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The Atlantis Grail Novella Series
Aeson: Blue
Aeson's secrets revealed at last!
Before Gwen won Aeson's heart…
Before they joined forces to protect two planets and humanity itself…
Aeson faced death on his own.
And lost.
Young Imperial Crown Prince Aeson Kassiopei. Intelligent, well-educated, perfectly isolated in his lofty rank, responsibilities, and privilege of the divine Imperial Dynasty. He's the most powerful boy on Atlantis and he's going into the real world for the very first time. . . .
Now just another student in Fleet Cadet School, Aeson must learn everything normal people take for granted—including the basics of how to look after himself, how to interact with others his age, how to laugh, and how to make friends.
As if that wasn't enough to boggle the mind of a confident but shy boy who's never had a real conversation with anyone but his mother, Aeson has one more lesson ahead . . . what it's like to fall in love.
Get inside Aeson's mind and learn his story from the inside out as he forms the bonds that will change him forever—with Elikara, Xelio, Oalla, Keruvat, Erita, and other favorite Atlantean characters, long before they took to the stars as astra daimon!
AESON: BLUE is the first in The Atlantis Grail Novella Series.
Before Gwen won Aeson's heart…
Before they joined forces to protect two planets and humanity itself…
Aeson faced death on his own.
And lost.
Young Imperial Crown Prince Aeson Kassiopei. Intelligent, well-educated, perfectly isolated in his lofty rank, responsibilities, and privilege of the divine Imperial Dynasty. He's the most powerful boy on Atlantis and he's going into the real world for the very first time. . . .
Now just another student in Fleet Cadet School, Aeson must learn everything normal people take for granted—including the basics of how to look after himself, how to interact with others his age, how to laugh, and how to make friends.
As if that wasn't enough to boggle the mind of a confident but shy boy who's never had a real conversation with anyone but his mother, Aeson has one more lesson ahead . . . what it's like to fall in love.
Get inside Aeson's mind and learn his story from the inside out as he forms the bonds that will change him forever—with Elikara, Xelio, Oalla, Keruvat, Erita, and other favorite Atlantean characters, long before they took to the stars as astra daimon!
AESON: BLUE is the first in The Atlantis Grail Novella Series.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2021
115 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Vera Nazarian
86 books1,033 followersVera Nazarian is a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, award-winning artist, and member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, a writer with a penchant for moral fables and stories of intense wonder, true love, and intricacy.
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
She immigrated to the USA from the former USSR as a kid, sold her first story at the age of 17, and since then has published numerous works in anthologies and magazines, and has seen her fiction translated into eight languages.
She is the author of critically acclaimed novels Dreams of the Compass Rose and Lords of Rainbow , romantic Renaissance epic fantasy trilogy Cobweb Bride , as well as the outrageous parodies Mansfield Park and Mummies and Northanger Abbey and Angels and Dragons , Pride and Platypus: Mr. Darcy's Dreadful Secret in her humorous and surprisingly romantic Supernatural Jane Austen Series , and most recently the bestselling high-octane science fiction series The Atlantis Grail , now optioned for film.
After many years in Los Angeles, Vera lives in a small town in Vermont, and uses her Armenian sense of humor and her Russian sense of suffering to bake conflicted pirozhki and make art.
Take the fun quiz to find out Which of the Lords of Rainbow do You Serve?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 21, 2022
First, a warning - do not read it, before you've read the 4 novels QUALIFY, COMPETE, WIN and SURVIVE! But if you've read them, prepare yourself for another really, really great experience. Also, make sure, that you're not disturbed for 4 or 5 hours - because you won't stop before you're through. Yes, it's that kind of book. You simply can't put it down.
Second: I wont tell you anything about the content, because the teaser on this page is more than sufficient - and even if you don't read it (but know the TAG-novels), you already roughly know what to expect in this novella. I only say one thing about it: your expectations will be surpassed. By far.
Second: I wont tell you anything about the content, because the teaser on this page is more than sufficient - and even if you don't read it (but know the TAG-novels), you already roughly know what to expect in this novella. I only say one thing about it: your expectations will be surpassed. By far.
April 19, 2022
[Spoiler notes: I am trying to avoid spoilers about this novella specifically, but I touch broadly on some parts of it—especially the framing device, which is the opening scene. Minor spoiler warning for the main series, in that basic facts about Aeson's future life may be mentioned.]
In a nutshell, this is this is generally in line with the full novels, quality-wise. (See my Survive review for (some of) my thoughts on that.) There are all the usual problems stemming from a lack of polish/etc, but there's a solid premise at the core and a few good moments here and there (Erita and Oalla are treasures). The info-dumping was actually a lot better than usual, probably due to the length constraint, and the easter-egg revelations were well done. That said, I had two main problems with this novella, neither of which were as big in the novels. I tried not to ramble, but things did get away from me a bit and this is actually the cut-down version.
Problem #1: The tenses at the beginning. There is not an entirely consistent "now" from the start of the flashback up through the first few scenes—past and present tenses are mixed together, and if there was a rhyme or reason to the usage, I wasn't able to find it. Fortunately it settles into something essentially consistent for the middle, and the transition from past to present at the end is pretty reasonable. But the start was very rough, to the point where I actually couldn't read that portion straight through. It felt very much like a writer trying to find her bearings, but I would expect that sort of thing to be smoothed out in a second pass. So either it's a deliberate choice that I happen to dislike (in which case your mileage may vary), or else somebody dropped the ball on editing the very beginning of the story.
Problem #2: This one gets split because there are distinct-but-related plot/narrative aspects involved.
• 2a: I was thinking of the Elikara thing as the B-plot (there's not enough time spent on/with her for it to be A-plot), but when I stopped and thought about it, I couldn't put my finger on what the A-plot was? There's not a clear throughline to this story, no overarching theme; it's a bunch of events (variably loosely- or closely-connected) throughout the years at school until Aeson catches back up with his present. The result is that, while it was nice to fill in the gaps and learn some of the things we learned, the story feels… aimless? Unfocused?
Whenever I try to pin down an A-plot, I end up talking myself in circles. Maybe I just need to reread it, but the fact that this is so muddy is not a point in the story's favor. Now, again, YMMV. But to be clear, I like many character-based stories; I don't need a Big Important Plot to enjoy a piece of media. But this novella isn't framed as slice-of-life or similar, which brings me to the second aspect of Problem #2…
• 2b: The framing device of "Aeson trying to distract himself while dying" implicitly sets up an expectation that we're going to be learning something important about how he got there. But we don't. The story fails to deliver on that basic premise. While the narration does end where it begins, the story in between those two points isn't about what happened to put Aeson in that position. The focus instead is on him navigating new and unfamiliar circumstances at the cadet academy—even the blurb highlights that. So why does Aeson’s mind turn to those events in particular, when neither his experiences at that time nor the relationships he built are closely linked to why he’s "currently" dying?
(As far as I can tell, the answer seems to be a combination of "Aeson's time as a cadet is interesting and currently-unexplored material" and "I really want to use this ending line, which works best thematically in this one specific context." Personally, that second one isn't enough of a reason to keep an out-of-place framing device in the story. Even if the line can't be tweaked to work in a different context where Aeson is still narrating, should one good line really be the priority?)
Overall, rating is 2.5/5, rounded down. A decent first draft, with the usual need for further development and revision. Storywise, it’s a good concept, but the execution falls flat for some key structural reasons. Note that despite the flaws, this is still an utterly average (i.e., not bad) rating from me.
In a nutshell, this is this is generally in line with the full novels, quality-wise. (See my Survive review for (some of) my thoughts on that.) There are all the usual problems stemming from a lack of polish/etc, but there's a solid premise at the core and a few good moments here and there (Erita and Oalla are treasures). The info-dumping was actually a lot better than usual, probably due to the length constraint, and the easter-egg revelations were well done. That said, I had two main problems with this novella, neither of which were as big in the novels. I tried not to ramble, but things did get away from me a bit and this is actually the cut-down version.
Problem #1: The tenses at the beginning. There is not an entirely consistent "now" from the start of the flashback up through the first few scenes—past and present tenses are mixed together, and if there was a rhyme or reason to the usage, I wasn't able to find it. Fortunately it settles into something essentially consistent for the middle, and the transition from past to present at the end is pretty reasonable. But the start was very rough, to the point where I actually couldn't read that portion straight through. It felt very much like a writer trying to find her bearings, but I would expect that sort of thing to be smoothed out in a second pass. So either it's a deliberate choice that I happen to dislike (in which case your mileage may vary), or else somebody dropped the ball on editing the very beginning of the story.
Problem #2: This one gets split because there are distinct-but-related plot/narrative aspects involved.
• 2a: I was thinking of the Elikara thing as the B-plot (there's not enough time spent on/with her for it to be A-plot), but when I stopped and thought about it, I couldn't put my finger on what the A-plot was? There's not a clear throughline to this story, no overarching theme; it's a bunch of events (variably loosely- or closely-connected) throughout the years at school until Aeson catches back up with his present. The result is that, while it was nice to fill in the gaps and learn some of the things we learned, the story feels… aimless? Unfocused?
Whenever I try to pin down an A-plot, I end up talking myself in circles. Maybe I just need to reread it, but the fact that this is so muddy is not a point in the story's favor. Now, again, YMMV. But to be clear, I like many character-based stories; I don't need a Big Important Plot to enjoy a piece of media. But this novella isn't framed as slice-of-life or similar, which brings me to the second aspect of Problem #2…
• 2b: The framing device of "Aeson trying to distract himself while dying" implicitly sets up an expectation that we're going to be learning something important about how he got there. But we don't. The story fails to deliver on that basic premise. While the narration does end where it begins, the story in between those two points isn't about what happened to put Aeson in that position. The focus instead is on him navigating new and unfamiliar circumstances at the cadet academy—even the blurb highlights that. So why does Aeson’s mind turn to those events in particular, when neither his experiences at that time nor the relationships he built are closely linked to why he’s "currently" dying?
(As far as I can tell, the answer seems to be a combination of "Aeson's time as a cadet is interesting and currently-unexplored material" and "I really want to use this ending line, which works best thematically in this one specific context." Personally, that second one isn't enough of a reason to keep an out-of-place framing device in the story. Even if the line can't be tweaked to work in a different context where Aeson is still narrating, should one good line really be the priority?)
Overall, rating is 2.5/5, rounded down. A decent first draft, with the usual need for further development and revision. Storywise, it’s a good concept, but the execution falls flat for some key structural reasons. Note that despite the flaws, this is still an utterly average (i.e., not bad) rating from me.
March 21, 2021
Eyes Wide Open
I found myself not only holding my breath, but also smiling as I read this. It was quite neat to go back to an earlier time in Aeson's life. It humanized him. All the insecurities of a new boy, with a sensitive nature....nothing like his father. On the other hand, I saw just how strong he was in so many ways. This story let me see more of Aeson's beautiful heart. Kudos, Vera! Thank you for sharing.
I found myself not only holding my breath, but also smiling as I read this. It was quite neat to go back to an earlier time in Aeson's life. It humanized him. All the insecurities of a new boy, with a sensitive nature....nothing like his father. On the other hand, I saw just how strong he was in so many ways. This story let me see more of Aeson's beautiful heart. Kudos, Vera! Thank you for sharing.
March 22, 2021
Love love love
If you have read the atlantis Grail series, this is a must read. The way the story is told is amazing with little "easter" eggs and more info to fill in from the series, this is an amazing read and extra to the series
If you have read the atlantis Grail series, this is a must read. The way the story is told is amazing with little "easter" eggs and more info to fill in from the series, this is an amazing read and extra to the series
March 20, 2021
Yessssssss!
This is another fantastic entry in one of my favorite series, giving us a glimpse of what Aeson was like growing up. I cannot get enough of this universe!
This is another fantastic entry in one of my favorite series, giving us a glimpse of what Aeson was like growing up. I cannot get enough of this universe!
March 20, 2021
Aeson Blue.
PURE GOLD . Another amazing story written by a true master of Science Fiction. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Well Done.
PURE GOLD . Another amazing story written by a true master of Science Fiction. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Well Done.
December 15, 2021
Aeson Gold
The title may state Blue but this novella contains some golden nuggets about our favourite Atlantean and his friends. Enjoy! I did.
The title may state Blue but this novella contains some golden nuggets about our favourite Atlantean and his friends. Enjoy! I did.
July 3, 2024
2024 Reads #222 & #378/250
4.25🌟
4.25🌟
Read
April 15, 2021This was a lot better than I expected, especially since I don't always get on well with novellas.
If you haven't read the entire The Atlantis Grail series, don't read this until you have, or you'll be a bit lost.
This is primarily a backstory for Aeson (as evidenced by the title) and follows him in his cadet years from the time he's 7 up through the Incident we learn about in TAG, but we also get to get some of the backstory in some of the other characters from TAG like Oalla, Xelio, Keruvat, Erita and Elikara.
The writing, as with the writing of the series, takes a bit of time to settle into. There's a lot of room for editing and refining, but I also didn't find it as bad as normal. Also as with all of the previous books, it was detail heavy for the first half and then time jump after time jump for the second half. The writing also has a tendency to be dramatic and over the top and the dialogue is written in a way pretty much no one speaks, but overall it was decent.
The setting/world is one we're familiar with since it takes place on Atlantida, and if you've read the other books, you'll understand the traditions, customs and historical references that are scattered throughout, along with the random Atlanteo words. And that was pretty consistent from the main series (besides the age thing, which we'll get to).
The plot was also fine. It follows Aeson in his time at cadet school and it's generally a more character centric story, since we already have previous knowledge of the classes from the main series.
Finally, I found Aeson's arc to be written very similarly to Gwen's from the main series, but I enjoyed getting his backstory a bit and learning how he met everyone and what their relationships were like before we meet them in TAG. Xelio's backstory is also tragic and I really liked seeing their relationship unfold. Some of the relationships could've been fleshed out more, so certain events had more of an emotional impact, but overall this was the most solid part of the story.
All in all, a solid addition to the world.
TW/CW: violence, grief, death, mention of suicide
If you haven't read the entire The Atlantis Grail series, don't read this until you have, or you'll be a bit lost.
This is primarily a backstory for Aeson (as evidenced by the title) and follows him in his cadet years from the time he's 7 up through the Incident we learn about in TAG, but we also get to get some of the backstory in some of the other characters from TAG like Oalla, Xelio, Keruvat, Erita and Elikara.
The writing, as with the writing of the series, takes a bit of time to settle into. There's a lot of room for editing and refining, but I also didn't find it as bad as normal. Also as with all of the previous books, it was detail heavy for the first half and then time jump after time jump for the second half. The writing also has a tendency to be dramatic and over the top and the dialogue is written in a way pretty much no one speaks, but overall it was decent.
The setting/world is one we're familiar with since it takes place on Atlantida, and if you've read the other books, you'll understand the traditions, customs and historical references that are scattered throughout, along with the random Atlanteo words. And that was pretty consistent from the main series (besides the age thing, which we'll get to).
The plot was also fine. It follows Aeson in his time at cadet school and it's generally a more character centric story, since we already have previous knowledge of the classes from the main series.
Finally, I found Aeson's arc to be written very similarly to Gwen's from the main series, but I enjoyed getting his backstory a bit and learning how he met everyone and what their relationships were like before we meet them in TAG. Xelio's backstory is also tragic and I really liked seeing their relationship unfold. Some of the relationships could've been fleshed out more, so certain events had more of an emotional impact, but overall this was the most solid part of the story.
All in all, a solid addition to the world.
TW/CW: violence, grief, death, mention of suicide
March 20, 2021
Aeson Blue 💙
I love this novella. A prequel to The Atlantis Grail series. A great insight to Aeson's life at Cadet school and how his relationships with his lifetime friends developed. I couldn't put this book down and I looking forward to the next one!
I love this novella. A prequel to The Atlantis Grail series. A great insight to Aeson's life at Cadet school and how his relationships with his lifetime friends developed. I couldn't put this book down and I looking forward to the next one!
March 23, 2021
Keeps you wanting more.
This series is the best there is. So glad Vera is continuing its journey. Can’t wait for the next one.
This series is the best there is. So glad Vera is continuing its journey. Can’t wait for the next one.
March 21, 2021
Wonderful To Meet Young Kass
I LOVED this insight into young Aeson and how he met the people who became his friends and trusted confidants.
I LOVED this insight into young Aeson and how he met the people who became his friends and trusted confidants.
August 15, 2021
Full review: www.jessreviews.co.uk
November 7, 2023
I loved this book!
I like how it shows what happens to Aeson before he got his black armband.
Even though there’s no chapters, the text is broken up by Aeson regaining consciousness in space. To stop from hurting, he makes himself go back to his memories.
It was really cool to see how the characters from the main four books came together originally.
I’m so excited to be reading this series again!
I like how it shows what happens to Aeson before he got his black armband.
Even though there’s no chapters, the text is broken up by Aeson regaining consciousness in space. To stop from hurting, he makes himself go back to his memories.
It was really cool to see how the characters from the main four books came together originally.
I’m so excited to be reading this series again!
September 26, 2024
Important life events from Aeson’s POV
I enjoyed this companion novella to the Atlantis Grail series. This is a companion novella so it is best read with the rest of the Atlantis Grail series since some of the context and the richness of the world building and storyline would be lost without those books as a base. This novella tells the story of Aeson right before he dies at Ae-Leiterra. We learn about some of his formidable moments leading up to his death including when he first attends Fleet School as the shy and isolated son of the Imperator of Atlantida and his meeting of his fellow astra daimon, Elikara, Xelio, Oalla, Keruvat, and Erita. Despite being short, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an interesting storyline. I loved hearing a deeper telling of pivotal moments in Aeson’s life from his POV.
I enjoyed this companion novella to the Atlantis Grail series. This is a companion novella so it is best read with the rest of the Atlantis Grail series since some of the context and the richness of the world building and storyline would be lost without those books as a base. This novella tells the story of Aeson right before he dies at Ae-Leiterra. We learn about some of his formidable moments leading up to his death including when he first attends Fleet School as the shy and isolated son of the Imperator of Atlantida and his meeting of his fellow astra daimon, Elikara, Xelio, Oalla, Keruvat, and Erita. Despite being short, the story was well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an interesting storyline. I loved hearing a deeper telling of pivotal moments in Aeson’s life from his POV.
March 21, 2021
Wonderful
Wonderful. I always love Vera storytelling. Thus brought you into aesons mind at an early age. I now want to read the series over again from the beginning to look for clues. I'm glad thus was written the daytime was. It doesn't spoil the other stories and can be read at any time
Wonderful. I always love Vera storytelling. Thus brought you into aesons mind at an early age. I now want to read the series over again from the beginning to look for clues. I'm glad thus was written the daytime was. It doesn't spoil the other stories and can be read at any time
March 27, 2021
This relatively brief, but intensive, novella detailing Aeson's pivotal years when he leaves the Palace to join his subjects in Military School is, as with all the other books in this series, a fantastic read. The relationships between Aeson and his friends begin here and nearly all are disasters to begin with and then inevitably and believably become tighter than many families. Some of the most powerful scenes Nazarian has ever written can be found in this book. If you haven't read Qualify and the rest of the Atlantis Grail series, you are missing something special.
March 28, 2021
Entertaining and informative
This is the first of The Atlantis Grail follow up novellas, and if this is what we can expect, please keep them coming. I loved the way the story was told and it gives some serious insight into who Aeson is and how he became that way. I can't wait for the next book! Great read!
This is the first of The Atlantis Grail follow up novellas, and if this is what we can expect, please keep them coming. I loved the way the story was told and it gives some serious insight into who Aeson is and how he became that way. I can't wait for the next book! Great read!
April 10, 2021
Prequel of The Atlantis Grail Series-Aeson Blue
I loved Aeson Blue as it delves into Aeson’s thoughts during his ordeal. Information at the end, the glossary confirmed my guesses on several words used during books 1-4. Would have been nice to have those included somewhere in the books as they came up.
Vera N is a fantastic storyteller that keeps me up WAY past bedtime reading her well written tales!!
I loved Aeson Blue as it delves into Aeson’s thoughts during his ordeal. Information at the end, the glossary confirmed my guesses on several words used during books 1-4. Would have been nice to have those included somewhere in the books as they came up.
Vera N is a fantastic storyteller that keeps me up WAY past bedtime reading her well written tales!!
March 22, 2021
Everything I wanted but never enough!!
This was wonderful but I would have loved to read a full length version. There is always so much beauty in her writing. ❤️
This was wonderful but I would have loved to read a full length version. There is always so much beauty in her writing. ❤️
Read
March 26, 2021Great!
LOVE everything Nazarian writes. This was as good as all the others. I an ready for the next in the series.
LOVE everything Nazarian writes. This was as good as all the others. I an ready for the next in the series.
March 27, 2021
As always, amazing! Vera never disappoints!
Absolutely loved this brief trip into what shaped Aeson into the man that he is in the main series, with wonderful insight into the Astra Daimon too! Couldn’t put it down!
Absolutely loved this brief trip into what shaped Aeson into the man that he is in the main series, with wonderful insight into the Astra Daimon too! Couldn’t put it down!
April 4, 2021
I just love these books and this gives a wonderful glimpse into Aesons early life.
Only downside is it's made me want to re read the whole series.
Only downside is it's made me want to re read the whole series.
April 6, 2021
A great back story to the TAG series!! All our questions answered and more details about our favorite, Aeson!
April 24, 2021
Aeson, the child
I very much enjoyed having a glimpse into the childhood of Aeson and how he began his development into adulthood. Responsibilities that most children are never faced with. Beautiful story.
I very much enjoyed having a glimpse into the childhood of Aeson and how he began his development into adulthood. Responsibilities that most children are never faced with. Beautiful story.
March 23, 2021
Wonderful! Quick read! Still love all the characters!
March 25, 2021
Love this series
All of the books are fantastic. I cannot wait for the next one. This has become my go-to comfort series, and I’m glad to add this novella to the collection
All of the books are fantastic. I cannot wait for the next one. This has become my go-to comfort series, and I’m glad to add this novella to the collection
May 10, 2021
It explains Aeson so well.
It explains Kass and why he notices Gwen when he sees her at the RQC center in Pennsylvania. He is attracted to smart, sassy and complicatted women. He has seen her in his future
It explains Kass and why he notices Gwen when he sees her at the RQC center in Pennsylvania. He is attracted to smart, sassy and complicatted women. He has seen her in his future
July 14, 2021
Enjoyed learning more about Aeson and about the training that created his cadre of friends. Great addition to The Atlantis Grail series. I can't wait for more from this author.
March 26, 2021
Couldn't put it down. Stopped breathing when Aeson was in pain. Can't wait for the Prequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews