Aura: The Celestial Keys

by Simoriah Graham

When Elia feels magic emanating from the Hell Gate bridge, she knows He found her.

After sixteen years of searching, King Soren’s men have crossed over the stars and found her in a world that once offered sanctuary, all for a power she does not have.

The night Knoxx follows her to a harrowing scene inside the safehouse walls, she realizes he is not the enemy she fears, but a lethal ally against their common adversary. One who has a tendency to push her beyond her limits, forcing her to face truths she’d rather not see and find a light buried within.

As more otherworldly beasts cross from Elyseum into Queens, Elia discovers she isn’t the only thing the King is hunting for in this world. And it isn’t just revenge that hangs in the balance, but the fate of a realm.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted Aura by the author (and then bought the ebook upon release) & was absolutely over the moon to receive it. When she first sent me the blurb, I knew this book was gonna be my jam & boy, I was right. This book was AMAZING & I was hooked from the start. Elia is super relatable as a main character and the mystery behind what's going on in her life is really interesting.

Her bestie Logan gave me the "I'm a sketchy bastard" vibes from the beginning and I just never liked him. He just hit my "do not trust" button & gave me big ole buckets of icks. It's just the sly ass way he'd put Elia down when she needed his support.

Enter hottie with a body Knoxx & his best bud Bodhi. They are a fun, mysterious duo that enter Elia's life at a really pivotal moment & they are exactly what she needs. This isn't a RH moment, despite what it sounds like lol. Bodhi is the friend she ACTUALLY needs and Knoxx is the flirty but pushing her to be her best self man she's always wanted (even if she doesn't wanna admit it). I loved Bodhi and their TV marathons together.

The tension and banter between Knoxx and Elia is *chef's kiss*. Their flirting absolutely sent me into a FIT. I was ready to smash their faces together like two barbies and yell kiss, kiss, kiss. If you loved Casteel as an MMC, you're gonna love Knoxx. He's sweet but also a little unhinged in that way that makes the book girlies go crazy (can we say touch her and I'll break your hands?). I love that he cuts through all the bs & doesn't let Elia get away with any thing.

The last 15% had me absolutely losing my damn mind & my heart was RACING. Honestly, it was amazing & I can't believe it just came out. Now I have to wait for Simoriah to write the next one 😫🥴. Definitely add this book to your reading list. It's amazing. Love, love, loved it.

Tropes:

Enemies to lovers
One bed
He calls her princess
Touch her and you'll lose your hands
Slow burn
Shadow Daddy
Hidden identity

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐ This was a fun read, however, I found the world building to be a little confusing. Certain things were explained later on, but I was still left with more questions on how the world operated

[Carolyn O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut novel from this incredible new author. I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters are witty and intense and carry you along on their exploits as if you were along for the ride with them. I can't wait for the next book in the series for the adventure to continue. I've already recommended Aura to several family and friends.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style in Aura is sooo smooth and beautiful. The story line is amazing and I adored the characters in it. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!

[Kelly C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story pulls you in right from the beginning, and it doesn't stop. It was really hard to put down.

I love Elia! She's strong and stubborn, and the way she hides from her problems is so very relatable. The fact that she named her cat Luna from Sailor Moon is amazing.

Knoxx, the shadow daddy of the story, and his friend Bodhi are perfect.
Bodhi is adorable. I love how he got hooked on reality TV shows.
Knoxx is the perfect darkness to Elia's light. I love how he tries to get her to see that her power can be a good thing, even though it terrifies her.

Logan started off okay, but he did seem a little controlling and grabby for someone who is supposed to be her best friend.

The ending to this book was so fast-paced that I stayed up a little later because I had to finish it.
It ends on a cliffhanger, of course, so now I have to patiently wait for her to write the next book.

[Kaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll preface this by saying I’m usually a bit more of a high fantasy reader. However, this book was *chefs kiss*, a super easy read that kept me throughly captivated. Elia did get me a bit riled up at times but hey, god forbid a girl lives her life. I really enjoy this authors writing style and attention to details. I found the banter between characters to be fun and kept a good pace throughout the book.
Team Knoxx but also maybe Team Logan; even though Logan is kinda an asshole, iykyk.
* This book does end on a cliff hanger *
Eagerly awaiting the second.

[Martina Hinrichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre reviewing because I am absolutely certain this book is going to be fantastic. Looking forward to this authors first release with great anticipation!
--update--
ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS BOOK. The banter, the tension. The ENDING?! INSANE! 💜 a must read for 2025!!