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As Aiden and Caylin prepare for their Valentine’s Day wedding, Aiden is given some sage advice. Before he can truly give Caylin the beautiful future she deserves, he must willingly let go of his personal demons and allow them to remain buried where they belong, in the past. If he doesn’t, he will continue to second-guess himself and never fully believe he is worthy of the happiness they share. With pencil in hand and a blank journal in front of him, Aiden begins to write the story of his life spanning from the moment he was created up to his present. As a War Angel, Aiden was made to fight and little else. When he was given the opportunity to become a Watcher, Aiden thought he had found his true calling. After disobeying God’s law and falling from His grace, Aiden allowed the darkest recesses of his soul to reign over his actions. After years of self-loathing, Aiden was finally given the chance to prove to himself and God that he had the willpower to rise above what he had become. When Caylin first entered his world, Aiden knew he was being given the chance at a new life. Everything up to that point, the good as well as the bad, was meant to lead him to her. His true destiny…

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2014

309 people are currently reading
307 people want to read

About the author

S.J. West

75 books1,188 followers
Once upon a time, a little girl was born on a cold winter morning in the heart of Seoul, Korea. She was brought to America by her parents and raised in the Deep South where the words ma'am and y'all became an integrated part of her lexicon. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and continued writing on and off during her teenage years. In college she studied biology and chemistry and finally combined the two by earning a master's degree in biochemistry. After that she moved to Yankee land where she lived for four years working in a laboratory at Cornell University. Homesickness and snow aversion forced her back South where she lives in the land which spawned Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham and B.B. King. After finding her Prince Charming, she gave birth to a wondrous gift named Caylin and they all lived happily ever after.

The second book to the Harvester of Light trilogy will be available for purchase no later than December 2012.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Brittneyann Kay.
6 reviews
January 31, 2015
Absolutely amazing.

As usual, I might add. I really love how each book is unique. Some are action packed, some are more calm. Some have a ton of "main" characters we find ourselves falling in love with and some, like this, are centered toward one person's story in particular. I absolutely loved reliving Aiden's life with him. Similar to the journey we went on with Malcolm. I love hearing about the time in Heaven all the way up to present day and even a little more into the future than we got in Caylin's books. I also feel like this taught us a good deal more about not just Aiden but Desmond, Malcolm, Jered, we even got to see a little more of Serephina, which for those who know the connection was pretty awesome from where I'm sitting :) There has not been one single book yet that I have not enjoyed immensely, and am waiting on pins and needles for Cataclysm. Which if you recall is the bookbinding voted for to come before this one and am most excited to dive into. Good Luck SJ! Ill be waiting.
Profile Image for Jana LaPelle.
Author 8 books41 followers
December 28, 2014
Captivating

As with all the other Watcher books, Aiden's story was totally captivating, I found that I didn't want to put this book down and much to my dismay with family gatherings for the holidays it took me longer to read than I had hoped. What I loved most about this book was the history and character building, as their story continues to evolve the complexity of the world of the Watchers continues to develop. I'm totally amazed by the depth of the storyline and find that I can't get enough.

At first I was on the fence about reading Aiden's Story as I had already read Caylin's story but then I thought to myself that there must be a very good reason for West to have felt the need to write this book and in this order. It all makes sense now. I can't really say that I have a favorite Watcher as many of them stolen a little piece of my heart but after having read Aiden's Story he is right up there with Brandon and Malcom. His journey is his to tell and I hope you choose to read it.
100 reviews
January 20, 2025
The war in Heaven between Lucifer and his rebellious angels against God and His loyal angels was a catastrophic battle that changed everything. Countless lives were lost on both sides, and the fallout from this divine conflict led to the creation of war angels—celestial warriors forged to protect and defend Heaven’s realm.
Aiden, like many others, suffered a deeply personal loss during the war, and it set him on a dark and dangerous path. The grief and emptiness he carried drove him to make choices that pulled him away from his true purpose, leading to years of regret and self-destruction.
The aftermath of the war left lasting scars, not just on Heaven, but on Aiden himself. His internal struggle to find his way back, to atone for his mistakes, and to ultimately seek redemption is one of the most powerful and emotional elements of his story. His pain and his unwavering desire for salvation make him a compelling character whose journey is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.
This book masterfully intertwines celestial lore, epic battles, and deeply personal struggles, making Aiden’s story one of loss, resilience, and hope. His journey from the depths of darkness to the light of redemption serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of immense suffering, the path to salvation is always within reach.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the book was witnessing Aiden's relationship with Caylin blossom into something truly extraordinary. From the challenges they faced to the unwavering love they shared, their story is one that resonated deeply with me. Seeing their journey culminate in a beautiful wedding was incredibly fulfilling, but the true highlight for me was the birth of their first child, Kate. Her arrival added an extra layer of emotional depth and joy to an already breathtaking story, making it even more memorable.
This book beautifully weaves together celestial lore, epic battles, and deeply personal struggles, making Aiden’s journey one of the most compelling in the series. It’s a powerful reminder that, even in the face of great loss and despair, redemption and love are always within reach.
For readers who enjoy stories of war, sacrifice, and redemption, this book delivers a rich and immersive experience that stays with you long after you turn the final page.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this book and liked getting more Aiden’s backstory. I enjoyed getting to see some of the Watchers while they were Heaven and throughout the years. I loved that Malcolm taught Aiden a valuable lesson while they were sparing in Heaven and that he popped up throughout Aiden’s life and that he was such a huge lifeline for helping Aiden keep busy over the years while he waited until he was given Lilly and Brand’s blessing to be with Caylin, since they found out that they were soul mates when Caylin was only 14 years old so she had a lot of growing up to do and Aiden had a lot to work through himself until he was ready for Caylin as he swapped drinking human bl*od for s*x as it helped him with the cravings for bl*od. Really he just swapped one addiction for another. I loved that Desmond never gave up on Aiden and checked on him from time to time through out the years and Aiden’s friend Kate was such a positive influence on him and exactly what he needed at the time. Even after hearing that he’s an angel and that what he’d become after his fall from grace, she never judged him or was scared of him, even after he’d attacked her and nearly drained her dry all because Lucifer was toying with him trying to get Aiden to start drinking bl*od again as he knew Aiden had stopped and he wanted Aiden back on his side. Kate was such an amazing friend and just what he needed so what a perfect way to honour her than naming their daughter and first descendent after her. I found the new beginnings section a bit repetitive as a lot of it was just snippets from Timeless and Devoted and not even from Aiden’s point of view it just contained the same dialogue from both books and I also found it rather rushed as I would’ve loved more of them as a married couple as well as their daughter Kate aging but I’m hoping they’ll be featured in some of the future Watchers Universe books but only time will tell. I’m looking forward to reading the alternate earth series and seeing what Jess, Mason and the Vessels get up to. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,596 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2017
Aiden's Story ( A Watchers Novel)

Some spoiler Alerts !!
I loved this book!! 😍❤️ I enjoyed Aiden's POV, it was amazing that he was able to write a book to help him unburden his past to Caylin because he felt it was the only way he could truly move on to his next faze of his life. He was afraid that she may not marry him after she read the book!!!
Throughout the book, I saw so many things come in to life and to see the torture that he went through because he disobeyed God, he never thought of his father as a loving and forgiving father because he believed that because he couldn't see him, he wasn't there. Which is the same as we humans do in every day life. Almost as seeing is believing in his case.

This book opened up my eyes in so many levels, it showed me that no matter what happens, or what faith we are God, is always forgiving, as we who are parents, with children of our own, always forgive our children when they make mistakes!! I couldn't of read this book at a better moment because I am struggling with my own child who is almost 14 on May 16, 2017, who has ADHD, ODD, and Asperger's (autism- which we just found out)~ it's an everyday battle, and among a lot of things that have happened in my life, I questioned God, myself and asked so many times and ne'er received a reply. But, I know we need to keep the faith, in order to keep moving forward...

Thank you S.J. West for writing such a powerful book and for helping me, they say God works in mysterious ways!!! Well he does, because I stumbled upon your series and God knows when I start a series of books, I read them all the way through!!! So, it was meant for me to read this book!! It wasn't a self help book, it was something that helped me... so thank you and I hope you get a chance to realize you helped me... God bless you !!!

I definitely recommend this series don't miss out on all her books !! Just make sure you start with The Watchers Chronicles and keep going or you may be confused!!

Get reading and enjoy!! 😊😍😃
Profile Image for Cecilia.
602 reviews
March 17, 2018
I read the watchers triology, then went to Caylin's Story, and then started Aiden's story.

To me this book was just mehh. It was okay, but it wasn't very exciting.
I know it was a story told in the POV of Aiden of his life, but I felt I could have just went ahead and skipped this whole book.

The parts I liked most was when Caylin was in it. But, other than that it was the first book in this whole series where I felt was not worth the read. Then, again it was just an extra addition book for the fans.
Profile Image for Netta Overhulser .
549 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2018
Loved!

I would definitely recommend following the recommended reading order for the Watcher book series. It will give you a better understanding of the characters involved. I really enjoyed reading about Aiden's life through his journal writing. It gives you a better understanding of his past and his actions previous years. I look forward to discovering more about the Vessels and the Watchers in the upcoming Watcher related series.
I listened to the previous books on Audible, but this book and the next set of books are not available on Audible :(
1,711 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2021
The beginning of the book was interesting. After Aiden sees Kaylin and begins to rehash conversations that you have already read and scenes that you have read, it became painfully redundant. Approximately 45% of this book was dull as dirt. Where it was interesting, it could have been so much more creative. What in the author's mind did heaven look like. I learned nothing about the country of Turkey where Aiden lived for years. So much possibility, so little delivery.
2 reviews
March 9, 2025
Love the whole Watchers universe. Happy to keep reading till the end. Love the characters and their stories. Never going to hear me complain about writing styles or the way things should be written. I can't write a short story to save myself. So I'm just saying thanks to the author. Keep bringing it. I love it.
18 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2018
Great follow-up

I've really enjoyed this series. Not being a religious person, I was worried these books might be too much. Not so. In fact, they are making me think and reevaluate my thoughts. Thank you. Can't wait to start Malcolms story next.
48 reviews
February 12, 2020
Loved it

I absolutely loved this story of Aiden's. This story is very well written and gives the reader a chance to get to know Aiden more and how his and Caylin's story continues. Definitely a must read
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,283 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2020
Aiden's Story Is Heartfelt

Aiden's Story is full of past headaches, trials, fighting, sins and redemption. Aiden needs to forgive himself in order to move forward into the future. With help from friends and one time enemies be finally discovers the path.
241 reviews
February 2, 2017
This was by far the worst in the series, rehashing things we already knew about from Caylin's stories from a different perspective. It was bleaker, more annoying, and then repetitive.
Profile Image for Mary.
130 reviews
June 21, 2017
This entire Watcher series is one of the best I've read. Worth the time.
4 reviews
August 12, 2017
Love this series !!

I love the characters and don't want the series to end !! Definitely a good read and hard to put down !!!
392 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2017
Awesome Reading!

Every single book couldn't be better. I'm running out of New things to say! I will never get tired of Ms West writing! No one is better!
Profile Image for Mindy Shelstead.
72 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2018
Super cute

I loved this novella , I love the was s.j west goes into each character to the point it really feels like we know them love her books
1 review
July 20, 2018
Great read

Would definitely recommend these books s.j west is brilliant. An absolute must read set Can't wait to start the next series of books
68 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2020
Fun

Too much repeat from first two books towards the end but still fun book. Where’s malcolms story??? Guess I’ll have to read next series
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,207 reviews30 followers
September 13, 2020
In the grand scheme of the Watcher universe books, Aidan's Story should be read immediately following the two books of Caylin's Story. Enjoy!

Read:
September 12, 2020 – Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Tovasha.
10 reviews
December 11, 2020
A little slow compared to the other books....too much I don't deserve 😪
5 reviews
May 25, 2021
Lovely

I thoroughly enjoyed it and I welcome seeing the story from Aiden’s point of view. It was a good read.
Profile Image for Angela England.
Author 12 books32 followers
July 23, 2021
Nice supplement

It definitely isn’t as robust as the rest of the watcher series books but it’s a nice supplement to fill in the gaps from Aiden’s perspective.
Profile Image for Brigitte Frantz.
155 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
good story

Aiden relives his life before his true love enters the picture. This is a more accurate version than in previous books in this series.
37 reviews
March 5, 2017
Excellent series

I've been reading this series one book after the other, and every single one has been compelling, well written, and hard to put down. Thrilled the whole series is free with kindle unlimited!
Profile Image for My Bookbag by Karen.
348 reviews61 followers
December 31, 2014
I love the Watcher books by S.J. West, and I've read all of the books attached to the storyline. I was very excited to finally get Aiden's Story. I very much enjoyed learning about some of Aiden's past.

**SPOILER ALERT**



I enjoyed learning about Aiden's awakening, how he earned his reputation as a fierce and skilled warrior and how much he loved Andel. I also found it very interesting that Malcolm was the first angel to help Aiden learn a valuable lesson while in Heaven. It was surprising how much and how often Aiden's and Malcolm's lives intersected over the years following the fall. It make so much more sense of the fact that Aiden turned to him for help when he wanted to kick his sex addiction.

I was grateful to know about the beginning of Aiden's life on Earth and was sorrowful that his feelings for Hanah, Gil and Calev changed him from an angel with purpose to something monstrous. It didn't feel fair that love itself should create a monster. Aiden truly loved Hanah and loved feeling a part of Calev's family.

I enjoyed meeting Aiden's friend Kate. She was awesome, fearless and loyal. She never let Aiden feel like a monster in her presence, even after he almost killed her. She loved him as only a best friend could, and I think her death had a deep effect on him. I think her influence made Aiden think he might become something better than what he was. Of course, meeting Lily and having God give the fallen a second chance made the biggest difference because it gave Aiden hope for redemption.

I had hoped that the book would have a more equal balance of past, present and future. I know that is just my personal preference. Because 'the past' is written in journal form (which by the way was well-devised), it is understandable that Aiden's story would be more heavily weighted in the past.

I was disappointed that Aiden's journal used chunks and pieces of Timeless and Devoted when trying to describe how he feels about Caylin. There was just a little too much of that to suit me. Since I have been such an avid reader of the entire collection, it was easy to recognize the pages of dialogue that were repeated in Aiden's journal. I definitely agree that his journal should include a synopsis of his feelings during their romance up til his 'present', but from a different perspective that assumes Caylin remembers what happened during the past couple of years.

I thought the ending, which is all of the present and future we get, felt rushed. I would have liked to learn a bit more about Caylin and Aiden's life together between marriage and the birth of Kate (which I think was an awesome choice for a name). During Timeless and Devoted, much was made of the importance of Caylin's lineage, I wanted to at least have mention of the next generation or two after Kate.

Although well-written overall, this book is not my favorite of the books related to this storyline. If possible, I would probably rate this book somewhere between 3.8 and 3.9. Keep in mind, though, that there are now 14 books through which this story is told. Out of 14 books, there can only be one favorite. For me it was the book that started it all, Cursed. That book set the bar pretty high.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for De Jr..
Author 3 books78 followers
August 6, 2015
Aiden's Story
By S.J. West
1 August 2015

If you've become a fan of Author S.J. West Watcher Trilogy and Chronicles Series like I have, then let me save you the trouble with a little bit of advice I think you'll love..... Read them in order as follows: 1) The Watcher Trilogy, 2) The Watcher Chronicles, 3) Caylin's Story 2 book series then, 4) Aiden's Story, and after that 5) The Alternate Earth Series..... I would save (Malcolm: The Redemption Series) for after you have read these.

I felt so completely grieved and lost when I tried to start (Malcolm: The Redemption Series) after (Caylin's Story 2 book series). I like finality or closure when I'm reading a series that the storyline continues. Trust me, I'm truly doing you a favor, smile......

I loved Aiden's story!!! I was a history major and I totally loved how the author took historic stories biblical and earthly and weaved them into Aiden's life experiences of an Angel sent by God to be of service here on earth. I enjoyed his experiences, his struggles and his side of how seeing and falling in love with Caylin at first sight gave him the reasons he needed to work towards the redemption and forgiveness of his life and soul. Not just from God but from himself.

This was a truly touching and sweet reads to bring the love story of Aiden and Caylin to an amazing conclusion since first seeing their instant love for one another unfold in the Watcher Chronicles series. If you've taken the time to read each series up to Caylin's 2 book series, then you'll truly be cheating yourself out of a wonderful journey and beautiful conclusion to the characters you've grown to love if you don't read this latest installment. I know I have grown to love them and am extremely happy that I got to experience the journey.

I have already downloaded the first book in the series (Alternate Earth). I finally get to read about Jess, Mason and the Vessels along with Malcolm again as they continue in their journey and mission for God and Humanity. This is the continuation of the last 10 books in secession that I stated above before we head into the future where the story starts a new journey of Caylin's descendent who's destined to beat the princes of hell and possibly Lucifer......

I absolutely recommend this book and the entire series of books to anyone who enjoys adventure, Angels, Demons, the fight between Heaven, Hell, the fate of humanity and a few hundred Fallen Angels and the loves their destined to find!!! A definite 5 Stars!!! ~WaAr~

Reviewed by: De Ann~Native Townes Jr. Author of "Peer Inside My Soul and See Me" and "A King Among Prince"

http://www.amazon.com/Aidens-Story-Wa...
Profile Image for Lesley.
399 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2015
Aiden’s Story was probably around a 3.0 or a 3.5 for me. It’s not a bad book at all; it just pales in comparison to the other Watcher books.

Plot:
Aiden spends the week before his wedding writing an autobiography which details everything from his time in Heaven to his meeting Caylin. His goal is to tell Caylin everything about his past, so she will still have time to back out before their weeding. God, however, feels like writing down his experiences will show Aiden how far he’s come and prove that he is worthy of Caylin’s love.

Characters:
Aiden is likeable enough. When I read Timeless and Devoted, I noted that Aiden was a little bland. He’s a lot more interesting in this book, but for someone who’s been with God, fallen from Heaven, traveled the world, had a serious case of bloodlust, and suffered a sex addiction, you’d think he’d have a little more edge.

Caylin appears occasionally throughout the book. She is less whiny than usual, so that’s a major plus.

I think the most interesting thing about the book was seeing what the other Watchers (Malcolm, Desmond, Brand, Mason, et al) did after they left Heaven and defied God.

Writing:
There were several spelling/punctuation/grammatical errors, but they weren’t so bad that they took away from the story. Aiden was a War Angel, so there is a lot of violence. He was also a sex addict, so there were several sexual situations. They weren’t really graphic, and Anna or even The Watcher Chronicles, they are actually pretty tame.

The Bottom Line:
The book was good, just not great, but I liked the other Watcher books so much, that it’s pretty hard to compete with them.
Profile Image for Lea Vanderlei.
313 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2017
ANOTHER GREAT READ!!!

I will never get tired of this series, so please keep writing more and more books to add to it!!! PLEASE!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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