The Awakening of Essensia

The Rhelisar Saga #1

by Saskia M. Johnson

She will wake what was lost.
His darkness will answer.

Drawn into a kingdom fracturing beneath a crumbling crown, Vaelira must master a power she never asked for, or watch the world she swore to protect, turn to ash...



More than a century after the Great Demon Fire reduced the continent to ash, its scars have never truly faded. Sheltered by its mountains, Eastvale was spared the flames, but not the demons that now stalk the night beyond village walls, or the ruthless Wasteland raiders that prey on travellers by day.
Vaelira wants one thing: to join Anhaven’s Guard and protect the people she loves from those dangers. To earn her place, she must pass three gruelling trials meant to test her strength, skill, and resolve. But when a Royal Guard from the capital arrives to observe the trials, he is inexplicably drawn to Vaelira, and something within her awakens.
Burdened with a power she never asked for, Vaelira travels to Caerthalyn—a city where magic is outlawed, politics are lethal, and cultists lurk in every shadow.
As secrets unravel and loyalties blur, Vaelira discovers that her power is tied to a much darker secret… one that could change the fate of their kingdom.

In a world where people are rarely what they seem, will Vaelira uncover the answers she seeks… or ignite the very forces that could destroy it all?

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

Published September 14, 2026

About the author

Saskia M. Johnson grew up in Hertfordshire, England, and spent most of her childhood climbing trees, riding horses, devouring books, and competing in county swimming galas. She studied Press and Editorial Photography at university in Cornwall, before moving to Paris.

Saskia now lives in the South of France and passes her time writing, hiking, and throwing herself from cliffs at the river in the warmer months.

Reviews

[Elize Jackson]

I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to ARC read The Awakening of Essensia by Saskia M. Johnson. Thank you so much! This did NOT disappoint and was an easy 5 ⭐ read for me!

This book had me hooked from page 1 and completely consumed me for hours. It was so well written and left me NEEDING MORE!! I genuinely loved every single minute of this book!

The character development throughout was incredible to read. I absolutely loved reading Vaelira’s story and following her journey. Watching her become stronger, understand her magic and overcome challenges that came at her was honestly so good! She was such a strong FMC and I’m here for it 🫰🏼

I also absolutely LOVED the magic system in this book. The whole concept of demons was so interesting and added such a gripping element to the story. The world building in this book was perfect and I absolutely loved learning more about the world and how everything connected as the story progressed.

Vaelira and Galfri’s relationship was just so amazing to read, the way he took her under his wing. He was incredible, he turned into such a father figure 😭. The found family trope was GIVING in this book and I LOVED it. The friendships in this book deserve a review of its own because Axel, Orphi, Williem, Erryn, Ressa, Fang and Freya were truly the best. The way they all came together for Vaelira had me SCREAMING.

The complexity between Vaelira and Elijah, oh my god. I am genuinely shook.

This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and the PLOT TWISTS?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! THE CLIFFHANGER?! I have way too many unanswered questions, I NEED to know what happens next 😭💔

I genuinely cannot wait to read book 2 and find out where this story goes. PLEASE let me know if you need ARC readers for book 2, please… 🥲

[Aileen Baxter]

I received this book as an ARC.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I was hooked on Awakening of Essenia straight away and ended up devouring it in just a few hours!

I really loved the female main character and the journey she goes on throughout the story. The forbidden magic was one of my favourite elements, and I loved the intrigue and mystery. There were so many questions that kept me wanting to know more, and I was completely invested in finding out where the story was going.

The world and magic definitely left me wanting more. I would have loved to see more of the magic explored, and the male main character frustrated me at times, which stopped this being a full 5-star read for me.

That said, I absolutely want to continue this series. There is clearly so much more to discover, and after finishing this book, one thing is certain: one book is definitely not enough!

A gripping start to a series that has me very intrigued about what comes next.

[Rhonda]

This was a great read. I enjoyed every minute of it. There was a map included which I always love to have when there is traveling going on in the story. I think it helps you visualize and immerses you into their trek.

The interactions with the characters and their development throughout the story are well thought out and written. I enjoyed some of the interactions between Vaelira and Elijah, and at other times I was like you are being an idiot. But that's what makes a good story.

There is one little tiny little thing that sucked..... the cliffhanger ending. It really hits you too. I didn't even realize I was at the end and then BOOM, to be continued. I knew going it was a series, but the ending just surprised me that there was no more.

I loved the book and I loved the writing. I can't wait for the next installment to find out what happens to Vaelira and her friends

[Josie]

~~ARC REVIEW INCOMING~~

I actually have no words.
This book was absolutely incredible.
We have our strong female fmc, our mysterious mmc and demons and magic. Say so much less.

Vaelira, our FMC. She is giving badass with a soft underneath. Tragic backstory and fire in her soul. She is everything I needed her to be.

Without giving away any spoilers, I flew through the last 30% of this book.. it was fast paced but made sense. Didn't feel rushed and left me wanting so much more. I want to devour this series.

This is perfect for TOG fans that are looking for story driven fantasy first with romance as a second. I cannot express how much I adored this book.
5 stars, would rate it 6 if I could. Thank you to the author for the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this book.

[Natasha]

ARC copy review.

This book had me hooked from the start. I liked the FMC and her character development through the story and how she overcame her challenges. I liked the magic system and the way she was trying to learn how to control it. The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat. I really liked the characters the FMC got close to and how they became found family.
I have too many questions unanswered and can't wait to read the next book.

[Shannon Dawes]

4.5 ⭐️
Recieved as an ARC

The author did an amazing job, the writing is amazing and the characters have really been brought to life. You can distinguish between voices and personalities. The world is has been built with lots of love and care, it’s the kind you can really immerse yourself in.
She gives you just enough to want to know more and reveals at a great pace.
I loved the plot and can’t wait for the next book.

[Mara Caitlin]

You guys I’m a slow reader, like a chapter a day reader 😅 but this one really got me hooked after a few chapters in and helped me out of a reading slump which, as a very busy mom, is always like a magical unicorn to find lol!

Valeria… ugh I love her. Her grief, her strong willed personality, her flaws, her strengths… I related to her so much and then the animal companion 😭 I’m a sucker for an animal sidekick lol.

Truly such a good book and I can’t wait to see more from this author!

[Pippin]

An amazing start to a series. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this book does it wonderfully. That coupled with the intrigue around the encroaching darkness and Valeria growing into her powers makes this a super fun and snappy read. Major cliffhanger warning though so be ready to beg for the next book.

[Rachel]

ARC review

This book had me hooked from page 1. The world building and back story were interwoven so the pace wasn’t slowed down at any point.
Strong, well written characters and an intriguing plot.

I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Iona Reese]

I need the next book like yesterday.

[Samuel]

I was incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, kindly provided by the author and their team, and I am more than honoured to have been chosen.

The story is told through multiple POVs, with the main focus being on the FMC, Vaelira, and the MMC, Elijah.

Vaelira is faced with immense loss, both in her past and in the present, as she discovers and begins to develop her magic - essensia. Along the way, she faces countless trials and tribulations, but through it all, she proves just how brave, resilient, and absolutely badass she is. Throughout her journey, she also finds a newfound family and an animal companion, creating some truly heartwarming moments amidst all the chaos.

Elijah is dealing with struggles of his own, all while trying to help Vaelira navigate hers. His intentions, however, are far from clear at times and seem to shift dramatically as the story progresses. You may find yourself constantly questioning whether you want to love him or absolutely despise him. And honestly, I still haven't decided!

The supporting characters are just as incredible. Galfri, Vaelira's mentor in all things Essensia, provides her with guidance and much-needed emotional support, while Freya, Vaelira's best friend and ultimate ride-or-die, is someone you can't help but adore. And then there's her newfound family - Willem, Axel, Ressa, Fang, and Orphi - who will each find a special place in your heart. I genuinely fell in love with every single one of them.

From the moment you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down. It has everything you could want: adventure, forbidden magic, demons, newfound family, heartbreak, and great loss.

Just when you think you've figured out where the story is heading, the author hits you with a MASSIVE plot twist that completely changes everything you thought you knew about the characters and their intentions. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The writing is absolutely beautiful, and both the character development and world-building are phenomenal. The world feels rich and immersive, and the characters are written in a way that makes you genuinely care about what happens to them.

This book will break your heart multiple times, rip it out of your chest and stomp on it repeatedly. In a good way. I cannot wait for the sequel, especially after THAT cliffhanger! I need answers immediately.

Again, thank you so much to the author and the team for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible book as an ARC. It was an absolute honour, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Fer B]

3.75 stars
This is my honest review.

The Awakening of Essensia is an interesting read in curious ways. It does read like the introduction to the world, the characters and the start of the general plot in the whole series, so the structure is such, and the main character can be a little difficult to read at the start.
There are some cliche elements in general, but it has a strong plot with attractive plot twists and a strong ending. It starts slow and like a "typical" story of a young protagonist with a special power, with the expected interactions, but they are well integrated within the structure and then, the development goes on another direction and things happen that raised the stakes in the final part of the novel.
Vaelira is a protagonist I liked more the further I read. She starts as a "typical" protagonist who is rash and clumsy in the political aspect (which I can't really fault her, but it's frustrating for me at times. Reminder: there is the objective character analysis, and the subjective one). I do like that she starts growing a little and it hurt what happened later. Her path will be amazing to read.
The side characters in general are also a good cast. They don't shine as much, but I liked their interactions and how supportive they were. Elijah, on the other hand...things happen, and while I supported him (still do) in some decisions (I'm a Lannister at heart when it's about fiction, guys), in the end I was like "yep. Not it". Then the things that happen at the end happened and I was "oh, no".

So, yeah. In general it is a solid debut/start of a saga, but it didn't hit some things I expected, the story goes upwards and the last part is the best, but it does kinda feel slow in the first ones, with lore and hints, and with a protagonist I didn't like much at the start (difference of personalities, she is one of the types of characters I am not fully compatible). I will be awaiting the next installment!
So, thank you to the author for the opportunity!!

[NatalieSreads]

Half truths, hidden magic and heartbreaking relationships? That, and much more, is what you’ll find in The Awakening of Essensia.

I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.

Vaelira has worked hard, for as long as she can remember, to become a guard for her beloved city. Demons are lurking outside the city walls. While she’s on trial to join the city guard, members of the king’s guard come to watch. Despite the fact that no one from the smaller towns gets chosen for the king’s guard - Vaelira soon finds herself on an adventure towards the capital, with a massive case of imposter syndrome and self doubt.

This book grabbed me by the throat and held me steadfast. The best part about it? The fact that Vaelira isn’t perfect, makes mistakes, owns up to them and doesn’t succeed at every turn. And let’s not forget about the relationships Vaelira makes all throughout the book. Fang and Ressa? Absolute perfection. Three certain side characters must be protected at all cost (I don’t wanna spoil anything therefore no names mentioned) 🤭

I have giggled, snickered and growled at injustices and certain characters that I wanted to smack across the head... Saskias writing is beautiful and a bit addictive - I very much enjoyed this book! 🌟

[Mike Amos]

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this for free as an ARC read.

I really enjoyed the characters, and the storyline is a very intriguing concept. It took a bit of time to really get going, but once it did, I really enjoyed how the story developed. I love the level of description that the author puts into the world, especially the library, which sounds fantastic.
The relationships were on the whole a lot more gritty and dark than I expected, especially her and Eli's trajectory - but I'm intrigued by the interactions between Lira and the raider - I felt a minor forshadowing in their interaction (unless I am reading too much into it).
Overall a great read with lots of potential. I very much look forward to seeing where this story goes in the second book!

[Katherine A Moss]

I will have to admit that it took me a little bit to get into the book and the characters. No spice so no need to worry about that aspect of the story, it is not built on that at this point. It reads well and fairly fast and does leave on a cliffhanger, which I love so it is going to make you want the next book asap and we have to wait for it. Very well done in that point. Some of the smaller characters come back around so that is also a great character builder. Overall it was a good choice and looking forward to the next one to see where our female goes and what happens next with the cliffhanger.

[The_enchanted.Reader]

A fantastic read that really captured my feelings and I can't wait for the next book!

Vaelira is a strong FMC who has faced tragedy and continues to find the strength to fight day by day for those she loves. The world building was really enthralling as the magic has awakened within her causes fresh consequences and harsh decisions. The hidden secrets are slowly revealed and with that come new questions and new revelations. It is exactly my type of book. Adventure, magic and the writing style was really all engrossing.

Thank you for the ARC! I'm so glad I was able to enter this world. I'm so keen to know what happens next. All opinions are my own.

[Zofia :)]

I absolutely fell in love with this book. The story, the world, the characters are all so well-written that I just couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat. Vaelira, along with many other characters, has my heart. The dynamics between characters were captivating and the plot had me so hooked! I had so much fun with this book and I just cannot wait for more of it. I'll be eagerly waiting for the release and for the next part of this wonderful story. Thank you so much for allowing me to read the ARC, it was such a ride, this book is easily a 5 star read for me!

[Reina Lozano]

I received this book as an ARC

I will admit, the story hooked me from the beginning but it slowed down a bit due to world building. However, I loved it! It was very well written to the point where I could consistently see a movie in my head. There were twists and turns, a newfound family, adventure, multiple POVs, and romance. (The MMC reminds me of the song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry.) All in all, if you’re looking for a fun book that will make you want to read book two ASAP, read The Awakening of Essensia!

[Balou]

I received this book as an ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
I love a good book that has demons, fighting and magic in it and the Awakening of Essensia has all three. I enjoyed reading the book, I loved the fmcs personality a lot and her dynamic with her new found friends. If you love found family you will probably enjoy this book. I also found it very interesting to discover everything about demons and magic together with the fmc. The book ended with a cliff hanger and I am very curious what will happen next.

[Shylou Totaram]

Thank you to the Author Saskia M. Johnson for allowing me to get my hands on an ARC!

I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down. Truly.

I have no clue what type of spell Saskia put in this book to make it so addicting.

From the first page I knew this was going to be one of those books that you just can't put down.
The pacing, the writing, the twists and turns just sucked me in.

I mean I absolutely adored Vaelira, her character was flawed and that made her so much more real. Talk about an ultimate fantasy adventure.

I'm gonna need book 2 ASAP.

[Scarlett]

EEEEEK! What a wonderful ride this was and I simply must know what happened next immediately. I'm fully invested in this world and these characters! Saskia has such a way with words and I am so excited to see what that brilliant brain of hers conjures next.

I am so thankful Saskia trusted and shared this with me, it's truly such an honour to beta read this and I can’t (impatiently) wait for more.

[Emma]

Review of advance copy received from author.
I enjoyed reading this book and finished quickly as I could not put it down. The story was well written and I was on the edge of my seat.
There is world building and back story but this is interspersed within the story and does not take anything away from pace of the main story.
I enjoyed the progression of the FMC, coming to terms with grief and learning how strong and magical she can be.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Quinty Smits]

4.5/ good story and well written.

I liked how the characters were written and how they interacted with each other. There were many plot twists and secrets that you really wanted to know the truth about, and still do. A lot happened that made you want to keep reading to see how it continued. Vealira makes mistakes but learns from them too, and she keeps going no matter what happens. You want to stay with the journey she goes through; I can't wait for it to continue.

[Arien]

Advance reader

Woah... that was a wild ride of a read. Perfect for lovers of the Shadow and Bone world, but if magic was extinct and forbidden. With war approaching on many fronts, the awakening of dark magic and the return of hope. This book follows Vaelira [love the name] a girl from nowhere who strides to become something never seen before, through loss and pain, lust and betrayal. This book has it all.

[Lena Cesilie📚📚]

I had the honor of being a Beta reader for this book. I really loved the story and the people in it☺️ We get to follow the kickass FMC Vaelira on her journey to become a guard. And all the plot twists that I never saw coming😳 Can’t wait for the book to be published so I can buy it😍

[Rosie]

This book was really well written I loved exploring this world and reviving an arc from this author my views do not change I think this fantasy book is a good night fantasy book with lots of plots and high stakes I would definitely recommend

[Victoria Worthington]

ARC reader here!

I devoured this book! I found the quick pace but gorgeous descriptions of the world captivating. Kept me on the edge of my seat but still wanting more! Honestly the characters were still on my mind all day after finishing the book and I cannot wait for part 2!

[Alexandra Robitaille]

I voluntarily leave this review for this arc. This book was absolutely amazing and I hate and love the cliffhanger. I love all her friends and I really want willem and her to end up together. Also all the animals better live. This is a great fantasy book and you should 100% give it a try!