventures. So, if you are looking for titillating fiction, the Aenya Series may not be for you.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 11, 2023
I had the amazing opportunity to do a book swap at the Sunshine State Book Festival with another author, Nick Alimonos. He was very sweet and encouraging, and I am so happy he gave me the opportunity to read his book, The Feral Girl.
The third book of the Tales from Aenya series, The Feral Girl follows the story of young Thelana as she is sent away from home to fend for herself among the wondrous and dangerous creatures of the Wildwood under the guise of finding other civilizations. Filled with action, adventure, and diverse cultures, this book features a wonderfully painted fantasy world and a carefully crafted emotional and mental journey.
There's so much I can say about this book, and all of it is positive! From the worldbuilding to the story to Thelana's character development, everything was so wonderfully written and crafted. It's been a while since I've felt as if a book was actually breathing while I read, and this one had me hooked since the first page.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love fantastic world-building and a strong, well-developed main character. This book had me in since the first sentence, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Nick Alimonos’s work in the future.
The third book of the Tales from Aenya series, The Feral Girl follows the story of young Thelana as she is sent away from home to fend for herself among the wondrous and dangerous creatures of the Wildwood under the guise of finding other civilizations. Filled with action, adventure, and diverse cultures, this book features a wonderfully painted fantasy world and a carefully crafted emotional and mental journey.
There's so much I can say about this book, and all of it is positive! From the worldbuilding to the story to Thelana's character development, everything was so wonderfully written and crafted. It's been a while since I've felt as if a book was actually breathing while I read, and this one had me hooked since the first page.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you love fantastic world-building and a strong, well-developed main character. This book had me in since the first sentence, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Nick Alimonos’s work in the future.
November 25, 2023
Thelana is a lean, wild-looking adolescent girl with a sinewy frame hardened by her time alone in the unforgiving wilderness. Her coppery skin is tan from the sun and is mottled with scars, bruises, and blisters accumulated through her daily struggles. She has striking green eyes with a tangled braid of auburn hair that falls across her bony shoulders and down her back. She is completely nude, as she had shed all, but the most necessary items (a spear, a bow and quiver, and a knife). Her feet are calloused and hard and has muscular legs and arms from all the climbing, running, and hunting she does.
Despite her bedraggled appearance, Thelana possesses an undeniable beauty, seen in the delicate features of her face and her large, expressive eyes. Though deprived of human contact, Thelana survives through her own resilience, curiosity, and unwillingness to surrender to despair. Each day brings new challenges, from securing food to evading predators, but she approaches hardships with stoicism, intelligence, and empathy for the animals she must kill. The wilderness provides no comforts or companionship, yet Thelana finds solace in her spiritual reverence for the goddess, taking stock in natural signs and visions. While profoundly alone, she relies on her courage, creativity, and adventurous spirit to persevere. Her inner fortitude outweighs her doubts, driving her forward through both isolation and injury.
Thelana was born in the Braid River Valley of Ilmarinen, where her eldest brother, Borz, was sold into slavery when she was very young. This event haunts her all her life. She is one of the last of the Llmar people, who are known for their naturalist lifestyle.
Despite her bedraggled appearance, Thelana possesses an undeniable beauty, seen in the delicate features of her face and her large, expressive eyes. Though deprived of human contact, Thelana survives through her own resilience, curiosity, and unwillingness to surrender to despair. Each day brings new challenges, from securing food to evading predators, but she approaches hardships with stoicism, intelligence, and empathy for the animals she must kill. The wilderness provides no comforts or companionship, yet Thelana finds solace in her spiritual reverence for the goddess, taking stock in natural signs and visions. While profoundly alone, she relies on her courage, creativity, and adventurous spirit to persevere. Her inner fortitude outweighs her doubts, driving her forward through both isolation and injury.
Thelana was born in the Braid River Valley of Ilmarinen, where her eldest brother, Borz, was sold into slavery when she was very young. This event haunts her all her life. She is one of the last of the Llmar people, who are known for their naturalist lifestyle.
July 12, 2022
The Aenya series continues to deliver, The Feral Girl is a fantastic story of survival, perseverance, and coming to terms the loss of innocence.
The world of Aenya is incredibly well fleshed out, the author giving you both a fantastic sense of place and history as Thelana travels through the Wildwood. You always get the sense that death is only one step behind her, one day away, be it from savage half-men, giant predators, or simply starvation.
But the real draw is Thelana herself.This is the first book in the Aenya series that really puts the spotlight on the poster-girl for the series. We find a young heroine who has spent most of her life in a sheltered but crumbling Eden who now has to grow up very quickly. Seeing how she goes from starving hunter to a capable and curious explorer is a deeply rewarding read.
The book, like the rest of the series, also has a focus on humanity's connection - or lack there of - to the world around it. The text imparts naturist and naturalist philosophies in an elegant way, folding them into the story or the characterisations, and never beating you over the head with them. It's refreshing and never feels preachy.
I thoroughly recomend this book and, given it's a prequrl, I recomend it as the first Aenya book you buy - a fantastic introduction to the series or stand-alone adventure.
The world of Aenya is incredibly well fleshed out, the author giving you both a fantastic sense of place and history as Thelana travels through the Wildwood. You always get the sense that death is only one step behind her, one day away, be it from savage half-men, giant predators, or simply starvation.
But the real draw is Thelana herself.This is the first book in the Aenya series that really puts the spotlight on the poster-girl for the series. We find a young heroine who has spent most of her life in a sheltered but crumbling Eden who now has to grow up very quickly. Seeing how she goes from starving hunter to a capable and curious explorer is a deeply rewarding read.
The book, like the rest of the series, also has a focus on humanity's connection - or lack there of - to the world around it. The text imparts naturist and naturalist philosophies in an elegant way, folding them into the story or the characterisations, and never beating you over the head with them. It's refreshing and never feels preachy.
I thoroughly recomend this book and, given it's a prequrl, I recomend it as the first Aenya book you buy - a fantastic introduction to the series or stand-alone adventure.
May 26, 2022
The Feral Girl is not your typical coming-of-age story. It's full of intense action and soft remembrances as the main character, beloved Aenya heroine Thelana, struggles to survive in the wilds of Aenya against many impossible odds.
Nick Alimonos has crafted a spectacular story. It's engaging and quick paced, clever, and incredibly visual in its details. It feels like a film that has come alive in riotous color and emotion, and Alimonos has taken care in this narrative to construct a reality for Thelana that feels very real and very terrifying, and he's given her some fabulous issues to work through as we progress with her through the story. I definitely found myself cringing in fear with the book a few times, but I was also very moved by Thelana's resolutions, sometimes to sadness, sometimes to victory!
I have to say that so far, this is my favorite Alimonos Aenya book yet. It feels very alive and very human in my hands. Alimonos' writing quality has always been very strong, but here it continues to improve and gain maturity in his best-written feature yet. I hope for and look forward to future installments of Aenya lore!
Nick Alimonos has crafted a spectacular story. It's engaging and quick paced, clever, and incredibly visual in its details. It feels like a film that has come alive in riotous color and emotion, and Alimonos has taken care in this narrative to construct a reality for Thelana that feels very real and very terrifying, and he's given her some fabulous issues to work through as we progress with her through the story. I definitely found myself cringing in fear with the book a few times, but I was also very moved by Thelana's resolutions, sometimes to sadness, sometimes to victory!
I have to say that so far, this is my favorite Alimonos Aenya book yet. It feels very alive and very human in my hands. Alimonos' writing quality has always been very strong, but here it continues to improve and gain maturity in his best-written feature yet. I hope for and look forward to future installments of Aenya lore!
August 13, 2022
To date I have read all of Nick's books. I have enjoyed all of them, but The Feral Girl is by far my favorite. A poignant, soft, but harsh story of the coming of age of a young girl under circumstances she could not change. She comes from a world I could only hope to visit and have in my mind now. It's both a beautiful place, and a dangerous one. The story progresses as she learns and grows throughout. There is no hero or heroine in this book. There is the beauty of nature, the beauty of a different culture and changes happening to that culture. As a result, the girl has to grow up. I would like to say to Nick that I don't cry very often, and rarely with a book. Thank you for giving me that emotion at the end of the book. For me to read the end and to wind up with tears means I have met someone, whether real or not, who touched my heart and soul. This book will live in my memory and Thelana will always be one of my favorite characters. You built her beautifully and her wonder never ceases. Thank you!
February 23, 2023
I am a writer using time-travel to tell Florida history. So, I write Speculative fiction, of which Fantasy is one branch, a very challenging branch. Nick Alimonos has done a great job in world-building the planet Aenya. More so, he has developed a strong character in Thelana, the protagonist in THE FERAL GIRL. Blending what must be the known past with hints of the future, you will enjoy her struggles to survive, and the changes she needs for survival. The last part of the book caught me, pleasantly, off-guard. I won’t spoil it for you. Well worth reading.
October 18, 2022
This one is a bit shorter on plot than the other two books in this series, moving like a long episode of Naked & Afraid. Thelana was the character that most intrigued me in Ages of Aenya, so it was great to have her backstory here.
December 3, 2023
The third book in author Nick Alimonos’ “Books of Aenya” series, The Feral Girl is a standalone prequel offering a coming-of-age backstory for Thelana, a pivotal character in the series. Fear not, however. The reader unfamiliar with the other works in the Aenya series will not find themselves at a loss for background information or context: The Feral Girl does not bank on the reader already holding a deep understanding of story or character details gleaned through the other books and is a perfectly fine place to start the “Books of Aenya” series. The intimate storyline, manageable cast of characters, and gradual world-building all work to provide a welcoming point of entry into this expansive world that tickles at the edges of both fantasy and science fiction, yet coyly commits to neither. This is a story of survival, adventure, and perseverance, with overarching messages surrounding environmental collapse, societal dysfunction, and human nature.
At the start of the novel, our heroine, Thelana, is forced to leave her family home and the once-plentiful land of her people, due to a prolonged and worsening period of scarcity. Her people, the Ilmar, live harmoniously with nature, with a deeply engrained cultural appreciation for the natural world and how to both survive off of it and care for it, and it is this experience which has uniquely prepared her for her journey. What she is less prepared for, however, is a sprawling landscape of inhospitable climes, monstrous beasts, and, perhaps worst of all, confrontations with the “civilized” world—the one that ravages the earth for resources, that treats others with disrespect, and that views Thelana and her nakedness as shameful and inhuman. Throughout this journey, we are frequently invited into glimpses of Thelana’s childhood as she mines her memories for the strength to persevere. These moments provide valuable insights into her principles and motivations, into what has prepared her for this journey, and into the relationships she has with her family and community.
This adventure is not purely one of strife and survival, however, but is intertwined with lessons about our own world and our own struggles. As Thelana describes the ravaged landscapes she traverses, the abandoned cities, and the scorched earth, we cannot help but see our own world reflected back at us. When she describes the greed and avarice that led to these conditions, it is difficult to not see the error in our own relationship to one another and to our planet. When she marvels at how her fully-clothed or fully-armored acquaintances hold such negative and backwards views about bodies, we as readers again cannot help but recognize the state of our own society and its phobia of the human body. None of these lessons feel heavy-handed, however, but contribute to Thelana’s blossoming understanding of the larger world and the reconciliation of her cultural values with what she needs to do to survive in a world where clothing and armor are the rule and not the exception, where the people live in cities, disconnected from the natural world yet keen on dominating it, and where exploitation and war reign supreme.
The Feral Girl does not purport to be a naturist novel, if such a thing exists. The naturist reader, however, will undoubtedly be drawn to Thelana’s plight, not because Thelana spends the majority of the novel nude and not because the story itself aligns with a naturist worldview. In Thelana’s world, there is no such concept as naturism or nudism as we know them, but her upbringing within a corner of her world where people live in harmony with nature and where clothing is neither necessary nor culturally relevant means that, in her journey, she experiences the world through an untainted and naturally inquisitive lens. The naturist reader will recognize Thelana’s astonishment at the ways of the clothed world from their philosophy but probably not from their own lived experience, and is likely to relish the opportunity to view the world afresh, stripped of the burden of taking for granted the trappings and tolls of modern society.
For the reader who already enjoys a coming-of-age story, tales of survival, hints of fantasy, and a sprinkle of science fiction, or who is curious about this combination of themes, I cannot recommend this book—or this series of books—enough. The writing is strong, smart, and expansive without ever feeling inaccessible or overly complex, incorporating gripping emotional struggles and fast-paced pursuits with equal care and success. For the naturist reader, finding these qualities in a story that also validates—or at least aligns with—naturist philosophy make The Feral Girl worth the read.
You can listen to this review and an interview with the author on our podcast: https://www.naturistlivingshow.com/20...
At the start of the novel, our heroine, Thelana, is forced to leave her family home and the once-plentiful land of her people, due to a prolonged and worsening period of scarcity. Her people, the Ilmar, live harmoniously with nature, with a deeply engrained cultural appreciation for the natural world and how to both survive off of it and care for it, and it is this experience which has uniquely prepared her for her journey. What she is less prepared for, however, is a sprawling landscape of inhospitable climes, monstrous beasts, and, perhaps worst of all, confrontations with the “civilized” world—the one that ravages the earth for resources, that treats others with disrespect, and that views Thelana and her nakedness as shameful and inhuman. Throughout this journey, we are frequently invited into glimpses of Thelana’s childhood as she mines her memories for the strength to persevere. These moments provide valuable insights into her principles and motivations, into what has prepared her for this journey, and into the relationships she has with her family and community.
This adventure is not purely one of strife and survival, however, but is intertwined with lessons about our own world and our own struggles. As Thelana describes the ravaged landscapes she traverses, the abandoned cities, and the scorched earth, we cannot help but see our own world reflected back at us. When she describes the greed and avarice that led to these conditions, it is difficult to not see the error in our own relationship to one another and to our planet. When she marvels at how her fully-clothed or fully-armored acquaintances hold such negative and backwards views about bodies, we as readers again cannot help but recognize the state of our own society and its phobia of the human body. None of these lessons feel heavy-handed, however, but contribute to Thelana’s blossoming understanding of the larger world and the reconciliation of her cultural values with what she needs to do to survive in a world where clothing and armor are the rule and not the exception, where the people live in cities, disconnected from the natural world yet keen on dominating it, and where exploitation and war reign supreme.
The Feral Girl does not purport to be a naturist novel, if such a thing exists. The naturist reader, however, will undoubtedly be drawn to Thelana’s plight, not because Thelana spends the majority of the novel nude and not because the story itself aligns with a naturist worldview. In Thelana’s world, there is no such concept as naturism or nudism as we know them, but her upbringing within a corner of her world where people live in harmony with nature and where clothing is neither necessary nor culturally relevant means that, in her journey, she experiences the world through an untainted and naturally inquisitive lens. The naturist reader will recognize Thelana’s astonishment at the ways of the clothed world from their philosophy but probably not from their own lived experience, and is likely to relish the opportunity to view the world afresh, stripped of the burden of taking for granted the trappings and tolls of modern society.
For the reader who already enjoys a coming-of-age story, tales of survival, hints of fantasy, and a sprinkle of science fiction, or who is curious about this combination of themes, I cannot recommend this book—or this series of books—enough. The writing is strong, smart, and expansive without ever feeling inaccessible or overly complex, incorporating gripping emotional struggles and fast-paced pursuits with equal care and success. For the naturist reader, finding these qualities in a story that also validates—or at least aligns with—naturist philosophy make The Feral Girl worth the read.
You can listen to this review and an interview with the author on our podcast: https://www.naturistlivingshow.com/20...
September 6, 2022
This is the third book in the Aenya series that I have read and reviewed. Though recently published, the events in The Feral Girl take place before and weave into the narrative of the first published Ages of Aenya. Thus, a new reader should start with this one. Correspondingly, those who have previously read Ages would benefit from re-reading it upon completion of The Feral Girl, because newly experiencing the world and mind of Thelana (the central character in this book) in greatly expanded detail promises a deeper and more intimate encounter with her the second time through Ages of Aenya.
The world Alimonos has created, though set on an alien planet hidden in the timeless depths of the universe, easily connects in allegorical fashion with the distressed realities of our planet today. The urgent climate change crisis and the pathological behaviors of political leaders in dysfunctional human societies are two examples among many. This is one of the things I appreciate about Alimonos’ work. A warning, however. This book is not for people looking for one-dimensional comic book superheroes, easy to tag villains, and glib action-filled plots. There is plenty of anatomically based action, but it is suffused with deep thought along with existential consequences. Alimonos uses a sophisticated and myth-laden vocabulary to tell his tale.
Two revealing quotes:
“Dreams were not separate from reality, she believed, but existed in their own right, parallel to the waking world. Meaning could be mined from journeys of the spirit, serving as guideposts, reflecting where she was and where she might go.” [p. 191]
“Humans insist they are anything but animals, divine beings driven by reason, but we follow our instincts like every other animal. We act on our feelings and then, and only then, does anyone consider the critical faculties of their brains. Reason is rarely ever used to decide what matters, but to win arguments, to justify whatever horrible actions our passions lead us to.” [pp. 287-288]
The world Alimonos has created, though set on an alien planet hidden in the timeless depths of the universe, easily connects in allegorical fashion with the distressed realities of our planet today. The urgent climate change crisis and the pathological behaviors of political leaders in dysfunctional human societies are two examples among many. This is one of the things I appreciate about Alimonos’ work. A warning, however. This book is not for people looking for one-dimensional comic book superheroes, easy to tag villains, and glib action-filled plots. There is plenty of anatomically based action, but it is suffused with deep thought along with existential consequences. Alimonos uses a sophisticated and myth-laden vocabulary to tell his tale.
Two revealing quotes:
“Dreams were not separate from reality, she believed, but existed in their own right, parallel to the waking world. Meaning could be mined from journeys of the spirit, serving as guideposts, reflecting where she was and where she might go.” [p. 191]
“Humans insist they are anything but animals, divine beings driven by reason, but we follow our instincts like every other animal. We act on our feelings and then, and only then, does anyone consider the critical faculties of their brains. Reason is rarely ever used to decide what matters, but to win arguments, to justify whatever horrible actions our passions lead us to.” [pp. 287-288]
July 15, 2023
Everyone needs to reed this book!
It's such a beautiful story no matter who you are or where you come from you will fall in love with it! Not only is it a great adventure but no other story restores your faith in humanity and the beauty of the world like this one, and Thelana really shows you the strength in innocence and purity of heart. Adventure's of course are always cold, nasty, uncomfortable things, make you late for dinner! But if you're looking to share in an adventure this is the one! The story just makes you feel glad to be alive, and lucky you have life so easy. Also go ahead and look up Ages of Aenya on DeviantArt, and then read the books!
It's such a beautiful story no matter who you are or where you come from you will fall in love with it! Not only is it a great adventure but no other story restores your faith in humanity and the beauty of the world like this one, and Thelana really shows you the strength in innocence and purity of heart. Adventure's of course are always cold, nasty, uncomfortable things, make you late for dinner! But if you're looking to share in an adventure this is the one! The story just makes you feel glad to be alive, and lucky you have life so easy. Also go ahead and look up Ages of Aenya on DeviantArt, and then read the books!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews