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Decadia #1
The DeCadia Code
The world of DeCadia is a shadow of its once magnificent glory. The War that destroyed the great world has left the known world in an ever changing state of flux. Steam-powered ships rule the skies, pirates roam free, and the Royal Navy is the only whisper of order in the cacophony of chaos.
Valeria knows this brutal world all too well. Orphaned with only a birthmark on her back to hint at her past, she is left to travel the world alone. Hope comes in an unexpected form, whispers of her Atlantian heritage. Whispers that tell Valeria her birthmark is more than she could have ever imagined.
Now Valeria finds herself in a dangerous scheme to uncover the truth of her ancestry. Her journey will take her across the known world, to forbidden islands, and into conflict with the Royal Navy. Allies will be made, enemies discovered, and the truth of Atlantis revealed.
Valeria knows this brutal world all too well. Orphaned with only a birthmark on her back to hint at her past, she is left to travel the world alone. Hope comes in an unexpected form, whispers of her Atlantian heritage. Whispers that tell Valeria her birthmark is more than she could have ever imagined.
Now Valeria finds herself in a dangerous scheme to uncover the truth of her ancestry. Her journey will take her across the known world, to forbidden islands, and into conflict with the Royal Navy. Allies will be made, enemies discovered, and the truth of Atlantis revealed.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
23 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,830 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 20, 2020
Sky ships, Atlantians and dragons, oh my!
1.5 stars. This premise sounded really cool, but the plot was lacking and the writing was simply abysmal. Refer to my highlights.
I know this is harsh, but if a book has over 40 typos and grammatical errors in it, and it's only 150 pages long, I'm going to be critical. I normally give at least two stars to independent authors but I think that would be dishonest of me in this case. A two star usually means I'd still somewhat recommend it if the premise appeals to another reader. If you can't be bothered to do a basic edit of your work, that sucks for the reader who put the time or money into your book.
On top of that, the book is incomplete. It cuts off at a random part in the story arc, urging the reader to purchase the next book to know more. The reason I didn't put this down at 50% was because it was a fast read and I figured I could at least figure out where it ends, but it doesn't end. There are cliffhangers and then there's this.
I would say the author is decent at character creation, and character introduction, but they all blend together by the end.
This was published in 2015. I see that the author has published 62 books at this point, so I'm sure Apryl Baker's work has gotten better, or that she now has an editor. Sorry this wasn't for me.
1.5 stars. This premise sounded really cool, but the plot was lacking and the writing was simply abysmal. Refer to my highlights.
I know this is harsh, but if a book has over 40 typos and grammatical errors in it, and it's only 150 pages long, I'm going to be critical. I normally give at least two stars to independent authors but I think that would be dishonest of me in this case. A two star usually means I'd still somewhat recommend it if the premise appeals to another reader. If you can't be bothered to do a basic edit of your work, that sucks for the reader who put the time or money into your book.
On top of that, the book is incomplete. It cuts off at a random part in the story arc, urging the reader to purchase the next book to know more. The reason I didn't put this down at 50% was because it was a fast read and I figured I could at least figure out where it ends, but it doesn't end. There are cliffhangers and then there's this.
I would say the author is decent at character creation, and character introduction, but they all blend together by the end.
This was published in 2015. I see that the author has published 62 books at this point, so I'm sure Apryl Baker's work has gotten better, or that she now has an editor. Sorry this wasn't for me.
November 29, 2016
3.5
A fun little sky pirate romp. I was worried in the beginning that Val would be one of those characters who could just mysteriously and miraculously excel at everything. And to be honest, there is a bit of that, along with the 'she's so special' and 'every man wants her' plot devices, but it remained within bearable territory. I quite liked the side characters, the idea of the storyline and the writing. However, it all felt a little rushed, the characters' histories are just skimmed over, and the book is definitely just a beginning to a large story. You don't get much in line of a conclusion. But it was amusing all the same.
A fun little sky pirate romp. I was worried in the beginning that Val would be one of those characters who could just mysteriously and miraculously excel at everything. And to be honest, there is a bit of that, along with the 'she's so special' and 'every man wants her' plot devices, but it remained within bearable territory. I quite liked the side characters, the idea of the storyline and the writing. However, it all felt a little rushed, the characters' histories are just skimmed over, and the book is definitely just a beginning to a large story. You don't get much in line of a conclusion. But it was amusing all the same.
September 14, 2015
So this is my first steampunk novel or book in the series. Loved it! From the first page it dives right into adventure and mayhem. Val is not a slave by any means, she is trying to find a certain slave who will have information she needs to go to a special place she has been searching for. Tobias is that man.... He knows who she is almost instantly and is not happy at all about it. Stephen knows something is up with Val. But with pirates attacking their airship and dragons coming in the other side who cares but to fight for your life. Will they all find what they are looking for?
September 13, 2015
I got this in exchange of an honest review, the book was well written, it is full of action and adventure, I liked the idea of pirates and shifters together and all the history is mixed as well I cant wait to see the next one
August 28, 2015
Exciting adventure
This is the start of an adventure that every reader wants to take. Air ships, pirates, dragons, the lost city of Atlantis, a Kracken. Every page is exciting.
This is the start of an adventure that every reader wants to take. Air ships, pirates, dragons, the lost city of Atlantis, a Kracken. Every page is exciting.
April 4, 2019
Apryl Baker - DeCadia Code Series Bk 1 - The DeCadia Code - Reviewed - 4/4/19
Pirates, Airships, and a home that needs to be found!
The world of DeCadia is a shadow of its once magnificent glory. The War that destroyed the great world has left the known world in an ever-changing state of flux. Steam-powered ships rule the skies, pirates roam free, and the Royal Navy is the only whisper of order in the cacophony of chaos.
Valeria knows this brutal world all too well. Orphaned with only a birthmark on her back to hint at her past, she is left to travel the world alone. Hope comes in an unexpected form, whispers of her Atlantian heritage. Whispers that tell Valeria her birthmark is more than she could have ever imagined. Now Valeria finds herself in a dangerous scheme to uncover the truth of her ancestry. Her journey will take her across the known world, to forbidden islands, and into conflict with the Royal Navy. Allies will be made, enemies discovered, and the truth of Atlantis revealed.
What did I like? What woman has ever dreamed of becoming a pirate…. I for one have or at least that was before I really knew what COWBOYS were about. I love Val’s character, strong but yet so sensitive and vulnerable without anyone knowing.
What will you like? Exhilarating, stimulating, exciting, sensational action, strong characters, and thrilling pirate ships. Wow, what else would you want? Well for one a really electrifying mystery of the tattoo and fantasy that might be a legend or not. Val equals what every woman would want of themselves, to be strong, powerful, aggressive and commanding of respect yet have that little girl in her that wants to be loved and find her real place in life. I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
Pirates, Airships, and a home that needs to be found!
The world of DeCadia is a shadow of its once magnificent glory. The War that destroyed the great world has left the known world in an ever-changing state of flux. Steam-powered ships rule the skies, pirates roam free, and the Royal Navy is the only whisper of order in the cacophony of chaos.
Valeria knows this brutal world all too well. Orphaned with only a birthmark on her back to hint at her past, she is left to travel the world alone. Hope comes in an unexpected form, whispers of her Atlantian heritage. Whispers that tell Valeria her birthmark is more than she could have ever imagined. Now Valeria finds herself in a dangerous scheme to uncover the truth of her ancestry. Her journey will take her across the known world, to forbidden islands, and into conflict with the Royal Navy. Allies will be made, enemies discovered, and the truth of Atlantis revealed.
What did I like? What woman has ever dreamed of becoming a pirate…. I for one have or at least that was before I really knew what COWBOYS were about. I love Val’s character, strong but yet so sensitive and vulnerable without anyone knowing.
What will you like? Exhilarating, stimulating, exciting, sensational action, strong characters, and thrilling pirate ships. Wow, what else would you want? Well for one a really electrifying mystery of the tattoo and fantasy that might be a legend or not. Val equals what every woman would want of themselves, to be strong, powerful, aggressive and commanding of respect yet have that little girl in her that wants to be loved and find her real place in life. I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.
May 15, 2017
Who doesn't like pirates, dragons & steamships?
The beginning of this book grabbed you right away: dirty, gritty, unique. The intro to the MC had me smiling. A bada$$ chick kickin' men's butts...Very cool. Then it got a bit weird with the first ship battle where pirates vs merchant/slave Ship vs the Navy on a haunted island where GOBS of great characters die! It turned cockeyed when you add an island chieftain who wants to marry the slave/Pirate captain who used to be a sailor in the Navy & in love with the Captain of the defeated Naval ship who really is royalty. HUH? Throw in a 100-something year old Atlantean, a runaway shapeshifting Dragon & some tattooed maps and you got yourself a story! There are parts where I had to put down the kindle & go to another book because the storyline lagged or made you cringe with the character's decision-making process but overall, the writing is good, no major editing flaws & I liked how it had an ending I could live with if I chose not to read the 2nd book. The artwork on the Cover is gorgeous but doesn't match the Main Character. Same with the Second book. Steampunk is one thing, but not everyone where's a corset and top hat. Author & Illustrator - Get In Sync! So, I think this book is okay. Fleshed out character, lots of actions, good descriptive prose & a MC you can like. Secondary chars. are getting wishy-washy. Still, a thumbs up.
The beginning of this book grabbed you right away: dirty, gritty, unique. The intro to the MC had me smiling. A bada$$ chick kickin' men's butts...Very cool. Then it got a bit weird with the first ship battle where pirates vs merchant/slave Ship vs the Navy on a haunted island where GOBS of great characters die! It turned cockeyed when you add an island chieftain who wants to marry the slave/Pirate captain who used to be a sailor in the Navy & in love with the Captain of the defeated Naval ship who really is royalty. HUH? Throw in a 100-something year old Atlantean, a runaway shapeshifting Dragon & some tattooed maps and you got yourself a story! There are parts where I had to put down the kindle & go to another book because the storyline lagged or made you cringe with the character's decision-making process but overall, the writing is good, no major editing flaws & I liked how it had an ending I could live with if I chose not to read the 2nd book. The artwork on the Cover is gorgeous but doesn't match the Main Character. Same with the Second book. Steampunk is one thing, but not everyone where's a corset and top hat. Author & Illustrator - Get In Sync! So, I think this book is okay. Fleshed out character, lots of actions, good descriptive prose & a MC you can like. Secondary chars. are getting wishy-washy. Still, a thumbs up.
May 21, 2018
I am not normally into fantasy or alternate universe type books but this was such a great read. I've always loved the stories of Atlantis so it wasn't hard for me to gain interest rather quickly. Valeria was raised with no family and had very little information on who or where she came from until she met a man in a tavern that told her the birthmark on her back only belonged to those of Atlantis bloodlines. From that point forward Valeria has been tracking down the only lead the man was able to give her in finding her true family. It taken years, but shes finally pulled the last thread that will lead her home, and into a whole lot of trouble before she even makes it to begin her true journey.
Like I said I am not one for alternate universe type books but I truly loved this one the characters here great, and they were all so well developed and the chemistry and play between them works really well!!
Like I said I am not one for alternate universe type books but I truly loved this one the characters here great, and they were all so well developed and the chemistry and play between them works really well!!
December 7, 2017
the story plot i would give 4*'s but the way it was writen i give it 2.5*'s. There is so much going on that it is hard to keep track. i like all the characters but there are to many grouped together that it gets confusing. I'm at 91% and still not sure why it took so long to get to this point. Tobias is finally opening up. I like the idea of the book but it is too long and drawn out. it does have good fighting scenes but those don't need to be 5-6 pages long. through the whole book i haen't really learned anything. i think if val would have come clean that would take out half of the book. i will read the next book only so i can find out what happens. i probably will skim most of it, if its like this one.
August 25, 2017
An exciting and action packed read!!! There are so many stories intertwined into one and I just love it. You have a mix of mythology, ancient cities, steampunk, and even mysterious historical events (look up Roanoke settlement disappearance). Just amazing being able to tie in so many elements into one story. I love read about strong women who are powerful in many ways. Gah! So good!!!
December 15, 2017
I started this book having no idea whether I would like it or not, well I really loved it. Not only did the story line grip me from start to end but it was also well written and had great likeable characters. Would highly recommend if you enjoy action adventure.
January 28, 2018
Once again what an amazing book by Apryl Baker, completely different from the genre she has written before. I'm usually not into Pirates, but this book completely enraptured me. Love how it's like the Pirates of Carribean except the lead is a female. Really excited for the journey further.
May 11, 2021
Sky pirates. Dragons. Atlantis. This sounded like so much fun, and just the steampunky action adventure kind of tale I was in the mood for, but somehow it just didn't keep me hooked. I found my interest waning somewhere halfway through despite a lot of intriguing elements at play.
January 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the second one. I found it extremely hard to put down. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 5, 2018
Excellent
The requirement of 20 words is annoying. Well written,fascinating story great detail. The devil is in the details. It's true here.
The requirement of 20 words is annoying. Well written,fascinating story great detail. The devil is in the details. It's true here.
June 29, 2018
Fantastic read, got lost in the pages pretty early in the first chapter. full of twists and turns. highly recommended
March 30, 2019
Not very good
This novel is poorly plotted with unexplained and illogical actions by the main characters. I don't like the bigotry towards another race (dragons) displayed.
This novel is poorly plotted with unexplained and illogical actions by the main characters. I don't like the bigotry towards another race (dragons) displayed.
March 19, 2022
Well, this story has a hook and a half for sure: Valeria willingly gets herself locked up as a slave because she is following the rumour of someone who has important information about her past.
Anything after was a bit of a bonus. A nice light read to pass the time.
Anything after was a bit of a bonus. A nice light read to pass the time.
March 9, 2016
The Decadia Code by Apryl Baker is the first book in the Decadia series. It follows Valeria who is trying to find man by the name of Tobias who holds the answers of the birthmark on her back. The birthmark is the key to finding her way back home to the supposed lost city of Atlantis. In order to find Tobias, she disguises herself as a slave so no one will know her true identity. While on her journey, Valeria is confronted with not only with other creatures but also the Royal Navy as well as Stephen who is the captain of the one the ships that landed on Roanoke Island which is said to be inhabitant by monsters. This setting is where a good part of the books takes place. I loved Valeria character. I loved how some people were loyal to her even not knowing where their destination was. Tobias was a good character as well. I also loved Stephen. He has such a complex and likable personality about him. It is hinted that Stephen and Valeria have a romantic history but it’s been ten years. I am hoping there is more development with their relationship as well as Atlantis in the next book. This book has the elements of steam punk, flying ships, pirates, Atlantis, and other magical creatures you wouldn’t think to put in the same book. These elements shouldn’t have worked, but it really did and it left me anxiously wanting the next book in the series by the time I was done.
October 13, 2016
This is a world where there are boats that go on the sea and ships that are capable of flight, powered by steam engines.
Valeria is a pirate captain of her own ship. Tobias Blood is a man she is looking for. Both have an odd birthmark on their bodies. It seems that they are somehow tied in to the people of Atlantis.
Before she can find out much about that, though, a ship she is on comes under attack by other pirates who happened to be chased by a Royal Navy airship. To make matters even worse, the island they end up on seems to be inhabited by dragons.
Dragons with a very nasty temper. Dragons that are very, very hard to kill.
Up the ante. There's a young woman that joins their group, a young woman that has ties to the dragons themselves. Valeria's ship arrives but comes under attack from the dragons so they have to survive that and they have to survive one quite dark and deadly surprise waiting for them if they do get anywhere near Atlantis.
This is a really cool book with pirates, mid-air battles, dragons, Atlantis and a mystery. Fun.
Valeria is a pirate captain of her own ship. Tobias Blood is a man she is looking for. Both have an odd birthmark on their bodies. It seems that they are somehow tied in to the people of Atlantis.
Before she can find out much about that, though, a ship she is on comes under attack by other pirates who happened to be chased by a Royal Navy airship. To make matters even worse, the island they end up on seems to be inhabited by dragons.
Dragons with a very nasty temper. Dragons that are very, very hard to kill.
Up the ante. There's a young woman that joins their group, a young woman that has ties to the dragons themselves. Valeria's ship arrives but comes under attack from the dragons so they have to survive that and they have to survive one quite dark and deadly surprise waiting for them if they do get anywhere near Atlantis.
This is a really cool book with pirates, mid-air battles, dragons, Atlantis and a mystery. Fun.
December 25, 2016
This review only covers only the first three chapters, the sample offered by the authors.
The cover implied steam punk and rightfully so. As a genre, steam punk has some predictable characters, and they are all right here in the first three chapters. The main character could certainly be another Mary Sue, but with this genre, it is to be expected.
Right from the start there is a problem with the POV, and the lack of scene setting and description makes that all the more difficult to figure out. The only occasional dialect in the dialogue trends to jar the reader back into the picture.
I didn't see any reference to an editor in the front matter (which itself could use some tweaking), so I'm assuming the authors edited each other's contributions, not a good idea. Mostly coordinating conjunction issues, but there were a few annoying attempts to follow misunderstood 'rules' as well as at least one correctly spelled though wrong word.
All in all, not a bad story though I won't be purchasing the rest of this book nor the rest of the series, not what I prefer to read.
The cover implied steam punk and rightfully so. As a genre, steam punk has some predictable characters, and they are all right here in the first three chapters. The main character could certainly be another Mary Sue, but with this genre, it is to be expected.
Right from the start there is a problem with the POV, and the lack of scene setting and description makes that all the more difficult to figure out. The only occasional dialect in the dialogue trends to jar the reader back into the picture.
I didn't see any reference to an editor in the front matter (which itself could use some tweaking), so I'm assuming the authors edited each other's contributions, not a good idea. Mostly coordinating conjunction issues, but there were a few annoying attempts to follow misunderstood 'rules' as well as at least one correctly spelled though wrong word.
All in all, not a bad story though I won't be purchasing the rest of this book nor the rest of the series, not what I prefer to read.
September 25, 2016
Interesting plot and characters
As I've had to say about so many books, this one badly needs proofreading. Many words are incorrectly used, to the point where it interferes with reading.
That said, there's an interesting plot, and the history and personalities of various characters are gradually revealed. The end isn't technically a cliffhanger, but it will be necessary to read the next book to see how they achieve their goals.
I might have given more stars if not for the editing errors.
As I've had to say about so many books, this one badly needs proofreading. Many words are incorrectly used, to the point where it interferes with reading.
That said, there's an interesting plot, and the history and personalities of various characters are gradually revealed. The end isn't technically a cliffhanger, but it will be necessary to read the next book to see how they achieve their goals.
I might have given more stars if not for the editing errors.
February 3, 2017
Is it still Steampunk of it's not set in Victorian England? Sure, why not?
Set in the world of DeCadia, where the seas have been poisoned and great steamships rule the air, Valeria, the dread sky pirate known to the world as Emerald, sets out on a dangerous trek in search of her heritage.
Starts off slow but turns into a rollicking fun romp with pirates, dragons, tribal villagers, and hidden secrets from the past.
Set in the world of DeCadia, where the seas have been poisoned and great steamships rule the air, Valeria, the dread sky pirate known to the world as Emerald, sets out on a dangerous trek in search of her heritage.
Starts off slow but turns into a rollicking fun romp with pirates, dragons, tribal villagers, and hidden secrets from the past.
October 12, 2015
This was a pretty interesting book. I liked the way it combined fact with fantasy. It was a little short for me. I was just really getting into the story when it ended. ( I realize this is only the first book in the series.) I guess I will just have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.
October 19, 2016
Women on a quest
A strong, determined young women in search of her history, and that of her ancestors. Searching through a male dominated, violent world, reeling from a total loss of technology-based tools. Air ships, coal fired by slaves, pirates running wild and male dominance raise her risks to a life threatening level at every turn. Enjoy the adventure from Vals view
A strong, determined young women in search of her history, and that of her ancestors. Searching through a male dominated, violent world, reeling from a total loss of technology-based tools. Air ships, coal fired by slaves, pirates running wild and male dominance raise her risks to a life threatening level at every turn. Enjoy the adventure from Vals view
April 25, 2016
Good read
Couldn't put the book down
Can't wait for the next one
Love the author and her writing
Hurry and bring the next one out
Couldn't put the book down
Can't wait for the next one
Love the author and her writing
Hurry and bring the next one out
February 2, 2017
Very interesting book, I liked how it gave you insight on some of the other characters, though sometimes the switch was a bit confusing for a second. Looking forward to what happens next.
December 19, 2016
A good glimpse into the author's talent
This book is an excellent tease for more to come - I want to know more about this world! Easy read that's got a fun concept.
This book is an excellent tease for more to come - I want to know more about this world! Easy read that's got a fun concept.
January 9, 2018
The world of DeCadia is a shadow of its once magnificent glory. The War that destroyed the great world has left the known world in an ever changing state of flux. Steam-powered ships rule the skies, pirates roam free, and the Royal Navy is the only whisper of order in the cacophony of chaos. Valeria knows this brutal world all too well. Orphaned with only a birthmark on her back to hint at her past, she is left to travel the world alone. Hope comes in an unexpected form, whispers of her Atlantian heritage. Whispers that tell Valeria her birthmark is more than she could have ever imagined. Now Valeria finds herself in a dangerous scheme to uncover the truth of her ancestry. Her journey will take her across the known world, to forbidden islands, and into conflict with the Royal Navy. Allies will be made, enemies discovered, and the truth of Atlantis revealed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews