The Aliquian

by Mary Coe

Ever since her parents' mysterious disappearance from the Offenheimer Farmhold, field-hand Resi Flood has spent years contemplating her escape to the western regions. However, the only escape she's managed to find is in the quiet moments when she is able to sketch from her stoop after a long day's work.

But when one of her portraits is cleverly passed into the hands of the governor of her region, Resi is recruited to be his new portrait artist and is thrust into a sinister world of high society. As she engages more intimately with her newfound talents than ever before, she discovers that her artistry may be linked to a mystical gifting that, if left untrained, could unleash severe harm. With a power that thrives on self-belief, Resi must overcome the shame of her past and those pulling political strings against her in order to control her power.

Filled with adventure, magic, romance, and heart, The Aliquian is a must-read for those searching for beauty, purpose, and meaning in today's world.

Genres: Fantasy

392 pages, Paperback

Published November 8, 2023

About the author

The Aliquian is Mary Coe's debut novel. Her love of purpose-driven stories began on the stage. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2013 from the prestigious program at the University of Michigan before performing in regional and professional productions all over the country. Mary now resides in Michigan with her husband and curious co-author; her cat, Amelia. She is currently working to complete the four-part series of The Aliquian.

When Mary isn't writing, she can be found frolicking about the local trails, reading, painting, taking dance classes, and hosting her book club with a glass of red in hand.

Reviews

[Lisa]

The book landed on my doorstep yesterday and I literally can’t put it down. Don’t want to spoil by giving too much away but I really hope the next 3 books come online quickly

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting! Loved it so so much!!! new fav 🥰

[Denise ✨ Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Where there is shame, belief will flee. But where there is love? Joy? Purpose? Belief will follow.”

This book is amazing. Resi’s journey of self belief, worth, love and strength is beautiful. She has not had it easy, as a Aliquian or ‘Lick she is considered less than. Forced to work on a farm, forbidden to seek out the simplicity of small joys in life; for Resi specifically it’s painting.

This book can be broken up in two parts. Once her journey starts she begins to meet and make unlikely friends. They are sparks that ignite Resi’s belief in herself. She is loved and cared for by the friends she meets along the way and she loves them back fiercely.

This book was heartfelt, it was hopeful & dare I say therapeutic. I am excited to see more of the characters, the Sept-Regions, the magic ✨Mary Coe brilliantly and vividly created a world of inspiring magic. We are introduced to their safe haven and the power structure works within. I am more than excited to continue to plunge into this universe. ❤️






…. And Horris…. You power hungry coward. Boooooo!!!

[Audrey D. DeBoer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great read for fans of ACOTAR and other romantasy who prefer no smut but all the tropes. Coe has a beautiful way of creating a very in-depth world with rich description and nonstop action. At times, the pacing was so quick I felt I did not have a chance to get to know the characters as they developed and got to know one another—each one had the opportunity to become more complex and for the reader to become more invested in each relationship.
Overall, a very solid debut novel with a lot of potential as the series continues!

[Tedlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️- I absolutely LOVED this book! The character and world building was wonderful and the journey that Resi and company embark on is nothing less than magical. This book had be engaged and flipping the pages and I absolutely fell in love with the Aliquian people the more I learned about them! I cannot wait until book 2 comes out! There’s so much of Resi left to be discovered and so many more adventures to be had!

[Audrey Finchum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book. Resi is a reluctant hero. She just wants to escape. She is stuck in a world where her life is decided for her. Magic is long gone, the King has segregated people (think hunger games), and punishment is always looming. A sudden turn of events sets Resi on a journey of freedom and self-discovery. Aliquian has found family, friends to enemies, friends to lovers, neurodivergent representation, magical creatures, and so much more. I can not wait for the second book.

[Kaley Shackelford · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is AMAZING! the twists, the turns, the characters! you will not be disappointed. Mary Coe knows what she’s doing. Resi is so relatable in her journey full of hope and redemption. there’s just so much good stuff in here.

[babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resi is definitely one of my favorite fictional characters. Great debut novel, can't wait what to see what the rest of the series has in store for its readers.

[Melanie Dideriksen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book hooked me at first! However as the story went on, it fell flat. The characters were not developed and it felt rushed. Lack of interesting vocabulary for description throughout and metaphors that didn’t make sense, or seemed awkward were peppered throughout. I made myself finish it because once I start a book, I HATE not ending it. It felt like a chore! Hopefully the next books in the series will be edited more critically! This needs to happen! There is potential for an interesting plot, but this felt unfinished!

[Chasity Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

After spending great amounts of time behind a screen for work and entertainment, this book was a welcomed reprieve from blue light. I love where the storyline is headed and truly had empathy for the villain in the story. Though I believe there are aspects that need deeper development, it was still a book I enjoyed reading and completed quickly but I would challenge the author to bring more to the body of the story in the following books, which I am anticipating on reading.

I'd hope to see more buildup to the intense scenes with more satisfying resolutions that are won by developed grit versus spontaneous power. I'd love to see Resi's personality have more nuances and to understand her inner motives. I'd love to get into the minds of the other characters as some of the characters' actions and appearances seemed too conveniently placed.

I'm definitely curious about the way the magic works and Resi's abilities. I love the theme that expresses how we are more extraordinary than we know and that we must embrace that and not allow the world, others, or ourselves to play us down. I look forward to how this theme will be expressed in the continuation of the story.

[Sally Pegram · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Aliquian was quite a journey from beginning to end, filled with many interesting locations and characters. Resi, a young woman mysteriously abandoned by her parents, is left in forced servitude, like a serf in a feudal system. Her people, the Aliquians, have been conquered, and they experience harsh discrimination. Education? Literacy? No, then they'd know the truth about their history. Art? Absolutely not. Art is powerful, and is only for the Codians and Patrians. Despite the hard labor and awful living conditions, she still manages to have hope of escape, but is instead thrust into a world of elite society to paint a portrait of a half-giant, the governor. As has been alluded to the whole story, Resi is gifted, as are many Aliquians. It is different from the sorcery we'd seen from other characters. There is so much more to the story, but I want to keep it spoiler-free!
You can't destroy darkness with more darkness. Resi (and those she loves- or tolerates) needed to continue to have hope, love, and belief in a better future, as we all do.

[Robin Michaels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Aliquian. As a predominantly thriller reader / writer, I can tend to get lost in the worlds of a fantasy book but Mary did an amazing job at building a world that felt both tangible and fantastical at the same time. I felt the pacing was well done moving the characters on their journey, leaving the reader wanting to turn the page. Resi is a relatable protagonist that you want to root for, hoping she can find the strength within her to combat her inner and outer challenges. I can't wait to see how this story progresses and the development for Mary as an author! Congrats on a great debut!

[Thomas Mitchell]

I am so sorry to write this review. I honestly was so excited to find a book that was advertised as "Regency Romance meets Tolkien Fantasy" and it was clearly not that. It IS a fantasy and set more in a southern united states colonial period or perhaps MAYBE the era of Downton Abbey in England. The magic is awkward, the coming of age, hero develops powers is worse and the female self-doubt and depending on men and then accidentally saving the day is the absolute worst. I'm so sorry and I REALLY wanted to like it. But ... I don't. The writing is predictable, and I hope her style develops. That being said, I'm NOT an author and I'm sure its extremely hard.

[Maddie Diaz De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely captivating! Resi is a courageous and kind heroine, and embarking on her journey is nothing short of magical. The character development is fantastic - I finished this book a few weeks ago and I still remember every creature and character so vividly. There are several cliffhanger endings to chapters, so I ripped through this one pretty quick since I had to know what happened next. Love how this first book ended, it was the perfect set up for book two in this series. Beautiful and descriptive writing and perfect storytelling. A must read!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a satisfying read! It's epic, immersive, and beautifully written. The main character Resi has a hidden power that represents the flame within all of us. She's a fascinating, yet relatable heroine you can't help but root for. Enter the other players: magic, romance, and a steady dose of danger. This book knocked me off my feet in the best way possible. I can't wait for part 2!

[Hannah Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! And well worth the read! The story line is excellent with perfect pacing. I fell in love with this fantasy world and characters. I can't wait for the next book to be released!