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Æva #1
Æva: The Wild
The year is 862 AD. Vikings are marauding across the kingdom of Northumbria; raping, pillaging, destroying all in their path. In a nunnery in Colodesburg, Æva is waiting. She is to be a rich man's bride. But then something happens to save her from her the Vikings arrive.
Wulfram, Ælric and Iden are soldiers bound for Babbanburth, armed with an urgent message for the King. They do not have time to care for the starving scrap of a girl they catch attempting to steal their meal, but still, they cannot leave her.
Taken under the wing of the three fierce and deadly soldiers, Aeva is drawn into the tumult of war as the Vikings continue their invasion of Northumbria. Surrounded by so much danger she'll have to carefully guard her life... and her heart.
Wulfram, Ælric and Iden are soldiers bound for Babbanburth, armed with an urgent message for the King. They do not have time to care for the starving scrap of a girl they catch attempting to steal their meal, but still, they cannot leave her.
Taken under the wing of the three fierce and deadly soldiers, Aeva is drawn into the tumult of war as the Vikings continue their invasion of Northumbria. Surrounded by so much danger she'll have to carefully guard her life... and her heart.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 8, 2020
Hold still my heart.
I could not put this book down. That's how much I loved it and how angsty the story was. I cared deeply for the characters and for Aeva, our main character who is trying to survive in this brutal world while at the same time hoping for an happy ending with the man she falls in love with. However, someone is standing between their happiness and I have no idea how they'll overcome those obstacles or if it's even possible. One thing I know for sure, I will read the sequel as soon as it's out. I really hope I won't have to wait too long to continue this series.
If you want to read a story set during the vikings era with possible romance in it, you need to pick up this book. (I only hope the romance will be more developed in the next book and the scenes won't be cut) It's available on kindle unlimited so you really shouldn't hesitate <3. Now be aware that this world is far from gentle and it might not be for everyone but for me, this book gave me everything that I didn't even know I needed.
That's Erik and Aethelflaed from The Last Kingdom and I kept thinking of them during this book. I know he's not a Viking but oh well...
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
I could not put this book down. That's how much I loved it and how angsty the story was. I cared deeply for the characters and for Aeva, our main character who is trying to survive in this brutal world while at the same time hoping for an happy ending with the man she falls in love with. However, someone is standing between their happiness and I have no idea how they'll overcome those obstacles or if it's even possible. One thing I know for sure, I will read the sequel as soon as it's out. I really hope I won't have to wait too long to continue this series.
If you want to read a story set during the vikings era with possible romance in it, you need to pick up this book. (I only hope the romance will be more developed in the next book and the scenes won't be cut) It's available on kindle unlimited so you really shouldn't hesitate <3. Now be aware that this world is far from gentle and it might not be for everyone but for me, this book gave me everything that I didn't even know I needed.
That's Erik and Aethelflaed from The Last Kingdom and I kept thinking of them during this book. I know he's not a Viking but oh well...
(Thank you for letting me read and review an arc via Netgalley)
April 11, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so Aeva: The Wild started off great. I was thoroughly intrigued by this girl who was just wondering alone in this world barely surviving. Then she tries to steal meat from three good looking soldiers.. and that's that.
No, the story isn't over - the adventure is just beginning!
Honestly, this was a roller coaster ride for me. I liked it up to a certain point because I feel like the ending was just super frustrating. It wasn't the only thing that frustrated me either. I get that Æva was weak in the beginning. Then she was sort of practicing how to protect herself with
Wulfram, Ælric and Iden. Yet, once Bayan entered her life/the story.. things just kind of went downhill.
I did not like Bayan one bit. Still don't and I'm so freaking worried about what the next book might bring me. If there is ever another book. Ugh, I just feel like something should've happened but no, now she's trapped and so am I.
Maybe, just maybe, a second book could redeem everything that happened in this one.
Okay, so Aeva: The Wild started off great. I was thoroughly intrigued by this girl who was just wondering alone in this world barely surviving. Then she tries to steal meat from three good looking soldiers.. and that's that.
No, the story isn't over - the adventure is just beginning!
Honestly, this was a roller coaster ride for me. I liked it up to a certain point because I feel like the ending was just super frustrating. It wasn't the only thing that frustrated me either. I get that Æva was weak in the beginning. Then she was sort of practicing how to protect herself with
Wulfram, Ælric and Iden. Yet, once Bayan entered her life/the story.. things just kind of went downhill.
I did not like Bayan one bit. Still don't and I'm so freaking worried about what the next book might bring me. If there is ever another book. Ugh, I just feel like something should've happened but no, now she's trapped and so am I.
Maybe, just maybe, a second book could redeem everything that happened in this one.
April 6, 2020
Interesting viking story and a quick read.
The viking era isn't something I know a lot about, but I do enjoy stories set in that time. I wish there had been more about the vikings, we basically just learned how terrible they are as enemies, but I think in the next book we'll see more of their culture. Aeva is young and scared and doesn't know how to take care of herself. She's lucky when she stumbles across Wulfram and his guys since they feed her and take her to a village. I enjoyed their friendship and that they tried to take care of her and teach her to defend herself.
Unfortunately, Aeva gets entangled with Bayan, who wants to use her for personal gain and treats her poorly. I was definitely hoping Wulfram, Idin, and Aelric would save her and take her away somewhere. The ending is the worst cliffhanger I've read in a long time so beware! Things are completely hopeless and I'm disappointed in pretty much everyone for their choices. I hope a sequel is on it's way!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The viking era isn't something I know a lot about, but I do enjoy stories set in that time. I wish there had been more about the vikings, we basically just learned how terrible they are as enemies, but I think in the next book we'll see more of their culture. Aeva is young and scared and doesn't know how to take care of herself. She's lucky when she stumbles across Wulfram and his guys since they feed her and take her to a village. I enjoyed their friendship and that they tried to take care of her and teach her to defend herself.
Unfortunately, Aeva gets entangled with Bayan, who wants to use her for personal gain and treats her poorly. I was definitely hoping Wulfram, Idin, and Aelric would save her and take her away somewhere. The ending is the worst cliffhanger I've read in a long time so beware! Things are completely hopeless and I'm disappointed in pretty much everyone for their choices. I hope a sequel is on it's way!
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 28, 2020
Warning this ends in a cliff hanger which I sadly wasn't aware of so if like me you are expecting a complete story then this will slightly frustrate you. That being said it was very well written and certainly made me feel transported back to a time when Vikings arrived in England. The plucky heroine is very lucky in that she stumbles upon three soldiers who are inherently good men and they do their best to protect her from the darkness that creeps over the country. Yet Aeva suffers atrocities that are shocking and its a harsh sometimes sadistic world that she's catapulted into. There are lighter moments and Aeva is a likeable albeit naive heroine but overall the tone and certainly the ending ( which was abrupt) felt dark which reflects quite well the situation during that time.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
April 8, 2020
It's rare for me to finish a book in one day, but Æva's story took me by surprise with it's raw look at moments of war, political intrigue and the honor among warriors.
From the moment Æva stumbled out of the night into the midst of three warriors, I was intrigued by the dynamics and growing relationships between them. And while she made some bad decisions due to her innocence, I could understand why the three men chose to protect her.
As Æva meets Prince Bayan, everything is beginning to change, and she must finally learn to take responsibilty for her actions because sometimes it can others cost dearly.
The worldbuilding in this book is great and every character has a distinctive voice, which added wonderful depth to everything. I especially loved the small band of the three warriors with calm Wulfram, the leader, clearly my favorite.
I hope we get a second book soonish because the cliffhanger is brutal and I wonder what Wulfram's end goal is. Because there's much more to him than meets the eyes and I have the strong feeling and hope that he has a plan...
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the moment Æva stumbled out of the night into the midst of three warriors, I was intrigued by the dynamics and growing relationships between them. And while she made some bad decisions due to her innocence, I could understand why the three men chose to protect her.
As Æva meets Prince Bayan, everything is beginning to change, and she must finally learn to take responsibilty for her actions because sometimes it can others cost dearly.
The worldbuilding in this book is great and every character has a distinctive voice, which added wonderful depth to everything. I especially loved the small band of the three warriors with calm Wulfram, the leader, clearly my favorite.
I hope we get a second book soonish because the cliffhanger is brutal and I wonder what Wulfram's end goal is. Because there's much more to him than meets the eyes and I have the strong feeling and hope that he has a plan...
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2020
Great storyline blended with history... thoroughly enjoyed this story of Aeva and the friendships and relationships with the other characters she experienced. This is the first book in the series so the ending is definitely a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 17, 2020
This wasn't the worst, which is why I'm giving it two stars instead of one but, it needed so much more character development for me to believe any of the relationships, and for me to think it was a good book.
Aeva needed more time and story with Wulfram, Aelric, and Idin for me to believe that they'd care about her, especially for Idin to be in love with her.
Bayan should've had more to his character than just being the mustache twirling bad guy who wants the main character only because she provides 'legitimacy' to his claim to the throne; which by the way, did the heroine really need to be a princess?
It also felt like Aeva was just being pushed around throughout the story, and not in a "this is based in the 'before the year 1000' days and women don't have rights" kinda way but, in a 'the character doesn't make any decisions for herself' kinda way: yeah she chose to follow them but, it was Wulfram's' choice to let her stay, she wanted to go with the group but Bayan made them leave without her, she tried to leave Bayan but Wulfram brought her back. None of her choices mattered unless one of the other characters also wanted the same thing.
Aeva needed more time and story with Wulfram, Aelric, and Idin for me to believe that they'd care about her, especially for Idin to be in love with her.
Bayan should've had more to his character than just being the mustache twirling bad guy who wants the main character only because she provides 'legitimacy' to his claim to the throne; which by the way, did the heroine really need to be a princess?
It also felt like Aeva was just being pushed around throughout the story, and not in a "this is based in the 'before the year 1000' days and women don't have rights" kinda way but, in a 'the character doesn't make any decisions for herself' kinda way: yeah she chose to follow them but, it was Wulfram's' choice to let her stay, she wanted to go with the group but Bayan made them leave without her, she tried to leave Bayan but Wulfram brought her back. None of her choices mattered unless one of the other characters also wanted the same thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
Partly thanks to the success of Netflix’s The Last Kingdom and History’s Vikings, the stage has been set not just for stories that take place during the creation of the English monarchy, (starting with the absorption of lesser kingdoms into three great ones, Northumbria, Mercia and Wessex), but also for stories that present this world with heroines who do not mold themselves to the damsel-in-distress cliche. Set in 862 AD, Claire Marion’s Aeva the Wild is a winner in the young adult, historical fiction world, diving straight into the bloodshed of a fragmented nation that will one day be England as it faces the onslaught of Viking hordes.
It is easy for a story of this magnitude to get lost in political explanations and battle schematics, but Marion deftly weaves a coming-of-age yarn where a young girl first survives hunger by stealing, and then has to survive the realities that, as a woman with a secret royal lineage, she will always be a pawn in the eyes of too many men. Protagonist Aeva makes split-second decisions that keep the pace moving, and there is no discomfort of having to suspend disbelief in order to ride along on this journey. The camaraderie that she initially forms with a group of battle-weary soldiers almost has a Lord of the Rings quality to it, and yet, her gender is constantly the wedge that keeps her from ever entering a real brotherhood. She is the consummate outsider who has to keep a wary eye on the decisions and reactions of others. Though she was reared in a nunnery to hide her illustrious birth, Aeva is not so innocent that she doesn’t recognize that succumbing to the advances of certain men will afford her protection in a world where there is none. Still, she possesses a sense of self-determination and cannot stop herself from falling in love, even when battles rage and outcomes force her into futures not of her own design. Luckily for readers, there will be more of this heroine’s tale to come.
It is easy for a story of this magnitude to get lost in political explanations and battle schematics, but Marion deftly weaves a coming-of-age yarn where a young girl first survives hunger by stealing, and then has to survive the realities that, as a woman with a secret royal lineage, she will always be a pawn in the eyes of too many men. Protagonist Aeva makes split-second decisions that keep the pace moving, and there is no discomfort of having to suspend disbelief in order to ride along on this journey. The camaraderie that she initially forms with a group of battle-weary soldiers almost has a Lord of the Rings quality to it, and yet, her gender is constantly the wedge that keeps her from ever entering a real brotherhood. She is the consummate outsider who has to keep a wary eye on the decisions and reactions of others. Though she was reared in a nunnery to hide her illustrious birth, Aeva is not so innocent that she doesn’t recognize that succumbing to the advances of certain men will afford her protection in a world where there is none. Still, she possesses a sense of self-determination and cannot stop herself from falling in love, even when battles rage and outcomes force her into futures not of her own design. Luckily for readers, there will be more of this heroine’s tale to come.
March 31, 2020
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.
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The story is very well written and from the start you are emerged in this cruel and barbaric world.
AEva is a sweet and shy young girl without knowledge about her true identity. She lives in a bad period of time and fights to survive. Her "luck" is that she meets three brave men who will help her. They get attached to each other but soon her "luck" changes again. This time she is noticed by a handsome man with cobalt blue eyes and her identity is revealed.
Although at first she thinks she likes him AEva soon discovers that her heart is with the three men that helped her.
But the war is approaching and along with it everything changes and she makes some choices that leads her to the inevitable ending.
Yes, it is hard for a woman to live in such times, she has to face some difficult situations but she gets to know friendship and even love.
AEva has to fight for her life, a little pathetic at this moment because she is weak and naive but I believe that in that final moments she realized that she must overcome her weaknesses and I sense (and hope) that there will be a next book and we will get to see another side of her. I am really excited to see what she will do next.
Received a copy from Netgalley.
.
.
.
The story is very well written and from the start you are emerged in this cruel and barbaric world.
AEva is a sweet and shy young girl without knowledge about her true identity. She lives in a bad period of time and fights to survive. Her "luck" is that she meets three brave men who will help her. They get attached to each other but soon her "luck" changes again. This time she is noticed by a handsome man with cobalt blue eyes and her identity is revealed.
Although at first she thinks she likes him AEva soon discovers that her heart is with the three men that helped her.
But the war is approaching and along with it everything changes and she makes some choices that leads her to the inevitable ending.
Yes, it is hard for a woman to live in such times, she has to face some difficult situations but she gets to know friendship and even love.
AEva has to fight for her life, a little pathetic at this moment because she is weak and naive but I believe that in that final moments she realized that she must overcome her weaknesses and I sense (and hope) that there will be a next book and we will get to see another side of her. I am really excited to see what she will do next.
Received a copy from Netgalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2020
This book was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this YA historical fiction had great potential. This girl who doesn’t really know why she survived the Vikings is now relying on the friendship and support of three warriors to learn to survive. It’s endearing her relationship with them for the most part. However, I imagined the book would go another way when they start to teach her to fight. I had this image of her as this wild warrior, this woman to who would fight for her destiny, but instead it all just dwindled from that point onwards, until the abrupt conclusion. I mean the ferociousness is there but something was missing.
I hope there’s another book and I might read it because there’re so many unknowns. I want to know more about those three warriors, their backstory, why they took her in, why they love her even though eventually will help force her into a path she doesn’t wish to thread. Most of all I want to know why she’s AEva the Wild and not AEva the meek, which really is what she is for the last half of the book.
It was an easy read, and entertaining, well written and paced but all the aforementioned facts simply can’t be ignored.
I hope the next book (there has to be a next book, right?!) redeems the lacking of this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found this YA historical fiction had great potential. This girl who doesn’t really know why she survived the Vikings is now relying on the friendship and support of three warriors to learn to survive. It’s endearing her relationship with them for the most part. However, I imagined the book would go another way when they start to teach her to fight. I had this image of her as this wild warrior, this woman to who would fight for her destiny, but instead it all just dwindled from that point onwards, until the abrupt conclusion. I mean the ferociousness is there but something was missing.
I hope there’s another book and I might read it because there’re so many unknowns. I want to know more about those three warriors, their backstory, why they took her in, why they love her even though eventually will help force her into a path she doesn’t wish to thread. Most of all I want to know why she’s AEva the Wild and not AEva the meek, which really is what she is for the last half of the book.
It was an easy read, and entertaining, well written and paced but all the aforementioned facts simply can’t be ignored.
I hope the next book (there has to be a next book, right?!) redeems the lacking of this one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 21, 2020
Although I found this book a quick read, I also found it incredibly frustrating.
Our heroine is not so much a heroine, so much as someone who let's things keep happening to her.
As the daughter of a king, albeit by herself, she is not without her own power, if she chose to use it. Instead she is a shivelling, useless nuisance, and whilst I am aware that this is a YA book, I would not want my daughter reading this, as I feel it is an awful example of how to let the world treat a woman.
The character building is little to none. And the ending was such a cliffhanger that I seriously thought there was a glitch in my copy, and re-downloaded it to check!
1.5 stars, purely, because I did care enough to finish to book, but I'm not sure why. I definitely will neither re-read this book, nor will I be reading any sequels.
Thank you very much to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
#AevaTheWild #Netgalley
Our heroine is not so much a heroine, so much as someone who let's things keep happening to her.
As the daughter of a king, albeit by herself, she is not without her own power, if she chose to use it. Instead she is a shivelling, useless nuisance, and whilst I am aware that this is a YA book, I would not want my daughter reading this, as I feel it is an awful example of how to let the world treat a woman.
The character building is little to none. And the ending was such a cliffhanger that I seriously thought there was a glitch in my copy, and re-downloaded it to check!
1.5 stars, purely, because I did care enough to finish to book, but I'm not sure why. I definitely will neither re-read this book, nor will I be reading any sequels.
Thank you very much to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
#AevaTheWild #Netgalley
April 28, 2020
I absolutely loved the first half of this book, I devoured it in a few hours, but once I passed that 50% mark I just couldn't bring myself to go any further. This book is good, I know it, I loved the writing style, the characters, where it was headed but something felt missing. Once Bayan entered the story things just seemed confusing to me, I couldn't tell who she was romantically interested in, who was the villain, what was the major thing to focus on.
Im giving it 4 stars because I did enjoy the first half, and I know many enjoyed the second half too, it just wasn't my sort of thing. Maybe I will give it a reread at some point.
Im giving it 4 stars because I did enjoy the first half, and I know many enjoyed the second half too, it just wasn't my sort of thing. Maybe I will give it a reread at some point.
June 6, 2020
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I have not really delved too much into the Viking world so I was unsure what to expect but I found myself draw in from the start. I did have some frustration with how much AEva seemed to follow along with what she is told instead of standing up for herself, but you see how she grows from the naive girl who gets caught stealing food to the woman willing to die for love. I may have hated the cliffhanger ending but it definitely is going to make me keep my eye out for the next book!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I have not really delved too much into the Viking world so I was unsure what to expect but I found myself draw in from the start. I did have some frustration with how much AEva seemed to follow along with what she is told instead of standing up for herself, but you see how she grows from the naive girl who gets caught stealing food to the woman willing to die for love. I may have hated the cliffhanger ending but it definitely is going to make me keep my eye out for the next book!
April 29, 2020
This is a wonderfully told story that will transport you back in time to Aeva's world full of warriors, Viking raiders, danger and romance. The characters are memorable and likable right from the start, drawing the reader into a plot that's fast-paced and full of surprises. Pick a favourite as a love interest for Aeva at your peril - you might just find yourself changing your mind several times over as you read on! An unputdownable book - I can't wait for the next in the trilogy!
April 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. The writing style was perfect, the plot was engaging and the characters each had their own personality. I couldn't put this book down, it was that good. One thing that annoyed me was the ending. I thought the ending was very abrupt, and not what I expected at all. I hope there's a second book because I have a lot of questions.
April 13, 2020
Fantastic book. Read in 24hrs. Really loved that they showed that Aeva was vulnerable and scared. Unlike other books were the girls are just automatically brave. Which is unrealistic. Really hope she gets a happy ending! She deserves it!
March 26, 2020
YA isn't usually my thing, but this is well-written and pretty historically accurate too.
April 12, 2020
Great read. Can't wait for the next in the series!
June 23, 2020
Review available on www.onceuponapageturn.blogspot.com
April 24, 2017
Vikings
At war with the vikings but this book is more about one girl's need too survive and all she has to endure.
At war with the vikings but this book is more about one girl's need too survive and all she has to endure.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews