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The Trials of Aqouril
Sixteen-year-old Erica Brooks longs for adventure, acceptance, and answers—especially about the mysterious power she keeps hidden, even from herself.
When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water—an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined.
To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits.
Gripping, heartfelt, and brimming with magic, The Trials of Aqouril is a spellbinding journey of bravery, transformation, and self-discovery.
When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water—an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined.
To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits.
Gripping, heartfelt, and brimming with magic, The Trials of Aqouril is a spellbinding journey of bravery, transformation, and self-discovery.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 21, 2025
This!!! Oh wow, what an incredible debut and hopefully an incredible start to what I feel would make an EXCELLENT series! This book gave me all sorts of feels! I loved the story. I couldn't put this down at all. The cover is gorgeous, and I love the various shades of blue. They pop right off! The writing is excellent and flows so well. It's definitely more than appropriate for the young adults of the world. I really enjoyed the world-building, and E.S. did this with such excellent execution. Aquoril sounds breathtaking! The characters were so good and each had their own stories that can be told, I think. Erica was great. She was so versatile and adaptable. If she doesn't inspire a generation of young adults, then I don't know who will! If you want rich and imaginative read next, then give this a go! You won't be disappointed!
December 23, 2025
While reading this novel I had the wonderful news that my partner is pregnant with a baby girl and the biggest compliment I can pay this book is that a character like Erica Brooks is exactly the type of role model I would love for her to have. Basing the story around her morales and compassion make this a exemplary read for any young adult. For me, I particularly enjoyed the political aspects of the novel and, for future books in the series, I would enjoy the storyline of the AIA being developed further.
Well written and engaging; therefore, I'd highly recommend.
Well written and engaging; therefore, I'd highly recommend.
November 2, 2025
Really enjoyed reading my pre-release copy! Good character development and intriguing story line, already ready for the sequel!
November 22, 2025
What an incredible debut! This felt like playing a cosy fantasy role playing game - gorgeous warm characters, excellent character development, wonderful world building with a really interesting way of connecting the ‘normal’ world to that of Aqouril. Tasks and challenges had great action scenes and I found the world and the magic really easy to understand. It was kept interesting through trials, friendship and relationship challenges and I loved that there was even a therapist character!
The writing is truly excellent and I absolutely could not put it down, always eager to see what happened next. It’s one of the best debut fantasy novels I’ve read in some time and I need the sequel right away!
The writing is truly excellent and I absolutely could not put it down, always eager to see what happened next. It’s one of the best debut fantasy novels I’ve read in some time and I need the sequel right away!
November 24, 2025
Although not the typical genre I would read I really truly enjoyed this book. It is a fantastic page turner with a highly imaginative storyline - it is just waiting for the next installment which I will definitely be reading! I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
November 26, 2025
This is a YA adventure/ fantasy.
It follows Erica Brooks, a sixteen year old girl who doesn't quite feel as though she fits in and feels different from the other teenagers. She also has a secret ability that she keeps hidden from everyone.
Whilst camping, Erica is transported to the world of Aqouril, and her adventure begins.
Erica discovers she has the ability to control water and has been selected, along with four others to compete as champions in a series of trials. The winner earns the right to become heir to Orious, grandmaster of Aqouril.
Erica must use a variety of skills to overcome the trials and along the way discovers more about the mysterious world, makes friends and competes in the trials.
I totally flew through this book, the start is a little slow but as soon as Erica is transported to Aqouril, it's action packed.
There is such fantastic world building, it's easy to imagine and become immersed in Aqouril. Erica is a wonderful heroine. She's tough and smart and brave and she has fabulous character development. The other characters are well developed but there are quite a few to keep track of.
The Trials were exciting and the story concluded nicely with lots of potential for more in the series.
It follows Erica Brooks, a sixteen year old girl who doesn't quite feel as though she fits in and feels different from the other teenagers. She also has a secret ability that she keeps hidden from everyone.
Whilst camping, Erica is transported to the world of Aqouril, and her adventure begins.
Erica discovers she has the ability to control water and has been selected, along with four others to compete as champions in a series of trials. The winner earns the right to become heir to Orious, grandmaster of Aqouril.
Erica must use a variety of skills to overcome the trials and along the way discovers more about the mysterious world, makes friends and competes in the trials.
I totally flew through this book, the start is a little slow but as soon as Erica is transported to Aqouril, it's action packed.
There is such fantastic world building, it's easy to imagine and become immersed in Aqouril. Erica is a wonderful heroine. She's tough and smart and brave and she has fabulous character development. The other characters are well developed but there are quite a few to keep track of.
The Trials were exciting and the story concluded nicely with lots of potential for more in the series.
November 21, 2025
The Trials Of Aqouril is a YA fantasy book about 16-year old Erica who gets taken to an alternate world to face several trials to become the next heir. She became aware of some strange power just before coming to this new world and all of a sudden has to use her strength to face each task. She is up against four other young people and alongside competing learns about this new world she has landed in.
Some lovely world building with blue-skinned people and otherworldly creatures, as well as many nlikeable characters. The book is well written and very accessible, new concepts explained well so that you can quite easily follow what’s going on.
I did unfortunately find reading this quite slow. I also would have liked a bit more character development and introspection; Erica seems to go from not wanting to be there to fighting to win all the trials and stay in Aqouril very quickly for example. I think this is a story that I can see working really well for younger teens. They might well get completely immersed in Erica‘s story and this world.
Nevertheless, this might all be a me or a timing problem. There is really a lot going for this book and it’s well worth picking up!
Some lovely world building with blue-skinned people and otherworldly creatures, as well as many nlikeable characters. The book is well written and very accessible, new concepts explained well so that you can quite easily follow what’s going on.
I did unfortunately find reading this quite slow. I also would have liked a bit more character development and introspection; Erica seems to go from not wanting to be there to fighting to win all the trials and stay in Aqouril very quickly for example. I think this is a story that I can see working really well for younger teens. They might well get completely immersed in Erica‘s story and this world.
Nevertheless, this might all be a me or a timing problem. There is really a lot going for this book and it’s well worth picking up!
December 1, 2025
Personally after a slow start it was a real page turner, I was sucked into the world of Aqouril full of adventure. I really enjoyed reading this book & it was easy to follow along, well paced & loved the characters. It's well written & I could imagine it easily. I can't wait to follow on to the sequel, with it being a YA fantasy after telling my 12 year old who loves a good book he's next in line to read it! ✨
I am so grateful when E.S David reached out & asked if I would like to read his debut novel. After a description of the storyline it sounded something I would enjoy! 😊
I am so grateful when E.S David reached out & asked if I would like to read his debut novel. After a description of the storyline it sounded something I would enjoy! 😊
December 8, 2025
Excellent book - easy read and great worldbuilding. Excited for the next one!
January 16, 2026
I thought this book was absolutely brilliant and am really looking forward to the next one in the series!! I can’t recommend this book highly enough, 100% 5⭐️
December 2, 2025
What a fun read!
This is a genre I wouldn’t typically pick up, it is a YA fantasy but really - a great adventure book!
It is a little slow in the beginning when you’re in the human world, with a couple of scenes that maybe weren’t needed. I was immediately intrigued by the indication that our fmc has some form of undiscovered power. But, once Erica gets dragged through the lake to the world of Aqouril, the story really picks up and is a really enjoyable read.
The trials are interesting and unique, and the ranking gave it that competitive and slightly higher stakes feel. You always felt unsure of who was to be trusted.
The cast of characters is great. Our fmc is brave, strong and really curious about her new environment, but also flawed and unsure at times (we love a balanced character). Each of the other characters had something to add to the story and all had their individual quirks, and backstories that I hope we learn more about in future books (?). I’m super intrigued about Isaac!
Overall, the plot was well rounded and it was a really enjoyable read and set up nicely for future books as a continuation of the series.
This is a genre I wouldn’t typically pick up, it is a YA fantasy but really - a great adventure book!
It is a little slow in the beginning when you’re in the human world, with a couple of scenes that maybe weren’t needed. I was immediately intrigued by the indication that our fmc has some form of undiscovered power. But, once Erica gets dragged through the lake to the world of Aqouril, the story really picks up and is a really enjoyable read.
The trials are interesting and unique, and the ranking gave it that competitive and slightly higher stakes feel. You always felt unsure of who was to be trusted.
The cast of characters is great. Our fmc is brave, strong and really curious about her new environment, but also flawed and unsure at times (we love a balanced character). Each of the other characters had something to add to the story and all had their individual quirks, and backstories that I hope we learn more about in future books (?). I’m super intrigued about Isaac!
Overall, the plot was well rounded and it was a really enjoyable read and set up nicely for future books as a continuation of the series.
November 6, 2025
Erica Brooks nunca imaginó que su vida en un tranquilo suburbio de Indiana cambiaría después de una simple fiesta de cumpleaños. Lo que comenzó como una noche cualquiera terminó con un encuentro imposible: el agua del estanque del jardín pareció responder a su toque. Desde ese instante, todo lo que creía conocer se desmorona. Su mejor amiga Megan empieza a actuar de forma extraña, su consejero escolar parece ocultar secretos y, poco a poco, Erica descubre que posee habilidades vinculadas a un antiguo poder ancestral. Sin saber en quién confiar, se ve arrastrada a un mundo oculto bajo la superficie del suyo, donde la magia, la lealtad y la traición van de la mano. Para sobrevivir, deberá aceptar quién es realmente… antes de que el agua la reclame por completo.
__
Espero que M y B aparezcan en el siguiente libro y se desarrolle su historia,
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 31, 2025
Courtesy of NetGalley I received this book.
Overall good baseline and start.
Definitely recommend for the younger crowd.
I had to work hard to keep my attention in this story. Some characters were likable while others you were hoping would fail.
I enjoyed the idea of the story
Most reactions seem real and reasonable. I just couldn’t connect to the story.
If you’re into YA fantasy where the FMC starts growing and learning about her self. Then this is the book for you.
Overall good baseline and start.
Definitely recommend for the younger crowd.
I had to work hard to keep my attention in this story. Some characters were likable while others you were hoping would fail.
I enjoyed the idea of the story
Most reactions seem real and reasonable. I just couldn’t connect to the story.
If you’re into YA fantasy where the FMC starts growing and learning about her self. Then this is the book for you.
November 23, 2025
💙 Blurb-
Sixteen-year-old Erica Brooks longs for adventure, acceptance, and answers—especially about the mysterious power she keeps hidden, even from herself.
When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water—an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined.
To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits.
Gripping, heartfelt, and brimming with magic, The Trials of Aqouril is a spellbinding journey of bravery, transformation, and self-discovery.
💜 Review -
This was such a brilliant page turner. From the very first page I was drawn into the story. The story was so full of content and adventure, that sometimes I forgot that I was reading and I felt like I was on an adventure with Erica and her friends. The story was fun and easy to follow, well written, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, E.S David and the publisher, The Book Guild for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Sixteen-year-old Erica Brooks longs for adventure, acceptance, and answers—especially about the mysterious power she keeps hidden, even from herself.
When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water—an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined.
To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits.
Gripping, heartfelt, and brimming with magic, The Trials of Aqouril is a spellbinding journey of bravery, transformation, and self-discovery.
💜 Review -
This was such a brilliant page turner. From the very first page I was drawn into the story. The story was so full of content and adventure, that sometimes I forgot that I was reading and I felt like I was on an adventure with Erica and her friends. The story was fun and easy to follow, well written, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, E.S David and the publisher, The Book Guild for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews