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Ahe'ey #1
Beginnings
EPISODE 1
SERIES PRAISE: "A thoughtful look at empowerment for women." "A rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking." "Highly recommended for all ages."
SERIES AWARDS:
- Reader's Favorite - Gold Medal Winner -Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- CIPA EVVY Book Awards - 2nd Place - Fiction - Mythology
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Morgan is a dreamer, change maker and art lover. She is a feisty, slightly preachy, romantic feminist full of contradictions and insecurities. Morgan uncovers a world where women have the power, and where magic is no longer just a figment of her wild imagination. Sounds like a dream, but it may, in fact, turn into a nightmare.
The world of the Ahe'ey challenges and subverts her views about gender, genes, and nature versus nurture.
The strong and uninvited chemistry between her and the dashing Gabriel makes matters even more complicated. His stunning looks keep short-circuiting her rational mind.
QUOTES - EPISODE 1:
"She believed in magic—the magic of places, the magic of people, the magic of coincidences, serendipity, and fortune. She enjoyed wandering through the world with the open mind and curiosity of a four-year-old child. In her world the mystical, mythical, and magical inhabited the same space and time as the ordinary and the practical. At Bethesda Terrace, she always felt close to a source of magic and creativity. It was as if she were tapping into the place where dragons, angels, gods, sorceresses, and demons came to life."
"the pursuit and preservation of purity can drive prejudice and hate. Many crimes against humanity have been committed in its name. Purity is best applied to water.”
“Like the bronze statue of the Angel of the Waters, those who pursue perfection find themselves paralysed by the possibility of flaw, fault or failure.”
"She killed him instantly. The young woman plunged her hand into his wound and licked the blood. Once again, she dipped her hand into the blood and used four fingers to paint stripes on her face. Sky’s defiant eyes locked on Iblis."
"Away from the Sacred House, from his family, and from the comforts and privileges of the royal apparatus, the boy relied only on himself and on the few Ange’el that watched over them. The densest and most remote valley of the Ahe’ey forest was now their home—a haven from the devastating war that ravaged the land."
EDITORIAL REVIEWS - COMPLETE SERIES
"In this romantic tale, a champion of women's empowerment stumbles on a hidden--and seemingly perfect--society. A bracing mix of emotionally and intellectually honest fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews
"A compelling and creative work of paranormal romance. Le Fey takes her characters to places seldomly seen in fantasy fiction that readers will find empowering and prescient. Ahe'ey is a fairly polarizing book. As an example of feminist fantasy fiction, you won’t find much better than this. Ahe’ey is an impressively thought-out story, with many original touches and a fairy-like romance that will deeply satisfy readers of the genre." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★
"This book is a thoughtful look at empowerment for women. At the same time, it's a rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking. This book is highly recommended for all ages." - HUGEOrange
"They're flawed, real, and honest characters that can be easily related to. Ahe'ey is the kind of novel society needs to read, to create inspiration and to make people think. Ahe'ey is daring, complex, and honest. A must-read novel that tackles heavy and real topics with a mix of serious and humorous, charm and tragedy." - Reader's Favorite - ★★★★★
"Ahe'ey contains a richly imagined world that raises complicated and timely questions about our own. Jamie Le Fay's Ahe'ey is an action-packed love story that puts forth a nuanced vision of gender stereotypes, body politics, and the dark side of seeking perfection." - Foreword Clarion - ★★★★
OTHER PRAISE
"Jamie is a fine writer with a rich imagination and is able to convey her strong feelings about women’s rights, feminism, gender equality and other important matters of injustice, primarily because she keeps us involved with the characters of her strong story.” - Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 100 Reviewer, Vine Voice - ★★★★★
"As a liberal and committed feminist who is increasingly frustrated by the simplistic self-righteousness of my own side, and the belief that all that is needed is for a few smart people to start a revolution, I found "Ahe'ey" to be refreshingly multi-sided, while also maintaining its core beliefs.” - E.P. Clark, Author - ★★★★
SERIES PRAISE: "A thoughtful look at empowerment for women." "A rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking." "Highly recommended for all ages."
SERIES AWARDS:
- Reader's Favorite - Gold Medal Winner -Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- CIPA EVVY Book Awards - 2nd Place - Fiction - Mythology
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Morgan is a dreamer, change maker and art lover. She is a feisty, slightly preachy, romantic feminist full of contradictions and insecurities. Morgan uncovers a world where women have the power, and where magic is no longer just a figment of her wild imagination. Sounds like a dream, but it may, in fact, turn into a nightmare.
The world of the Ahe'ey challenges and subverts her views about gender, genes, and nature versus nurture.
The strong and uninvited chemistry between her and the dashing Gabriel makes matters even more complicated. His stunning looks keep short-circuiting her rational mind.
QUOTES - EPISODE 1:
"She believed in magic—the magic of places, the magic of people, the magic of coincidences, serendipity, and fortune. She enjoyed wandering through the world with the open mind and curiosity of a four-year-old child. In her world the mystical, mythical, and magical inhabited the same space and time as the ordinary and the practical. At Bethesda Terrace, she always felt close to a source of magic and creativity. It was as if she were tapping into the place where dragons, angels, gods, sorceresses, and demons came to life."
"the pursuit and preservation of purity can drive prejudice and hate. Many crimes against humanity have been committed in its name. Purity is best applied to water.”
“Like the bronze statue of the Angel of the Waters, those who pursue perfection find themselves paralysed by the possibility of flaw, fault or failure.”
"She killed him instantly. The young woman plunged her hand into his wound and licked the blood. Once again, she dipped her hand into the blood and used four fingers to paint stripes on her face. Sky’s defiant eyes locked on Iblis."
"Away from the Sacred House, from his family, and from the comforts and privileges of the royal apparatus, the boy relied only on himself and on the few Ange’el that watched over them. The densest and most remote valley of the Ahe’ey forest was now their home—a haven from the devastating war that ravaged the land."
EDITORIAL REVIEWS - COMPLETE SERIES
"In this romantic tale, a champion of women's empowerment stumbles on a hidden--and seemingly perfect--society. A bracing mix of emotionally and intellectually honest fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews
"A compelling and creative work of paranormal romance. Le Fey takes her characters to places seldomly seen in fantasy fiction that readers will find empowering and prescient. Ahe'ey is a fairly polarizing book. As an example of feminist fantasy fiction, you won’t find much better than this. Ahe’ey is an impressively thought-out story, with many original touches and a fairy-like romance that will deeply satisfy readers of the genre." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★
"This book is a thoughtful look at empowerment for women. At the same time, it's a rollicking trip into a fantasy world complete with dragons, love and strength, and ideas that really get you thinking. This book is highly recommended for all ages." - HUGEOrange
"They're flawed, real, and honest characters that can be easily related to. Ahe'ey is the kind of novel society needs to read, to create inspiration and to make people think. Ahe'ey is daring, complex, and honest. A must-read novel that tackles heavy and real topics with a mix of serious and humorous, charm and tragedy." - Reader's Favorite - ★★★★★
"Ahe'ey contains a richly imagined world that raises complicated and timely questions about our own. Jamie Le Fay's Ahe'ey is an action-packed love story that puts forth a nuanced vision of gender stereotypes, body politics, and the dark side of seeking perfection." - Foreword Clarion - ★★★★
OTHER PRAISE
"Jamie is a fine writer with a rich imagination and is able to convey her strong feelings about women’s rights, feminism, gender equality and other important matters of injustice, primarily because she keeps us involved with the characters of her strong story.” - Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 100 Reviewer, Vine Voice - ★★★★★
"As a liberal and committed feminist who is increasingly frustrated by the simplistic self-righteousness of my own side, and the belief that all that is needed is for a few smart people to start a revolution, I found "Ahe'ey" to be refreshingly multi-sided, while also maintaining its core beliefs.” - E.P. Clark, Author - ★★★★
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2016
49 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Le Fay
12 books101 followersFrom as young as I can remember, I have soothed myself to sleep by imagining epic stories of heroes, heroines, sorceresses, dragons, angels, and demons. I based my stories on the books and movies I was watching and the narratives that moved and inspired me.
I was as excited and delighted with Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre as I was with Battlestar Galactica (the original TV series). The Mists of Avalon, an Arthurian legend retelling from the point of view of the female characters, had as much effect on me as Cosmos by Carl Sagan.
I imagined myself occupying the boots of the hero as much as I occupied the glass slippers of the damsel in distress. The first one was what I wanted to be; the second was what society wanted me to be, and I believed them, for a little while.
I am fascinated by my inner world when it comes to associating myself with the male hero. From childhood, I wanted to be him and marry him. He was my role model, the courageous, honourable, virtuous, humble, and sometimes conflicted hero that is so well expressed in Aragorn, Darcy, or Apollo from the original Galactica. I never had time for bad boys. I was always mesmerised by stories of brotherhood: two men that would honour and risk their lives for each other. How I wished at the time to see women portrayed in the same way.
My relationship with female characters was more complex, possibly reflecting my relationship with myself and mirroring the bare, deserted female landscape provided by the media at the time. My youth and my inner world were most influenced by Zimmer Bradley’s Morgaine Le Fay, the underdog, the magician, and the misunderstood and undervalued priestess of my childhood who painted a vivid picture that the world does not welcome powerful women, that they are rejected, vilified, and unloved. She was the character that made me want to be the powerful dark-haired, average-looking sorceress instead of the beautiful blond girl who got to marry the king.
As I grew into adulthood and discovered quite late in my life the welcoming arms of the feminist movement, I went through all stages of grief, including rage. Fortunately, rage does not last long in the body of a creative optimist.
As I gained the courage to write my own fiction, I was conflicted. I knew my imagination and power came from my truth, but I also knew I needed to honour the millions of voices that are screaming for better representation of minorities. I am one of those voices, dissecting each new book and movie, criticising the stereotypes, the common places, and the limiting depictions of gender, race, and sexuality.
This book was a great teacher that opened my eyes about how difficult it is to write engaging fiction and do justice to the people of the world. Can a Western, Caucasian, European woman really do justice to diversity beyond gender? Can she avoid creating stereotypical villains and heroes?
In the end, I have done my best to honour the world while being true to myself and to the characters and stories that inspire me. To be able to pour my heart out, I had to let go of what I should be feeling and writing. I had to embrace my flaws and my inner demons.
So that is all, what is left is a book that fully embraces everything I love: feminism, romance, friendships, social justice, environment, science, magic, and art. I found a big old pot, put in a few archetypes that have inspired people from the beginning of times, and mixed in the story lines and characters that have touched me throughout my life. I seasoned it all well with social consciousness and the life lessons that have made me grow as a human being. I fully embraced my geekiness and my romantic heart. I have submitted to my, sometimes overwhelming, idealism—the idealism that keeps my fire burning and gave me the courage to write Ahe'ey.
Much Love, Jamie
I was as excited and delighted with Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre as I was with Battlestar Galactica (the original TV series). The Mists of Avalon, an Arthurian legend retelling from the point of view of the female characters, had as much effect on me as Cosmos by Carl Sagan.
I imagined myself occupying the boots of the hero as much as I occupied the glass slippers of the damsel in distress. The first one was what I wanted to be; the second was what society wanted me to be, and I believed them, for a little while.
I am fascinated by my inner world when it comes to associating myself with the male hero. From childhood, I wanted to be him and marry him. He was my role model, the courageous, honourable, virtuous, humble, and sometimes conflicted hero that is so well expressed in Aragorn, Darcy, or Apollo from the original Galactica. I never had time for bad boys. I was always mesmerised by stories of brotherhood: two men that would honour and risk their lives for each other. How I wished at the time to see women portrayed in the same way.
My relationship with female characters was more complex, possibly reflecting my relationship with myself and mirroring the bare, deserted female landscape provided by the media at the time. My youth and my inner world were most influenced by Zimmer Bradley’s Morgaine Le Fay, the underdog, the magician, and the misunderstood and undervalued priestess of my childhood who painted a vivid picture that the world does not welcome powerful women, that they are rejected, vilified, and unloved. She was the character that made me want to be the powerful dark-haired, average-looking sorceress instead of the beautiful blond girl who got to marry the king.
As I grew into adulthood and discovered quite late in my life the welcoming arms of the feminist movement, I went through all stages of grief, including rage. Fortunately, rage does not last long in the body of a creative optimist.
As I gained the courage to write my own fiction, I was conflicted. I knew my imagination and power came from my truth, but I also knew I needed to honour the millions of voices that are screaming for better representation of minorities. I am one of those voices, dissecting each new book and movie, criticising the stereotypes, the common places, and the limiting depictions of gender, race, and sexuality.
This book was a great teacher that opened my eyes about how difficult it is to write engaging fiction and do justice to the people of the world. Can a Western, Caucasian, European woman really do justice to diversity beyond gender? Can she avoid creating stereotypical villains and heroes?
In the end, I have done my best to honour the world while being true to myself and to the characters and stories that inspire me. To be able to pour my heart out, I had to let go of what I should be feeling and writing. I had to embrace my flaws and my inner demons.
So that is all, what is left is a book that fully embraces everything I love: feminism, romance, friendships, social justice, environment, science, magic, and art. I found a big old pot, put in a few archetypes that have inspired people from the beginning of times, and mixed in the story lines and characters that have touched me throughout my life. I seasoned it all well with social consciousness and the life lessons that have made me grow as a human being. I fully embraced my geekiness and my romantic heart. I have submitted to my, sometimes overwhelming, idealism—the idealism that keeps my fire burning and gave me the courage to write Ahe'ey.
Much Love, Jamie
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2016
I just finished reading the 4th episode of this series, and I look forward to other books. The author says she releases at least one episode per month (I hope this is true). Ahe'ey is different and surprising. This series is very much about gender, sexual orientation, body image and stereotypes. The focus on the meaning of masculinity is very relevant to current affairs aka Trump. It's the first time I read a fiction book that covers the topic of body image and self-esteem and that actually includes men as well as women. The story lines and the characters are very engaging. Be prepared to be left craving for the next episode as each book leaves you questions that will only be answered later in the series. This is a mixed genre series focusing on fantasy, romance, and feminism. I admit, I'm a bit obsessed about it.
October 24, 2016
Fiction is the best way to reflect on issues that affect society today. The battle of the genders in Ahe’ey does a great job at making us think about gender, sexual orientation and body image while immersing ourselves in a world that is different from our own but quite realistic. The Ahe’ey grapple with the same issues under a different set of rules that is somewhat familiar to our world. Flawed characters have plenty of room to grow and the villains are as compelling and detailed as the protagonists. In fact, the villain is my favourite character. This is a series, each episode is about an hour read, so you must be the type that enjoys waiting for a new episode to be released each month. They are worth the wait.
May 9, 2017
There is really something special about this book. Something genuinely interesting and slightly disturbing that made me thinking. The author created a compelling and enchanting world full of mystical, mythical and magical creatures. A very intriguing vivid world that hooked me from the beginning. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book, and I loved it. Loved. It. J’ai adoré. I can’t wait to start the next book.
"Do you believe in angels, Morgan?"
"I believe in working towards their virtues-temperance, health, peace and purity." She pointed to the four cherubim that represented those virtues at the base of the fountain. "Well," she smiled mischievously, "maybe not purity."
Gabriel lowered his eyes and frowned. "Yes, the pursuit and preservation of purity can drive prejudice and hate. Many crimes against humanity have been committed in its name. Purity is best applied to water."
She nodded as he spoke. "True. Virtues like modesty or chastity are also related to purity, and are used as an excuse to promote violence against women and girls and limit their rights and freedoms." She paused for a moment admiring the Angel. "Aesthetically and functionally, I love the idea of winged humanlike creatures masterly carved out of stone and brought to life by magic. Look at her, so perfect; she'll stay here, frozen in time, beautiful, majestic and flawless. If only people could be this perfect..." As she looked into his eyes, she realized that the statue couldn't compete with the splendor of the man in front of her. "Inside and out," she said abruptly, fighting against her shallow feelings. "I wish people could be this perfect inside and out."
Happy reading!
An addicted reader.
Follow my favorite books on Instagram@readonthedarkside
"Do you believe in angels, Morgan?"
"I believe in working towards their virtues-temperance, health, peace and purity." She pointed to the four cherubim that represented those virtues at the base of the fountain. "Well," she smiled mischievously, "maybe not purity."
Gabriel lowered his eyes and frowned. "Yes, the pursuit and preservation of purity can drive prejudice and hate. Many crimes against humanity have been committed in its name. Purity is best applied to water."
She nodded as he spoke. "True. Virtues like modesty or chastity are also related to purity, and are used as an excuse to promote violence against women and girls and limit their rights and freedoms." She paused for a moment admiring the Angel. "Aesthetically and functionally, I love the idea of winged humanlike creatures masterly carved out of stone and brought to life by magic. Look at her, so perfect; she'll stay here, frozen in time, beautiful, majestic and flawless. If only people could be this perfect..." As she looked into his eyes, she realized that the statue couldn't compete with the splendor of the man in front of her. "Inside and out," she said abruptly, fighting against her shallow feelings. "I wish people could be this perfect inside and out."
Happy reading!
An addicted reader.
Follow my favorite books on Instagram@readonthedarkside
December 6, 2016
Just amazing.. simply amazing! I loved this book and I recommended it to anyone who loves ready about fantasy with a lot of action and a bit of romance in it as well. I really enjoyed how the book had two different time periods that intertwined with each other. Beginning in 1980 all within an isolated island, the story had set the mood already by having an important scene start it off. Then leading into present time of 2016, you start to question whether the character the book mentions in New York City is the same as the one from the 80s. This book is amazing and would definitely be worth your while to read if you love fantasy, action, and romance all in one!
October 16, 2016
A shift from the norm, different.
Le Fay perfectly executed an extraordinary work of literary art in Ahe'ey. It's a dream to action-adventure fans, a nightmare to boring novel addicts. It's just the closest to an epic fast-paced action movie. I practically watched this episode as its narration was too vivid to the senses.
I was especially drawn to the story and narration, I was hooked and can't wait to get started on the next episode. I wouldn't have forgiven the author if this wasn't a series.
It's a brilliant wonder of literary art.
Le Fay perfectly executed an extraordinary work of literary art in Ahe'ey. It's a dream to action-adventure fans, a nightmare to boring novel addicts. It's just the closest to an epic fast-paced action movie. I practically watched this episode as its narration was too vivid to the senses.
I was especially drawn to the story and narration, I was hooked and can't wait to get started on the next episode. I wouldn't have forgiven the author if this wasn't a series.
It's a brilliant wonder of literary art.
May 10, 2024
Not quite understanding this book at all. I got there is some warring tribes and that in the beginning we meet Sky whose mother and baby sister are kidnapped by another faction due to their royal blood. She is then hidden away in a forest with her cousins, Gabriel and Sebastian, for some time. When we catch up with her she has to defend herself again to the same ones who had kidnapped her mother but in the process her cousins, Gabriel disappears from the action all together. He for some reason or other doesn’t help and literally is not there after she kills off three of the men who have come to hurt her and him. There is also another story going on where we meet Gabriel again and he is responsible for the safety of a woman named Morgan who is visiting America and will be speaking to people to get money for her organization. The thing is Morgan seems to harper some feelings for Gabriel and he seems to be irritated with her. I think they have a past together but it is not known at the end of this book.
March 8, 2018
If you’re at all not interested in political dogma, then don’t read this series. This definitely delves into the realm of feminism and it’s ideas of men are evil rapists knuckle dragger’s and women can solve everything on their own.
I don’t mind if the author had just “shown” that women are powerful and the men are evil, but they don’t, they tell you and make sure you know that is their point of view. The book describes an interview on Fox News (of course, where else?) where the protagonist is being interviewed and is attacked by the other guest and the host verbally without much basis for their argument. Which she of course deflects with composure and aplomb.
Later on a bunch of evil men raid a village and rape the Royal women so their “blood” is no longer pure or something… Didn’t make much sense to me since if a child was born from that encounter, yeah it might not be pure, but other children could be. Unless once the woman is defiled in that way all her children there after are no longer pure? But then that would imply that old stereotype of a unclean woman who sleeps around was true in this case… I dunno, there is some mental gymnastics going on there that I’m not following.
This book wasn’t listed on Amazon in the Romance section, but I feel it almost needs to be. Quite a few paragraphs are devoted to the protagonist basically drooling all over a male character where the author goes into heavy detail of every part of him. I got bored and annoyed quickly by this since I really dislike Romance books. I mean seriously dislike.
I have two more of these volumes, but at this point I’m not sure I want to read them, it’s obviously not written with me in mind. I probably will to give the story a bit more of a chance but it may be awhile.
It has DRM, so I have to subtract a point for that.
I don’t mind if the author had just “shown” that women are powerful and the men are evil, but they don’t, they tell you and make sure you know that is their point of view. The book describes an interview on Fox News (of course, where else?) where the protagonist is being interviewed and is attacked by the other guest and the host verbally without much basis for their argument. Which she of course deflects with composure and aplomb.
Later on a bunch of evil men raid a village and rape the Royal women so their “blood” is no longer pure or something… Didn’t make much sense to me since if a child was born from that encounter, yeah it might not be pure, but other children could be. Unless once the woman is defiled in that way all her children there after are no longer pure? But then that would imply that old stereotype of a unclean woman who sleeps around was true in this case… I dunno, there is some mental gymnastics going on there that I’m not following.
This book wasn’t listed on Amazon in the Romance section, but I feel it almost needs to be. Quite a few paragraphs are devoted to the protagonist basically drooling all over a male character where the author goes into heavy detail of every part of him. I got bored and annoyed quickly by this since I really dislike Romance books. I mean seriously dislike.
I have two more of these volumes, but at this point I’m not sure I want to read them, it’s obviously not written with me in mind. I probably will to give the story a bit more of a chance but it may be awhile.
It has DRM, so I have to subtract a point for that.
August 22, 2018
There's so much political dogma to set up and instead of the author showing you the situations, she tells you what you're supposed to know. If I wanted to be told what to think, I'd go to watch Fox News.
I strongly struggled to get into the story with this one, and I thought since it was a beginning book that I would try the next two to see if it gets better since many people posted that on their reviews.
I strongly struggled to get into the story with this one, and I thought since it was a beginning book that I would try the next two to see if it gets better since many people posted that on their reviews.
December 22, 2018
Good concept poor execution
This had great potential all poor editing did it a disservice. Some of the writing seemed like a teenager trying to write like an adult, it felt unnatural. Going on with the series hopeful the writing will rise to meet the story.
This had great potential all poor editing did it a disservice. Some of the writing seemed like a teenager trying to write like an adult, it felt unnatural. Going on with the series hopeful the writing will rise to meet the story.
February 21, 2018
Bizarre
What a odd book, back and forth, past and present, fantasy and reality. I will read more to see if the disjointed begins to make sense.
What a odd book, back and forth, past and present, fantasy and reality. I will read more to see if the disjointed begins to make sense.
February 28, 2018
I read it ten days ago and I don't really remember what this was about other then it was short. I can't bring myself to reread it and track down the nine other installments to this series.
March 25, 2018
Not sure where this is going?
Character development good. Plot? Not sure I will read the next volume. Where is this going? Do I want to follow up ?
Character development good. Plot? Not sure I will read the next volume. Where is this going? Do I want to follow up ?
December 20, 2022
Super interesting and lots of suspense. This really locked me in and I'm hungry for more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews