The Restoration of Aya - Part 1: The Awakening: A Speculative Sci-Fi Novel about Immortality and Memory

by Ruth Tell

On the planet Aya, death has been conquered.

Thanks to the "Regeneration" project, millions of people are returning to life—young, healthy, and with perfect memories. They are given a second chance. But what is the price of this miracle?

The first book in the series, "The Awakening," opens the door to this wondrous and complex world. The reader is introduced to it through the eyes of Liza, a "Welcomer." Her job is to be the first face the awakened see, a guide from the darkness of the past into the dazzling reality of the present.

What does a person feel who died old, only to awaken young centuries later? How do you explain to a little girl that her peers have long since grown up while she slept? And what happens when the initial shock fades, and the ghosts of the past—old grudges, unresolved problems, and untold secrets—return along with loved ones?

It is Liza who finds herself at the epicenter of these human dramas. Through her, the reader meets the key figures of a boss whose obsession with rules hides a deep personal tragedy; an enigmatic teacher who knows more about the past than he lets on; and a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage is about to be shattered by ghosts of the past.

"The Awakening" is not just a collection of stories but the beginning of a grand saga where the fates of these and many others characters intertwine, shaping the future of a reborn world.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Ruth Tell is a speculative fiction and science fiction author passionate about exploring the mysteries of the human soul, memory, and immortality. Her debut series, "The Restoration of Aya", is a multi-perspective journey into a utopian future where death has been conquered, but human nature remains as complex as ever.

Reviews

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liza is the main character in this series, a “Welcomer”. Her character and others are brilliantly worked out! The details in which they are described are very rich, very well done!

The story is fantastic, a fast paced story with an interesting storyline!

After reading this first book, I’m intrigued and teased… I want to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the planet Aya, death has been conquered.

Thanks to the "Regeneration" project, millions of people are returning to life—young, healthy, and with perfect memories. They are given a second chance. But what is the price of this miracle? Ruth Tell

After an apocalypse on Earth many have been moved to the planet Aya. Here they are ‘regenerated’ and schooled on the rules and laws they must live under. It's a strange world, where everyone is young again, and in perfect health. But they are also monitored at all times. How long can this ‘perfect’ world last? How long before someone rebels against the restrictions they must adhere to?

I found this novel started a little slow, and needs a wee bit of tweaking, but you can close your eyes and imagine what the world of Aya looks like. The author did a wonderful job putting the reader in that world of bubble cars, and brightly coloured buildings. You begin to learn who these people are, and start to speculate where they are headed. I'm thinking towards revolution, but that's just a feeling I got while reading.

If you like fantasy, and some subtle hints to future possibilities in a fantastic world, you should give this book a try. It's just the first installment in a series, which I think will get more interesting as the story progresses.

I was provided with an Advanced Reader Copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

3 ☆☆☆

[Nastia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly, it's a fresh take on sci-fi grapples with certain moral dilemmas and what problems come with immortality. Writer writes characters beautifully even annoying characters that you'd want to slap are so multifaceted you cant just hate them and unexpectedly feel empathy. Description of the world and the city the story is primarily set in really transports you there so it takes a moment to get back to reality when you take a break from reading all in all 10/10

[Karen Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Awakening is a captivating sci-fi novel with a unique premise: a world where death has been conquered and people return to life centuries later. The story blends imaginative world-building with emotional and thought-provoking character journeys. Liza is a compelling guide through this fascinating new reality. A strong start to a series that left me eager for more.

[TELIATNIKOV STANISLAV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great idea well explored! Like if everyone who ever died would get back up again at a later date, what would that society look like? This first book introduces a concept well and sets up the next books nicely.

[Alex Teliatnikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the very first page! It's the best I've ever read! What characters! What emotions! I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series. I recommend it to everyone!