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The Abyss Trilogy #1
Avoiding the Abyss
Aubrey has always been told she isn’t special.
If only that had remained true.
Aubrey grew up as part of the rebel movement, protected but lonely. All she wants is her mother’s love, but without an ability she’s worthless in her mother’s eyes.
When she’s captured by the government, Aubrey sees an opportunity to prove her worth. Instead, she realizes that her mother has been withholding many truths. Aubrey experiences an acceptance outside of the rebels that her heart has yearned for, and a discovery. She has an immunity that has never been seen before.
But Aubrey isn’t immune, she’s absorbing powers as the key to the Abyss—a portal into the demon realm. Her mother finally sees purpose in her daughter and hopes to use it for her cause. Aubrey isn’t as certain. If she doesn’t gain control of her ability, she’ll open the gateway to hell and destroy everyone she’s come to care about. Including herself.
The first installment in the Abyss trilogy, a coming of age YA dystopian fantasy. Perfect for fans of dystopian worlds, apocalyptic prophesies, and demon lore.
If only that had remained true.
Aubrey grew up as part of the rebel movement, protected but lonely. All she wants is her mother’s love, but without an ability she’s worthless in her mother’s eyes.
When she’s captured by the government, Aubrey sees an opportunity to prove her worth. Instead, she realizes that her mother has been withholding many truths. Aubrey experiences an acceptance outside of the rebels that her heart has yearned for, and a discovery. She has an immunity that has never been seen before.
But Aubrey isn’t immune, she’s absorbing powers as the key to the Abyss—a portal into the demon realm. Her mother finally sees purpose in her daughter and hopes to use it for her cause. Aubrey isn’t as certain. If she doesn’t gain control of her ability, she’ll open the gateway to hell and destroy everyone she’s come to care about. Including herself.
The first installment in the Abyss trilogy, a coming of age YA dystopian fantasy. Perfect for fans of dystopian worlds, apocalyptic prophesies, and demon lore.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
7 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Ward
15 books31 followersA.C. Ward is a little worried that her internet search history is on some sort of watch list. For the Abyss trilogy, she researched demonic rituals, exorcism, and lethal stab wounds. Her next work in process is only making it worse.
A.C. lives with her husband, daughter, and various pets – dog, cat, gecko, fish, and tarantula. When she’s not writing she’s watching Netflix or rereading her favorite manga. She’d love to hear from her fans. You can contact her at wardabooks@gmail.com.
About the Author Questionaire:
1. Do you put ketchup on a hot dog? – Yes, but relish is most important
2. Choice of soda? – Coke with all the sugar and caffeine, but I mainly drink it when I get a headache.
3. Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry? Strawberry followed by Vanilla for ice cream. I hate chocolate in ice cream, but love it in bar form.
4. Can you swim? – Of course! I’m surrounded by water.
5. Hot dogs or cheeseburger? – Depends on who’s cooking
6. Favorite type of food? – Pasta or ice cream
7. Do you believe in ghosts? – Yes. There are a lot of unexplained things.
8. What do you drink in the morning? – Water, occasionally tea, if you see coffee the morning is bad.
9. Can you do 100 push ups? – No. God no.
10. Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall? – Summer
11. Your favorite hobby? – playing cell phone games (I don’t consider writing a hobby anymore)
12. Tattoos? – Yes! Two and counting. Already considering my next one.
13. Do you wear glasses? – Not anymore
14. Do you have a phobia? – Ticks
15. Do you have a nick name? – Evil
16. Three favorite drinks? – Coke, peach sweet tea, caramel coffee
17. Biggest downfall? – Overthinking
18. Rain or Snow? – Rain
19. Can you change a tire? – That’s what I pay a service for. I’ve had a spare fly off while driving, so doing it myself seems like a bad plan.
A.C. lives with her husband, daughter, and various pets – dog, cat, gecko, fish, and tarantula. When she’s not writing she’s watching Netflix or rereading her favorite manga. She’d love to hear from her fans. You can contact her at wardabooks@gmail.com.
About the Author Questionaire:
1. Do you put ketchup on a hot dog? – Yes, but relish is most important
2. Choice of soda? – Coke with all the sugar and caffeine, but I mainly drink it when I get a headache.
3. Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry? Strawberry followed by Vanilla for ice cream. I hate chocolate in ice cream, but love it in bar form.
4. Can you swim? – Of course! I’m surrounded by water.
5. Hot dogs or cheeseburger? – Depends on who’s cooking
6. Favorite type of food? – Pasta or ice cream
7. Do you believe in ghosts? – Yes. There are a lot of unexplained things.
8. What do you drink in the morning? – Water, occasionally tea, if you see coffee the morning is bad.
9. Can you do 100 push ups? – No. God no.
10. Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall? – Summer
11. Your favorite hobby? – playing cell phone games (I don’t consider writing a hobby anymore)
12. Tattoos? – Yes! Two and counting. Already considering my next one.
13. Do you wear glasses? – Not anymore
14. Do you have a phobia? – Ticks
15. Do you have a nick name? – Evil
16. Three favorite drinks? – Coke, peach sweet tea, caramel coffee
17. Biggest downfall? – Overthinking
18. Rain or Snow? – Rain
19. Can you change a tire? – That’s what I pay a service for. I’ve had a spare fly off while driving, so doing it myself seems like a bad plan.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 29, 2019
This book, I loved it. I couldn't put it down and I am already on the second one. Aubrey is someone that you can be friends with, even though she's a loner, but I like that about her. I don't like her mother to well, but I like how Aubrey has finally come into her own.
Dorian, he seems sweet and I can't wait to see what is going on with him.
This book was provided to me from the author and my review is all my own.
Dorian, he seems sweet and I can't wait to see what is going on with him.
This book was provided to me from the author and my review is all my own.
February 2, 2021
I was given a copy of this as an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, well rounded and relatable, Aubrey in particular. The story was entertaining and absorbing, and left me keen to listen to book 2. The audiobook narrator was good, characters were easy to distinguish and the voices matched them well.
Why not 5 stars? I guess a 5 star book for me has to really blow my sock off, which this didn't, but I liked it and I'd recommend it. It was a good solid story and a good start to what looks like being a really interesting series.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, well rounded and relatable, Aubrey in particular. The story was entertaining and absorbing, and left me keen to listen to book 2. The audiobook narrator was good, characters were easy to distinguish and the voices matched them well.
Why not 5 stars? I guess a 5 star book for me has to really blow my sock off, which this didn't, but I liked it and I'd recommend it. It was a good solid story and a good start to what looks like being a really interesting series.
January 23, 2020
While I am not normally a Young Adult reader, I found I enjoyed this story immensely. Aubrey, the main character, is relatable and real; the world she lives in detailed and intriguing enough to whisk you away from your comfortable reading chair and into a world filled with multiple suns, special powers, and bands of rogues. Quick-paced with excellent character development, you find yourself rooting for Aubrey and her group by the end of the book. I immediately downloaded the second book in this trilogy to continue on Aubrey's journey!
February 12, 2020
*I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Too much abuse
This book starts straight off the bat with Aubrey getting a beating by her mother. It is given under the guise of “training”, because Aubrey is a bad fighter, but it is very clear that her mother detests her. Yet, Aubrey remains throughout her staunch defender.
Others amongst the rebels pity her, but do very little to defend her, because her mother is the “hero”, the one who rules the rebels and is renowned as the best fighter.
Everything is turned on its head when she is captured by government, yet not at all in the ways that she expects. She keeps on supporting her mother, even secretly, right up to the last. Even when she does find out the truth, can she keep supporting someone who her entire life has seen her as useless until it’s discovered she has powers?
The ending, or perhaps more late middle to end, were the only redeeming parts of this book. The way the abuse is treated just appalled me that I nearly stopped reading after the opening scene. The latter parts made the universe interesting, enough that I want to continue the series, but I can’t ignore that beginning.
Final rating: ★★★☆☆ – Sort of liked/OK
December 31, 2019
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story. It is a fast paced dystopian fantasy, one that keeps you hooked on reading, it started out a bit slow, but when things picked up it was unputdownable. I really enjoyed the story and am curious how the rest of he series will develop based on the way this ended. Overall, an excellent and well written first for the series, setting the bar high for the rest of the series!
November 19, 2019
This is a great read for dystopian fans if you like it with lots of fantasy added in. This book has great characters with Aubrey. The story is really good and so engaging it kept me interested throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2020
This book was a wonderful read! Ward’s imagination is amazing, and her character development continues to be superb amidst very efficient writing. This fantasy novel called to mind elements of the Divergent series and A Wrinkle in Time, while at the same time being completely original and unique. I look forward to books 2 and 3.
Note: I was given a copy of the book by the author.
Note: I was given a copy of the book by the author.
January 4, 2024
I really really wanted to like this book, and judging by the reviews, I’m definitely in the minority for not liking it, but this is my opinion and I personally felt this book was lacking in so many ways.
The world building was very messy and not fleshed out enough for me. I didn’t feel like I was living in this alternate setting with the character because it wasn’t painted in a vivid enough picture. There should’ve been more time dedicated to really delving into Aubrey’s life instead of having such a dramatic jump into the action scene. I feel like I didn’t really get to know her and her life and therefore had very minimal sympathy for what happened because I hadn’t formed any attachments just yet. World building is also something that is constructed throughout the book through additional details and-or character experiences. This was not the case here. The info was just kind of thrown at the reader and you just have to accept that this is how it is. I need to know the how, the why, the when. How do the two realms interact? Why do the rebels do what they do? It just felt weak.
Aubrey’s character development, or lack there of, was infuriating. I mean she just didn’t change? Don’t get me wrong, the hurt and anger at the beginning is fully justified, and the toxic mother daughter relationship was actually one of the aspects that was done quite well, but the victim she was at the end was just poor character development on the authors part. I understand this is a trilogy and it’ll happen in the next books but I think that’s such a cop out. I’m not asking for Aubrey to be completely different because it is a trilogy and it would be stupid to have her fully developed in the first book, but hints of development here and there make such a difference. I didn’t form any kind of emotional connection with her whatsoever because her only personality trait throughout the whole book was victim.
The other characters really weren’t that interesting either. The only one I somewhat like was Sage because she gave hints of being a bit more complex than literally everyone else. Also I think Aubrey’s time at the compound deserved more scenes because, again, I didn’t get a chance to live it with her and get to know the characters through her.
The plot holes… ahhh. I mean people in the government compound are surely clever enough to prevent a security breach for a transporter, right? Wrong. I mean this was just insane to me. Transporting isn’t a one of a kind ability and there were no precautions whatsoever which was just laughable.
The twist about Aubrey’s father was genuinely so obvious that I guessed it within the first 5 seconds of his introduction. Very frustrating.
All in all, the concept was good, but the book as a whole sadly fell very short.
The world building was very messy and not fleshed out enough for me. I didn’t feel like I was living in this alternate setting with the character because it wasn’t painted in a vivid enough picture. There should’ve been more time dedicated to really delving into Aubrey’s life instead of having such a dramatic jump into the action scene. I feel like I didn’t really get to know her and her life and therefore had very minimal sympathy for what happened because I hadn’t formed any attachments just yet. World building is also something that is constructed throughout the book through additional details and-or character experiences. This was not the case here. The info was just kind of thrown at the reader and you just have to accept that this is how it is. I need to know the how, the why, the when. How do the two realms interact? Why do the rebels do what they do? It just felt weak.
Aubrey’s character development, or lack there of, was infuriating. I mean she just didn’t change? Don’t get me wrong, the hurt and anger at the beginning is fully justified, and the toxic mother daughter relationship was actually one of the aspects that was done quite well, but the victim she was at the end was just poor character development on the authors part. I understand this is a trilogy and it’ll happen in the next books but I think that’s such a cop out. I’m not asking for Aubrey to be completely different because it is a trilogy and it would be stupid to have her fully developed in the first book, but hints of development here and there make such a difference. I didn’t form any kind of emotional connection with her whatsoever because her only personality trait throughout the whole book was victim.
The other characters really weren’t that interesting either. The only one I somewhat like was Sage because she gave hints of being a bit more complex than literally everyone else. Also I think Aubrey’s time at the compound deserved more scenes because, again, I didn’t get a chance to live it with her and get to know the characters through her.
The plot holes… ahhh. I mean people in the government compound are surely clever enough to prevent a security breach for a transporter, right? Wrong. I mean this was just insane to me. Transporting isn’t a one of a kind ability and there were no precautions whatsoever which was just laughable.
The twist about Aubrey’s father was genuinely so obvious that I guessed it within the first 5 seconds of his introduction. Very frustrating.
All in all, the concept was good, but the book as a whole sadly fell very short.
September 29, 2020
She is the daughter of the rebel boss but he is always disappointed with her. She is taken from them and she learns everything she had been told is a lie. She also have a power she never knew about. What is she going to do? Can she learn how to control her powers? See just how she gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2021
I really liked this story. Aubrey is an instantly relatable character and her chosen tribe is welcoming.
This is the first of what I hope will be a strong series as I really like the characters and the world.
This is the first of what I hope will be a strong series as I really like the characters and the world.
December 27, 2019
Avoiding the Abyss has it all - mystery, action, magic and secrets. This ARC was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion and I’m so glad to have read it because it was amazing.
November 4, 2021
I was so lucky to receive an Arc for this book. It was a fantastic first book for the series. I honestly couldn’t stop reading it.
October 26, 2023
This was a decent read with a very different approach to heaven and hell and all it’s demons. Are the gifted teenagers really gifted?? I did enjoy it.
November 19, 2019
This is book 1 in The Abyss Trilogy. I found the story well written and enjoyable. The storyline drew me in and kept my interest throughout. I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2019
I'm a sucker for love stories and this story has a bit of it all: teenage crushes, identity angst and otherworldy talents. It's an action packed story of a conflicted daughter trying to understand her destiny. It's an accessible journey into a post-apocalyptic universe with a group of kids grappling with superpowers. AC Ward does a wonderful job creating suspenseful moments chapter to chapter. Each time I opened the book I was eager to learn what would happen to Aubrey next. Aubrey's relationships with the other characters is intriguing. I can't wait to open part two to find out how the family and friendship dynamics will unfold.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews