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The Book of Adjórde: AKASHA
The Book of Adjórde: Akasha is a gripping science fantasy novel set on a distant frozen planet where ice is more than survival, it's control.
Sixteen-year-old Akasha is a Miner, sent from Earth as an infant to harvest ice on the unforgiving planet of Adjórde. Raised under strict rules (don’t speak, don’t feel, and never question), he’s spent his life following orders in silence. But when his closest friend vanishes without a trace, Akasha begins to uncover chilling secrets buried beneath the ice: a hidden journal, forbidden knowledge, and the quiet roots of something even more dangerous... magic.
As he draws closer to the truth, Akasha forms an uneasy alliance with two unlikely companions. Together, they begin to question the world they’ve been forced to serve. And when they uncover long-suppressed elemental powers within themselves, Akasha must decide: remain obedient, or embrace a rebellion that could cost them everything.
Perfect for fans of survival sci-fi, elemental magic, and emotionally rich worldbuilding, The Book of Adjórde: Akasha is the gripping beginning of a trilogy about identity, control, and what it means to resist in a world that demands your obedience.
Sixteen-year-old Akasha is a Miner, sent from Earth as an infant to harvest ice on the unforgiving planet of Adjórde. Raised under strict rules (don’t speak, don’t feel, and never question), he’s spent his life following orders in silence. But when his closest friend vanishes without a trace, Akasha begins to uncover chilling secrets buried beneath the ice: a hidden journal, forbidden knowledge, and the quiet roots of something even more dangerous... magic.
As he draws closer to the truth, Akasha forms an uneasy alliance with two unlikely companions. Together, they begin to question the world they’ve been forced to serve. And when they uncover long-suppressed elemental powers within themselves, Akasha must decide: remain obedient, or embrace a rebellion that could cost them everything.
Perfect for fans of survival sci-fi, elemental magic, and emotionally rich worldbuilding, The Book of Adjórde: Akasha is the gripping beginning of a trilogy about identity, control, and what it means to resist in a world that demands your obedience.
- GenresFantasy
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
37 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Alford
1 book20 followersA.J. Alford writes character-driven science fantasy and contemporary fiction with emotional depth, immersive worldbuilding, and a spark of rebellion. Her debut series, The Book of Adjórde, blends elemental magic, found family, and dystopian resistance into a genre-bending journey of self-discovery and survival.
When not writing, A.J. is a mother, wife and spiritualist. She's probably researching obscure science, building fictional governments, or reworking a sentence for the tenth time. She believes in diversity, quiet strength, and stories that crack open the dark to let the light in.
When not writing, A.J. is a mother, wife and spiritualist. She's probably researching obscure science, building fictional governments, or reworking a sentence for the tenth time. She believes in diversity, quiet strength, and stories that crack open the dark to let the light in.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 3, 2025
4.5/5 stars, rounded up.
This blends science fiction and fantasy into such a unique story and setting! This book starts with a fascinating ancient prologue, followed by a leap 700 years into the future, and the effect is wonderfully disorienting. We’re thrown into a world that’s both slightly familiar and wholly alien, unsure what went wrong but compelled to find out.
We follow Akasha, a young ice miner raised to obey without question. What begins as quiet obedience slowly unravels into a mystery full of forbidden knowledge, fascinating elemental magic, and a small-scale rebellion that slowly builds. All of these characters are complex, layered, and quietly compelling as they struggle in an oppressive system. Akasha’s journey from silence to rebellion is beautifully handled, and the magic system feels refreshingly different from typical elemental magic.
This is a book that wants you to sit with it, to feel the cold, the weight of obedience, and the quiet stirrings of rebellion. It does a great job of letting readers feel everything happening. It’s a slow burn, more introspective than action-packed (until things escalate!), but that’s part of its charm. The atmosphere is heavy with secrets and mystery, and Alford lets the tension build slowly until things come to a head.
Thoughtful, atmospheric, and quietly powerful. This is a really striking start to what feels like a very special series. I hope things get even bigger and darker in the next books!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This blends science fiction and fantasy into such a unique story and setting! This book starts with a fascinating ancient prologue, followed by a leap 700 years into the future, and the effect is wonderfully disorienting. We’re thrown into a world that’s both slightly familiar and wholly alien, unsure what went wrong but compelled to find out.
We follow Akasha, a young ice miner raised to obey without question. What begins as quiet obedience slowly unravels into a mystery full of forbidden knowledge, fascinating elemental magic, and a small-scale rebellion that slowly builds. All of these characters are complex, layered, and quietly compelling as they struggle in an oppressive system. Akasha’s journey from silence to rebellion is beautifully handled, and the magic system feels refreshingly different from typical elemental magic.
This is a book that wants you to sit with it, to feel the cold, the weight of obedience, and the quiet stirrings of rebellion. It does a great job of letting readers feel everything happening. It’s a slow burn, more introspective than action-packed (until things escalate!), but that’s part of its charm. The atmosphere is heavy with secrets and mystery, and Alford lets the tension build slowly until things come to a head.
Thoughtful, atmospheric, and quietly powerful. This is a really striking start to what feels like a very special series. I hope things get even bigger and darker in the next books!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 15, 2025
YES! I don't read much YA but I'm a sucker for an awesome cover. The story does a good job of interweaving the backstory with the prologue and then dropping bits of just through out since the current story takes place 700 years after the prologue. Sci-fi plus magic which I always love. And the pacing slowly gets faster and faster like when your heart rate kicks up, and you're watching the unread pages dwindle and you just need to KNOW.
And as soon as I finished I hopped on TT to go bug the author about book 2
And as soon as I finished I hopped on TT to go bug the author about book 2
October 30, 2025
This was such a good read! Fast-paced, engaging, and a diverse cast of characters. The environment is so unique and you discover more about the world right alongside the characters. Can't wait for book 2!
October 27, 2025
Phenomenal read!
Ok - 5 stars! This is a YA fantasy book with magic systems and BIG world building. It’s a slow build up; and then an explosion of energy and action happens mid way until the end.
Let’s talk about the world building because A.J. Alford does such a superb job at building this world for you in an icy fry tomb. When I tell you… I FELT the cold coming out of this book in the way this ice planet is described. “The planet never warms. The sky is always dark, and the cold never lets up.” I felt myself shiver every time Akasha’s mask would fall down as if the chill was skirting my own neck.
.
Magic systems - aren’t unlike most elemental systems. You have Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Ether. However in this world they are not taught or nurtured in the young.
.
You begin to learn the daily routines of the miners and how dull it really is. One bit of knowledge outside of the authorized is enough this send this kid into realms he never believed existed. Secrets become unraveled and strange things start to happen. Unlikely friendships turn into bonds that cannot be broken but are severely tested on their journey to find out the truth.
.
BRAVO!!!! A.J. Alford, this was such a wild ride. I’m very excited for the next book New Earth.
Ok - 5 stars! This is a YA fantasy book with magic systems and BIG world building. It’s a slow build up; and then an explosion of energy and action happens mid way until the end.
Let’s talk about the world building because A.J. Alford does such a superb job at building this world for you in an icy fry tomb. When I tell you… I FELT the cold coming out of this book in the way this ice planet is described. “The planet never warms. The sky is always dark, and the cold never lets up.” I felt myself shiver every time Akasha’s mask would fall down as if the chill was skirting my own neck.
.
Magic systems - aren’t unlike most elemental systems. You have Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Ether. However in this world they are not taught or nurtured in the young.
.
You begin to learn the daily routines of the miners and how dull it really is. One bit of knowledge outside of the authorized is enough this send this kid into realms he never believed existed. Secrets become unraveled and strange things start to happen. Unlikely friendships turn into bonds that cannot be broken but are severely tested on their journey to find out the truth.
.
BRAVO!!!! A.J. Alford, this was such a wild ride. I’m very excited for the next book New Earth.
October 13, 2025
Great Read!!
Akashi lives on a planet that is dark and icy at all times. His whole life he has worked as a Miner breaking the ice up so that it can be transported to New Earth. When his friend Junior Elder Shosk goes missing everything changes. Akashi starts experiencing strange panic attacks and is disappearing in plain sight. He decides he wants to leave this cold and dark planet but upon making his plans learns about the history of why there are Elders and Miners.
This book was a great quick read for me and I can see it hitting the shelves and being compared to Avatar but with a Sci-Fi feel. It also reminds me of Divergent with Factions being used. I love the diversity that is represented in the main character the idea of warping space. I don’t get to read too many male main characters and it was nice to see. Love the world building as well. It was well put together along with the different characters. Can’t wait to see more with the characters in the next read!
Akashi lives on a planet that is dark and icy at all times. His whole life he has worked as a Miner breaking the ice up so that it can be transported to New Earth. When his friend Junior Elder Shosk goes missing everything changes. Akashi starts experiencing strange panic attacks and is disappearing in plain sight. He decides he wants to leave this cold and dark planet but upon making his plans learns about the history of why there are Elders and Miners.
This book was a great quick read for me and I can see it hitting the shelves and being compared to Avatar but with a Sci-Fi feel. It also reminds me of Divergent with Factions being used. I love the diversity that is represented in the main character the idea of warping space. I don’t get to read too many male main characters and it was nice to see. Love the world building as well. It was well put together along with the different characters. Can’t wait to see more with the characters in the next read!
October 17, 2025
From the very first page, "The Book of Adjorde: Akasha" throws you into a richly imagined world full of magic, and ancient secrets. The story builds steadily, picking up speed as it layers mysteries that leave you itching to learn more. The author leaves unanswered questions and ends on a brilliant cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the next release. The male main character is uniquely written and doesn’t show the same energy as others I’ve read. I’d definitely recommend the book!
Read
October 3, 2025After more than five years of planning, plotting, and writing, here it is. The story of my heart.
Along the way I became sure of two things: I prefer the use of the Oxford comma, and I want this book to be one that unites all readers.
I’m working to become the exception in publishing, and I welcome any and all feedback, positive and critical. I will grow from it, and so will Akasha.
Welcome to The Book of Adjórde, Book One: Akasha.
A.J.
Along the way I became sure of two things: I prefer the use of the Oxford comma, and I want this book to be one that unites all readers.
I’m working to become the exception in publishing, and I welcome any and all feedback, positive and critical. I will grow from it, and so will Akasha.
Welcome to The Book of Adjórde, Book One: Akasha.
A.J.
December 31, 2025
My personal verdict is that A.J. Alford has successfully stripped the "Power Fantasy" out of high fantasy, replacing it with the brutal logic of a survival thriller. She executes a blueprint of "Atmospheric Siege," where the environment isn't just a setting—it is the primary antagonist. The sensory deprivation in the prose is unrelenting; you don't just read about the cold, you feel the suffocation of a world where darkness is absolute. It is a masterclass in environmental immersion that forces the reader to acclimatize to the planet’s lethal rhythm just as the characters must.
Structurally, the novel’s brilliance lies in its inversion of power. In a traditional narrative, a protagonist with Akasha's ability to manipulate Ether would be a superhero by the third chapter; here, his power is treated as a terrifying liability. We watch a character who is afraid of his own potential, hiding his light because, in a system of manufactured darkness, being a beacon doesn't make you a savior—it makes you a target. This creates a rare tension where you aren't reading to see him conquer, but simply to see if he can survive his own awakening.
Ultimately, this is a narrative about "Systemic Horror," proving that the most terrifying monsters aren't beasts, but the bureaucrats who decide which children are expendable. The "Foremen" and "Elders" operate with a cold, industrial efficiency that makes the oppression feel hauntingly real. If you are looking for a whimsical adventure, look elsewhere. But if you want a cerebral, atmospheric rebellion that reads like Avatar: The Last Airbender: gritty, industrial, and visually stunning—then Akasha is a mandatory, transformational addition to your library.
Structurally, the novel’s brilliance lies in its inversion of power. In a traditional narrative, a protagonist with Akasha's ability to manipulate Ether would be a superhero by the third chapter; here, his power is treated as a terrifying liability. We watch a character who is afraid of his own potential, hiding his light because, in a system of manufactured darkness, being a beacon doesn't make you a savior—it makes you a target. This creates a rare tension where you aren't reading to see him conquer, but simply to see if he can survive his own awakening.
Ultimately, this is a narrative about "Systemic Horror," proving that the most terrifying monsters aren't beasts, but the bureaucrats who decide which children are expendable. The "Foremen" and "Elders" operate with a cold, industrial efficiency that makes the oppression feel hauntingly real. If you are looking for a whimsical adventure, look elsewhere. But if you want a cerebral, atmospheric rebellion that reads like Avatar: The Last Airbender: gritty, industrial, and visually stunning—then Akasha is a mandatory, transformational addition to your library.
October 13, 2025
Overall the book was a bit slow. It’s like the characters and plot was devoid of emotion, I found myself having to push myself to read it. The main character, Akasha, was supposed to be keeping to himself but was then creating mischief while pretending to be to himself. One thing that stood out as a contradiction was finding the journal and then wanting to know what was being hidden from everyone. Eventually he was given an offer to be on the inside of the inner workings but he says that’s not of importance to him. Meanwhile that was the whole plot of the story I thought, figuring out what’s being hidden.
I think this book was extremely well written and perfectly edited, it’s just the story seemed to be lacking emotion which would have tied everything together. The first 100+ pages nothing really happened for the most part. There was a lot of repetition in day to day events, very anti-climatic. At most this book could have been anywhere from 175-210 pages tops if you cut the unnecessary repetition, and 210 is pushing it. Oddly enough I have a feeling that the next book in the series might be better but this one was a 3.8 rating for me.
I recommend you read it but make sure you read the next installment because I feel like this first book was the ground work for what’s to come.
I think this book was extremely well written and perfectly edited, it’s just the story seemed to be lacking emotion which would have tied everything together. The first 100+ pages nothing really happened for the most part. There was a lot of repetition in day to day events, very anti-climatic. At most this book could have been anywhere from 175-210 pages tops if you cut the unnecessary repetition, and 210 is pushing it. Oddly enough I have a feeling that the next book in the series might be better but this one was a 3.8 rating for me.
I recommend you read it but make sure you read the next installment because I feel like this first book was the ground work for what’s to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
A dark tale, but this book will keep you sucked in
This scifi/fantasy book by an independent author is the second one I've read this year that is better than many traditionally published books. While most of the story takes place in the bitter cold, (and you'll feel like you're unrelentingly living through the experience), the storytelling is incredible. Akasha is a main character you'll be hooked on immediately, and pull for during the entire book. Faeya is appealing and fiery of spirit, and steadfast Kahra determined to keep your loyalty. The concepts are incredibly original, the pacing well written. I found myself eager to return to the book and had difficulty putting it down. Highly recommended!
This scifi/fantasy book by an independent author is the second one I've read this year that is better than many traditionally published books. While most of the story takes place in the bitter cold, (and you'll feel like you're unrelentingly living through the experience), the storytelling is incredible. Akasha is a main character you'll be hooked on immediately, and pull for during the entire book. Faeya is appealing and fiery of spirit, and steadfast Kahra determined to keep your loyalty. The concepts are incredibly original, the pacing well written. I found myself eager to return to the book and had difficulty putting it down. Highly recommended!
November 23, 2025
The Book of Adjórde: Akasha pulled me in from the first page. The frozen world of Adjórde feels harsh, lonely, and strangely beautiful, and Akasha’s quiet, rule bound life makes the mystery at the heart of the story even more gripping. His journey from obedient Miner to someone willing to question everything is emotional and believable.
I especially loved the slow uncovering of secrets the missing friend, the hidden journal, and the hints of forbidden magic buried under the ice. The alliances he forms feel raw and real, full of tension and hope. By the time the elemental powers come into play, the story shifts into something bigger and even more exciting.
It’s a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and rebellion that kept me turning pages. A cold world, a warm heart, and a story worth diving into.
I especially loved the slow uncovering of secrets the missing friend, the hidden journal, and the hints of forbidden magic buried under the ice. The alliances he forms feel raw and real, full of tension and hope. By the time the elemental powers come into play, the story shifts into something bigger and even more exciting.
It’s a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and rebellion that kept me turning pages. A cold world, a warm heart, and a story worth diving into.
November 28, 2025
huge major thank you to A.J. Alford for sending me an ebook copy of this book after I had trouble with Libby.
3.75☆ In my opinion, this story took a little bit too long to get started. I was really pushing myself to get into it and pick it up until about 27% of the way through. However, once the world was established and the history was no longer the focal point and we were following Akasha's discoveries I didn't want to put it down.
I am simultaneously really looking forward to the next book, and a little bit disappointed that the sneak peak for the next book doesn't check in with characters than I already know and care about. I know once we get back with the characters from this book I'll be so in it.
3.75☆ In my opinion, this story took a little bit too long to get started. I was really pushing myself to get into it and pick it up until about 27% of the way through. However, once the world was established and the history was no longer the focal point and we were following Akasha's discoveries I didn't want to put it down.
I am simultaneously really looking forward to the next book, and a little bit disappointed that the sneak peak for the next book doesn't check in with characters than I already know and care about. I know once we get back with the characters from this book I'll be so in it.
December 29, 2025
What a BOOK! Oh my gosh. This was such a fresh and intriguing story. I adored literally every page of it.
On a world of ice, children under 18 are made to mine blocks of ice until they’re able to return to earth. The issue? A lady from 700 years ago ripped a void (2 actually, but whose counting 😂) anyway the balance is disturbed and to fix the water crisis, miners spend their days cutting ice to send back but when people start disappearing and a journal is found, Akosha has to discern its meaning and find a way to right the wrongs of people he never knew about.
I cannot wait for book two! Great story!
On a world of ice, children under 18 are made to mine blocks of ice until they’re able to return to earth. The issue? A lady from 700 years ago ripped a void (2 actually, but whose counting 😂) anyway the balance is disturbed and to fix the water crisis, miners spend their days cutting ice to send back but when people start disappearing and a journal is found, Akosha has to discern its meaning and find a way to right the wrongs of people he never knew about.
I cannot wait for book two! Great story!
November 5, 2025
this book is an amazing immersive story with incredible world building and character development!! i absolutely love the way the story unfolds. the amount of information you get through out it is perfect in my opinion just enough to make you want to keep reading but not so much that you figure out what is really going on before you are suppose too. 10 out of 10 would recommend!!!!!!!
September 17, 2025
Amazing
I loved this book! This isn’t the genre I normally read but I found the author on TT and said, hey why not. I’m so glad I did. A new take on elemental magic, with fantastic characters. I can’t wait for book 2!
I loved this book! This isn’t the genre I normally read but I found the author on TT and said, hey why not. I’m so glad I did. A new take on elemental magic, with fantastic characters. I can’t wait for book 2!
September 18, 2025
Sci-fi + magic + rebellion = obsessed. The worldbuilding is insane, the tension had my heart racing, and Akasha is a character you can’t stop rooting for. Perfect binge read!!! I need book two NOW!!!!!!
September 25, 2025
An intriguing read with a unique magic system I am eager to continue exploring.
A coming of age tale in a world where nothing is exactly as it seems.
I enjoyed the rich history woven into the tale helping guide you along the path beside Akasha and his friends.
A coming of age tale in a world where nothing is exactly as it seems.
I enjoyed the rich history woven into the tale helping guide you along the path beside Akasha and his friends.
October 27, 2025
This book is amazing!! It had a slow deliberate world building then it sky rocketed into non stop action. There are so many memorable quotes especially in the last half it is a fantastic. I can't wait for the next book I need it now!!
November 24, 2025
Great adventure read
This is a good start to an exciting dystopian world. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. The characters have real heart and feelings. The plot is believable and the world is well built.
This is a good start to an exciting dystopian world. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. The characters have real heart and feelings. The plot is believable and the world is well built.
September 29, 2025
This is a work of heart! I’m so excited for book 2!
December 31, 2025
All I can say is WOW! First learned about this book on Tik Tok and decided to give it a chance. The writing is so beautiful, and the story is well fleshed out. Can't wait for book 2
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews