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Daughter of Axiom
“When our hunger for deliverance threatens to overwhelm us, the Daughter of Axiom will appear.” Four years have passed, and the death of Carolina’s father still haunts her. She keeps her anger locked inside until a mysterious young warrior appears at her school with information about her father and a warning to stay away from a place called “Axiom”. When soldiers with powerful abilities track her down, Carolina finds herself pulled into an ever-changing world of new friends, ruthless enemies, and a cryptic voice begging for her help. In the shadow of an ancient proclamation and trapped between two warring nations, she must sort through lies and manipulation in order to survive and alter the fate of an entire world.
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May 20, 2025As the author, I have contemplated reviewing my own book many times, and with the conclusion coming later this year, I have finally decided that it is time. (Though, I won't click a rating because that just doesn't feel right to me)
Before I start, I want to point out that the target audience for this is my teenage students (I'm a high school teacher). More specifically, I wanted to write a book for people who enjoyed books but also teens who may not have read much fantasy. One goal for this book is to get teens interested in reading more fantasy.
So let's start there. This is a portal fantasy, but it is NOT high fantasy. It's written to be friendly to non-fantasy readers but with enough fantasy elements to hopefully draw readers in to ask for more fantasy from other authors (or maybe me in the future!). On that account, I can say this book absolutely accomplishes that purpose. I have heard from many teens who were not sure if they would like this book but ended up loving it and wanting to read more fantasy.
Now, I want to look at the actual details to see what you should consider before you start reading it.
THE FIRST HUNDRED PAGES...
If you're going to DNF this book, it's because I did not handle the first hundred pages well. They don't give off the fantasy vibe. They spend too much time on Earth and dealing with real world kid problems. Nearly everyone who has DNF'd this book did so in the first hundred pages. And I don't blame them. A few people really appreciated this section, but it's absolutely the weakest of the book. That said, almost everyone who makes it through the first hundred pages ends up thoroughly enjoying the book!
THE WRITING STYLE...
To be quite honest, my writing style has tremendous room for growth. This was my first novel, and it likely shows. Most people (particularly teens) find the book easily readable, but a few have said the writing bothered them. Typically, the people who have a hard time with my writing style are adults who read lots of adult fantasy. My target audience doesn't seem to have problems with it, and several have even told me they found it more easily readable than other books.
THE STORY...
I've been honest throughout my review, and I won't stop here. The story in this book can compete with any top tier YA book. Truthfully, the storylines were written to impact the lives of the readers, and every single person who has finished the book would agree that this book delivers on the emotional and impactful promises that were made throughout the story. Nearly everyone who finishes the book agrees that the story in this book is excellent, and I'm going to trust them.
THE CHARACTERS...
Readers seem to really love my side characters. Carolina has a great MC arc, but a few of the prominent side characters do outshine her a bit. A few people have been disappointed by the MC, and I can understand that because she was the most difficult for me to write. That said, many people have found characters that they love and/or wished they could be friends with in real life.
THE WORLD...
This will come down to reader preference. Avid fantasy readers may find the lack of intense worldbuilding a bit underwhelming while those new to the genre tend to love the simple learning curve with a softer magic system and a world that literally reshapes in response to the conflict among the people groups. That said, even avid fantasy readers will find a few fresh ideas that will have them asking for more.
TLDR
Overall, I give my debut novel a 4 out of 5.
Avid fantasy readers with high expectations might rate it a 3, while those new to the genre and/or those who care for the story over the details may rate this a 5 with some frayed edges.
Thank you for reading my review! I hope you'll give Daughter of Axiom (and the upcoming sequel, Hope of Axiom) a chance or recommend it to someone who fits better into the target audience.
Before I start, I want to point out that the target audience for this is my teenage students (I'm a high school teacher). More specifically, I wanted to write a book for people who enjoyed books but also teens who may not have read much fantasy. One goal for this book is to get teens interested in reading more fantasy.
So let's start there. This is a portal fantasy, but it is NOT high fantasy. It's written to be friendly to non-fantasy readers but with enough fantasy elements to hopefully draw readers in to ask for more fantasy from other authors (or maybe me in the future!). On that account, I can say this book absolutely accomplishes that purpose. I have heard from many teens who were not sure if they would like this book but ended up loving it and wanting to read more fantasy.
Now, I want to look at the actual details to see what you should consider before you start reading it.
THE FIRST HUNDRED PAGES...
If you're going to DNF this book, it's because I did not handle the first hundred pages well. They don't give off the fantasy vibe. They spend too much time on Earth and dealing with real world kid problems. Nearly everyone who has DNF'd this book did so in the first hundred pages. And I don't blame them. A few people really appreciated this section, but it's absolutely the weakest of the book. That said, almost everyone who makes it through the first hundred pages ends up thoroughly enjoying the book!
THE WRITING STYLE...
To be quite honest, my writing style has tremendous room for growth. This was my first novel, and it likely shows. Most people (particularly teens) find the book easily readable, but a few have said the writing bothered them. Typically, the people who have a hard time with my writing style are adults who read lots of adult fantasy. My target audience doesn't seem to have problems with it, and several have even told me they found it more easily readable than other books.
THE STORY...
I've been honest throughout my review, and I won't stop here. The story in this book can compete with any top tier YA book. Truthfully, the storylines were written to impact the lives of the readers, and every single person who has finished the book would agree that this book delivers on the emotional and impactful promises that were made throughout the story. Nearly everyone who finishes the book agrees that the story in this book is excellent, and I'm going to trust them.
THE CHARACTERS...
Readers seem to really love my side characters. Carolina has a great MC arc, but a few of the prominent side characters do outshine her a bit. A few people have been disappointed by the MC, and I can understand that because she was the most difficult for me to write. That said, many people have found characters that they love and/or wished they could be friends with in real life.
THE WORLD...
This will come down to reader preference. Avid fantasy readers may find the lack of intense worldbuilding a bit underwhelming while those new to the genre tend to love the simple learning curve with a softer magic system and a world that literally reshapes in response to the conflict among the people groups. That said, even avid fantasy readers will find a few fresh ideas that will have them asking for more.
TLDR
Overall, I give my debut novel a 4 out of 5.
Avid fantasy readers with high expectations might rate it a 3, while those new to the genre and/or those who care for the story over the details may rate this a 5 with some frayed edges.
Thank you for reading my review! I hope you'll give Daughter of Axiom (and the upcoming sequel, Hope of Axiom) a chance or recommend it to someone who fits better into the target audience.
April 22, 2023
I had the honor of beta reading this book, and it easily became one of my favorites. The character cast is amazing and feels so REAL.
One of my favorite “games” to play while reading is guess plot twists. I got a couple, but most of the time, I was reading with my jaw dropped in shock. (In the best possible way.) If you love fantasy, then I definitely recommend Daughter of Axiom, is it incredibly unique and the type of book you will want to read 10 more times just to make sure you didn’t miss anything!
One of my favorite “games” to play while reading is guess plot twists. I got a couple, but most of the time, I was reading with my jaw dropped in shock. (In the best possible way.) If you love fantasy, then I definitely recommend Daughter of Axiom, is it incredibly unique and the type of book you will want to read 10 more times just to make sure you didn’t miss anything!
May 7, 2024
Daughter of Axiom
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Young Adult Fantasy
🎶 Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
One sentence synopsis:
Holding onto anger from her father’s death, Carolina travels from Earth to another world where she finds herself trapped between two warring nations.
My review:
This was a very entertaining YA adventure book that always kept me on my toes.
There were some pretty decent twists in here too which I wasn’t expecting! The world building was really good, the characters were pretty likable, and the story was easy to follow.
It is very much a YA book. I’ve said this before but I don’t always have to right mindset for a YA novel. And to be honest, pretty much all of my frustrations with this book can just be contributed to the fact that it’s written for high schoolers. So please take my opinions with a grain of salt. Some of the actions and emotions of the characters seem like they jump all over the place but I can’t decide if that’s just because the character isn’t fully flushed out or because the character is a high school girl. I don’t think I got a really good grip on the timeframe of the story either which probably contributed to some of my frustrations with the character’s actions. Did this story happen over the course of a few days/weeks or over many many months/a year. 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t know. Maybe I missed that part though.
But despite my slight confusion of the timeline and woes of a teenage girl, I really enjoyed it! I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who really loves YA or anyone who loves a good adventure story where you’re on the edge of your seat with how it will end. This would be a great book to get a high schooler to read over the summer too!
YA is hit or miss for me so I’m happy to say this was mostly a hit. What is your favorite YA book?
✨ Thank you @dienercontent for my #gifted copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Young Adult Fantasy
🎶 Bring Me To Life - Evanescence
One sentence synopsis:
Holding onto anger from her father’s death, Carolina travels from Earth to another world where she finds herself trapped between two warring nations.
My review:
This was a very entertaining YA adventure book that always kept me on my toes.
There were some pretty decent twists in here too which I wasn’t expecting! The world building was really good, the characters were pretty likable, and the story was easy to follow.
It is very much a YA book. I’ve said this before but I don’t always have to right mindset for a YA novel. And to be honest, pretty much all of my frustrations with this book can just be contributed to the fact that it’s written for high schoolers. So please take my opinions with a grain of salt. Some of the actions and emotions of the characters seem like they jump all over the place but I can’t decide if that’s just because the character isn’t fully flushed out or because the character is a high school girl. I don’t think I got a really good grip on the timeframe of the story either which probably contributed to some of my frustrations with the character’s actions. Did this story happen over the course of a few days/weeks or over many many months/a year. 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t know. Maybe I missed that part though.
But despite my slight confusion of the timeline and woes of a teenage girl, I really enjoyed it! I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who really loves YA or anyone who loves a good adventure story where you’re on the edge of your seat with how it will end. This would be a great book to get a high schooler to read over the summer too!
YA is hit or miss for me so I’m happy to say this was mostly a hit. What is your favorite YA book?
✨ Thank you @dienercontent for my #gifted copy!
November 17, 2025
5 star YA Portal Fantasy
"Daughter of Axiom" by Mike Diener
CONTENT RATINGS:
kissing: none
fade-to-black: none
violence: 13&up
SA: none
Language: none
war violence
death
on page grief
1st in a duology
FORMAT/AVAILABILITY
available now
kindle
paperback
TROPES:
no-spice
ancient prophecy
reluctant heroine
found family
chosen one with a twist
warring kingdoms
mysterious guiding voice
REVIEW:
I'm not sure how I can explain everything I felt while reading the book or even after I finished, but I will try my best. First of all, I would be completely confident handing this book to a 13-year-old. This is a true YA. Second, just go ahead and give up trying to figure out what is going to happen before it happens. I thought I knew where the plot was headed, but oh my word was I wrong. Because of this, the book makes you think. What is right, what is wrong, who are the villains, and who can she trust? However, this is what makes the book so good. Having everything masterfully revealed one step at a time was everything my reader heart wanted. The characters were thoroughly designed, their character development was amazing, the worldbuilding was unique, and the backstories were carefully crafted. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
"Daughter of Axiom" by Mike Diener
CONTENT RATINGS:
kissing: none
fade-to-black: none
violence: 13&up
SA: none
Language: none
war violence
death
on page grief
1st in a duology
FORMAT/AVAILABILITY
available now
kindle
paperback
TROPES:
no-spice
ancient prophecy
reluctant heroine
found family
chosen one with a twist
warring kingdoms
mysterious guiding voice
REVIEW:
I'm not sure how I can explain everything I felt while reading the book or even after I finished, but I will try my best. First of all, I would be completely confident handing this book to a 13-year-old. This is a true YA. Second, just go ahead and give up trying to figure out what is going to happen before it happens. I thought I knew where the plot was headed, but oh my word was I wrong. Because of this, the book makes you think. What is right, what is wrong, who are the villains, and who can she trust? However, this is what makes the book so good. Having everything masterfully revealed one step at a time was everything my reader heart wanted. The characters were thoroughly designed, their character development was amazing, the worldbuilding was unique, and the backstories were carefully crafted. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
September 5, 2024
It continues to be the books that live on my TBR shelf for too long that I fall in love with the most. Reading Daughter of Axiom took me back to the days I spent in middle school reading the entire Hunger Games series in a single weekend. The writing, plot twists, and endearing characters had me absolutely engrossed in the story, and I had a hard time putting it down.
The characters are complex, which only thickens the plot at every turn. I did find the main character mildly annoying at times, but I can't totally be mad at it. It means Mike Diener wote a very convincing and believable teenage girl. Impressive! (Un)Fortunately, I just don't resonate with that anymore.
Despite this, the story is what truly kept me reading and what makes me so excited and anxious for the next book! This was such a strong start to the series, I can only imagine how much richer the writing, characters, and story will become. This is one of the best fantasies I've ever read, and I will be recommending it to anyone and everyone possible. Am I a little biased because Mr. Diener is one of the best teachers I ever had? Possibly. But this book deserves as much praise as he does!
The characters are complex, which only thickens the plot at every turn. I did find the main character mildly annoying at times, but I can't totally be mad at it. It means Mike Diener wote a very convincing and believable teenage girl. Impressive! (Un)Fortunately, I just don't resonate with that anymore.
Despite this, the story is what truly kept me reading and what makes me so excited and anxious for the next book! This was such a strong start to the series, I can only imagine how much richer the writing, characters, and story will become. This is one of the best fantasies I've ever read, and I will be recommending it to anyone and everyone possible. Am I a little biased because Mr. Diener is one of the best teachers I ever had? Possibly. But this book deserves as much praise as he does!
May 7, 2024
I’m kind of a biased source (considering Diener is my teacher), but I thought it was pretty solid. The book would definitely be better for someone in middle school who lives a cliche sci-fi novel. I thought it was pretty well written, but I do feel as though some events were just thrown in to add plot. Also I don’t understand why the characters were given such complex names; I get that it’s sci-fi but still! Just give them names like Ophelia (a unique name but easy to pronounce in your head). Despite my criticism, I did enjoy the book once I got into it (it gets better as it goes on). The beginning starts off a little annoying (because Carolina is annoying) but I promise that it gets better!!! Carolina gets better-ish.
March 19, 2024
5/5 Stars - an excellent start to the series!
Daughter of Axiom, by Mike Diener, is book one in a YA portal fantasy series. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, so I was ecstatic to be offered a review copy (thanks again, Mike Diener :-).
The basic premise is that the main character, Carolina, has dreams about a tree in another world, only for people from that world to enter hers because they believe she is the prophesized “Daughter of Axiom” who will end a war between the kingdoms of Locus and Axiom. Both kingdoms want to use Carolina to their advantage. In an attempt to clear up confusion surrounding her parentage, Carolina travels to Axiom. But unfortunately, that only makes things more difficult for her.
Daughter of Axiom was a solid start to the series. The characters were likable, the writing style was fantastic, and the worldbuilding was cool. But I think the thing I liked most about Daughter of Axiom was the complexity of the characters’ motivations.
***Vague spoilers from here on out***
I made a comment early on in reading Daughter of Axiom that people were being so nice to Carolina, and I was convinced there would be betrayal in the future. Then I read more and began to think that these characters were just nice. Then I hit the final quarter of the book and realized I was right the first time.
The war between Axiom and Locus is complex. Lots of characters are fighting with good intentions, but because they don’t know the whole story, they choose the wrong side. It made my head spin a teeny bit, trying to figure out who was on whose side at the end, but I really liked this part of the book. Your opinion of characters is likely to change from the beginning as you learn more about their past and begin to understand why they did what they did.
I think it will really interesting to see how these viewpoints develop in book two. I can’t help but wonder if we’re in for healed relationships or more betrayal...Whatever it is, I’m super excited to read it!
Daughter of Axiom, by Mike Diener, is book one in a YA portal fantasy series. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it, so I was ecstatic to be offered a review copy (thanks again, Mike Diener :-).
The basic premise is that the main character, Carolina, has dreams about a tree in another world, only for people from that world to enter hers because they believe she is the prophesized “Daughter of Axiom” who will end a war between the kingdoms of Locus and Axiom. Both kingdoms want to use Carolina to their advantage. In an attempt to clear up confusion surrounding her parentage, Carolina travels to Axiom. But unfortunately, that only makes things more difficult for her.
Daughter of Axiom was a solid start to the series. The characters were likable, the writing style was fantastic, and the worldbuilding was cool. But I think the thing I liked most about Daughter of Axiom was the complexity of the characters’ motivations.
***Vague spoilers from here on out***
I made a comment early on in reading Daughter of Axiom that people were being so nice to Carolina, and I was convinced there would be betrayal in the future. Then I read more and began to think that these characters were just nice. Then I hit the final quarter of the book and realized I was right the first time.
The war between Axiom and Locus is complex. Lots of characters are fighting with good intentions, but because they don’t know the whole story, they choose the wrong side. It made my head spin a teeny bit, trying to figure out who was on whose side at the end, but I really liked this part of the book. Your opinion of characters is likely to change from the beginning as you learn more about their past and begin to understand why they did what they did.
I think it will really interesting to see how these viewpoints develop in book two. I can’t help but wonder if we’re in for healed relationships or more betrayal...Whatever it is, I’m super excited to read it!
February 10, 2025
It says I didn’t actually finish the book because I read on a different device than I’m leaving this review- but this book was spectacular! Assuming you have the endurance to get through the first few chapters, the book’s excitement and world building ramps up so quickly! I found the introduction of Carolina’s first sword a bit underwhelming (kinda expected a sword from the stone esque moment) but my personal feelings do NOT change the truth that this was a spectacular read, and that Mike Diener (as we say now) absolutely cooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!! I read it last year but I’m starting the sequel and remembering how much I loved this whole world. Props to the author for the incredible world building that’s so easy to follow and understand.
A friend gifted me this book and I immediately had to purchase some copies for my own friends! It’s so good and the betrayal and heartache is perfectly written. Every character is well developed and wonderful. The main character is human but personable and amazing!
I can’t wait to finish book two!!
A friend gifted me this book and I immediately had to purchase some copies for my own friends! It’s so good and the betrayal and heartache is perfectly written. Every character is well developed and wonderful. The main character is human but personable and amazing!
I can’t wait to finish book two!!
April 20, 2023
Absolutely amazing book. The story was very well developed and made it a very fun read. The way Mike develops the whole idea of axiom and how everything works together is very well written. Definitely recommend this to everyone.
May 22, 2023
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!! I just finished reading DOA and I am absolutely blown away!!! As someone who hasn’t finished a book for pleasure in a few years I read this book in three days. I’m not sure what expectations I had going in but everything I could have imagined was far exceeded. I started a couple days ago and I was absolutely hooked. I read the entire day today to finish! The characters were so lovable and the themes and underlying meanings were genuinely just so beautiful! I absolutely cannot wait to read the next one!!!
April 28, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book that I would recommend to any fiction lover. The book quickly engrosses you into the world with several mysteries that end in twists that even the most avid reader may be surprised by. Looking forward to the sequal!
May 20, 2023
I NEED THE SEQUEL IMMEDIATELY /lh /hj
ahhsujaujvadhk I literally just finished reading, but if I wait to write a review I’ll forget everything, so forgive my rambling. here goes
Um this book just grabbed my heart and wrapped itself around it and squeezed really hard. I LIVE for character relationships, and DoA has those by the bucketload. Plus a twisty plot? Plus a gorgeous cover? What more is needed?
The characters are vibrant, well-developed, and yeah they’re just completely amazing. I love Carolina, Riso, Rea, Selah, Kailak…and others…so very much. The character arcs and development are phenomenal, with one slight exception. (Vague spoiler ahead in the rest of the paragraph, just for something that happens but not specifying with who): one character’s betrayal felt a little…forced? Like, betrayal and the motivation for it didn’t seem to match at all with who the character was shown to be previously. Or maybe I just think that because I’m so upset about the betrayal lolololol
Anyway, I was surprised how much this book is character based as opposed to plot based - pleasantly surprised, I should say. I loved it. However, that’s not to say there wasn’t much plot. There were plenty of amazing plot twists and I guessed very few of them, applause applause applause.
Uhh what else? The world building. It’s fantastically done.
I have nothing else to say, other than that I highly recommend this book. Oh, and that it’s totally clean (yay!)
WAIT OH AND THE THEMES! FORGIVENESS, SACRIFICE, LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND AND SEE PEOPLE AS PEOPLE.
Ok ok now I’m done. Fantastic book. Six out of five stars. Time for me to cry in a corner with my lil book hangover.
ahhsujaujvadhk I literally just finished reading, but if I wait to write a review I’ll forget everything, so forgive my rambling. here goes
Um this book just grabbed my heart and wrapped itself around it and squeezed really hard. I LIVE for character relationships, and DoA has those by the bucketload. Plus a twisty plot? Plus a gorgeous cover? What more is needed?
The characters are vibrant, well-developed, and yeah they’re just completely amazing. I love Carolina, Riso, Rea, Selah, Kailak…and others…so very much. The character arcs and development are phenomenal, with one slight exception. (Vague spoiler ahead in the rest of the paragraph, just for something that happens but not specifying with who): one character’s betrayal felt a little…forced? Like, betrayal and the motivation for it didn’t seem to match at all with who the character was shown to be previously. Or maybe I just think that because I’m so upset about the betrayal lolololol
Anyway, I was surprised how much this book is character based as opposed to plot based - pleasantly surprised, I should say. I loved it. However, that’s not to say there wasn’t much plot. There were plenty of amazing plot twists and I guessed very few of them, applause applause applause.
Uhh what else? The world building. It’s fantastically done.
I have nothing else to say, other than that I highly recommend this book. Oh, and that it’s totally clean (yay!)
WAIT OH AND THE THEMES! FORGIVENESS, SACRIFICE, LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND AND SEE PEOPLE AS PEOPLE.
Ok ok now I’m done. Fantastic book. Six out of five stars. Time for me to cry in a corner with my lil book hangover.
April 11, 2023
Daughter of Axiom is the best book I have ever read. I relate so much to the character. The way the author writes just brings me peace. I could not put the book down the entire time I read it. I will be looking forward to any other book the author writes.My love books have grown since reading this book. From the moment I read the first line I knew I was gonna love this book. There’s so many plot twist moments which makes reader never wanna put it down, you never expect anything to happen then boom it happens and you are so amazed. I fell in love with each chapter. The character just the make the book better but the story behind it makes it even better. I will forever love this book. Thank you Mr Diener for writing such an amazing book!
January 18, 2024
Spoilers (If you haven't read the book please don't read this review. The conclusion of the book is so powerful and I think everyone should go into it blind.):
After reading this book I am glad to say that I will be recommending this to pretty much anyone that will listen. I found the main character's story to be so powerful. Her story of forgiveness is one of the most powerful character arcs I have read in a long time. I genuinely feel inspired by the conclusion of the book and Carolina's integrity and ultimate forgiveness and it makes me want to be a better person. Not only is the main story incredibly engaging, but I very much enjoyed literally every character's side story. Tomo, Kailik, Nash, Brynne, Arcus, and Selah all have completely different views on the world and yet they are all engaging and inspiring in their own ways. Each characters different view on the world contribute to a rich moral question about who is right in this conflict which greatly enhances the conclusion of the book when Carolina finally chooses a side and you truly care for her.
Not only does each characters arcs and themes make this book engaging though. The world building of a relatively small world that is still being created is and idea I have never seen before in a fantasy novel. I felt that the gifts felt very special to the world even though they are relatively un original, the characters cherish them (or conversely abuse them) in ways that are not just for show, but are also reflections of their personality and goals in the story.
However I do have one negative. I feel the beginning dragged while I was reading it. After completing the book I understand how valuable that section is to the book. Overall the book gets better and better with every chapter and the dramatic and emotional conclusion is very much worth the wait.
In conclusion, this book has entertained me a great deal in the last several weeks and I cannot wait for the sequel. Finishing the book leaves me so hungry for more that I am likely to just re-read this one (I finished the book yesterday and already want to read it again). Although the book gave me a lot of enjoyment, even more importantly it has inspired me to be a better person and I would truly like to thank the author for that.
After reading this book I am glad to say that I will be recommending this to pretty much anyone that will listen. I found the main character's story to be so powerful. Her story of forgiveness is one of the most powerful character arcs I have read in a long time. I genuinely feel inspired by the conclusion of the book and Carolina's integrity and ultimate forgiveness and it makes me want to be a better person. Not only is the main story incredibly engaging, but I very much enjoyed literally every character's side story. Tomo, Kailik, Nash, Brynne, Arcus, and Selah all have completely different views on the world and yet they are all engaging and inspiring in their own ways. Each characters different view on the world contribute to a rich moral question about who is right in this conflict which greatly enhances the conclusion of the book when Carolina finally chooses a side and you truly care for her.
Not only does each characters arcs and themes make this book engaging though. The world building of a relatively small world that is still being created is and idea I have never seen before in a fantasy novel. I felt that the gifts felt very special to the world even though they are relatively un original, the characters cherish them (or conversely abuse them) in ways that are not just for show, but are also reflections of their personality and goals in the story.
However I do have one negative. I feel the beginning dragged while I was reading it. After completing the book I understand how valuable that section is to the book. Overall the book gets better and better with every chapter and the dramatic and emotional conclusion is very much worth the wait.
In conclusion, this book has entertained me a great deal in the last several weeks and I cannot wait for the sequel. Finishing the book leaves me so hungry for more that I am likely to just re-read this one (I finished the book yesterday and already want to read it again). Although the book gave me a lot of enjoyment, even more importantly it has inspired me to be a better person and I would truly like to thank the author for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
I honestly thought the book started off a bit rough, and it felt like it was forced and there was just so much happening at once. After the first few chapters though, the book started becoming better, and the ending was amazing. The worldbuilding was fantastic, and it was very interesting to see how the environment and world was always changing. I feel like this was fitting with the plot because there are so many things going on in the plot, and there were so many twists that happened. The character development of Carolina was very nice to see, and you can really tell that she grew as a character if you compare her from the beginning of the story to the end. The ending phase of the book revealed the unanswered twists and the truth behind the characters, and this was very interesting to see. Overall, it was an amazing book that had a lot of good themes and had a wonderful plot. Daughter of Axiom
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January 18, 2024When my teacher Mr.Diener gave me this book near the beginning of the year and told me that he was hoping I would feel heard if I read it. I had planned to read it, but school overtook all my opportunities to read and I continued to procrastinate the reading. When my english teacher offered the book as an option for a book club I could not help but choose it. I knew there had to be a reason he wanted me to read his book. As I began the book I did not see much that me and the main character had in common but as I got to the end I noticed what my teacher had meant. I had a lot in common with the main character and it eventually brought me to tears reading the emotions that I had once felt. Overall this book is very well written and one of my favorites. Can't wait for the sequel!
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January 18, 2024I found this book very interesting. The twists were surprising and hit well, especially near the end. Additionally, I enjoyed when, near the end, everything that happened in the beginning and middle sections of the book fell into place, even things I thought weren't important or necessarily interesting. Furthermore, when re-reading the book, you can find things you didn't notice the first time that now make sense in the context of the world that the author developed. In conclusion, this book was a very enjoyable read, and I will be reading it again.
January 18, 2024
As someone who doesn't usually read fantasy books, this was a great book as it helped me settle into what the genre is like. Diener wrote the book so that both fantasy enjoyers and non-fantasy enjoyers could read and understand the book. Though the beginning of the story is somewhat slow, the plot was very well planned out. I'm looking forward to reading more literature from him, and I'm especially looking forward to a sequel (which I hope comes out soon!)
April 21, 2023
This book is AMAZING!!! I stayed up until ridiculous hours reading this book. As a teenage girl, I can totally relate to the main character, Carolina. She is sassy, fun, and her character arch is written beautifully! I laughed, cried, and screamed with these characters, and I cannot wait for the sequel!
May 25, 2023
I don't typically review books, but this was an incredible read! More gripping, enthralling, and entertaining than many I've read recently, Daughter of Axiom kept me hooked and intrigued the whole way through. From plot twists to friendships, every page kept me excited and wanting to read more. I definitely recommend this incredibly good story from Mr. Diener and I can't wait to read the next installment!
May 7, 2023
Best book I have read since the hunger games.
May 9, 2023
The Daughter of Axiom is an amazing book. It has turns and twists, and suspense that makes it close to impossible to put it down. It has action and well describes what is happening and what the character is feeling. It is so easy to put a picture in your head of what you are reading. This book is one of my very favorites. I really recommend this book.
September 1, 2023
Great plot and action packed. I loved the surprise twists and plowed through it pretty quickly!
January 2, 2024
Absolutely adore DoA, so many twists and turn! Diener perfectly writes about Carolina’s adventure and gives us characters we’re hating and loving all at the same time. I can’t wait for the second instalment!
June 7, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down! I laughed, I cried, and I stayed up way past my bedtime! This book is amazing! I read it in a couple of days! It’s now on my favorite list! I will definitely be reading it again, and am eagerly awaiting the second one! Thanks for naming a prince Nashua and talking about Boston, the Celtics, and Red Sox! The plot twists were amazing and I never saw them coming! The character’s Dad passed away four years before and since my Dad recently passed away without giving much away the part near the end definitely brought tears to my eyes. It was a beautiful moment in the book and I loved it. If you enjoy reading I definitely recommend this book it is beautifully written and has a great story line! (PS I don’t think we’re the worst fans in the world lol)
January 18, 2024
I read the daughter of Axiom for my english class and it was one of the best books I have read. It contains a lot of good plot twists that constantly keep you on your toes. It is very fast paced with constant setting changes and action with many new and old characters. Finally, it has a good setting and plot while also containing interesting characters with intricate and well written backstories for each and every one. I would 100% recommend the book to anyone that is interested in fantasy with magic stories.
June 23, 2023
I had the honor of beta-reading this book after waiting three years for it to come out, and it did not disappoint! Fantastic storyline with relatable characters — would recommend to all fantasy lovers, or anybody looking to be swept away on a fictional quest. Looking forward to the sequel and other works from this author!
January 18, 2024
Daughter of Axiom was an awesome book to read. If you want to read a book that will make you cry, laugh, and be pumped up, I highly recommend this book. It has a ton of jaw dropping events that make you want to keep reading and never stop. Mike Diener uses a lot of good imagination with his creativity and names for the characters in the book. Don't miss out on this book because it is so worth it!
May 7, 2023
I loved it. Some awesome twists at the end. A page turner for sure. I’ll definitely be passing this on to my fellow readers. If you haven’t read it yet, stop reading this and start reading the book immediately. 5 stars!
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