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The Regonia Chronicles #1
Awakening
Tortured by memories implanted by his captors, Krona knows only one thing. He must find Tenna, his partner, his Queen. She can’t be dead. But when Ricardo, one of his human guards, tells him she’s alive on another space station, the truth might be just as painful as their lies.
With her memories missing and her planet supposedly destroyed, Tenna struggles to acclimate to life among humans. Olivia, a spaceship pilot and hacker, does her best to help. When a guard shows up with an alien Tenna knows she’s seen before, it’s obvious things aren’t what they seem.
When they learn that family ties bind enemy and ally, Krona and Tenna can only hope the honor they see in their human friends is strong enough to overcome blood. Can they work together to save themselves, their minds, and their tribe? Or will they lose everything?
With her memories missing and her planet supposedly destroyed, Tenna struggles to acclimate to life among humans. Olivia, a spaceship pilot and hacker, does her best to help. When a guard shows up with an alien Tenna knows she’s seen before, it’s obvious things aren’t what they seem.
When they learn that family ties bind enemy and ally, Krona and Tenna can only hope the honor they see in their human friends is strong enough to overcome blood. Can they work together to save themselves, their minds, and their tribe? Or will they lose everything?
376 pages, Hardcover
Published February 20, 2024
3 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Elexis Bell
15 books95 followersElexis Bell writes literary fantasy and science fiction with a bit of romance and a lot of grit. She focuses on character development and the impact of trauma and mental health.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 9, 2024
I read this in two days! I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much because I don’t usually read sci-fi, but I’m glad I did.
To start off, the world building was good, but the best part about this book is the plot. It was gripping and suspenseful and I found myself rooting for each character (and let me tell you that is HARD to do when there are so many POVs!!)
I really liked Ricardo and they way he had to battle his feelings for Olivia keeping in mind her addiction. It was portrayed flawlessly. He was the main character that stood out to me.
Another great plot element was the history of mankind ( the details proving that humans destroyed their own planet, dropped bombs,etc) and I honestly hope to see more in the future books.
The music part was nice and I haven’t seen it before, but if I had to be picky about something I’d point out that it was mostly songs from 2000-2019 and surely there would be a far wider range for people that advanced. It just felt like they only listened to music we have now, it would’ve been nice to see something different, although I get the gist.
All in all, it was a great book, 4.25⭐️ for me and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone that wants to dip their toes in sci-fi!! It’s a great starting place, not overwhelming at all but SO well-written and executed.
To start off, the world building was good, but the best part about this book is the plot. It was gripping and suspenseful and I found myself rooting for each character (and let me tell you that is HARD to do when there are so many POVs!!)
I really liked Ricardo and they way he had to battle his feelings for Olivia keeping in mind her addiction. It was portrayed flawlessly. He was the main character that stood out to me.
Another great plot element was the history of mankind ( the details proving that humans destroyed their own planet, dropped bombs,etc) and I honestly hope to see more in the future books.
The music part was nice and I haven’t seen it before, but if I had to be picky about something I’d point out that it was mostly songs from 2000-2019 and surely there would be a far wider range for people that advanced. It just felt like they only listened to music we have now, it would’ve been nice to see something different, although I get the gist.
All in all, it was a great book, 4.25⭐️ for me and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone that wants to dip their toes in sci-fi!! It’s a great starting place, not overwhelming at all but SO well-written and executed.
May 29, 2024
As someone who typically shies away from science fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity that this novel offered, leaving a lasting impact on me.
From the very first page, Alexis's writing style captivated me with its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, painting a futuristic world that felt both familiar and completely alien. The author's ability to craft intricate and multi-layered scenes drew me in, making me feel like a part of the story rather than a mere observer. What truly sets "Awakening" apart is its exploration of a myriad of themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. Identity, technology, morality, and the nature of consciousness are just a few of the thought-provoking topics that the novel navigates with grace and poignancy, eliciting introspection and contemplation long after the final page is turned.
The characters in the book are not just figments of imagination; they are living, breathing entities with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. Witnessing their growth and evolution throughout the story was a deeply emotional journey, as I found myself rooting for them, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs.
Moreover, the world-building in "Awakening" is nothing short of masterful. The intricate details and nuances of the futuristic society depicted in the novel are brought to life with such precision and authenticity that it felt as though I was truly transported to another dimension, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions alongside the characters.
In the end, "Awakening" is more than just a science fiction novel; it is a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and open doors to new possibilities. It challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately left me with a renewed sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe and the potential of the human spirit. For any reader seeking a transformative and emotionally resonant journey, "Awakening" by Alexis comes highly recommended as a must-read. Last but not least, the novel is primary of importance as it offers valuable insights and perspectives that are highly relevant to our ever-changing world.
From the very first page, Alexis's writing style captivated me with its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, painting a futuristic world that felt both familiar and completely alien. The author's ability to craft intricate and multi-layered scenes drew me in, making me feel like a part of the story rather than a mere observer. What truly sets "Awakening" apart is its exploration of a myriad of themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. Identity, technology, morality, and the nature of consciousness are just a few of the thought-provoking topics that the novel navigates with grace and poignancy, eliciting introspection and contemplation long after the final page is turned.
The characters in the book are not just figments of imagination; they are living, breathing entities with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. Witnessing their growth and evolution throughout the story was a deeply emotional journey, as I found myself rooting for them, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their triumphs.
Moreover, the world-building in "Awakening" is nothing short of masterful. The intricate details and nuances of the futuristic society depicted in the novel are brought to life with such precision and authenticity that it felt as though I was truly transported to another dimension, experiencing the sights, sounds, and emotions alongside the characters.
In the end, "Awakening" is more than just a science fiction novel; it is a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and open doors to new possibilities. It challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately left me with a renewed sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe and the potential of the human spirit. For any reader seeking a transformative and emotionally resonant journey, "Awakening" by Alexis comes highly recommended as a must-read. Last but not least, the novel is primary of importance as it offers valuable insights and perspectives that are highly relevant to our ever-changing world.
March 6, 2024
Awakening by Elexis Bell is a science fiction novel that explores the themes of identity, memory, and the power of love. The novel follows the story of Krona, an alien who has been tortured by his captors and implanted with false memories. When he escapes, he sets out on a journey to find his partner, Tenna, who he believes is still alive. Tenna, meanwhile, has been living among humans on a space station, having lost her memories of her past. When she meets Krona, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. Together, they must work together to uncover the truth about their past and save themselves and their people. Awakening is a well-written and exciting novel that kept me guessing until the very end. Bell does an excellent job of creating a believable and immersive world, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. I highly recommend this novel to fans of science fiction and anyone who enjoys a good story about love, loss, and redemption.
July 1, 2024
I honestly would give this 4.5 stars, not just 4.
5/5 the writing is pretty great. Triple POVs which actually works in this storyline. Be prepared for a cliffhanger at the end of the book and should you not want/do read book two, it does leave at a decent place to stop.
5/5 the story kept me turning the next page even when I needed to get to bed.
I only give this a personal 4/5 because I'm not much of a Sci-Fi reader, and this is really the first full book I've read and enjoyed.
So all-in-all this was enjoyable, climatic, and (actually) got my heart pounding around the 80% mark. 😉
*I received this as an ARC and I am voluntarily writing a review.
5/5 the writing is pretty great. Triple POVs which actually works in this storyline. Be prepared for a cliffhanger at the end of the book and should you not want/do read book two, it does leave at a decent place to stop.
5/5 the story kept me turning the next page even when I needed to get to bed.
I only give this a personal 4/5 because I'm not much of a Sci-Fi reader, and this is really the first full book I've read and enjoyed.
So all-in-all this was enjoyable, climatic, and (actually) got my heart pounding around the 80% mark. 😉
*I received this as an ARC and I am voluntarily writing a review.
March 24, 2024
This was so much better than I expected it to be. I don’t often read sci-fi or fantasy, so I didn’t think I would enjoy this, but I was very quickly proven wrong. From the first chapter, I was completely into it. I loved Tenna - I was always so happy when the chapter was from her point of view. Especially as the book went on and as she began to get her memories back, I felt really close to her. The author did a really good job at that, despite her (Tenna) being an alien. I haven’t started the sequel yet, but if it’s anything like this one, I know I’ll absolutely love it.
May 5, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Awakening by elexis bell
This was a new genre for me but i liked it. It is a multi - POV narrated book. I love the connection between humans and aliens and how the story started. I was really curious to know what will happen next. But because of multi-POV it was a bit confusing. It was difficult to keep track on what’s happening.
People who love romance with suspense and multi POV will enjoy.
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - Awakening by elexis bell
This was a new genre for me but i liked it. It is a multi - POV narrated book. I love the connection between humans and aliens and how the story started. I was really curious to know what will happen next. But because of multi-POV it was a bit confusing. It was difficult to keep track on what’s happening.
People who love romance with suspense and multi POV will enjoy.
May 8, 2024
“Even if it hurts, even if he isn’t my partner, even if it means I’m a terrible person… I never want to forget the feeling of waking up with him. Even if I lost every other memory all over again, I want that one to stay.”
Awakening is a multi POV, Sci-Fi book about an alien warrior king and queen, humans, and an alien race called the Drennar.
I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the plot of this book is, I was hooked very quickly and really enjoyed reading.
I think the author could have potentially extended this book and made it longer/or split it up into multiple books. The overall plot was fantastic and so interesting but some parts of the story were either glossed over or done “off screen” (for example, Krona getting his memories fixed from the experiment done by the humans) personally as a reader I would have loved to see his experience while his memories were fixed by the doctor and a few other things throughout the book.
I did find the pov AND the time jumping (mixed together) a bit confusing at first but got the hang of it after the first 5 chapters.
Overall this was a good read but I think the author has a bit more room to grow and make her stories EVEN BETTER. She’s clearly able to come up with an amazing story and write it, but I believe beefing up the story a bit and giving more details on stuff happening in the background could make it easier for readers to become more invested in the characters they are reading about and the plot they are following.
I would still recommend this book to others and am very excited to see what happens in the next book!
3/5 ⭐️
0.5/5 🌶️
Awakening is a multi POV, Sci-Fi book about an alien warrior king and queen, humans, and an alien race called the Drennar.
I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the plot of this book is, I was hooked very quickly and really enjoyed reading.
I think the author could have potentially extended this book and made it longer/or split it up into multiple books. The overall plot was fantastic and so interesting but some parts of the story were either glossed over or done “off screen” (for example, Krona getting his memories fixed from the experiment done by the humans) personally as a reader I would have loved to see his experience while his memories were fixed by the doctor and a few other things throughout the book.
I did find the pov AND the time jumping (mixed together) a bit confusing at first but got the hang of it after the first 5 chapters.
Overall this was a good read but I think the author has a bit more room to grow and make her stories EVEN BETTER. She’s clearly able to come up with an amazing story and write it, but I believe beefing up the story a bit and giving more details on stuff happening in the background could make it easier for readers to become more invested in the characters they are reading about and the plot they are following.
I would still recommend this book to others and am very excited to see what happens in the next book!
3/5 ⭐️
0.5/5 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
This was such an interesting read!! I have not wondered much into the world of Scifi of any sort but this book caught my attention for sure. I did receive this book in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Tenna and Krona who are the king and queen of the Daen tribe. Unfortunately they have become captured and split, not knowing if the other is actually alive or not. Krona believes that Tenna is actually dead. And Tenna doesnt remember a single thing but is told her entire world was destroyed. Each of these two have a human they end trusting in that have their worlds turning upside down. We also follow Ricardo and Olivia who are the 2 humans that Tenna and Krona have trusted in. Things start to change when Ricardo and Krona end up on Olivia and Tenna's ship to help them.
It was interesting that they had music but it was limited to the timeline of early 2000's to like 2019. There was a lot of world building happening in this story even if they were on ships in space! We get some plot twists that happen in the book as well as interesting elements about the humans in this book. I enjoyed seeing the relationships of these 4 characters with each other, they really had you rooting for them! I will say if you have not read much Scifi or even if you love Scifi I feel Elexis did a great job at writing this book that anyone could give this book a try!!!
We follow Tenna and Krona who are the king and queen of the Daen tribe. Unfortunately they have become captured and split, not knowing if the other is actually alive or not. Krona believes that Tenna is actually dead. And Tenna doesnt remember a single thing but is told her entire world was destroyed. Each of these two have a human they end trusting in that have their worlds turning upside down. We also follow Ricardo and Olivia who are the 2 humans that Tenna and Krona have trusted in. Things start to change when Ricardo and Krona end up on Olivia and Tenna's ship to help them.
It was interesting that they had music but it was limited to the timeline of early 2000's to like 2019. There was a lot of world building happening in this story even if they were on ships in space! We get some plot twists that happen in the book as well as interesting elements about the humans in this book. I enjoyed seeing the relationships of these 4 characters with each other, they really had you rooting for them! I will say if you have not read much Scifi or even if you love Scifi I feel Elexis did a great job at writing this book that anyone could give this book a try!!!
December 5, 2024
Elexis Bell creates an incredible futuristic world that hooked me from the very first chapter! I loved all the character development, romantic elements, action, and plot development. The overlapping character chapters adds a fullness to the story that only the reader has which feels powerful. I look forward to continuing this series!
May 15, 2024
This story has potential but I found it a bit difficult to follow with the different characters and timelines. The very beginning (the first 2-3 chapters) had me intrigued but I found that it fell off, got confusing when other characters and timelines were thrown in, slowed in the middle and didn't pick up until about 70% through the book. But with this being the first book in a series I can see that things needed to be set up and with the foundation that we have from this book, the second book will be much more clear.
It didn't hook like I would have liked but I also believe that this book just isn't my cup of tea.
With that being said, I will still be checking out other books from this author!
It didn't hook like I would have liked but I also believe that this book just isn't my cup of tea.
With that being said, I will still be checking out other books from this author!
February 4, 2024
*** ARC REVIEW ***
A huge thank you to Natasha (@bibliophile.nat) and the author Elexis Bell for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
RATING 4/5
This book is the first installment in what is said to be a four-book series releasing on February 20th, 2024. The second book of the Regonia Chronicles is set to release in June 2024.
This book is a Sci-Fi Romance that follows multiple characters in first person POV. Krona, tormented by false memories implanted during captivity, is determined to find his partner and Queen, Tenna, after being notified that he did not in fact kill her as he was made to believe. Meanwhile, Tenna, wakes up with no memory of her past life. In a spaceship full of humans, she is told that her planet is supposedly destroyed and her partner and tribe who she has no recollection of are dead.
THOUGHTS:
To start off, this book was teetering between a three- and four-star rating but ultimately, I decided to bump it up just because I do wish to see what happens to all these characters throughout the series and the mystery of it all was very enjoyable. I would recommend to readers who are starting to dip their toes into Sci-Fi Fantasy because the world building was easy to follow.
FAIR WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed Krona as a character but felt like he was the only one I enjoyed reading about. When Ricardo first mentioned Olivia I assumed that they were acquaintances or knew of each other but that was not the case at all. I wish the author explained a bit better how Ricardo developed a crush on Olivia, so it didn’t seem so random to me when they first met and tried hooking up. I think that Olivia’s addiction to alcohol was vaguely mentioned, and I didn’t really catch it until Ricardo was battling his feelings for her. I know there are not always very clear signs for addiction but for some reason I didn’t fully pick up on her having an addiction until that specific instance.
Music was a very very prominent theme in the book but I’m not sure I enjoyed how it was executed. To be fair this is the first time I’ve seen songs be mentioned in this way which bonus points for the author, but I hated how it was mentioned in the most random times. Like you mean to tell me that their playing music at a jail cell? I’m not sure it worked for me if I’m honest.
Now the one thing that really really aggravated me was Tenna. I did not like her as a character. I did not like her as a Queen of the tribe, and I definitely did not like her as Krona’s partner. I felt like she was bland, and her thoughts were super repetitive. She’s an alien in a spaceship full of humans and she adapted so quickly even though not only were her memories gone but she was in a completely new environment with all new things she had to learn. I wish she was more interesting, and I do see how maybe in the next couple of books she will be developed better but I did not enjoy her in this book.
Now you’re probably asking, why would you bump your rating up and not down? Well, I think that the author has a lot of good themes and ideas that she wants to continue throughout the series, but I do not think she had the time to fill it all into one book. Ultimately, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Was it an easy and fun read? Also yes. Would you recommend? Yes. To me it was just missing that something special that I normally find in Sci-Fi books.
A huge thank you to Natasha (@bibliophile.nat) and the author Elexis Bell for granting me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
RATING 4/5
This book is the first installment in what is said to be a four-book series releasing on February 20th, 2024. The second book of the Regonia Chronicles is set to release in June 2024.
This book is a Sci-Fi Romance that follows multiple characters in first person POV. Krona, tormented by false memories implanted during captivity, is determined to find his partner and Queen, Tenna, after being notified that he did not in fact kill her as he was made to believe. Meanwhile, Tenna, wakes up with no memory of her past life. In a spaceship full of humans, she is told that her planet is supposedly destroyed and her partner and tribe who she has no recollection of are dead.
THOUGHTS:
To start off, this book was teetering between a three- and four-star rating but ultimately, I decided to bump it up just because I do wish to see what happens to all these characters throughout the series and the mystery of it all was very enjoyable. I would recommend to readers who are starting to dip their toes into Sci-Fi Fantasy because the world building was easy to follow.
FAIR WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed Krona as a character but felt like he was the only one I enjoyed reading about. When Ricardo first mentioned Olivia I assumed that they were acquaintances or knew of each other but that was not the case at all. I wish the author explained a bit better how Ricardo developed a crush on Olivia, so it didn’t seem so random to me when they first met and tried hooking up. I think that Olivia’s addiction to alcohol was vaguely mentioned, and I didn’t really catch it until Ricardo was battling his feelings for her. I know there are not always very clear signs for addiction but for some reason I didn’t fully pick up on her having an addiction until that specific instance.
Music was a very very prominent theme in the book but I’m not sure I enjoyed how it was executed. To be fair this is the first time I’ve seen songs be mentioned in this way which bonus points for the author, but I hated how it was mentioned in the most random times. Like you mean to tell me that their playing music at a jail cell? I’m not sure it worked for me if I’m honest.
Now the one thing that really really aggravated me was Tenna. I did not like her as a character. I did not like her as a Queen of the tribe, and I definitely did not like her as Krona’s partner. I felt like she was bland, and her thoughts were super repetitive. She’s an alien in a spaceship full of humans and she adapted so quickly even though not only were her memories gone but she was in a completely new environment with all new things she had to learn. I wish she was more interesting, and I do see how maybe in the next couple of books she will be developed better but I did not enjoy her in this book.
Now you’re probably asking, why would you bump your rating up and not down? Well, I think that the author has a lot of good themes and ideas that she wants to continue throughout the series, but I do not think she had the time to fill it all into one book. Ultimately, did I enjoy the book? Yes. Was it an easy and fun read? Also yes. Would you recommend? Yes. To me it was just missing that something special that I normally find in Sci-Fi books.
April 30, 2024
Awakening by Elexis Bell
The Regonia Chronicles #1
Thought provoking look at ethical issues involving humans and aliens that at times felt in parallel with human interactions taking place on this planet. In this first book of the series the stage is set, we are introduced to significant characters and given background information. I am not sure if music will play a part throughout the series or not – I found myself skipping over the song titles while reading.
What I liked:
* Reginald: loving human father, protective, willing to sacrifice himself for his wife and daughter – wondering if he and Rone (alien Drennar) might find solace in one another in the future – felt he had the toughest situation to deal with of all the characters
* Ricardo: human military guard, seeks to not stand out, abused as a child, protective, intelligent, believes in doing what is right, drawn to Olivia, see potential for him in the future
* Olivia: bright, abandoned by her father Reginald and left to her own devices by her mother Eva, computer genius, depends on alcohol for escape, has potential to grow in the series
* Krona: alien from Regonia, of the Daen tribe, warrior king, kidnapped, dealing with false memories, believes his wife is still alive and wants to find her, strong, fierce, has a moral compass
* Tenna: alien from Regonia, of the Daen tribe, warrior queen, kidnapped, dealing with amnesia, overwhelmed with sorrow but not sure why
* The plot, pacing, and setting – introduction to the characters, their origins, and history was minimal but enough to get the basics and easy to build on in future books
* That the bad guys were routed out and arrested although they did a LOT of evil – hope they are tried and dealt with and do not escape
* Thinking about where this story will go and if the humans will be left behind as Tenna and Krona work to reestablish their tribe and people
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about why people feel justified in doing horrible things to others – in this book and in this day and age to real people
Did I enjoy this book? It was okay
Would I read more in this series? Maybe – I’d like to see what direction the next book will go
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
The Regonia Chronicles #1
Thought provoking look at ethical issues involving humans and aliens that at times felt in parallel with human interactions taking place on this planet. In this first book of the series the stage is set, we are introduced to significant characters and given background information. I am not sure if music will play a part throughout the series or not – I found myself skipping over the song titles while reading.
What I liked:
* Reginald: loving human father, protective, willing to sacrifice himself for his wife and daughter – wondering if he and Rone (alien Drennar) might find solace in one another in the future – felt he had the toughest situation to deal with of all the characters
* Ricardo: human military guard, seeks to not stand out, abused as a child, protective, intelligent, believes in doing what is right, drawn to Olivia, see potential for him in the future
* Olivia: bright, abandoned by her father Reginald and left to her own devices by her mother Eva, computer genius, depends on alcohol for escape, has potential to grow in the series
* Krona: alien from Regonia, of the Daen tribe, warrior king, kidnapped, dealing with false memories, believes his wife is still alive and wants to find her, strong, fierce, has a moral compass
* Tenna: alien from Regonia, of the Daen tribe, warrior queen, kidnapped, dealing with amnesia, overwhelmed with sorrow but not sure why
* The plot, pacing, and setting – introduction to the characters, their origins, and history was minimal but enough to get the basics and easy to build on in future books
* That the bad guys were routed out and arrested although they did a LOT of evil – hope they are tried and dealt with and do not escape
* Thinking about where this story will go and if the humans will be left behind as Tenna and Krona work to reestablish their tribe and people
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about why people feel justified in doing horrible things to others – in this book and in this day and age to real people
Did I enjoy this book? It was okay
Would I read more in this series? Maybe – I’d like to see what direction the next book will go
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
August 3, 2024
An ARC Book Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Sci-Fi
Tropes: Aliens, The Future of the Human Race, Family Issues, Abuse of Power, Soul Mates, Betrayal, Strangers to Lovers
Spice: Minimal (Fade to Black)
Triggers: Yes: Amnesia, Scientific Experiments on Humans/Aliens, Claustrophobia, Alcohol Abuse, Child Abuse (talked about briefly), Kidnapping/Abduction, Assault, Genocide
Review
I was asked to read both Awakening and Faltering before the 3rd book in the Regonia Chronicles comes out, and I can honestly say that I am so happy I was turned onto this series! I normally only read Fantasy, and more recently some romance, so Sci-Fi was a little out of my comfort zone. However, I really loved how immersive this future version of the human race was, and how terrifyingly accurate it might be.
I'm a huge fan of movies and TV shows where the humans actually turn out to be the "bad guys", and this story really encapsulated that perfectly. We are made to feel sympathy for the human race at the beginning of the book, as we have a general bias to protecting our own over anyone else, but then that all changes after we meet our MMC, Krona, who has been taken from his home planet and is being held captive in a cell by humans who are presumably experimenting on him. We learn that he has been separated from his Partner, our FMC, Tenna, who is on a different space station to Krona, and desperately need to be reunited to figure out what has happened to their tribe, and why they are in the "sea of stars" among the human space stations.
Everything becomes clear later on in the story, but I don't want to spoil too much, as there are many twists and turns in our characters journey to find each other and figure out what is going on between the humans and the Regonian people. Although the plot twists were somewhat predictable for me, I still really enjoyed reading it and discovering what was happening alongside the main characters, who were utterly loveable and complex each in their own way.
I think that all the different point of views made the emotional attachment to the characters much stronger than if we hadn't have had them. It forced us see the humans and the strangeness of our culture through the eyes of someone else, and made us to feel sympathy to another race that isn't our own.
I'm currently reading Faltering, the 2nd book in the series, and I am devouring it. I can't wait to read the 3rd once it is released.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Sci-Fi
Tropes: Aliens, The Future of the Human Race, Family Issues, Abuse of Power, Soul Mates, Betrayal, Strangers to Lovers
Spice: Minimal (Fade to Black)
Triggers: Yes: Amnesia, Scientific Experiments on Humans/Aliens, Claustrophobia, Alcohol Abuse, Child Abuse (talked about briefly), Kidnapping/Abduction, Assault, Genocide
Review
I was asked to read both Awakening and Faltering before the 3rd book in the Regonia Chronicles comes out, and I can honestly say that I am so happy I was turned onto this series! I normally only read Fantasy, and more recently some romance, so Sci-Fi was a little out of my comfort zone. However, I really loved how immersive this future version of the human race was, and how terrifyingly accurate it might be.
I'm a huge fan of movies and TV shows where the humans actually turn out to be the "bad guys", and this story really encapsulated that perfectly. We are made to feel sympathy for the human race at the beginning of the book, as we have a general bias to protecting our own over anyone else, but then that all changes after we meet our MMC, Krona, who has been taken from his home planet and is being held captive in a cell by humans who are presumably experimenting on him. We learn that he has been separated from his Partner, our FMC, Tenna, who is on a different space station to Krona, and desperately need to be reunited to figure out what has happened to their tribe, and why they are in the "sea of stars" among the human space stations.
Everything becomes clear later on in the story, but I don't want to spoil too much, as there are many twists and turns in our characters journey to find each other and figure out what is going on between the humans and the Regonian people. Although the plot twists were somewhat predictable for me, I still really enjoyed reading it and discovering what was happening alongside the main characters, who were utterly loveable and complex each in their own way.
I think that all the different point of views made the emotional attachment to the characters much stronger than if we hadn't have had them. It forced us see the humans and the strangeness of our culture through the eyes of someone else, and made us to feel sympathy to another race that isn't our own.
I'm currently reading Faltering, the 2nd book in the series, and I am devouring it. I can't wait to read the 3rd once it is released.
August 28, 2024
*4.75 stars*
This is book one of this series, told in multiple first person POV and leaves you with a HFN ending.
I will start off by saying that I have read si-fi books before, they just aren’t my first go to. My first go to is all the romance. When I need a palette cleanser/change, I go to mystery/psychological thriller. But when I’m not in the mood for that I will try out si-fi. With that being said, I enjoyed this story. It was interesting to see how Elexis Bell used this book to set the story and characters up for the rest of the series.
Tenna and Krona together as a couple didn’t really catch and hook me. I think I enjoyed seeing each interact with the humans, both together and individually, than I did with just them. I feel like I couldn’t connect with them as a couple because of how Krona tip toed around Tenna and treated her like she was made of glass until she proved herself.
I absolutely loved Olivia and Ricardo. I loved their empathy towards Tenna and Krona’s people and their instant need to help them. I loved the way that this story shows the difference between right and wrong, and how humans and aliens alike deal with ethical issues.
While the beginning had me hooked, I did lose a bit of interest shortly after, but pushed through and was once again intrigued before having to push through to the end once again. I do think that the slow parts (mainly the explanation of beliefs and the history to how the aliens and humans came to be where they were at the present) were needed in order to set this series up though. I haven’t decided if I will read more of this series yet or not. I probably will since I don’t like leaving series unfinished, just not right away. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book one of this series, told in multiple first person POV and leaves you with a HFN ending.
I will start off by saying that I have read si-fi books before, they just aren’t my first go to. My first go to is all the romance. When I need a palette cleanser/change, I go to mystery/psychological thriller. But when I’m not in the mood for that I will try out si-fi. With that being said, I enjoyed this story. It was interesting to see how Elexis Bell used this book to set the story and characters up for the rest of the series.
Tenna and Krona together as a couple didn’t really catch and hook me. I think I enjoyed seeing each interact with the humans, both together and individually, than I did with just them. I feel like I couldn’t connect with them as a couple because of how Krona tip toed around Tenna and treated her like she was made of glass until she proved herself.
I absolutely loved Olivia and Ricardo. I loved their empathy towards Tenna and Krona’s people and their instant need to help them. I loved the way that this story shows the difference between right and wrong, and how humans and aliens alike deal with ethical issues.
While the beginning had me hooked, I did lose a bit of interest shortly after, but pushed through and was once again intrigued before having to push through to the end once again. I do think that the slow parts (mainly the explanation of beliefs and the history to how the aliens and humans came to be where they were at the present) were needed in order to set this series up though. I haven’t decided if I will read more of this series yet or not. I probably will since I don’t like leaving series unfinished, just not right away. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2024
*arc review* - thank you Natasha (@bibliophile.nat on IG) & the author for an e-arc!
I am definitely more of a fantasy reader than a sci-fi reader so keep that in consideration while reading this review.
Things I liked - I thought this book was written really well and the 'sci-fi' aspects were not overly complicated or difficult to understand which was perfect for me. I liked the different POVs and thought it was easy to track the story even with the changing POVs. Mental health rep is always nice to see and was done well.
Things I sorta liked - the inclusion of music was an interesting concept but also didn't make a lot of sense to me. Especially towards the end in these very chaotic moments where there's still music playing in the background and we're getting a song update. It just seemed out of place. Also, the romance. I sorta liked the little bits of romance we got but also I never felt truly invested in the relationships between characters. I want to love Tenna and Krona but they're just kinda meh for me.
Overall this was a good book but it didn't leave me yearning for more.
I am definitely more of a fantasy reader than a sci-fi reader so keep that in consideration while reading this review.
Things I liked - I thought this book was written really well and the 'sci-fi' aspects were not overly complicated or difficult to understand which was perfect for me. I liked the different POVs and thought it was easy to track the story even with the changing POVs. Mental health rep is always nice to see and was done well.
Things I sorta liked - the inclusion of music was an interesting concept but also didn't make a lot of sense to me. Especially towards the end in these very chaotic moments where there's still music playing in the background and we're getting a song update. It just seemed out of place. Also, the romance. I sorta liked the little bits of romance we got but also I never felt truly invested in the relationships between characters. I want to love Tenna and Krona but they're just kinda meh for me.
Overall this was a good book but it didn't leave me yearning for more.
June 26, 2024
The Regonia Chronicles is a must-add to your TBR if you’re a sci-fi and slowburn romance lover!
I recently dove into Awakening, book one of this series, and was immediately hooked on this story. I fell in love with the author’s writing style and it didn’t take long for me to know that this was going to be a five star read in my eyes! It is evident that Elexis poured so much into creating this world, weaving complex characters and paving the way for amazing development (probably some serious heartbreak down the road too).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With six unique main characters and perspectives, this sci-fi series has been unlike anything that I have read thus far — the vibe has felt like a galactic hybrid of Avatar and The 100, with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance.
Some mentionable tropes:
✨ Humans + aliens
✨ Multi-POV (six main characters to love)
✨ Recovering memories & healing trauma
I received a copy of this book to read and review prior to reading an ARC of Faltering, and am truly grateful for the opportunity to have done so. Thank you to Elexis and her PA, Natasha, for connecting with me!
I recently dove into Awakening, book one of this series, and was immediately hooked on this story. I fell in love with the author’s writing style and it didn’t take long for me to know that this was going to be a five star read in my eyes! It is evident that Elexis poured so much into creating this world, weaving complex characters and paving the way for amazing development (probably some serious heartbreak down the road too).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With six unique main characters and perspectives, this sci-fi series has been unlike anything that I have read thus far — the vibe has felt like a galactic hybrid of Avatar and The 100, with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance.
Some mentionable tropes:
✨ Humans + aliens
✨ Multi-POV (six main characters to love)
✨ Recovering memories & healing trauma
I received a copy of this book to read and review prior to reading an ARC of Faltering, and am truly grateful for the opportunity to have done so. Thank you to Elexis and her PA, Natasha, for connecting with me!
March 13, 2024
*I received an ARC in exchange for a review*
Sci-fi isn't my genre of choice. I usually have trouble with the plot and world building. However, this was not the case with Awakening. I really really enjoyed this book!
I did have some issues with the story. I feel like Tennas' character adapted to the humans and their technology way too quickly, but maybe we could credit that to her memory loss and not knowing anything else at the moment. I think the music was hit and miss. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it just felt thrown in. I also have issues with the number of POV characters there were. I think they were all necessary to the story, and I enjoyed each of their sections, but it's just hard for me to keep up with more than 2 or three view points.
I liked the chemistry between the four main characters, and I especially enjoyed Reginalds POV. The plot was exciting, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
Sci-fi isn't my genre of choice. I usually have trouble with the plot and world building. However, this was not the case with Awakening. I really really enjoyed this book!
I did have some issues with the story. I feel like Tennas' character adapted to the humans and their technology way too quickly, but maybe we could credit that to her memory loss and not knowing anything else at the moment. I think the music was hit and miss. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it just felt thrown in. I also have issues with the number of POV characters there were. I think they were all necessary to the story, and I enjoyed each of their sections, but it's just hard for me to keep up with more than 2 or three view points.
I liked the chemistry between the four main characters, and I especially enjoyed Reginalds POV. The plot was exciting, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!
February 12, 2024
First off I want to say that l've only read a handful of Sc-fi books and they normally take me WEEKS to finish but this book i devoured in 2 days. The story is so captivating, the multiple POVS make it hard to put down and make you completely sucked into the story.
The characters in this story each have so much going on in their lives that it makes me excited to see their character growth/ progression through the book and hopefully through future books. The author writing style is allows world building and lore "dumping" ( as I like to call it) not feel tedious, it actually leaves you wanting to find out more about the place you're in/ places people mention. Overall this book was such a fun read and I do definitely recommend.
***I did receive this as an arc in return for my honest review,****
The characters in this story each have so much going on in their lives that it makes me excited to see their character growth/ progression through the book and hopefully through future books. The author writing style is allows world building and lore "dumping" ( as I like to call it) not feel tedious, it actually leaves you wanting to find out more about the place you're in/ places people mention. Overall this book was such a fun read and I do definitely recommend.
***I did receive this as an arc in return for my honest review,****
August 20, 2024
3.75 ✨
This book was not what I was expecting at all.
First, I want to thank the author for sending me this book. It's a sci-fi mystery about an alien girl, her mate, and the humans who surround them. I was honestly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. The plot was very interesting, and the mystery element made it 100 times better. This book has multiple POVs and timelines, which you might think would be confusing, but the author does a great job with it. After the first few chapters, you get the hang of it.
What surprised me the most was the writing in this book—it's so good and can only get better. The modern-day elements were included in the story through music, and I loved that little detail so much.
I would definitely recommend this book, even if sci-fi isn’t your thing, because it feels like a fantasy but with aliens and technology.
This book was not what I was expecting at all.
First, I want to thank the author for sending me this book. It's a sci-fi mystery about an alien girl, her mate, and the humans who surround them. I was honestly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it. The plot was very interesting, and the mystery element made it 100 times better. This book has multiple POVs and timelines, which you might think would be confusing, but the author does a great job with it. After the first few chapters, you get the hang of it.
What surprised me the most was the writing in this book—it's so good and can only get better. The modern-day elements were included in the story through music, and I loved that little detail so much.
I would definitely recommend this book, even if sci-fi isn’t your thing, because it feels like a fantasy but with aliens and technology.
June 2, 2024
I really never read this kind of book.. Had me hooked till the end and made me crave for more.. Really a good job
February 7, 2025
{4.25/5}
CW: violence, gore, attempted murder, experiments on sentient beings, mental trauma, mental health, some others
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
Color me impressed; this one was marvelous.
Krona wakes up in a cell with memories that are not his own, believing his partner dead and himself an outcast. Tenna wakes up on a space station with no memories whatsoever, told that her planet has been destroyed and she is one of almost no survivors. Nothing is as it seems, and it’s going to take a lot of interspecies cooperation to even begin trying to sort everything out.
Sci-fi is a less common genre for me, but when it’s done right I really enjoy it. I’m very happy to report that this one was done right, and I’m very ready to jump immediately into book 2. I think a lot of you are going to want to read this one.
One of my biggest hangups with some books in the genre is that they can have a tendency to become exceedingly technical, slinging all sorts of terminology around and it rapidly becomes overwhelming for me. That didn’t happen here, leaving my brain free to enjoy the actual story instead of panicking because I don’t know whether the narrator is describing a battle or a fancy bathroom. That’s not to say there isn’t science-y lingo here; there is. But it’s explained really well by the characters in a way that doesn't feel like a jargon info dump. Everything, including the history of the human race leading up to this point, is described succinctly and efficiently, without derailing the plot. A+ on the worldbuilding and exposition.
The characters are interesting, and we split focus between several MCs. I enjoyed all of them, and I think the timing of each shift was excellent. We stay in each focal point long enough to see what’s going on, but not so long as to hit any dull or slow points. While we don’t do any massive dives into the individuals, we get enough of each backstory and personality to be able to connect with them and understand them, and watching them interact (especially Tenna and Krona) we get an extra level of depth for each.
The actual plot line was really interesting and kept me hooked the whole time. The only reason it took me two days to finish was that my contacts completely gave up on me on day one and I couldn’t see the page anymore (rude). The ending was a tad abrupt, but it didn’t occur in the middle of any major action, so it’s forgivable. Especially since I have book 2 ready and waiting. There are multiple layers to the story, and everything overlaps in intriguing ways, but it never became confusing or difficult to follow.
Overall, this was a seriously good read and I’m really happy to have found a new series to enjoy that’s outside of my usual comfort zone. If you’re hardcore into really technical science fiction, this may not be quite what you’re looking for, but if you’re new to the genre, or you want a story where you can focus on the action instead of the technicalities, then this is the one you want.
CW: violence, gore, attempted murder, experiments on sentient beings, mental trauma, mental health, some others
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
Color me impressed; this one was marvelous.
Krona wakes up in a cell with memories that are not his own, believing his partner dead and himself an outcast. Tenna wakes up on a space station with no memories whatsoever, told that her planet has been destroyed and she is one of almost no survivors. Nothing is as it seems, and it’s going to take a lot of interspecies cooperation to even begin trying to sort everything out.
Sci-fi is a less common genre for me, but when it’s done right I really enjoy it. I’m very happy to report that this one was done right, and I’m very ready to jump immediately into book 2. I think a lot of you are going to want to read this one.
One of my biggest hangups with some books in the genre is that they can have a tendency to become exceedingly technical, slinging all sorts of terminology around and it rapidly becomes overwhelming for me. That didn’t happen here, leaving my brain free to enjoy the actual story instead of panicking because I don’t know whether the narrator is describing a battle or a fancy bathroom. That’s not to say there isn’t science-y lingo here; there is. But it’s explained really well by the characters in a way that doesn't feel like a jargon info dump. Everything, including the history of the human race leading up to this point, is described succinctly and efficiently, without derailing the plot. A+ on the worldbuilding and exposition.
The characters are interesting, and we split focus between several MCs. I enjoyed all of them, and I think the timing of each shift was excellent. We stay in each focal point long enough to see what’s going on, but not so long as to hit any dull or slow points. While we don’t do any massive dives into the individuals, we get enough of each backstory and personality to be able to connect with them and understand them, and watching them interact (especially Tenna and Krona) we get an extra level of depth for each.
The actual plot line was really interesting and kept me hooked the whole time. The only reason it took me two days to finish was that my contacts completely gave up on me on day one and I couldn’t see the page anymore (rude). The ending was a tad abrupt, but it didn’t occur in the middle of any major action, so it’s forgivable. Especially since I have book 2 ready and waiting. There are multiple layers to the story, and everything overlaps in intriguing ways, but it never became confusing or difficult to follow.
Overall, this was a seriously good read and I’m really happy to have found a new series to enjoy that’s outside of my usual comfort zone. If you’re hardcore into really technical science fiction, this may not be quite what you’re looking for, but if you’re new to the genre, or you want a story where you can focus on the action instead of the technicalities, then this is the one you want.
September 11, 2024
The first book in the Regonia Chronicles by Elexis Bell explores themes such as identity, memory, and resilience through multiple points of view. The characters are well-developed due to a narrative focused on their psychology, emotions, and development throughout the novel.
Krona, a warrior king dealing with false memories, and Tenna, a warrior queen suffering from amnesia, are particularly captivating and are my favourites. Ricardo and Olivia add depth to the story; however, the numerous points of view make the narrative difficult to follow. Three points of view would have been more than sufficient to provide a clearer and more streamlined narrative.
The world-building does not help much, as it is initially hard to grasp. While the psychological aspects are well-balanced, the descriptions of the world and settings are scant. It takes time to get used to it, and some scenes seem underexplored and lacking in detail. In the end, one must make do with what the author has provided, although this limits the imagination and raises questions such as why, where, and how. This gives the impression that, occasionally, plot points advance merely to move the story forward, which can make everything that follows seem contrived.
Music is a recurring theme, but not all the musical choices seemed appropriate to me. Despite this, the emotional depth and character-focused narrative are enjoyable, especially the perspectives of Krona and Tenna, which are engaging and cinematic. I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the pages when I discovered that the next point of view would be one of them, even if digital.
I do not understand Reginald’s perspective, which seems unnecessary compared to the others and could have been replaced from the beginning with Olivia’s perspective. I understand Olivia’s position, but I did not empathise enough with her. On the other hand, I connected with Reginald but did not understand his role in the narrative.
Overall, Awakening captures attention with its well-developed characters and psychological focus, despite some shortcomings in world-building and point-of-view management. Fans of character-driven stories will find the book engaging and stimulating. However, I hope that the forthcoming sequel will address all the unanswered questions and further develop the narrative.
Is the story enjoyable? 7,5
Are the grammar and narrative tenses cohesive? 8
Would I recommend it? 6
Would I re-read it? 5
Are the characters any good or relatable? 8,5
Krona, a warrior king dealing with false memories, and Tenna, a warrior queen suffering from amnesia, are particularly captivating and are my favourites. Ricardo and Olivia add depth to the story; however, the numerous points of view make the narrative difficult to follow. Three points of view would have been more than sufficient to provide a clearer and more streamlined narrative.
The world-building does not help much, as it is initially hard to grasp. While the psychological aspects are well-balanced, the descriptions of the world and settings are scant. It takes time to get used to it, and some scenes seem underexplored and lacking in detail. In the end, one must make do with what the author has provided, although this limits the imagination and raises questions such as why, where, and how. This gives the impression that, occasionally, plot points advance merely to move the story forward, which can make everything that follows seem contrived.
Music is a recurring theme, but not all the musical choices seemed appropriate to me. Despite this, the emotional depth and character-focused narrative are enjoyable, especially the perspectives of Krona and Tenna, which are engaging and cinematic. I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the pages when I discovered that the next point of view would be one of them, even if digital.
I do not understand Reginald’s perspective, which seems unnecessary compared to the others and could have been replaced from the beginning with Olivia’s perspective. I understand Olivia’s position, but I did not empathise enough with her. On the other hand, I connected with Reginald but did not understand his role in the narrative.
Overall, Awakening captures attention with its well-developed characters and psychological focus, despite some shortcomings in world-building and point-of-view management. Fans of character-driven stories will find the book engaging and stimulating. However, I hope that the forthcoming sequel will address all the unanswered questions and further develop the narrative.
Is the story enjoyable? 7,5
Are the grammar and narrative tenses cohesive? 8
Would I recommend it? 6
Would I re-read it? 5
Are the characters any good or relatable? 8,5
February 22, 2024
The Awakening, by: Elexis Bell
(ARC Review)
👽 Sci-Fi & Romance
👨👩👧👦 Multi-POV
🗣️ First Person
🕊️ Mental Health/Addiction Rep
🎧 Playlist Available
💘 Low spice
🏔️ Cliffhanger
⚠️ Trigger Warnings
Summary:
Many torn-apart families, mingled into one book.
Meet Olivia, a human hacker and pilot aboard the Odyssey. Her dad hasn't been in her life for a decade. Her mom is busy with work on another space station—too busy.
There’s Krona, a Regonian prisoner, at the hands of humans. His partner, Tenna, was separated from him and lives aboard the Odyssey with Olivia. Tenna doesn’t remember a thing, let alone Krona.
Krona will stop at nothing to find Tenna again.
My thoughts:
I liked this book, I was genuinely interested in where the story was going. Trauma impacts people differently and that was the running theme throughout the chapters. There are a few romantic subplots here but favorite was with Olivia’s father. It was the most organic. That would be my only critique with this book. The romance with Olivia’s character felt forced. If there’s anything I could add it would be flight. I wish we saw Olivia’s piloting skills.
Overall, I was invested. I particularly liked the alien culture. The Drennar are magnificent and I want more of them. Rone was my favorite character, she had excellent development from start to finish.
As for the songs. I agree with another reviewer, there should have been more of a time range and sometimes the timing was off. But I appreciate the addition of music because 1) it was important to the author, 2) it was a very important part of the Regonian culture. “You are my sound” is clearly the Regonian translation for I love you. Very romantic.
(ARC Review)
👽 Sci-Fi & Romance
👨👩👧👦 Multi-POV
🗣️ First Person
🕊️ Mental Health/Addiction Rep
🎧 Playlist Available
💘 Low spice
🏔️ Cliffhanger
⚠️ Trigger Warnings
Summary:
Many torn-apart families, mingled into one book.
Meet Olivia, a human hacker and pilot aboard the Odyssey. Her dad hasn't been in her life for a decade. Her mom is busy with work on another space station—too busy.
There’s Krona, a Regonian prisoner, at the hands of humans. His partner, Tenna, was separated from him and lives aboard the Odyssey with Olivia. Tenna doesn’t remember a thing, let alone Krona.
Krona will stop at nothing to find Tenna again.
My thoughts:
I liked this book, I was genuinely interested in where the story was going. Trauma impacts people differently and that was the running theme throughout the chapters. There are a few romantic subplots here but favorite was with Olivia’s father. It was the most organic. That would be my only critique with this book. The romance with Olivia’s character felt forced. If there’s anything I could add it would be flight. I wish we saw Olivia’s piloting skills.
Overall, I was invested. I particularly liked the alien culture. The Drennar are magnificent and I want more of them. Rone was my favorite character, she had excellent development from start to finish.
As for the songs. I agree with another reviewer, there should have been more of a time range and sometimes the timing was off. But I appreciate the addition of music because 1) it was important to the author, 2) it was a very important part of the Regonian culture. “You are my sound” is clearly the Regonian translation for I love you. Very romantic.
dnf
June 29, 2024DNF @ 40%. Unfortunately, as much as I really wanted to like the book, it is a DNF. Thank you to Elexis Bell and Natasha at Bibliophile.nat for the eARC.
I’m always down to try a good SCI-Fi and Awakening sounded like it would be right up my alley, but I struggled to connect with this book. The writing was just not strong enough, the world building was lacking, and the characters were uninteresting.
The reader is introduced to multiple character’s POVs including our main FMC/MC Tenna and Krona, but the reader is in the dark about who they are, where they are at, and their past. It is evident that their memories have been altered and the reader follows both as they try to piece together what has happened to them and their people.
I can see where the author was trying to go, but there was not enough information in the first 40% to draw on that emotional connection with the characters or their experiences. With the multiple POVs, it would have been helpful to have more context behind the character’s actions and motivations. Perhaps this becomes more clear as the story progresses, but without the initial investment into the characters themselves, it was difficult to continue on with the story.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book. I’m sure there are many out there who will enjoy this novel, but it was not for me. If you enjoy a very slow unveiling of a character’s history and past, and are less focused on world building, this book may be for you.
I’m always down to try a good SCI-Fi and Awakening sounded like it would be right up my alley, but I struggled to connect with this book. The writing was just not strong enough, the world building was lacking, and the characters were uninteresting.
The reader is introduced to multiple character’s POVs including our main FMC/MC Tenna and Krona, but the reader is in the dark about who they are, where they are at, and their past. It is evident that their memories have been altered and the reader follows both as they try to piece together what has happened to them and their people.
I can see where the author was trying to go, but there was not enough information in the first 40% to draw on that emotional connection with the characters or their experiences. With the multiple POVs, it would have been helpful to have more context behind the character’s actions and motivations. Perhaps this becomes more clear as the story progresses, but without the initial investment into the characters themselves, it was difficult to continue on with the story.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this book. I’m sure there are many out there who will enjoy this novel, but it was not for me. If you enjoy a very slow unveiling of a character’s history and past, and are less focused on world building, this book may be for you.
May 7, 2024
I have read this book recently, thank you to Elexis Bell for providing me the ARC.
Usually, I am rather careful with the genre of sci-fi, simply because I find myself often confused however, this was not the case when it comes to "Awakening". The author has a very captivating way to explain and write and allow the reader to dive into the world she creates without losing yourself and be lost and confused.
Memory loss, love and the question of identity, those would be the three aspects I say were priorities in the story around Krona and Tenna, Tenna who has lost her memory and lived among humans, Krona, an alien who was tortured and confused with false memories who then escaped to go on a journey to find Tenna.
I am an absolute fan of books with different POV's, which was the case here.
After finishing the book, there has been some ethical question I have been pondering over due to the topic of it, something I quite like also, whenever a book makes me think once I am done ... always a bonus point.
I am certainly interested in the direction this story will take and can only recommend everyone who is interested in the alien vs human debate and overall the genre of sci-fi.
Usually, I am rather careful with the genre of sci-fi, simply because I find myself often confused however, this was not the case when it comes to "Awakening". The author has a very captivating way to explain and write and allow the reader to dive into the world she creates without losing yourself and be lost and confused.
Memory loss, love and the question of identity, those would be the three aspects I say were priorities in the story around Krona and Tenna, Tenna who has lost her memory and lived among humans, Krona, an alien who was tortured and confused with false memories who then escaped to go on a journey to find Tenna.
I am an absolute fan of books with different POV's, which was the case here.
After finishing the book, there has been some ethical question I have been pondering over due to the topic of it, something I quite like also, whenever a book makes me think once I am done ... always a bonus point.
I am certainly interested in the direction this story will take and can only recommend everyone who is interested in the alien vs human debate and overall the genre of sci-fi.
December 19, 2024
🚀 slow burn
🚀 sci-fi
🚀 romance
This book honestly blew my mind.
The worldbuilding
I've been looking for an amazing sci-fi with a world that would completely capture me and draw me into the story, and this was that book. The world itself felt so fleshed out, based on our future world after aliens have been discovered and humans have ruined Earth. But the way it was introduced was the best part.
The author seems to seamlessly give us all the necessary information on the world we are in and incorporates it so well with the story that it feels like I've been a part of the world for years.
The plot
The plot of this book worked so well with the world. With the slow build-up and the amazing execution, there isn't anything that I would change.
The romance
The romance in this book forced me to keep reading, as well as the tension, the multiple perspectives, and the longing. I fell in love with the characters, their thoughts and their personalities. There were so many of them, yet each one felt unique and full of character and life.
I need to continue with this series, to see what is going to happen.
Thank you to Elexis Bell for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
🚀 sci-fi
🚀 romance
This book honestly blew my mind.
The worldbuilding
I've been looking for an amazing sci-fi with a world that would completely capture me and draw me into the story, and this was that book. The world itself felt so fleshed out, based on our future world after aliens have been discovered and humans have ruined Earth. But the way it was introduced was the best part.
The author seems to seamlessly give us all the necessary information on the world we are in and incorporates it so well with the story that it feels like I've been a part of the world for years.
The plot
The plot of this book worked so well with the world. With the slow build-up and the amazing execution, there isn't anything that I would change.
The romance
The romance in this book forced me to keep reading, as well as the tension, the multiple perspectives, and the longing. I fell in love with the characters, their thoughts and their personalities. There were so many of them, yet each one felt unique and full of character and life.
I need to continue with this series, to see what is going to happen.
Thank you to Elexis Bell for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2025
I am not into reading sci-fi but when Elexis Bell writes, I read. I love stories with multiple POVs and Awakening gave me six main characters to look out for. And it spreads across the genres of sci-fi, fantasy, romance, suspense and a hint of dystopia. The world building and character development are done very well.
Just like the rest of her books, the imagery is vivid and it transports you into a world outside your own. The characters are flawed but that is what makes them who they are. The resemblance to real life human experiences, the raw depiction of emotions and the never ending consciousness questioning in times beyond our control is what kept me hooked to not just the first book but the entire series. It also has a playlist...
Elexis is one of my favourite indie authors. I love her writing style. The way her stories are raw and never sugar-coated is what makes me keep coming back to them.
If you are a sci-fi lover looking for a thought-provoking story with strong female characters, this is your book. It is a page-turner and I definitely recommend it.
Just like the rest of her books, the imagery is vivid and it transports you into a world outside your own. The characters are flawed but that is what makes them who they are. The resemblance to real life human experiences, the raw depiction of emotions and the never ending consciousness questioning in times beyond our control is what kept me hooked to not just the first book but the entire series. It also has a playlist...
Elexis is one of my favourite indie authors. I love her writing style. The way her stories are raw and never sugar-coated is what makes me keep coming back to them.
If you are a sci-fi lover looking for a thought-provoking story with strong female characters, this is your book. It is a page-turner and I definitely recommend it.
April 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ 1🌶️
The story takes place in the future when Earth does not longer exist and humanity now roams around space. The story was good I did enjoy it. Thought the timeline numping and povs was a little confusing at some point I thought I had missed something not it was just a new pov being interesting. i had to go back multiple times to check the story and make sure I had not missed a chapter.
The plot was interesting humans kidnapping alien species claiming it was for the greater good erasing their memories and planting new ones. I like it!! But I felt that the story could have been better developed . There is lots of potential in this story specially because all this different species involved. But most of the story was told instead of shown and I’m not a fan of that.
I could have do without any of the songs mentions in this story that was my least favorite part.
✨Thanks to the author foe the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
The story takes place in the future when Earth does not longer exist and humanity now roams around space. The story was good I did enjoy it. Thought the timeline numping and povs was a little confusing at some point I thought I had missed something not it was just a new pov being interesting. i had to go back multiple times to check the story and make sure I had not missed a chapter.
The plot was interesting humans kidnapping alien species claiming it was for the greater good erasing their memories and planting new ones. I like it!! But I felt that the story could have been better developed . There is lots of potential in this story specially because all this different species involved. But most of the story was told instead of shown and I’m not a fan of that.
I could have do without any of the songs mentions in this story that was my least favorite part.
✨Thanks to the author foe the gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
Book Review
Awakening
book 1 of the Regonia chronicles
Genre- dark sci-fi/ fantasy with romance
This was a wonderful start to this series and it was hard to put down, I highly recommend!
Tenna awakes on the Odyssey space station, not knowing how she got there or even when.
They fill her head with stories that are lies that don't feel right to her, but she's not sure how to get her real memory back.
Working on the station next to humans is a different world to her but she learns to settle in and do her part, when she meets Olivia she forms a bond with the strange human and knows she can trust Olivia as a friend and worker.
As they work on the station someone from Tenna's past is trying to get to her and bring their people together again.
With the help of others they will do all they can to save their people even to the death.
Awakening
book 1 of the Regonia chronicles
Genre- dark sci-fi/ fantasy with romance
This was a wonderful start to this series and it was hard to put down, I highly recommend!
Tenna awakes on the Odyssey space station, not knowing how she got there or even when.
They fill her head with stories that are lies that don't feel right to her, but she's not sure how to get her real memory back.
Working on the station next to humans is a different world to her but she learns to settle in and do her part, when she meets Olivia she forms a bond with the strange human and knows she can trust Olivia as a friend and worker.
As they work on the station someone from Tenna's past is trying to get to her and bring their people together again.
With the help of others they will do all they can to save their people even to the death.
March 28, 2025
"Awakening" by Elexis Bell is the first book of the "Regonia Chronicles" and tells the story of Krona, an alien whose only goal is to find his partner Tenna—whom he believes is still alive—after being implanted with false memories by his captors. Tenna, on the other hand, lives among humans on a space station and has lost her own memories. Together with Olivia, a human pilot and hacker, she tries to uncover the truth about her past.
Although science fiction is not usually my preferred genre, I enjoyed reading the book. However, I found the beginning somewhat challenging, especially when trying to keep track of the different characters and plotlines. Nevertheless, "Awakening" offers a gripping storyline and deep character development that readers interested in science fiction will surely appreciate. For fans of the genre, this book is a recommended read.
Although science fiction is not usually my preferred genre, I enjoyed reading the book. However, I found the beginning somewhat challenging, especially when trying to keep track of the different characters and plotlines. Nevertheless, "Awakening" offers a gripping storyline and deep character development that readers interested in science fiction will surely appreciate. For fans of the genre, this book is a recommended read.
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