What do you think?
Rate this book
Aqua #1
Aqua
Meet Layla McKelland:
Novelist (unpublished, but cut her some slack…seventeen is a bit early to despair),
Slightly neurotic introvert (Alright, let’s be honest…there’s no “slightly” about it),
International Woman of Mystery, and…
Okay, just scratch the bio.
The only real “mystery” in Layla’s life is why her father has never been on the scene. Or why her mother drags Layla to a new coastal home every year.
Nothing about the latest hometown seems too newsworthy…until a routine day at the beach leaves Layla questioning whether she’s read one too many paranormal fantasy novels. The plot thickens when a random guy claims to know things about her father—a bizarre claim he backs up with an equally impossible stunt. And Layla soon finds herself on the wrong side of a mysterious attempted drowning…on her own kitchen floor.
When all is done, Layla will attest that fact is far stranger than fiction. And nothing in real life is ever as transparent as it seems…Not even water.
Especially not water.
Novelist (unpublished, but cut her some slack…seventeen is a bit early to despair),
Slightly neurotic introvert (Alright, let’s be honest…there’s no “slightly” about it),
International Woman of Mystery, and…
Okay, just scratch the bio.
The only real “mystery” in Layla’s life is why her father has never been on the scene. Or why her mother drags Layla to a new coastal home every year.
Nothing about the latest hometown seems too newsworthy…until a routine day at the beach leaves Layla questioning whether she’s read one too many paranormal fantasy novels. The plot thickens when a random guy claims to know things about her father—a bizarre claim he backs up with an equally impossible stunt. And Layla soon finds herself on the wrong side of a mysterious attempted drowning…on her own kitchen floor.
When all is done, Layla will attest that fact is far stranger than fiction. And nothing in real life is ever as transparent as it seems…Not even water.
Especially not water.
299 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2014
2 people are currently reading
1543 people want to read
About the author
M.A. George
7 books77 followersM. A. George is part mother of two adorable children, part super top secret agent…Oops, probably just lost that job.
Writing is what keeps her up into the wee hours of the night. Fortunately, she has a lot of energy (Read: caffeine is her friend). She has a bit of an obsession with music (It does a fantastic job of tuning out rambunctious children while she attempts to focus).
She sincerely hopes people out there enjoy reading her work as much as she enjoys writing it. And if anyone hears of work for a super top secret agent, she’s now available (Discretion guaranteed…).
Writing is what keeps her up into the wee hours of the night. Fortunately, she has a lot of energy (Read: caffeine is her friend). She has a bit of an obsession with music (It does a fantastic job of tuning out rambunctious children while she attempts to focus).
She sincerely hopes people out there enjoy reading her work as much as she enjoys writing it. And if anyone hears of work for a super top secret agent, she’s now available (Discretion guaranteed…).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 3, 2015
I read Aqua as a R4R, and it was such a fun read!
I'm pretty sure I freaked the author out on Twitter because from the first page, I started geeking out over the setting, and I sure did let her know how excited I was that someone was writing so beautifully about Texas on her Twitter feed. (Sorry, M.A. George.) I'm originally from South Texas, and Port Aransas was our stomping grounds every weekend/Spring Break during high school. It was the first time I read a book by an author and could experience exactly how the setting felt and looked. As a South Texas Native, I must say she described the area so perfectly.
Which leads me to an important point about the novel... M.A. George really knows how to write setting. From the world we understand to the underwater worlds she invented, her descriptions were amazing. I loved how she described transitioning from a human state to an aqueous state. This might be giving my age away, but the image she writes reminded me of a show I watched as a kid, The Secret World of Alex Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-6Y5..., where the main character could un-solidify. I loved the underwater society M.A. George creates and the conflicts that exist there. I even think she wrote one of my new all-time favorite fight scenes! It was like Ender's Game underwater.
The love story was perfectly timed (though sometimes the dialogue felt a little too old for Tristan and Layla), and the characters were witty and clever. The main character, Layla, was a very strong female, and I really enjoyed her personality. I also love that Tristan was described as perfectly flawed in looks. Strangely, the detail of the crooked tooth and the scars made him very human and believable.
Aqua was extremely action packed. Because of this, M.A. George skips large chunks of time to push the story forward and not loose the action momentum. It's a choice that works, but sometimes I wished there as a little bit more development between the action scenes. The focus on the action gave little time for characters to truly process some of the major events, which led to a couple resolutions of conflict that felt too quick. (I won't say which character betrayed Layla, but when you read the story--and you should--, you'll see where I'm going here.) This minor thing certainly doesn't take away from how great the story was, and the times she did slow down enough to elaborate during the in-betweens were perfect. (You all know me. I over analyze things for my own writing purposes. In writing an action packed book, it's hard to find the right moments to slow down to strengthen other aspects of the novel without losing steam. I struggle with it constantly.)
I had such a blast reading Aqua, and I definitely recommend it! As for M.A. George, I can't wait to read more of her work! She has a new fan for sure!
I'm pretty sure I freaked the author out on Twitter because from the first page, I started geeking out over the setting, and I sure did let her know how excited I was that someone was writing so beautifully about Texas on her Twitter feed. (Sorry, M.A. George.) I'm originally from South Texas, and Port Aransas was our stomping grounds every weekend/Spring Break during high school. It was the first time I read a book by an author and could experience exactly how the setting felt and looked. As a South Texas Native, I must say she described the area so perfectly.
Which leads me to an important point about the novel... M.A. George really knows how to write setting. From the world we understand to the underwater worlds she invented, her descriptions were amazing. I loved how she described transitioning from a human state to an aqueous state. This might be giving my age away, but the image she writes reminded me of a show I watched as a kid, The Secret World of Alex Mac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-6Y5..., where the main character could un-solidify. I loved the underwater society M.A. George creates and the conflicts that exist there. I even think she wrote one of my new all-time favorite fight scenes! It was like Ender's Game underwater.
The love story was perfectly timed (though sometimes the dialogue felt a little too old for Tristan and Layla), and the characters were witty and clever. The main character, Layla, was a very strong female, and I really enjoyed her personality. I also love that Tristan was described as perfectly flawed in looks. Strangely, the detail of the crooked tooth and the scars made him very human and believable.
Aqua was extremely action packed. Because of this, M.A. George skips large chunks of time to push the story forward and not loose the action momentum. It's a choice that works, but sometimes I wished there as a little bit more development between the action scenes. The focus on the action gave little time for characters to truly process some of the major events, which led to a couple resolutions of conflict that felt too quick. (I won't say which character betrayed Layla, but when you read the story--and you should--, you'll see where I'm going here.) This minor thing certainly doesn't take away from how great the story was, and the times she did slow down enough to elaborate during the in-betweens were perfect. (You all know me. I over analyze things for my own writing purposes. In writing an action packed book, it's hard to find the right moments to slow down to strengthen other aspects of the novel without losing steam. I struggle with it constantly.)
I had such a blast reading Aqua, and I definitely recommend it! As for M.A. George, I can't wait to read more of her work! She has a new fan for sure!
March 31, 2014
Aqua releases April 16th, 2014! :)
August 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. M.A. George does a great job of drawing in the reader immediately into the story and the lives of the characters. Layla is a 17-year-old who lives with her Mom and Aunt Cora. Each year around Layla's birthday, they move. They always move somewhere close to water. They have just moved to Texas and while at the beach, Layla meets Tristan and Pyke. Weird things start to happen like Pyke under water for a long time and then showing up dry. Or the fact he liquefies before he hits the water.
Layla soon finds out her life and family is not what she thought it was. She is not even actually "human." George does a great job of creating a world where people live in the ocean and they can easily transition into water. They can also manipulate water and can make themselves dry quickly.
I had a hard time putting this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I wanted to put my tablet next to my computer at work so I could read it while I was working. This is well worth the time. Very enjoyable.
Layla soon finds out her life and family is not what she thought it was. She is not even actually "human." George does a great job of creating a world where people live in the ocean and they can easily transition into water. They can also manipulate water and can make themselves dry quickly.
I had a hard time putting this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. I wanted to put my tablet next to my computer at work so I could read it while I was working. This is well worth the time. Very enjoyable.
June 4, 2015
I was given this in exchange for an honest review so here goes.
Now Aqua is unlike anything I usually choose to read, so I more than anyone am quite surprised that I did enjoy reading it, well once I got into it. I found it was a little long winded and word filled at the beginning and because of this I was often confused about the story itself but after a while I got used to the way the author wrote and was a lot less confused and I began to enjoy the action, the twists and turns and the slight romance within the story.
Aqua is about a world underwater that breathes and transitions and basically lives underwater. Layla is a character who was kept completely in the dark about her true heritage by her mother, her mother believed that she was protecting Layla by keeping her real life from her. She started to blend into the human world to protect both herself and her daughter when her husband went missing just before he was due to start a revolution against the main tyrants of the underwater community. The life Layla knows is about moving year to year coast to coast and she never really understands why or what for but as the story progresses she finds out more and more about the life she doesn't even know existed.
Layla is a very strong, stubborn, independent teenager, she does what she likes and really doesn't listen well to direction or to rules, she's very imaginative and enjoys writing stories, she seems very wary of being social with others. I love her blunt sarcastic attitude that she doesn't lose throughout the story it makes her funny in situations that you really shouldn't find funny.
Tristan is a warrior sent to protect Layla but gradually they trust one another more and become more than friends, the way the relationship grows between them is actually quite believe-able because it's not the insta-love they genuinely build and progress through many different stages and it's intriguing to see them and the way they interact towards one another.
Pyke is Tristan's arrogant cocky self assured big brother but when you learn more about him and what he's had to live through you can actually understand why he's like that. He winds Layla up no end and they really grind on each other's nerves, that is until they both need one another's help to free Tristan. Then they both work together to form a plan and seemingly they get on and find a common ground for them to both tolerate each other and by the end of the story they actually seem content enough to both deal with each other and become almost friends.
Overall I liked this story, the action, the twists and turns, the romance but I didn't like how Layla once she found out who she was and that she was being chased didn't seem to want to do anything to defend herself rather she relied on Tristan to save her countless times and to whimper and run from trouble but never really asking Tristan, Pyke or even her aunt Cora to teach her how to fight using her newfound abilities or even in her physical form.
Now Aqua is unlike anything I usually choose to read, so I more than anyone am quite surprised that I did enjoy reading it, well once I got into it. I found it was a little long winded and word filled at the beginning and because of this I was often confused about the story itself but after a while I got used to the way the author wrote and was a lot less confused and I began to enjoy the action, the twists and turns and the slight romance within the story.
Aqua is about a world underwater that breathes and transitions and basically lives underwater. Layla is a character who was kept completely in the dark about her true heritage by her mother, her mother believed that she was protecting Layla by keeping her real life from her. She started to blend into the human world to protect both herself and her daughter when her husband went missing just before he was due to start a revolution against the main tyrants of the underwater community. The life Layla knows is about moving year to year coast to coast and she never really understands why or what for but as the story progresses she finds out more and more about the life she doesn't even know existed.
Layla is a very strong, stubborn, independent teenager, she does what she likes and really doesn't listen well to direction or to rules, she's very imaginative and enjoys writing stories, she seems very wary of being social with others. I love her blunt sarcastic attitude that she doesn't lose throughout the story it makes her funny in situations that you really shouldn't find funny.
Tristan is a warrior sent to protect Layla but gradually they trust one another more and become more than friends, the way the relationship grows between them is actually quite believe-able because it's not the insta-love they genuinely build and progress through many different stages and it's intriguing to see them and the way they interact towards one another.
Pyke is Tristan's arrogant cocky self assured big brother but when you learn more about him and what he's had to live through you can actually understand why he's like that. He winds Layla up no end and they really grind on each other's nerves, that is until they both need one another's help to free Tristan. Then they both work together to form a plan and seemingly they get on and find a common ground for them to both tolerate each other and by the end of the story they actually seem content enough to both deal with each other and become almost friends.
Overall I liked this story, the action, the twists and turns, the romance but I didn't like how Layla once she found out who she was and that she was being chased didn't seem to want to do anything to defend herself rather she relied on Tristan to save her countless times and to whimper and run from trouble but never really asking Tristan, Pyke or even her aunt Cora to teach her how to fight using her newfound abilities or even in her physical form.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
Full reviews can be found at Daydreaming Books.
**I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.**
The blurb and the cover of Aqua drew me in. The cover is really beautiful and unique and the blurb, yep totally sold me. This book was definitely like a breath of fresh air and the concept was totally unique. I mean I don't remember reading any book where one could materialise onself in water. Have you? So moving on to the review part...
The story revolves around a girl named Layla who lives with her mother and aunt. Each year during her birthday they relocate to a different place. Although she is frustrated by this constant changing, she doesn't question her elders. But one thing about their relocated place always remains the same, they always move somewhere near the coast or the water. She meets two guys at the new place at the beach- Tristan and Pyke and then she sees Pyke completely materialising into water which stuns her, she is certain she has gone mad until she is actually attacked in her home where she seems to drown in her kitchen where Tristan comes to her rescue. After this incident nothing remains the same as she comes to learn about the whole truth and also the truth about herself and what she is.
I loved the plot, it was totally different from anything I have ever read. Layla learns that her family belongs to an underwater kingdom and they have adapted to live outside the water as well. And they have the capability to transform fully into water. I mean how cool is that! She also learns that her father was a leader of the rebel group in their kingdom because the government there was against the human community while her father wanted to live in harmony with them. But unfortunately they had captured him and all these years her mother has been searching for him endlessly. The plot was full of action and I never felt bored for a second.
The characters were great. Layla was a total bookish character, she was introvert and preferred hiding behind a book rather than socialising. She also loved to write. When at first she saw the bizarre occurrence she thought she had completely gone crazy and when Tristan told her the truth she fled from the scene, her reaction was completely natural. I think I would have done the same, well if I hadn't fainted at the sight of someone turning into water in front of my very eyes. :-P It took her sometime but then she handled things maturely although what she did towards the end was a bit childish but oh well, all well that ends well. I specially loved her inner monologue, they were humorous and totally funny.
I liked Tristan. He was gorgeous, smart and caring. Although he was trusted with the role of a bodyguard for Layla, they were friends first. The romance was well built, they slowly moved from friendship to love though the romantic aspect is a minor factor in this novel. Another character worth mentioning is Pyke. I think he's going to play an important role in the following novel and I sense I love triangle brewing. This time I secretly hope I'm right. *SIGHS* I always end up rooting for the bad guy. Though he's not actually bad, he is Tristan's friend and he loves to get on Layla's nerves. They sort of called a truce between them at the end where he agreed to help Layla and they "almost" became friends. I definitely want to read more of him in the next book.
The writing was descriptive and vivid. I liked it but it was a problem for me as well. I felt it was too descriptive at some places causing the pace to slow down. And at times I felt it was dragging because of the same reason. That's why at first I had a bit of problem in getting into the story but after a while I fell into the rhythm and I didn't face a problem anymore. But I have to say, I liked her writing style which was really beautiful.
Overall, the plot was definitely unique and different than any other novel I've read before. The characters were great and I liked them although they sometime got on my nerves. The romance was okay, it didn't play a major role in this novel and the writing was descriptive and beautiful. I'm definitely looking forward to read more works by this author. Actually I already have the first two books in her Proximity series and I can't wait to dig in.
Recommend it?
Definitely yes if you love fantasy although the plot moves a bit slowly towards the beginning but it picks up its speed soon enough.
**I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.**
The blurb and the cover of Aqua drew me in. The cover is really beautiful and unique and the blurb, yep totally sold me. This book was definitely like a breath of fresh air and the concept was totally unique. I mean I don't remember reading any book where one could materialise onself in water. Have you? So moving on to the review part...
The story revolves around a girl named Layla who lives with her mother and aunt. Each year during her birthday they relocate to a different place. Although she is frustrated by this constant changing, she doesn't question her elders. But one thing about their relocated place always remains the same, they always move somewhere near the coast or the water. She meets two guys at the new place at the beach- Tristan and Pyke and then she sees Pyke completely materialising into water which stuns her, she is certain she has gone mad until she is actually attacked in her home where she seems to drown in her kitchen where Tristan comes to her rescue. After this incident nothing remains the same as she comes to learn about the whole truth and also the truth about herself and what she is.
I loved the plot, it was totally different from anything I have ever read. Layla learns that her family belongs to an underwater kingdom and they have adapted to live outside the water as well. And they have the capability to transform fully into water. I mean how cool is that! She also learns that her father was a leader of the rebel group in their kingdom because the government there was against the human community while her father wanted to live in harmony with them. But unfortunately they had captured him and all these years her mother has been searching for him endlessly. The plot was full of action and I never felt bored for a second.
The characters were great. Layla was a total bookish character, she was introvert and preferred hiding behind a book rather than socialising. She also loved to write. When at first she saw the bizarre occurrence she thought she had completely gone crazy and when Tristan told her the truth she fled from the scene, her reaction was completely natural. I think I would have done the same, well if I hadn't fainted at the sight of someone turning into water in front of my very eyes. :-P It took her sometime but then she handled things maturely although what she did towards the end was a bit childish but oh well, all well that ends well. I specially loved her inner monologue, they were humorous and totally funny.
I liked Tristan. He was gorgeous, smart and caring. Although he was trusted with the role of a bodyguard for Layla, they were friends first. The romance was well built, they slowly moved from friendship to love though the romantic aspect is a minor factor in this novel. Another character worth mentioning is Pyke. I think he's going to play an important role in the following novel and I sense I love triangle brewing. This time I secretly hope I'm right. *SIGHS* I always end up rooting for the bad guy. Though he's not actually bad, he is Tristan's friend and he loves to get on Layla's nerves. They sort of called a truce between them at the end where he agreed to help Layla and they "almost" became friends. I definitely want to read more of him in the next book.
The writing was descriptive and vivid. I liked it but it was a problem for me as well. I felt it was too descriptive at some places causing the pace to slow down. And at times I felt it was dragging because of the same reason. That's why at first I had a bit of problem in getting into the story but after a while I fell into the rhythm and I didn't face a problem anymore. But I have to say, I liked her writing style which was really beautiful.
Overall, the plot was definitely unique and different than any other novel I've read before. The characters were great and I liked them although they sometime got on my nerves. The romance was okay, it didn't play a major role in this novel and the writing was descriptive and beautiful. I'm definitely looking forward to read more works by this author. Actually I already have the first two books in her Proximity series and I can't wait to dig in.
Recommend it?
Definitely yes if you love fantasy although the plot moves a bit slowly towards the beginning but it picks up its speed soon enough.
May 21, 2014
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
Layla's life isn't your most typical: She and her family move around the continental US every year on Layla's birthday, always settling close to a body of water. This time around though things get weird, really weird. You see, something in the water is attacking Layla for some unknown reason. No, that's not right... The water itself is attacking her! What?! It's crazier than it sounds, trust me. Especially since Layla and her family have this connection to water that Layla will find hard to believe, a connection that could potentially answer the burning question about the whereabouts of her missing father.
You guys, this book was so cool! I've never read anything like this aqueous transformation thing, so it was a very unique concept to me and I always love that in a book! Very cool powers, nuff said :)
Layla was awesome! I really loved her sass and the way she handled herself. She is just so quirky and funny and just plain fun to read about! M.A. George gave this book such a fantastic voice through Layla that I honestly wouldn't even mind reading about the most mundane thing. Seriously. Layla eating breakfast, could become a funny, unexpected adventure that would probably keep me entertained for a while.
And Tristan... *swoons* that guy is the sweetest, most caring guy ever! And his protectiveness over Layla is to swoon for! I adored him! I really appreciated the lack of insta-love. Insta-attraction, on the other hand, not something I mind ;)
Overall, I think Aqua had a great variety characters that made thus book that much better! Crazy, untrustworthy-but-maybe-a-little-trustworthy Pyke was a very interesting and complex character. You just never know what he's going to do next and whether you should trust him or not. I did warm up to hum a but toward the end if the book... But you just never know with this guy! And his sister Zria... Boy, she's something else! Two words to describe her: Turquoise and fierce!
My main complaint about this book is about the terminology. I had a hard time keeping up with all the terms being thrown at us and I vaguely understood what the heck was going on with this other brand new world that was presented to us.
There was also a certain part where Tristan and Pyke got into a fight and it sounded so awesome I really wish it would've shown instead of told us about it. But besides that, I thought this was a great read!
It was a fantastical story with a very interesting and unique concept, lots of adventure, humor, romance, and cool science-y stuff to keep you entertained for hours!
Layla's life isn't your most typical: She and her family move around the continental US every year on Layla's birthday, always settling close to a body of water. This time around though things get weird, really weird. You see, something in the water is attacking Layla for some unknown reason. No, that's not right... The water itself is attacking her! What?! It's crazier than it sounds, trust me. Especially since Layla and her family have this connection to water that Layla will find hard to believe, a connection that could potentially answer the burning question about the whereabouts of her missing father.
You guys, this book was so cool! I've never read anything like this aqueous transformation thing, so it was a very unique concept to me and I always love that in a book! Very cool powers, nuff said :)
Layla was awesome! I really loved her sass and the way she handled herself. She is just so quirky and funny and just plain fun to read about! M.A. George gave this book such a fantastic voice through Layla that I honestly wouldn't even mind reading about the most mundane thing. Seriously. Layla eating breakfast, could become a funny, unexpected adventure that would probably keep me entertained for a while.
And Tristan... *swoons* that guy is the sweetest, most caring guy ever! And his protectiveness over Layla is to swoon for! I adored him! I really appreciated the lack of insta-love. Insta-attraction, on the other hand, not something I mind ;)
Overall, I think Aqua had a great variety characters that made thus book that much better! Crazy, untrustworthy-but-maybe-a-little-trustworthy Pyke was a very interesting and complex character. You just never know what he's going to do next and whether you should trust him or not. I did warm up to hum a but toward the end if the book... But you just never know with this guy! And his sister Zria... Boy, she's something else! Two words to describe her: Turquoise and fierce!
My main complaint about this book is about the terminology. I had a hard time keeping up with all the terms being thrown at us and I vaguely understood what the heck was going on with this other brand new world that was presented to us.
There was also a certain part where Tristan and Pyke got into a fight and it sounded so awesome I really wish it would've shown instead of told us about it. But besides that, I thought this was a great read!
It was a fantastical story with a very interesting and unique concept, lots of adventure, humor, romance, and cool science-y stuff to keep you entertained for hours!
July 8, 2015
(
I received this book free from Goodreads group, {Shut up and Read}[Read it and Reap] in exchange for my honest review.
)
4.5 Stars.
This book has made me fall in love with YA again, or can you call it YA, this has more of a NA feeling to it. In all, I'm in deep feels with this wonder.
This story is original, and it strayed away from the normal cliché that haunt YA/NA books. For one there was no, NO, insta-love; in fact love wasn't even mentioned. The relationship between Layla and Tristan developed naturally, cheesy, but in all it flowed nicely and I felt it. It didn't take away from the plot, or nor did it cloud Layla's mind with lust and stupid notions that she had, instantly found her prince charming. Heck, there's this one scene where she's running away from him at full tilt. I laughed so hard, I can't even...
The only fault that I can really pin on this, was that at times, I felt like there was too much description, too much comparing one thing to another. Filler is what I call it, there wasn't a lot of it, but enough to get my annoyed flag flying.
I love the ending, sure it had the stupid cliché start to it. But I like how Layla got herself out of the life endangering situation, (that she put herself into) well she talked her way out of it. I just like how fast she can come up with something out of nothing. She is by far one of my favourites female leads, ever!
Pike, as much as a jerk he's made out to be, when it came down to it, there was heart under that titanium wall. By the end of the book I was liking his foul mouth. It gave the story a spark, and always made for good banter.
One of the selling points for this read is that it's straight forward. When things got real, there was no pussyfooting around the secrets. Tristan was good at that, sure he was a nice guy and all, but he know when to be harsh and tell it how it was. For male leads, he's kind of perfect. And my god, he wasn't a jerk, he didn't treat Layla like crap. No, he supported her, believed in her, and was everything a normal YA male lead is simply, not. A freaking decent human (well sort of, he's not really a human per-say)
I highly recommend this book, it's fresh, original, and simply put magical. It has a sweet yet simple love story, that connects you with the characters. You can't help but root and fall along with them. A fall so natural that you wish them well and hope they never see hard times. This book is an outstanding work of art, that should be talked about.
I would like to thank M.A. George for giving me the opportunity to read this astounding book.
Happy Reading
Emily
4.5 Stars.
This book has made me fall in love with YA again, or can you call it YA, this has more of a NA feeling to it. In all, I'm in deep feels with this wonder.
This story is original, and it strayed away from the normal cliché that haunt YA/NA books. For one there was no, NO, insta-love; in fact love wasn't even mentioned. The relationship between Layla and Tristan developed naturally, cheesy, but in all it flowed nicely and I felt it. It didn't take away from the plot, or nor did it cloud Layla's mind with lust and stupid notions that she had, instantly found her prince charming. Heck, there's this one scene where she's running away from him at full tilt. I laughed so hard, I can't even...
The only fault that I can really pin on this, was that at times, I felt like there was too much description, too much comparing one thing to another. Filler is what I call it, there wasn't a lot of it, but enough to get my annoyed flag flying.
I love the ending, sure it had the stupid cliché start to it. But I like how Layla got herself out of the life endangering situation, (that she put herself into) well she talked her way out of it. I just like how fast she can come up with something out of nothing. She is by far one of my favourites female leads, ever!
Pike, as much as a jerk he's made out to be, when it came down to it, there was heart under that titanium wall. By the end of the book I was liking his foul mouth. It gave the story a spark, and always made for good banter.
One of the selling points for this read is that it's straight forward. When things got real, there was no pussyfooting around the secrets. Tristan was good at that, sure he was a nice guy and all, but he know when to be harsh and tell it how it was. For male leads, he's kind of perfect. And my god, he wasn't a jerk, he didn't treat Layla like crap. No, he supported her, believed in her, and was everything a normal YA male lead is simply, not. A freaking decent human (well sort of, he's not really a human per-say)
I highly recommend this book, it's fresh, original, and simply put magical. It has a sweet yet simple love story, that connects you with the characters. You can't help but root and fall along with them. A fall so natural that you wish them well and hope they never see hard times. This book is an outstanding work of art, that should be talked about.
I would like to thank M.A. George for giving me the opportunity to read this astounding book.
Happy Reading
Emily
April 13, 2014
I went into Aqua with high expectations, I'll be honest. After reading M.A George's other works I knew this was going to be great. I just had to remind myself going in that this was not the Proximity Series.
I was not disappointed. Wowza. The action in this book is incredible. I could not put the book down, which lead to a bit of a late night for me but it was so absolutely worth it.
Aqua stole my heart and turned me into an obsessive fan girl. (#teampyke)
Which is hilarious because if you know me, you know, I am not usually like that, but there you have it. I am a changed woman. lol
I love the characters in Aqua, every one of them because they all add something to the novel. They're also so well written that even the *bad* guys are hard to be mad at.
The character development was also a favourite aspect of mine, though it didn't always go, quite as expected and there were a few moments where I was speechless.
When I wasn't laughing out loud or feeling like my heart was going to stop. I love the back and forth between the characters. Spot on and absolutely hilarious.
There's almost no back story on Layla's family for most of the book, which initially drove me crazy but the payout comes with a great ending and really ties it up nicely. While also leaving it open for a great series. (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE)
Aqua has completely changed the way I look at water. Which says a lot given, that I can not swim to save my life, and generally me and water other than in the safety of my bathroom is a resounding "heck no!"
Now, I'd be the first person in line to learn how to breathe water.
Things you need to know about Aqua before going into it:
1. The line for #teampyke starts behind ME.
2. Hugging your Kindle is normal after you finish Aqua.
3. You will contemplate trying to transition to an aqueous state the next time you're in the water. It doesn't work, however, it's pretty fun to try. ;)
4. You will re-read this more often than you think. (Believe me, third time and counting)
5. You may also suddenly not feel so bad about moving after reading Aqua. (Maybe..I'll be sure to let you know soon enough)
Definitely a top book of the year. quite possibly, THE top book.
You don't want to miss this one. 5 stars!
Now excuse me while I go hug my Kindle some more...
I was not disappointed. Wowza. The action in this book is incredible. I could not put the book down, which lead to a bit of a late night for me but it was so absolutely worth it.
Aqua stole my heart and turned me into an obsessive fan girl. (#teampyke)
Which is hilarious because if you know me, you know, I am not usually like that, but there you have it. I am a changed woman. lol
I love the characters in Aqua, every one of them because they all add something to the novel. They're also so well written that even the *bad* guys are hard to be mad at.
The character development was also a favourite aspect of mine, though it didn't always go, quite as expected and there were a few moments where I was speechless.
When I wasn't laughing out loud or feeling like my heart was going to stop. I love the back and forth between the characters. Spot on and absolutely hilarious.
There's almost no back story on Layla's family for most of the book, which initially drove me crazy but the payout comes with a great ending and really ties it up nicely. While also leaving it open for a great series. (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE)
Aqua has completely changed the way I look at water. Which says a lot given, that I can not swim to save my life, and generally me and water other than in the safety of my bathroom is a resounding "heck no!"
Now, I'd be the first person in line to learn how to breathe water.
Things you need to know about Aqua before going into it:
1. The line for #teampyke starts behind ME.
2. Hugging your Kindle is normal after you finish Aqua.
3. You will contemplate trying to transition to an aqueous state the next time you're in the water. It doesn't work, however, it's pretty fun to try. ;)
4. You will re-read this more often than you think. (Believe me, third time and counting)
5. You may also suddenly not feel so bad about moving after reading Aqua. (Maybe..I'll be sure to let you know soon enough)
Definitely a top book of the year. quite possibly, THE top book.
You don't want to miss this one. 5 stars!
Now excuse me while I go hug my Kindle some more...
October 6, 2014
Aqua was a phenomenal book. I totally enjoyed reading this. The reason I gave it a 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars is because it dragged with too much detail when it came to Layla's thoughts and feelings, lack of world development for the underwater world and it was a bit slow paced for me. I enjoyed the humorous writing style nonetheless and the characters.
The story begins with Layla preparing for moving day. Moving day is always July 23rd oddly enough. Her mother and aunt makes her pack up and move to another place near the water. Always near the water. She never knew why until her life was in danger. For seventeen years she has lived a lie because her mother and aunt refused to tell her the truth. The truth that she is not normal, but a paranormal being. A water being -- she can turn into water. Layla took it pretty well for a girl learning everything she knew was a lie. I enjoyed her witty remarks towards Tristan and Pyke. What I didn't like about her was her whiny attitude -- it drove me insane when she complained and whine, but it worked for her character only because she never let go, she never gave up.
Tristan was a swoon worthy guy. He was always there for Layla, even staked his life on it. He was a friend, admirer and bodyguard for her. I love the romance between the two of them and how slow he took it by not forgetting who Layla was in regards to the war. He was the perfect guy.
Pyke was the jerk that you secretly like. He had moments where I wished someone killed him, but then he had his redeeming points that I loved. I didn't like what he did to Layla, but in the end he came through. I also had a feeling he had some type of feelings for her especially with how much he messed with her.
Meredith was the kind of mother that kept trying to protect her daughter, but in the end it only hurt her. I feel like she was in denial at some points. However, when she did speak with her daughter she told everything truthfully and did not hold back.
Cora was an awesome aunt and my favorite character of them all. She was snarky, blunt and just hilarious. She didn't sugarcoat anything for anyone, not even her sister in law or niece.
Overall, this was an awesome YA Paranormal read. Despite my rating it was outstanding and highly recommend it to others looking for a different paranormal book to read other than the norms.
The story begins with Layla preparing for moving day. Moving day is always July 23rd oddly enough. Her mother and aunt makes her pack up and move to another place near the water. Always near the water. She never knew why until her life was in danger. For seventeen years she has lived a lie because her mother and aunt refused to tell her the truth. The truth that she is not normal, but a paranormal being. A water being -- she can turn into water. Layla took it pretty well for a girl learning everything she knew was a lie. I enjoyed her witty remarks towards Tristan and Pyke. What I didn't like about her was her whiny attitude -- it drove me insane when she complained and whine, but it worked for her character only because she never let go, she never gave up.
Tristan was a swoon worthy guy. He was always there for Layla, even staked his life on it. He was a friend, admirer and bodyguard for her. I love the romance between the two of them and how slow he took it by not forgetting who Layla was in regards to the war. He was the perfect guy.
Pyke was the jerk that you secretly like. He had moments where I wished someone killed him, but then he had his redeeming points that I loved. I didn't like what he did to Layla, but in the end he came through. I also had a feeling he had some type of feelings for her especially with how much he messed with her.
Meredith was the kind of mother that kept trying to protect her daughter, but in the end it only hurt her. I feel like she was in denial at some points. However, when she did speak with her daughter she told everything truthfully and did not hold back.
Cora was an awesome aunt and my favorite character of them all. She was snarky, blunt and just hilarious. She didn't sugarcoat anything for anyone, not even her sister in law or niece.
Overall, this was an awesome YA Paranormal read. Despite my rating it was outstanding and highly recommend it to others looking for a different paranormal book to read other than the norms.
August 20, 2015
This books was gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review via the Goodreads group David Estes & Y.A. Lovers Unite
This was such a fun adventure and was a whole different concept from anything I've ever read. There was no troublesome love triangle (or quadrilateral, etc. for that matter), which was refreshing. It was nice that the narrator, Layla was eloquent, but she could also be a teensy bit self-absorbed and oblivious, which makes sense given she is 17 years old. On the other hand, she was much more often selfless and had innumerable redeeming qualities.
As for Tristan, he seemingly had no flaws aside from his strangely unending patience and penchant for putting his life at risk to protect Layla's.
Pyke was an interesting character as well. There was a lot of "is he a good guy or a bad guy?" going on
I have a friend of whom Zria reminds me. She even has turquoise hair! No tattoos of which I'm aware though & she's not as full of spite as Zria but, the resemblance is there nevertheless.
Editorially, there were a few things I may have worded differently, there were a few seemingly strangely capitalized words, but I think it was because they were being made into proper nouns (i.e.: Layla Dear, Darling, Layla Honey etc..), and seemed as though everyone was "jiggling" their heads more than was strictly necessary but overall, it was great and the I loved the verbiage!
I can't recall the Siba council leader's actual name because he will forever be "Mr. Starfish Hat" to me!
I must admit, I've gotten accustomed to trilogies and wasn't expecting a "real" ending. And while there is obviously on "open" ending it was still an END. As such, it felt rushed and sudden somehow. It didn't detract from the book, but I was a bit surprised. I'm hoping there will be a sequel and will definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by M.A. George!
This was such a fun adventure and was a whole different concept from anything I've ever read. There was no troublesome love triangle (or quadrilateral, etc. for that matter), which was refreshing. It was nice that the narrator, Layla was eloquent, but she could also be a teensy bit self-absorbed and oblivious, which makes sense given she is 17 years old. On the other hand, she was much more often selfless and had innumerable redeeming qualities.
As for Tristan, he seemingly had no flaws aside from his strangely unending patience and penchant for putting his life at risk to protect Layla's.
Pyke was an interesting character as well. There was a lot of "is he a good guy or a bad guy?" going on
I have a friend of whom Zria reminds me. She even has turquoise hair! No tattoos of which I'm aware though & she's not as full of spite as Zria but, the resemblance is there nevertheless.
Editorially, there were a few things I may have worded differently, there were a few seemingly strangely capitalized words, but I think it was because they were being made into proper nouns (i.e.: Layla Dear, Darling, Layla Honey etc..), and seemed as though everyone was "jiggling" their heads more than was strictly necessary but overall, it was great and the I loved the verbiage!
I can't recall the Siba council leader's actual name because he will forever be "Mr. Starfish Hat" to me!
I must admit, I've gotten accustomed to trilogies and wasn't expecting a "real" ending. And while there is obviously on "open" ending it was still an END. As such, it felt rushed and sudden somehow. It didn't detract from the book, but I was a bit surprised. I'm hoping there will be a sequel and will definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by M.A. George!
August 4, 2015
**Originally posted on Bookish Wanderlove.**
I often come across books that peek my curiosity by it's cover and synopsis, Aqua was definitely one of those books. I am in love with the cover, it's so simple yet it fits perfectly with the story. When I realized where this story was going I have to admit I was really hesitant to continue reading to find out if M.A. George could really execute this well, I wasn't sure if I would be reading a female version of Percy Jackson or something unique. Well, let me just say that I was wrong to have my doubts! I don't want to give anything away but Aqua definitely wins the award of the most unique book I've read so far this year.
The characters, I'm not sure what I can really say about them other than for the fact that I loved every single one of them! Major and secondary characters, they all played their parts (oh did they ever!) and they played them well. There wasn't a single character that I felt was a filler or a pointless. I'm not giving anything away but I swooned instantly for a certain character, he was just so perfect and sweet and caring, and did I mention perfect? I even liked the typical "bad boy" in Aqua, I think deep down he really cares for Layla. My favourite thing would have to be that there was no "insta-love", thank you M.A. George! The romance is something that built all throughout Aqua and when it finally comes to light I couldn't help but squeal!
One of the reasons why Aqua didn't get 5 stars from me is because I felt very overwhelmed with all the information readers are given. The terminology was hard to follow and at times it all just went right over my head. I wish there was a section at the front or back of the book that kind of just went over what all the terms or at lease the main ones meant. I kept flipping back trying to remember and this ended up slowing me down.
Overall, Aqua is as unique as it gets! I highly recommend this book. It's unique, with charming and hilarious characters and banter, swoon worthy, and all around great read. PICK IT UP!!!
I often come across books that peek my curiosity by it's cover and synopsis, Aqua was definitely one of those books. I am in love with the cover, it's so simple yet it fits perfectly with the story. When I realized where this story was going I have to admit I was really hesitant to continue reading to find out if M.A. George could really execute this well, I wasn't sure if I would be reading a female version of Percy Jackson or something unique. Well, let me just say that I was wrong to have my doubts! I don't want to give anything away but Aqua definitely wins the award of the most unique book I've read so far this year.
The characters, I'm not sure what I can really say about them other than for the fact that I loved every single one of them! Major and secondary characters, they all played their parts (oh did they ever!) and they played them well. There wasn't a single character that I felt was a filler or a pointless. I'm not giving anything away but I swooned instantly for a certain character, he was just so perfect and sweet and caring, and did I mention perfect? I even liked the typical "bad boy" in Aqua, I think deep down he really cares for Layla. My favourite thing would have to be that there was no "insta-love", thank you M.A. George! The romance is something that built all throughout Aqua and when it finally comes to light I couldn't help but squeal!
One of the reasons why Aqua didn't get 5 stars from me is because I felt very overwhelmed with all the information readers are given. The terminology was hard to follow and at times it all just went right over my head. I wish there was a section at the front or back of the book that kind of just went over what all the terms or at lease the main ones meant. I kept flipping back trying to remember and this ended up slowing me down.
Overall, Aqua is as unique as it gets! I highly recommend this book. It's unique, with charming and hilarious characters and banter, swoon worthy, and all around great read. PICK IT UP!!!
May 24, 2014
Ok first of all, how long has it been since I wrote an actual review guys? A LONG time! I did not mean to disappear, I swear! Second, that book trailer is amazing! I adore it! I'm gushing already and I haven't even begun talking about how much I absolutely LOVED this book. So alright, let's jump right in now!
Aqua is a Young Adult Paranormal story about a 17-year-old girl named Layla who lives with her mom and her aunt. Things are a tad bit odd at Layla's house; let me explain--every year on her birthday, Layla and her family pack everything up and move. Every year, without fail. To top that, they ALWAYS live near the ocean. Again, always. On her 17th birthday, Layla finds herself in a new town, just like every year and she meets some shall we say interesting new people and that's when strange things start happening.
This book captured my attention and held it hostage from the very first line. Layla is a kickass narrator and I loved seeing the story unfold through her eyes. She is a fantastic combination of fiery, funny, smart, sarcastic and awkward that I just adore. You can't help but root for her from the very beginning. She is, without a doubt, my favorite character from the book. I have to say Tristan is a very close second; very close! He's handsome and sweet and understanding and all the things we want our dream man to be.
This book has it all: action, suspense, humor, a few twists and even some tender moments. I could not put it down. I loved every single moment of it, start to finish and I sincerely hope the author decides to continue on with Layla's story in the future. This book gets a resounding five hearts from me. I haven't enjoyed a book as much as I did this one in a VERY long time! Thank you to the author for making reading fun for me again.
Aqua is a Young Adult Paranormal story about a 17-year-old girl named Layla who lives with her mom and her aunt. Things are a tad bit odd at Layla's house; let me explain--every year on her birthday, Layla and her family pack everything up and move. Every year, without fail. To top that, they ALWAYS live near the ocean. Again, always. On her 17th birthday, Layla finds herself in a new town, just like every year and she meets some shall we say interesting new people and that's when strange things start happening.
This book captured my attention and held it hostage from the very first line. Layla is a kickass narrator and I loved seeing the story unfold through her eyes. She is a fantastic combination of fiery, funny, smart, sarcastic and awkward that I just adore. You can't help but root for her from the very beginning. She is, without a doubt, my favorite character from the book. I have to say Tristan is a very close second; very close! He's handsome and sweet and understanding and all the things we want our dream man to be.
This book has it all: action, suspense, humor, a few twists and even some tender moments. I could not put it down. I loved every single moment of it, start to finish and I sincerely hope the author decides to continue on with Layla's story in the future. This book gets a resounding five hearts from me. I haven't enjoyed a book as much as I did this one in a VERY long time! Thank you to the author for making reading fun for me again.
May 15, 2014
Even in the beginning Tristan is protective of his woman, "enough, Pyke," Tristan shuts him down with a sharp reprimand. "She's not exactly having the best day...Now's not the time for games." I loved being in Layla's head it was really entertaining, "I nod to Tristan over my shoulder; and he quietly follows me, pushing the door closed behind us with another squeak. Suddenly I realize he never got a chance to put on a shirt. Great...First time I show up at home with a guy, and he's half-naked. Brilliant, Layla." When it comes to Layla, Tristan will do anything he has to, to keep her safe even if that means giving the girl a good ole' scolding, "that's supposed to be my line," he drones back with a cynical edge to his voice. 'And if you don't like to be startled, perhaps you should avoid slinking out of the house at three o'clock in the morning." His face grows a little clearer as he leans closer for emphasis; and he's definitely not smiling. "Particularly when you're well aware someone is trying to kill you." I really wish there had been more romance to it, I mean I like adventure books, but I love the romance a whole lot more.
September 16, 2015
I really enjoyed everything about this book! The main character, Layla, is engaging and interesting. Her love interest, Tristan, is good-looking, mysterious, and romantic. Both are a little goofy around each other: very cute and appealing. Tristan’s friends, Pyke & Zría, are an odd brother & sister act that really draws your attention and makes you wonder what they’re going to do next. The entire premise of an underwater culture that used to be human but developed differently alongside, and unbeknownst to, their land-dwelling cousins is great, and the story and action barrels along from start to finish.
Budding young adult romance, mystery, sinister friends, breathing underwater, a long-lost father, and the setting on the Texas coast were all elements that kept me reading later into the night than my work schedule needed. I can highly recommend this great start to a new M.A. George series!
Budding young adult romance, mystery, sinister friends, breathing underwater, a long-lost father, and the setting on the Texas coast were all elements that kept me reading later into the night than my work schedule needed. I can highly recommend this great start to a new M.A. George series!
April 14, 2014
AMAZING!!!! This was such a great story: great characters (although Pyke got on my nerves lol) great story line, great ending. Everything flowed so well and M.A. delivered a knock out, breath of fresh air with this fantastic novel!
Aqua is a MUST READ!!! So different (in a good way!) from all the rest of the books that are being churned out. I loved the Proximity series, and M.A. didn't disappoint me with this new storyline!
Aqua is a MUST READ!!! So different (in a good way!) from all the rest of the books that are being churned out. I loved the Proximity series, and M.A. didn't disappoint me with this new storyline!
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! I immediately fell in love with the characters and was really impressed with how well the author was able to describe the transition to aqueos form... I was able to see it in my mind as if i was watching it myself. This book had the right amount of action and romance to make it fun.
August 28, 2014
Read this book front to back in one long session because I couldn't put it down! This book has got it all, great characters, imagination, a consistent tempo, little gems of humour and a gorgeously devoted guy. Loved it. Everyone's going to be talking about this book x
April 27, 2015
(Little disclaimer: I received this book in a giveaway)
I was actually excited to read this book, even though the whole ‘paranormal’ aspect had me feeling like it might be just another a cliche. It’s not even that it gave off a bad vibe — there were no mysterious dark strangers and a love forbidden by the plot to create angst. But still, there was that little bit of apprehension in the back of my mind when I went into it.
I’m very happy to say that Aqua did not disappoint.
I’ll admit, the first few chapters had me worried. It seemed to skip around for a little bit before the plot found its feet, which made it hard to follow and connect to right away. Also, as someone that has moved quite a bit (every two and a half years at one point in time), some of the details didn’t quite match with my experience (like packing up on the day you leave? boxes and boxes of heavy books? Like hell my parents would let me amass a library of books if they knew we were going to move every year)
It didn’t help that a couple of small pet peeves of mine popped up in the first chapters. These things bug me personally, but they aren’t necessarily problems.
First, why was Layla a writer? I’m always a little skeptical of characters that write and focus on writing when it has little (no?) connection to the plot. Perhaps it’s just ‘cause when I was younger I wrote more than one writer that was a definite self insert… (I’m not saying Layla is, just that that’s what I think of). I kept thinking the amount of time spent on her writing meant it would come in later but
Also, I don’t mind bands from the 80s at all, but I’m a teenager (19 still counts, right?) and I had to google the references. I’m definitely not alone. So teenagers that get all these references just don’t ring as true. Maybe I’m just ignorant…
All that being said, when the book found its feet, I was sucked in. That may or may not have something to do with Tristan (it does). He was a genuinely lovely person, and though it was obvious I found him refreshing. He seemed unique because he was -gasp- angst free.
I really enjoyed the fact that
Also, plot wise I was really pleased to see that
I adored the science-y side to it. I did not expect to see it in a book like this, to be honest, and I loved seeing that cross over.
(Also I’m such a dork, Tristan being an engineer made me really happy)
A few little questions that I’m left with
Aqua wasn’t a perfect book, but I did really enjoy reading it. I actually read it over the course of a day (around uni classes and babysitting, even), and stayed up late to finish it. It left me feeling pleased, and, writing this a day later, I’m still thinking about the plot and the characters. I will definitely look out for a sequel!
(And okay,
I was actually excited to read this book, even though the whole ‘paranormal’ aspect had me feeling like it might be just another a cliche. It’s not even that it gave off a bad vibe — there were no mysterious dark strangers and a love forbidden by the plot to create angst. But still, there was that little bit of apprehension in the back of my mind when I went into it.
I’m very happy to say that Aqua did not disappoint.
I’ll admit, the first few chapters had me worried. It seemed to skip around for a little bit before the plot found its feet, which made it hard to follow and connect to right away. Also, as someone that has moved quite a bit (every two and a half years at one point in time), some of the details didn’t quite match with my experience (like packing up on the day you leave? boxes and boxes of heavy books? Like hell my parents would let me amass a library of books if they knew we were going to move every year)
It didn’t help that a couple of small pet peeves of mine popped up in the first chapters. These things bug me personally, but they aren’t necessarily problems.
First, why was Layla a writer? I’m always a little skeptical of characters that write and focus on writing when it has little (no?) connection to the plot. Perhaps it’s just ‘cause when I was younger I wrote more than one writer that was a definite self insert… (I’m not saying Layla is, just that that’s what I think of). I kept thinking the amount of time spent on her writing meant it would come in later but
Also, I don’t mind bands from the 80s at all, but I’m a teenager (19 still counts, right?) and I had to google the references. I’m definitely not alone. So teenagers that get all these references just don’t ring as true. Maybe I’m just ignorant…
All that being said, when the book found its feet, I was sucked in. That may or may not have something to do with Tristan (it does). He was a genuinely lovely person, and though it was obvious I found him refreshing. He seemed unique because he was -gasp- angst free.
I really enjoyed the fact that
Also, plot wise I was really pleased to see that
I adored the science-y side to it. I did not expect to see it in a book like this, to be honest, and I loved seeing that cross over.
(Also I’m such a dork, Tristan being an engineer made me really happy)
A few little questions that I’m left with
Aqua wasn’t a perfect book, but I did really enjoy reading it. I actually read it over the course of a day (around uni classes and babysitting, even), and stayed up late to finish it. It left me feeling pleased, and, writing this a day later, I’m still thinking about the plot and the characters. I will definitely look out for a sequel!
(And okay,
May 27, 2014
(4.25 stars) When I first started reading this book, I was really afraid it was going to be about mermaids and I am not a fan. I was wrong-happily. Don’t get me wrong though, this is about human like creatures that do live in the ocean, complete with cities, wars and evil leaders. Not only is it a story of a teenager that doesn’t know what she really is, it’s also a romance and an adventure story.
What I liked about this book:
There really is a lot to like about this book.
I really enjoyed the main characters, Layla and Tristan. Layla is seventeen and has just moved again. Every year on her birthday, her mother and her aunt pack up everything and move to another coastal city. Layla has no idea why, just that it happens. This move is different because this time, she catches the attention of two young men while she visits the ocean. This meeting is the catalyst for Layla’s whole world to change. A big part of the change is Tristan. Which brings me to the romance, and it’s a very sweet romance. Tristan is a bit older then Layla, but mega miles older in experience in the world they both are from. Layla has never been told that she isn’t human, nor that the reason they move is due to her mother’s search for Layla’s father. It falls to Tristan to be Layla’s mentor and bodyguard.
The adventure part of the story was just a lot of fun. Sure, they are at war, but the underwater scenes were both exciting, but also beautifully described. Picture underwater scrimmages and beautifully detailed, underwater cities. A big part of the story does take place on land though-but even that is pretty different. Try to imagine a huge indoor complex of different types of water pools for training purposes, including a river and not a water park either!
The exciting/suspense factor goes into the like column for me also. Not only is the war being waged in the ocean, but also on land at times. Made for some fast page turning let me tell you, especially when some of it happens before Layla knows what’s going on.
What didn’t I like about this book:
************************SPOILER ALERT************************
The following paragraph is a spoiler, but since it was the only problem I had with the book, I included it.
************************SPOILER ALERT************************
There was one big plot hole for me. When the creatures transition from human form to their other form, they are usually wearing bathing suits. So many times, they transition back and forth and being nude and looking for her bathing suit is mentioned at times, at other times, she is in Tristan’s arms when it happens, and not one word about her being nude in his arms or looking for her bathing suit. Every time it happened it just made no sense to me and bothered me a bit. And that’s all that I didn’t like. So really not bad on the whole.
Who would I recommend this book to:
Anyone from age fourteen or fifteen up and of course I include adults. It is science fiction of course, but also a YA romance.
This book was very well written, with great characters, exciting adventure and just an all around different concept and good story. I am not sure if it’s going to be a series or not, as it had a real ending-no cliffhanger in sight for a change. Loved that! It does have all sorts of potential for a series and I will be reading it, if there is one!
I received this book from the author in return for a honest and fair review.
(PureTextuality.com)
What I liked about this book:
There really is a lot to like about this book.
I really enjoyed the main characters, Layla and Tristan. Layla is seventeen and has just moved again. Every year on her birthday, her mother and her aunt pack up everything and move to another coastal city. Layla has no idea why, just that it happens. This move is different because this time, she catches the attention of two young men while she visits the ocean. This meeting is the catalyst for Layla’s whole world to change. A big part of the change is Tristan. Which brings me to the romance, and it’s a very sweet romance. Tristan is a bit older then Layla, but mega miles older in experience in the world they both are from. Layla has never been told that she isn’t human, nor that the reason they move is due to her mother’s search for Layla’s father. It falls to Tristan to be Layla’s mentor and bodyguard.
The adventure part of the story was just a lot of fun. Sure, they are at war, but the underwater scenes were both exciting, but also beautifully described. Picture underwater scrimmages and beautifully detailed, underwater cities. A big part of the story does take place on land though-but even that is pretty different. Try to imagine a huge indoor complex of different types of water pools for training purposes, including a river and not a water park either!
The exciting/suspense factor goes into the like column for me also. Not only is the war being waged in the ocean, but also on land at times. Made for some fast page turning let me tell you, especially when some of it happens before Layla knows what’s going on.
What didn’t I like about this book:
************************SPOILER ALERT************************
The following paragraph is a spoiler, but since it was the only problem I had with the book, I included it.
************************SPOILER ALERT************************
There was one big plot hole for me. When the creatures transition from human form to their other form, they are usually wearing bathing suits. So many times, they transition back and forth and being nude and looking for her bathing suit is mentioned at times, at other times, she is in Tristan’s arms when it happens, and not one word about her being nude in his arms or looking for her bathing suit. Every time it happened it just made no sense to me and bothered me a bit. And that’s all that I didn’t like. So really not bad on the whole.
Who would I recommend this book to:
Anyone from age fourteen or fifteen up and of course I include adults. It is science fiction of course, but also a YA romance.
This book was very well written, with great characters, exciting adventure and just an all around different concept and good story. I am not sure if it’s going to be a series or not, as it had a real ending-no cliffhanger in sight for a change. Loved that! It does have all sorts of potential for a series and I will be reading it, if there is one!
I received this book from the author in return for a honest and fair review.
(PureTextuality.com)
September 23, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Dreamy Addictions
*I have received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.*
Aqua is a refreshing take on a paranormal genre and we get to meet a new paranormal being that can live in water and on land. It’s the first book that I’ve read from the author. It’s unique concept piqued my interest and I didn’t have any expectations when I got this book. It’s got a nice plot, dynamic characters and all I can say is that I pretty much liked it but it wasn’t amazing enough for me to love it.
The story is about 17 year old girl Layla McKelland who lives with her mom and her aunt. On every year of her birthday, Layla’s family is moved from one coastal place to another coastal place without any questions. Now it’s Layla’s 17th birthday and it’s time for them to move to another new place but something exciting awaits for her in the near future which completely changes her fate. At the new place she meets two guys named Tristan and Pyke who may be not ordinary as they seem. When Layla witnesses Pyke transforming into something else she couldn’t believe her own eyes. After She was attacked in her own house by an unknown force she couldn’t take it anymore and confronts Tristan for the answers, who claims he knows more about her father and also about herself which she wasn’t aware of. Later she learns that she is actually not a human and her father is someone important which automatically makes her a target for everyone who opposes him. Now Layla has to deal with a war she wasn’t aware of and also her developing feelings for Tristan.
Layla is sassy, sarcastic, tough character who I’ve liked her better at the start but later she turned out to be more annoying than I thought which made me lose interest in her. Tristan is sweet, caring and a total gentleman who always feels protective towards Layla not just because it’s his job. Pyke is a total bad boy who always likes to get on Layla’s nerves. He may act like a bad guy but there is a goodness inside of him and that is what I like about him. As for the relationship, there isn’t any insta-attraction between Tristan and Layla instead their relationship developed slowly with friendship which I totally admire but the sad thing is I felt the lack of chemistry between them.
The plot was good but honestly I liked the first and last part of the book the most and all the training sessions with Tristan left me bored. There isn’t much world building in it which is a disappointment for me because I was looking forward to it when I picked it up. Another issue of mine is the pacing of the plot which seemed slow at most of the parts. As for the characters, they are quite good but I had trouble connecting with pyke because he is mostly AWOL in this book and I’d really like to know more about him. I liked the Author’s Writing Style, it was witty and realistic. Despite it’s flaws, Aqua is a great start for a new fantasy series.
Overall, it’s a good fantasy book for YA readers. I hope it’s sequel would be much better with better world building. Even though I had issues with some aspects of this book, It’s a unique read and definitely worth a try.
Dreamy Addictions
*I have received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.*
Aqua is a refreshing take on a paranormal genre and we get to meet a new paranormal being that can live in water and on land. It’s the first book that I’ve read from the author. It’s unique concept piqued my interest and I didn’t have any expectations when I got this book. It’s got a nice plot, dynamic characters and all I can say is that I pretty much liked it but it wasn’t amazing enough for me to love it.
The story is about 17 year old girl Layla McKelland who lives with her mom and her aunt. On every year of her birthday, Layla’s family is moved from one coastal place to another coastal place without any questions. Now it’s Layla’s 17th birthday and it’s time for them to move to another new place but something exciting awaits for her in the near future which completely changes her fate. At the new place she meets two guys named Tristan and Pyke who may be not ordinary as they seem. When Layla witnesses Pyke transforming into something else she couldn’t believe her own eyes. After She was attacked in her own house by an unknown force she couldn’t take it anymore and confronts Tristan for the answers, who claims he knows more about her father and also about herself which she wasn’t aware of. Later she learns that she is actually not a human and her father is someone important which automatically makes her a target for everyone who opposes him. Now Layla has to deal with a war she wasn’t aware of and also her developing feelings for Tristan.
Layla is sassy, sarcastic, tough character who I’ve liked her better at the start but later she turned out to be more annoying than I thought which made me lose interest in her. Tristan is sweet, caring and a total gentleman who always feels protective towards Layla not just because it’s his job. Pyke is a total bad boy who always likes to get on Layla’s nerves. He may act like a bad guy but there is a goodness inside of him and that is what I like about him. As for the relationship, there isn’t any insta-attraction between Tristan and Layla instead their relationship developed slowly with friendship which I totally admire but the sad thing is I felt the lack of chemistry between them.
The plot was good but honestly I liked the first and last part of the book the most and all the training sessions with Tristan left me bored. There isn’t much world building in it which is a disappointment for me because I was looking forward to it when I picked it up. Another issue of mine is the pacing of the plot which seemed slow at most of the parts. As for the characters, they are quite good but I had trouble connecting with pyke because he is mostly AWOL in this book and I’d really like to know more about him. I liked the Author’s Writing Style, it was witty and realistic. Despite it’s flaws, Aqua is a great start for a new fantasy series.
Overall, it’s a good fantasy book for YA readers. I hope it’s sequel would be much better with better world building. Even though I had issues with some aspects of this book, It’s a unique read and definitely worth a try.
October 8, 2014
For Layla, it’s a new year, a new town. Every year her mother and aunt move her to a new city, always some place close to the water. At least there’s that. It’s been this way all of her life and she’s given up on trying to figure out why.
With all of the moving and being a loner, Layla convinced her mother to home school her. Who wants to be the new girl every year, and by the time she’s made some friends, it’s time to move on.
So now she’s unpacking her books, deciding how to arrange them on the shelves, then taking a picture to show to her friends. She had carefully packed them, making sure none got creased. This is where I first connected with Layla. She’s seventeen and many years younger than me, but I’m so much like her about my books, and they can conquer the age difference.
Once finished unpacking, she heads down to the beach, hoping to get some writing done. And that’s when her world changes. She just doesn’t know it yet.
To her it was a near drowning. She saw the guy dive in the water, but he never came up. She’d been watching the two guys clowning around. The tall drink of water doesn’t seem to realize his friend is in trouble so she rushes to the rescue and needs saving herself. And does a double take when the drowning victim appears behind her, safe and dry. Dry? How can that be?
So now the mytsery began. The title clues you to water, but what about it? The first clue is the mother always chooses places near water. Another is the guy that didn’t drown, wasn’t even wet.
As Layla got to know the two young men, I began to sense they were different. They’re like night and day.
Pyke is scruffy and covered in graphic tattoos. He’s condescending and rude to Layla.
Tristan is so different. He’s sweet, very well put together, and his sarcastic wit slips out now and then.
When Layla was attacked and Tristan saved her from drowning, I became suspicious of Pyke. He just turned up, all casual like. And dry, of course.
And as the attacks escalate, secrets emerge. Layla finally finds out why they move every year. Why her father has been absent all of her life. She finds out what she is. Something amazing, wonderous, and more than human. Now she has to adjust, to learn to use her abilities, or else the next attack may be the end, for her and for those she loves.
This book had so much to like. Genuine, engaging characters, flaws and all.
A fascinating new kind of being. The author had me laughing when Tristan revealed to Layla what he could do. And she had me on the edge of my seat when they are being chased in their car. That’s one scene I’d like to see on the big screen. It was so out there. I couldn’t see how they’d get away.
There’s intrigue, conflict, young romance, betrayal, and some humor in all the right places.
Aqua is a wonderful beginning to a fantastical series and I recommend you take the dip and see for yourself.
I received this book for my honest review.
With all of the moving and being a loner, Layla convinced her mother to home school her. Who wants to be the new girl every year, and by the time she’s made some friends, it’s time to move on.
So now she’s unpacking her books, deciding how to arrange them on the shelves, then taking a picture to show to her friends. She had carefully packed them, making sure none got creased. This is where I first connected with Layla. She’s seventeen and many years younger than me, but I’m so much like her about my books, and they can conquer the age difference.
Once finished unpacking, she heads down to the beach, hoping to get some writing done. And that’s when her world changes. She just doesn’t know it yet.
To her it was a near drowning. She saw the guy dive in the water, but he never came up. She’d been watching the two guys clowning around. The tall drink of water doesn’t seem to realize his friend is in trouble so she rushes to the rescue and needs saving herself. And does a double take when the drowning victim appears behind her, safe and dry. Dry? How can that be?
So now the mytsery began. The title clues you to water, but what about it? The first clue is the mother always chooses places near water. Another is the guy that didn’t drown, wasn’t even wet.
As Layla got to know the two young men, I began to sense they were different. They’re like night and day.
Pyke is scruffy and covered in graphic tattoos. He’s condescending and rude to Layla.
Tristan is so different. He’s sweet, very well put together, and his sarcastic wit slips out now and then.
When Layla was attacked and Tristan saved her from drowning, I became suspicious of Pyke. He just turned up, all casual like. And dry, of course.
And as the attacks escalate, secrets emerge. Layla finally finds out why they move every year. Why her father has been absent all of her life. She finds out what she is. Something amazing, wonderous, and more than human. Now she has to adjust, to learn to use her abilities, or else the next attack may be the end, for her and for those she loves.
This book had so much to like. Genuine, engaging characters, flaws and all.
A fascinating new kind of being. The author had me laughing when Tristan revealed to Layla what he could do. And she had me on the edge of my seat when they are being chased in their car. That’s one scene I’d like to see on the big screen. It was so out there. I couldn’t see how they’d get away.
There’s intrigue, conflict, young romance, betrayal, and some humor in all the right places.
Aqua is a wonderful beginning to a fantastical series and I recommend you take the dip and see for yourself.
I received this book for my honest review.
October 14, 2014
I received a free copy of Aqua in exchange for an HONEST review as a tour host for Girls *Heart* Books Tours.
Aqua is the story of seventeen-year-old Layla McKelland and how her semi-ordinary life becomes extraordinary when she meets Tristan and Pyke, two rowdy individuals that are anything but normal. When someone or something attempts to drown her in the murky ocean depths, Layla learns that her new acquaintances know a lot more about who she is than she does, including who her father is. What she isn’t is a normal seventeen-year-old girl who moves every year on her birthday. In fact, she’s not even human. On top of all of that, she must deal with new feelings brought on by her newfound friend, Tristan, as well as a war in which she was never aware she played a part. Layla must learn the ways of her kind quickly or she risks losing it all.
There were a few grammar errors scattered throughout the chapters, but they did not hinder the reading experience or fluid progression of the story.
I would recommend Aqua to anyone who loves fantasy or paranormal fiction, especially those who enjoy a full-length young adult novel. Aside from the occasional foul language, Aqua is suitable for most teens.
Overall, I was extremely pleased with the story. I found the characters especially charming. I’m now a total fangirl for the young love shared between Layla and Tristan. Layla was incredibly down-to-earth and it’s hard to believe she is merely a character in this amazing story. Her wisecracks and emotions are on par for her age and sometimes it’s easy to lose yourself in her dialogue. For the first time in a while, I was able to see the story and all the beautiful details of the world within as I read along. From the beginning to the very end, it felt like I was a character living and breathing the ocean air (and water) right alongside the hilariously unique cast. Before I signed up for this tour, I had never heard of M.A. George, but now I know who she is and I’m kind of sad that I haven’t been losing myself in her splendid worlds much sooner. I’ll never make that mistake again! She uses such vivid details to describe her characters and her worlds that it’s hard not to see and even hear them. She has a gift and wields words as a tool so well that I was left in awe as I read. I truly can’t wait to pick up another work of hers in the future.
Aqua is the story of seventeen-year-old Layla McKelland and how her semi-ordinary life becomes extraordinary when she meets Tristan and Pyke, two rowdy individuals that are anything but normal. When someone or something attempts to drown her in the murky ocean depths, Layla learns that her new acquaintances know a lot more about who she is than she does, including who her father is. What she isn’t is a normal seventeen-year-old girl who moves every year on her birthday. In fact, she’s not even human. On top of all of that, she must deal with new feelings brought on by her newfound friend, Tristan, as well as a war in which she was never aware she played a part. Layla must learn the ways of her kind quickly or she risks losing it all.
There were a few grammar errors scattered throughout the chapters, but they did not hinder the reading experience or fluid progression of the story.
I would recommend Aqua to anyone who loves fantasy or paranormal fiction, especially those who enjoy a full-length young adult novel. Aside from the occasional foul language, Aqua is suitable for most teens.
Overall, I was extremely pleased with the story. I found the characters especially charming. I’m now a total fangirl for the young love shared between Layla and Tristan. Layla was incredibly down-to-earth and it’s hard to believe she is merely a character in this amazing story. Her wisecracks and emotions are on par for her age and sometimes it’s easy to lose yourself in her dialogue. For the first time in a while, I was able to see the story and all the beautiful details of the world within as I read along. From the beginning to the very end, it felt like I was a character living and breathing the ocean air (and water) right alongside the hilariously unique cast. Before I signed up for this tour, I had never heard of M.A. George, but now I know who she is and I’m kind of sad that I haven’t been losing myself in her splendid worlds much sooner. I’ll never make that mistake again! She uses such vivid details to describe her characters and her worlds that it’s hard not to see and even hear them. She has a gift and wields words as a tool so well that I was left in awe as I read. I truly can’t wait to pick up another work of hers in the future.
August 9, 2015
So this was a really interesting book. A very unique concept, something different.
It took a minute or two to get rolling, and I wasn’t sure it would go anywhere at first, it seemed obvious to me, the build up. But suddenly the story developed in a way that began to really get my full attention and it simply grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down.
The story is super inventive, the idea of these unique people and how that came about was very interesting to read. It was very visual, which I love, and I could see the characters easily...that earns points in my book.
The good news is when the young protagonist starts learning of this other world and her possible part in such a paranormal kind of thing, she actually didn’t react well at all. She totally thought she might be losing her mind and did not simply open up to the idea immediately or nonchalantly and accept that this was her role..which seems to be the case in most stories of this ilk. They never seem to freak out much...but this gal did.
And speaking of this gal, Layla...I gotta say, she is truly one of my favorite lead characters that I’ve read in a long while. Absolutely loved her! Her attitude, her insanely quick wit and humor, sarcasm, her questioning and her moxie...all of it...LOVED it! Very current and believable. Maybe a tad on the “adult” side sometimes with the dialog (not always something a teenager would say), but not enough to deter how much I loved her response to people and her situation. Great, great character, well done M. A. George.
The only thing that brought this down a point for me was the ending. I hate to say it because as I said, I really couldn’t put the book down and really enjoyed this character. It just, for me, was this massive, thrilling build up with the battle and the taking of a character and the idea of why there was a conflict in the first place, it all seemed to go away and was “fixed” rather simply. I was kinda like, huh...that’s it? That’s all it took?
But I have to say, even with the small let down at the end...I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thrilling intrigue with an interesting paranormal twist. It’s worth it to find such a well rounded and thought out character...and a different kind of “other world” for a change.
And ps. Great Cover!
It took a minute or two to get rolling, and I wasn’t sure it would go anywhere at first, it seemed obvious to me, the build up. But suddenly the story developed in a way that began to really get my full attention and it simply grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down.
The story is super inventive, the idea of these unique people and how that came about was very interesting to read. It was very visual, which I love, and I could see the characters easily...that earns points in my book.
The good news is when the young protagonist starts learning of this other world and her possible part in such a paranormal kind of thing, she actually didn’t react well at all. She totally thought she might be losing her mind and did not simply open up to the idea immediately or nonchalantly and accept that this was her role..which seems to be the case in most stories of this ilk. They never seem to freak out much...but this gal did.
And speaking of this gal, Layla...I gotta say, she is truly one of my favorite lead characters that I’ve read in a long while. Absolutely loved her! Her attitude, her insanely quick wit and humor, sarcasm, her questioning and her moxie...all of it...LOVED it! Very current and believable. Maybe a tad on the “adult” side sometimes with the dialog (not always something a teenager would say), but not enough to deter how much I loved her response to people and her situation. Great, great character, well done M. A. George.
The only thing that brought this down a point for me was the ending. I hate to say it because as I said, I really couldn’t put the book down and really enjoyed this character. It just, for me, was this massive, thrilling build up with the battle and the taking of a character and the idea of why there was a conflict in the first place, it all seemed to go away and was “fixed” rather simply. I was kinda like, huh...that’s it? That’s all it took?
But I have to say, even with the small let down at the end...I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thrilling intrigue with an interesting paranormal twist. It’s worth it to find such a well rounded and thought out character...and a different kind of “other world” for a change.
And ps. Great Cover!
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
I really enjoyed Aqua by M.A. George. It is a young adult paranormal, but it felt different than your typical book. For one thing, romance is certainly present in the story, but it was not the driving force. And for another, the main character Layla had to work VERY hard at developing her "abilities". She was not super powerful overnight. To put it simply, Aqua is an excellent book. The progression and pacing are detailed and purposeful. The characters are fleshed out and fully developed and the relationships are never forced.
Layla moves to a new house in a new city and state every year like clockwork on her birthday. Her mom and her aunt pack up everything and move to a new house. Always somewhere along the coast though. This time, they moved to Texas. Where Layla meets two guys down at the beach. One of which disappeared for quite a long time under the water and then inexplicably turned up completely dry on the beach minutes later. And that is just the start of the weird events for Layla.
Obviously you know the book has to do something with Water. But I am not telling you exactly what that is. I will tell you that you that there are two guys: Tristan and Pyke, there is no love triangle, you may hate Pyke, you may love Pyke, you will probably love Tristan (I do!), and that the writing is excellent and will make you not want to put the book down.
This book is on the longer end, so some of the scenes in the middle of the book felt kind of dragged out. It is slower paced than your average young adult book because the author takes you through all of the preparation before the action. I liked it because it felt completely realistic. If a teenage girl suddenly has her world turned upside down and supernatural introduced into it, she might not be an overnight superstar at whatever her ability is. Layla had to work at it. I haven't seen that in a long time in books. Plus the romance with Tristan is about as opposite of insta love as it gets in books. They don't even kiss until 80% into the story...of a 600 page book. I'm not sure if there is going to be a sequel or not...the ending kind of leaves that open, but I certainly hope that there is. I want to see more of everyone. Even Pyke.
I really enjoyed Aqua by M.A. George. It is a young adult paranormal, but it felt different than your typical book. For one thing, romance is certainly present in the story, but it was not the driving force. And for another, the main character Layla had to work VERY hard at developing her "abilities". She was not super powerful overnight. To put it simply, Aqua is an excellent book. The progression and pacing are detailed and purposeful. The characters are fleshed out and fully developed and the relationships are never forced.
Layla moves to a new house in a new city and state every year like clockwork on her birthday. Her mom and her aunt pack up everything and move to a new house. Always somewhere along the coast though. This time, they moved to Texas. Where Layla meets two guys down at the beach. One of which disappeared for quite a long time under the water and then inexplicably turned up completely dry on the beach minutes later. And that is just the start of the weird events for Layla.
Obviously you know the book has to do something with Water. But I am not telling you exactly what that is. I will tell you that you that there are two guys: Tristan and Pyke, there is no love triangle, you may hate Pyke, you may love Pyke, you will probably love Tristan (I do!), and that the writing is excellent and will make you not want to put the book down.
This book is on the longer end, so some of the scenes in the middle of the book felt kind of dragged out. It is slower paced than your average young adult book because the author takes you through all of the preparation before the action. I liked it because it felt completely realistic. If a teenage girl suddenly has her world turned upside down and supernatural introduced into it, she might not be an overnight superstar at whatever her ability is. Layla had to work at it. I haven't seen that in a long time in books. Plus the romance with Tristan is about as opposite of insta love as it gets in books. They don't even kiss until 80% into the story...of a 600 page book. I'm not sure if there is going to be a sequel or not...the ending kind of leaves that open, but I certainly hope that there is. I want to see more of everyone. Even Pyke.
June 6, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
After so many books with vampires, angels, demons, fairies... it was a refreshing change to read a book about an entirely unique race.
I found Layla to be a character I could easily relate to. There were times she amused me, but also times I felt somewhat emotional on her behalf. And I could certainly empathise with her love of reading and creating her own stories.
I liked reading about Layla's relationship with her aunt and mother. It was interesting to see how the three of them handled the constant moving around they had to do and about the personality quirks each of them had.
I thought it was really good that the paranormal aspects didn't hit me over the head straight away. That gave me a chance to get to know the characters before everything started happening.
I thought that the romance in this book was one that worked really well. I felt that Tristan and Layla had real chemistry between them and it was good to see that Layla didn't suddenly drop her family for the guy she liked.
I very much liked Pyke as a character by the end of this book, as well as his sister. I enjoyed reading their interactions and I would have liked to see more of them. I felt that they both had a lot more depth to them and it would have been good to learn more about their pasts... Tristan's, too, especially with what was revealed about his brother.
I also thought it was really good to see how, although Layla's heritage was important, it didn't define her character; and it was good to see that she wasn't perfect when it came to trying to adapt the skills she was being taught.
I would have liked to see more of Cora's tactical abilities. It was disappointing to only really see that towards the end of the book. It would have also been good to have glimpses of what drove the opposing side.
It was good to see scientific explanations for the race and their abilities. I felt it was obvious just how much work had gone into building this world.
If there are other books set in this world, I'd probably read them in the future. I'd like to see more of the characters and their relationships with each other.
(This review may contain spoilers).
After so many books with vampires, angels, demons, fairies... it was a refreshing change to read a book about an entirely unique race.
I found Layla to be a character I could easily relate to. There were times she amused me, but also times I felt somewhat emotional on her behalf. And I could certainly empathise with her love of reading and creating her own stories.
I liked reading about Layla's relationship with her aunt and mother. It was interesting to see how the three of them handled the constant moving around they had to do and about the personality quirks each of them had.
I thought it was really good that the paranormal aspects didn't hit me over the head straight away. That gave me a chance to get to know the characters before everything started happening.
I thought that the romance in this book was one that worked really well. I felt that Tristan and Layla had real chemistry between them and it was good to see that Layla didn't suddenly drop her family for the guy she liked.
I very much liked Pyke as a character by the end of this book, as well as his sister. I enjoyed reading their interactions and I would have liked to see more of them. I felt that they both had a lot more depth to them and it would have been good to learn more about their pasts... Tristan's, too, especially with what was revealed about his brother.
I also thought it was really good to see how, although Layla's heritage was important, it didn't define her character; and it was good to see that she wasn't perfect when it came to trying to adapt the skills she was being taught.
I would have liked to see more of Cora's tactical abilities. It was disappointing to only really see that towards the end of the book. It would have also been good to have glimpses of what drove the opposing side.
It was good to see scientific explanations for the race and their abilities. I felt it was obvious just how much work had gone into building this world.
If there are other books set in this world, I'd probably read them in the future. I'd like to see more of the characters and their relationships with each other.
September 20, 2014
Tired of the usual YA Paranormal read??
Then this book is for you!!
Exciting from start to finish, I was instantly sucked into the mystery and intrigue that was Layla's life. George did a brilliant job of giving me just enough to hook me and to keep me guessing.
What kind of paranormal being were we dealing with? How was Layla and her family involved? How did Tristan, and even Pyke, fit into everything going on?
This story was a well-paced, action-packed thrill ride! I loved the characters (some not so much, ahem, Pyke...although he did kinda redeem himself). They were all really relatable in some way, and this made me want to know more about who they were, and not just their paranormal powers.
There were a few things that made this book stand out from many others just like it.
· Firstly, the paranormal elements of this story were fantastically unique.
· I loved that Layla was not prepared to accept the paranormal in her life, right off the bat. She brushed it off as her mind playing tricks on her, to the point that she thought she may need a vacay in a psych ward, and when she did eventually come face to face with her “reality” she ran as far from it as she could get.
· There was no insta love. Layla obviously appreciated the hotness that was Tristan, but it took more than one chapter for them to admit their attraction. Even when Tristan revealed her to be his “sweetheart”, they didn’t just fall into each other’s arms and become soul mates.
· Things didn’t happen too easily for Layla. Once she came to terms with what she was, she decided to dive head first into it (no pun intended) but it took her more than one try to get it right. In fact, if I recall correctly, it took her near 97 tries.
So yes, this book was a spellbinding read that held me captive throughout. Unique, refreshing and exciting – simply spectacular!
Then this book is for you!!
Exciting from start to finish, I was instantly sucked into the mystery and intrigue that was Layla's life. George did a brilliant job of giving me just enough to hook me and to keep me guessing.
What kind of paranormal being were we dealing with? How was Layla and her family involved? How did Tristan, and even Pyke, fit into everything going on?
This story was a well-paced, action-packed thrill ride! I loved the characters (some not so much, ahem, Pyke...although he did kinda redeem himself). They were all really relatable in some way, and this made me want to know more about who they were, and not just their paranormal powers.
There were a few things that made this book stand out from many others just like it.
· Firstly, the paranormal elements of this story were fantastically unique.
· I loved that Layla was not prepared to accept the paranormal in her life, right off the bat. She brushed it off as her mind playing tricks on her, to the point that she thought she may need a vacay in a psych ward, and when she did eventually come face to face with her “reality” she ran as far from it as she could get.
· There was no insta love. Layla obviously appreciated the hotness that was Tristan, but it took more than one chapter for them to admit their attraction. Even when Tristan revealed her to be his “sweetheart”, they didn’t just fall into each other’s arms and become soul mates.
· Things didn’t happen too easily for Layla. Once she came to terms with what she was, she decided to dive head first into it (no pun intended) but it took her more than one try to get it right. In fact, if I recall correctly, it took her near 97 tries.
So yes, this book was a spellbinding read that held me captive throughout. Unique, refreshing and exciting – simply spectacular!
May 20, 2014
Originally posted on Girls *Heart* Books
First I want to say this is one of the few covers I have seen where I would purchase the book without even reading the back. I've heard TONS of wonderful things about M.A. George from several people at this point, but I had never had a chance to read her work before Aqua, but I hadn't even seen her name on the cover and I was signing up for the tour based solely on cover love.
Now, onto the book. As I said, I haven't read George's Proximity series yet (I'm getting there!), but I have heard several wonderful things about her and her work. I am thrilled to say I was not disappointed reading Aqua. The story is told from the perspective of Layla McKelland, my new favorite heroin of 2014. She is hilariously awkward in all the best ways! She had me doubled over laughing a few times throughout the book. I think she may be my favorite character...like, ever. Period.
And while I'm on the topic of characters, I adore Tristan. Like, hullo, can I please abduct you for my own personal use...please...? Or can I at least meet somebody who will fangirl about him with me? *puppy eyes* Anybody?
The story itself is done BEAUTIFULLY. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, and it stands apart from any other book I've ever read. George has created a world I crave to revisit and while the ending was wonderful and satisfying I do hope she decides to continue with these characters. I truly hope they bug her enough to make her play just a little more... But if not, I will happily read through this stand-alone again and again until my eyes fail me. Aqua is my favorite book of this year!
First I want to say this is one of the few covers I have seen where I would purchase the book without even reading the back. I've heard TONS of wonderful things about M.A. George from several people at this point, but I had never had a chance to read her work before Aqua, but I hadn't even seen her name on the cover and I was signing up for the tour based solely on cover love.
Now, onto the book. As I said, I haven't read George's Proximity series yet (I'm getting there!), but I have heard several wonderful things about her and her work. I am thrilled to say I was not disappointed reading Aqua. The story is told from the perspective of Layla McKelland, my new favorite heroin of 2014. She is hilariously awkward in all the best ways! She had me doubled over laughing a few times throughout the book. I think she may be my favorite character...like, ever. Period.
And while I'm on the topic of characters, I adore Tristan. Like, hullo, can I please abduct you for my own personal use...please...? Or can I at least meet somebody who will fangirl about him with me? *puppy eyes* Anybody?
The story itself is done BEAUTIFULLY. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, and it stands apart from any other book I've ever read. George has created a world I crave to revisit and while the ending was wonderful and satisfying I do hope she decides to continue with these characters. I truly hope they bug her enough to make her play just a little more... But if not, I will happily read through this stand-alone again and again until my eyes fail me. Aqua is my favorite book of this year!
May 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Aqua is the first novel I've read by M.A. George and definitely won't be the last! This book has it all - great characters, plenty of action, mysterious happenings, and snarky dialogue. Oh, the dialogue! Sheer genius! I laughed out loud a countless number of times, especially with the ever-changing, colorful descriptions Layla gave Pyke.
Right from the start I felt Layla and I are kindred spirits with our mutual love of writing. I just really loved this girl! I felt for her and couldn't believe she has to move every year on her birthday. Layla, her mother, and aunt literally spend Layla's birthday packing up, driving to their new destination, and unpacking in their new home. That's no way to spend a birthday! Not to mention being the new girl every school year - I agreed with Layla that it would be better to be home schooled.
M.A. George was so good at making Layla brush off strange events that she almost had me convinced this wasn't going to be a paranormal story even though I knew it was. The banter between Tristan and Layla was priceless. Layla narrates the story as though she's having a conversation with the reader, and I felt like I really was getting to know her and endeared her to me.
I had been dying to read this book since I first heard of it, and I'm ecstatic it not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them. I could have read Aqua for the dialogue alone - it's witty, realistic, and flowing. I loved discovering the mystery of Layla and her family. Aqua is a book worthy of reading more than once.
Aqua is the first novel I've read by M.A. George and definitely won't be the last! This book has it all - great characters, plenty of action, mysterious happenings, and snarky dialogue. Oh, the dialogue! Sheer genius! I laughed out loud a countless number of times, especially with the ever-changing, colorful descriptions Layla gave Pyke.
Right from the start I felt Layla and I are kindred spirits with our mutual love of writing. I just really loved this girl! I felt for her and couldn't believe she has to move every year on her birthday. Layla, her mother, and aunt literally spend Layla's birthday packing up, driving to their new destination, and unpacking in their new home. That's no way to spend a birthday! Not to mention being the new girl every school year - I agreed with Layla that it would be better to be home schooled.
M.A. George was so good at making Layla brush off strange events that she almost had me convinced this wasn't going to be a paranormal story even though I knew it was. The banter between Tristan and Layla was priceless. Layla narrates the story as though she's having a conversation with the reader, and I felt like I really was getting to know her and endeared her to me.
I had been dying to read this book since I first heard of it, and I'm ecstatic it not only lived up to my expectations but surpassed them. I could have read Aqua for the dialogue alone - it's witty, realistic, and flowing. I loved discovering the mystery of Layla and her family. Aqua is a book worthy of reading more than once.
May 22, 2015
*** NO SPOILERS ***
I really, really liked this book! (Read in a high-pitched squeal)
First of all, the premise is a eye-catcher. Reading the blurb, I thought... Ok.. so this is a sort of fantastic water adventure? I was down to give it a go. George's writing style was both absorbing (pun intended) and comical. There was a lot of detail written into facial expressions and shrugs and head jiggles, which at first seemed redundant. However, just a few chapters in and I have no doubt that my face was reenacting each description and I came to realize that God really is in the details.
The first few chapters introduce us to protagonist, Layla, as well as her mother and aunt. The trio moves to a new coastal home every year on Layla's birthday. She doesn't seem to question why but suffers in silence, wrapping herself up in her books; both reading and writing them. Enter stage left, two mysterious strangers and a chance encounter at the beach. I have a rather staunch NO SPOILER policy, so I won't say much else about the specifics. I will say that this book is full of pithy snark and witty banter that had me rolling. I was also so invested in these characters that I couldn't put the book down and am now a little sad because I don't see a SEQUEL!!!
Is it weird that I was kind of hoping for a chance for Team Pyke???
I really, really liked this book! (Read in a high-pitched squeal)
First of all, the premise is a eye-catcher. Reading the blurb, I thought... Ok.. so this is a sort of fantastic water adventure? I was down to give it a go. George's writing style was both absorbing (pun intended) and comical. There was a lot of detail written into facial expressions and shrugs and head jiggles, which at first seemed redundant. However, just a few chapters in and I have no doubt that my face was reenacting each description and I came to realize that God really is in the details.
The first few chapters introduce us to protagonist, Layla, as well as her mother and aunt. The trio moves to a new coastal home every year on Layla's birthday. She doesn't seem to question why but suffers in silence, wrapping herself up in her books; both reading and writing them. Enter stage left, two mysterious strangers and a chance encounter at the beach. I have a rather staunch NO SPOILER policy, so I won't say much else about the specifics. I will say that this book is full of pithy snark and witty banter that had me rolling. I was also so invested in these characters that I couldn't put the book down and am now a little sad because I don't see a SEQUEL!!!
Is it weird that I was kind of hoping for a chance for Team Pyke???
August 4, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
A human turning "aqueous"??? Wha..?? This is definitely something I wasn't expecting. I was imagining mermaids or some other kind of marine-type creatures, but no, no... Humans who turn into water! Mind blown.
Immediately I was drawn into this story, thanks to the main character, Layla, and her humorous thought process:
'The crazy train is pulling out of the station and Yours Truly will not be on board.'
OR,
'I always try to infuse at least a modicum of truth into my answers, even when I'm intentionally being evasive. It makes me feel a bit less like a filthy liar.'
Or her clever retorts:
"No kidding?" My mouth gapes with mock dismay. "Because I heard that too much time spent on the jetty turns you into a jackass. You might think about filing a lawsuit," I add with a pitying shake of my head. "I'd hate to see it claim another victim."
"The crack of dawn is kind of like plumber's crack," I yawn, scrubbing my droopy eyes. "Just because it exists, doesn't mean I want to see it."
Anyways, back to the review! I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book. The romance was sweet and not over-the-top. The pace of the story kept me interested as well as the characters and the potential outcome for them. Such a fun read, I highly recommend.
A human turning "aqueous"??? Wha..?? This is definitely something I wasn't expecting. I was imagining mermaids or some other kind of marine-type creatures, but no, no... Humans who turn into water! Mind blown.
Immediately I was drawn into this story, thanks to the main character, Layla, and her humorous thought process:
'The crazy train is pulling out of the station and Yours Truly will not be on board.'
OR,
'I always try to infuse at least a modicum of truth into my answers, even when I'm intentionally being evasive. It makes me feel a bit less like a filthy liar.'
Or her clever retorts:
"No kidding?" My mouth gapes with mock dismay. "Because I heard that too much time spent on the jetty turns you into a jackass. You might think about filing a lawsuit," I add with a pitying shake of my head. "I'd hate to see it claim another victim."
"The crack of dawn is kind of like plumber's crack," I yawn, scrubbing my droopy eyes. "Just because it exists, doesn't mean I want to see it."
Anyways, back to the review! I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book. The romance was sweet and not over-the-top. The pace of the story kept me interested as well as the characters and the potential outcome for them. Such a fun read, I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews