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Aquila #1
From The Darkness
Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?
The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.
Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.
In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.
The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.
War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.
The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.
Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.
In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.
The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.
War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.
ebook
First published September 12, 2013
2 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Searle
4 books66 followersT. L. Searle is a self published author living in the south-west of England. She is a wife, mother of two and full time Critical Care Nurse.
Her love of reading led her to pen her first two novels; the Aquila novels. She is now writing the second book in the new Davovit series. The first novel, Finding Soul, was released in December 2019.
Her love of reading led her to pen her first two novels; the Aquila novels. She is now writing the second book in the new Davovit series. The first novel, Finding Soul, was released in December 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 15, 2014
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Thanks to T L Searle for giving me this book to review.
Aquila has always kept herself distant from everyone, apart from her mother and her best friend, Aaron, who she is in love with, because she is not normal as she has wings. One day on an impulse Aqua finally reveals her true self to Aaron only to be rejected and she flees, but she is followed by Lucas and when she nears exhaustion he takes her to Celthia, a city carved into the mountain full of people similar to her called Angeli. When her home is attacked and her mother taken by the Angeli’s enemy the Dragone, Aqua must train to find and save her, but the master of the guard, Liam, does not trust her, though she has growing feelings for him. With Aqua different from everyone at Celthia and a boy August who is linked to her, will she find all the answers about her mysterious past.
Aquila: From the Darkness is a very enjoyable paranormal book, full of action, secrets, romance and unique species from any other book I have read. The book started out a bit too detail heavy but I got sucked into the story of Aqua, though it was a little bit predictable.
Aqua is a protective, determined and mature girl who has always had to hide who she is, but I did find it unbelievable that she was so brilliant at her training after only one month. All the characters are really well written and I liked them all, my favourites had to be Liam and August.
This book ends on a big cliff-hanger and I am really looking forward to the next book Aquila: Into the Light as there are lots of unanswered questions. I would recommend Aquila: From the Darkness to fans of YA paranormal books.
Thanks to T L Searle for giving me this book to review.
Aquila has always kept herself distant from everyone, apart from her mother and her best friend, Aaron, who she is in love with, because she is not normal as she has wings. One day on an impulse Aqua finally reveals her true self to Aaron only to be rejected and she flees, but she is followed by Lucas and when she nears exhaustion he takes her to Celthia, a city carved into the mountain full of people similar to her called Angeli. When her home is attacked and her mother taken by the Angeli’s enemy the Dragone, Aqua must train to find and save her, but the master of the guard, Liam, does not trust her, though she has growing feelings for him. With Aqua different from everyone at Celthia and a boy August who is linked to her, will she find all the answers about her mysterious past.
Aquila: From the Darkness is a very enjoyable paranormal book, full of action, secrets, romance and unique species from any other book I have read. The book started out a bit too detail heavy but I got sucked into the story of Aqua, though it was a little bit predictable.
Aqua is a protective, determined and mature girl who has always had to hide who she is, but I did find it unbelievable that she was so brilliant at her training after only one month. All the characters are really well written and I liked them all, my favourites had to be Liam and August.
This book ends on a big cliff-hanger and I am really looking forward to the next book Aquila: Into the Light as there are lots of unanswered questions. I would recommend Aquila: From the Darkness to fans of YA paranormal books.
November 4, 2013
Just finished reading this book and it is amazing!!!!
To summarise, the main character Aquila has a big secret and is also full of teenage love for her best friend but revealing her secret destroys any romantic hope she had and sends her on a path of discovery where she finds out more about herself that she could ever of thought was possible.
The story follows her road of discovery and the ups and downs of knowledge it brings. The characters she encounters are vibrant and believable and the story has a dynamic tempo. There is a new love subplot but this doesn't overpower the main plot. Even though Aqua understands more about who she is she still doesn't fit in completely so when someone close to her is in danger she has to make some choices which have dramatic consequences on her new identity and throws open a whole new aspect of herself she didn't realise existed!
This book was so interesting to read and completely captured my imagination. The story is fast flowing and I can not wait to read the sequel!
To summarise, the main character Aquila has a big secret and is also full of teenage love for her best friend but revealing her secret destroys any romantic hope she had and sends her on a path of discovery where she finds out more about herself that she could ever of thought was possible.
The story follows her road of discovery and the ups and downs of knowledge it brings. The characters she encounters are vibrant and believable and the story has a dynamic tempo. There is a new love subplot but this doesn't overpower the main plot. Even though Aqua understands more about who she is she still doesn't fit in completely so when someone close to her is in danger she has to make some choices which have dramatic consequences on her new identity and throws open a whole new aspect of herself she didn't realise existed!
This book was so interesting to read and completely captured my imagination. The story is fast flowing and I can not wait to read the sequel!
Want to read
September 20, 2019Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2019/09...
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2019/09...
October 7, 2013
absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read the next book! Will definitely be recommending!
August 28, 2014
READ MORE REVIEWS @ Girl In The Woods Reviews
Detailed Review:
< ebook copy provided by the author herself >
OK, when I started this book, honestly I was kinda irked by the short sentences. I mean it is good to keep your sentences short and informative but it felt like the character was shortlived and out of breath most of the time. It made me feel...'irked' because I didn't really see an importance within the main character due to the short off writing and it made me think of her as a side character.
The writing is good, pretty neat and sparkly, nothing wrong but I guess you could say that it was quite well done to the point of perfection but it lost it's touch. You know the writer's feel within the words like there is something that makes this book the author herself. Do you get what I'm trying to say? It lost it's authenticity or it's feel of being the author's work, a little evidence here and there that sprinkles the author into the pages.
But anyhow, the story of Aqua is quite interesting and how she has come to know that she has these black wings and how she confronts them to her best friend who rejects it ultimately. It was such a crushing feat to Aqua. But I do love the character style that the author's drawn up. She's really put a little bit of personality for the characters throughout the story. When Lucas came in, I was like "Seriously?" Yes, the Lucas character was unsettling, totally bleh to me. The moment he came in, I disliked him. It was this feeling in my gut that definitely spelled out 'H-A-T-E'. Have you ever felt that way about a character? Secretly, I prefer Aqua's dorky childhood best friend.
There was only the occasional sarcasm that continued during the book and that held out the story's significance for Aqua. It helped to express more of her emotions and you could tell that she is quite sardonic with Lucas and somehow it has definitely pushed a lot of puncture points to enable the story have more personality.
But what I especially love from this book was it's fantasy.
I love how the author had created this world where humans evolved from birds and humans from mammals. I can actually picture a mountain full of characters with beautifully etched wings on their backs in different shades and how they each all signify a role within the story. It became so apparent that parts with Aqua discovering who and what she actually is was the main goal that made me consistently think about how these bird-human creatures called Avian /Angeli came into the story.
Those parts made me very interested in these beings and invite a more original storyline that is hard to find as everyone is always looking for the usual vampires, werewolves, etc. instead of creating their own new species; that was one of the points that made me accept this request.
In the 'book world', I think, many people are writing the same thing over and over again, it becomes overrated and quite boring. It typically makes me yawn whenever I pick up a book with the same storyline, same characters, same setting but otherwise this story has something different.
It has imagination.
Brief Review: A truly transcendent fantasised reality that made me enjoy it's telescopic world of evolutionary winged human beings. Searle, has created a book full of wonderful creatures and the coinciding fate of one Angeli who still believes in humans.
Final Rating: 4/5 "Really Liked It"
Detailed Review:
< ebook copy provided by the author herself >
OK, when I started this book, honestly I was kinda irked by the short sentences. I mean it is good to keep your sentences short and informative but it felt like the character was shortlived and out of breath most of the time. It made me feel...'irked' because I didn't really see an importance within the main character due to the short off writing and it made me think of her as a side character.
The writing is good, pretty neat and sparkly, nothing wrong but I guess you could say that it was quite well done to the point of perfection but it lost it's touch. You know the writer's feel within the words like there is something that makes this book the author herself. Do you get what I'm trying to say? It lost it's authenticity or it's feel of being the author's work, a little evidence here and there that sprinkles the author into the pages.
But anyhow, the story of Aqua is quite interesting and how she has come to know that she has these black wings and how she confronts them to her best friend who rejects it ultimately. It was such a crushing feat to Aqua. But I do love the character style that the author's drawn up. She's really put a little bit of personality for the characters throughout the story. When Lucas came in, I was like "Seriously?" Yes, the Lucas character was unsettling, totally bleh to me. The moment he came in, I disliked him. It was this feeling in my gut that definitely spelled out 'H-A-T-E'. Have you ever felt that way about a character? Secretly, I prefer Aqua's dorky childhood best friend.
There was only the occasional sarcasm that continued during the book and that held out the story's significance for Aqua. It helped to express more of her emotions and you could tell that she is quite sardonic with Lucas and somehow it has definitely pushed a lot of puncture points to enable the story have more personality.
But what I especially love from this book was it's fantasy.
I love how the author had created this world where humans evolved from birds and humans from mammals. I can actually picture a mountain full of characters with beautifully etched wings on their backs in different shades and how they each all signify a role within the story. It became so apparent that parts with Aqua discovering who and what she actually is was the main goal that made me consistently think about how these bird-human creatures called Avian /Angeli came into the story.
Those parts made me very interested in these beings and invite a more original storyline that is hard to find as everyone is always looking for the usual vampires, werewolves, etc. instead of creating their own new species; that was one of the points that made me accept this request.
In the 'book world', I think, many people are writing the same thing over and over again, it becomes overrated and quite boring. It typically makes me yawn whenever I pick up a book with the same storyline, same characters, same setting but otherwise this story has something different.
It has imagination.
Brief Review: A truly transcendent fantasised reality that made me enjoy it's telescopic world of evolutionary winged human beings. Searle, has created a book full of wonderful creatures and the coinciding fate of one Angeli who still believes in humans.
Final Rating: 4/5 "Really Liked It"
August 29, 2014
This book was recently entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our YA readers thought:
FEEDBACK
Title
AQUILA
From the Darkness
Author
T L Searle
COVER 7/10
Generally, the readers thought the cover was well put together and professional-looking. However, they all thought it was rather ‘boring’. They wanted to see Aquila. They thought the blurb was well written and enticing.
EDITING 8/10
The readers thought this book was well edited and discovered no problems with spelling, punctuation or grammar. However, they did feel the middle of the book was a little slow and a good edit might improve pacing.
THEME 8/10
In general, the YA readers enjoyed this book and the central plot. They loved the premise of a girl with black wings hidden under her jumper and they very much liked Aquila. They thought she was brave and determined. They also very much enjoyed the Angeli world the author create and the strong elements of romance and subtle humour. One reader girl, aged 15) put in her feedback, ‘This book reminded me of Twilight and a little bit of The Hunger Games. Sort of a mix of the two. The romance of Twilight and the strong hero of The Hunger Games.’
A number of the readers hoped you would not go too far down the romantic road with the sequel. They felt you created an interesting, exciting world with an exciting enemy for Aquila to battle but too much romance would destroy the pacing. One reader (boy, aged 14) put, ‘This story is good. I liked Aquila, but the romance sucks.’
STYLE 7/10
The readers very much liked the style of your writing. They felt you worked very well with description and speech and your character development was excellent. One reader put in her feedback, ‘I loved this story. It reminded me of Twilight. I thought the author showed the love between the two characters perfectly. The ending was sad but a good cliffhanger. I hope she enters the next book.’
A few of the readers, particularly the elder boys, felt the pace was a little slow and they felt that the story concentrated too much on ‘feelings’ and ‘lovey dovey stuff’. (Note from Ed – perhaps your intended readership is more YA girls, than boys. If so, this comment is not so relevant)
STATS 30/40
Of the 16 readers,
16 felt the cover needed an image of Aquila on it for them to identify with.
9 felt the best part of the book was the central premise.
3 felt the best part of the book was the writing style.
4 felt the best part of the book was the way the author worked with speech and characters.
12 would read like to read the sequel
4 would not (all boys)
‘A thrilling cocktail of fantasy and romance with a humorous cherry on top. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
FEEDBACK
Title
AQUILA
From the Darkness
Author
T L Searle
COVER 7/10
Generally, the readers thought the cover was well put together and professional-looking. However, they all thought it was rather ‘boring’. They wanted to see Aquila. They thought the blurb was well written and enticing.
EDITING 8/10
The readers thought this book was well edited and discovered no problems with spelling, punctuation or grammar. However, they did feel the middle of the book was a little slow and a good edit might improve pacing.
THEME 8/10
In general, the YA readers enjoyed this book and the central plot. They loved the premise of a girl with black wings hidden under her jumper and they very much liked Aquila. They thought she was brave and determined. They also very much enjoyed the Angeli world the author create and the strong elements of romance and subtle humour. One reader girl, aged 15) put in her feedback, ‘This book reminded me of Twilight and a little bit of The Hunger Games. Sort of a mix of the two. The romance of Twilight and the strong hero of The Hunger Games.’
A number of the readers hoped you would not go too far down the romantic road with the sequel. They felt you created an interesting, exciting world with an exciting enemy for Aquila to battle but too much romance would destroy the pacing. One reader (boy, aged 14) put, ‘This story is good. I liked Aquila, but the romance sucks.’
STYLE 7/10
The readers very much liked the style of your writing. They felt you worked very well with description and speech and your character development was excellent. One reader put in her feedback, ‘I loved this story. It reminded me of Twilight. I thought the author showed the love between the two characters perfectly. The ending was sad but a good cliffhanger. I hope she enters the next book.’
A few of the readers, particularly the elder boys, felt the pace was a little slow and they felt that the story concentrated too much on ‘feelings’ and ‘lovey dovey stuff’. (Note from Ed – perhaps your intended readership is more YA girls, than boys. If so, this comment is not so relevant)
STATS 30/40
Of the 16 readers,
16 felt the cover needed an image of Aquila on it for them to identify with.
9 felt the best part of the book was the central premise.
3 felt the best part of the book was the writing style.
4 felt the best part of the book was the way the author worked with speech and characters.
12 would read like to read the sequel
4 would not (all boys)
‘A thrilling cocktail of fantasy and romance with a humorous cherry on top. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
April 25, 2015
"I don't see a point of life without love.. I've lived in a world of numbness, of not feeling. At the time, it saved me, but now I realise it was like living in death; feeling nothing gives you nothing to live for."
"When we die, we leave forever; and everything that makes us, us, goes too. Our hopes, our dreams, our memories, our futures'; they disappear like grains of sand on the wind until nothing remains of us - except the love of those we've left behind. Love may be the only pure thing in this world. I would definitely break the rules for love."I love all the emotion in this book and Aquila's strength as she struggles to adapt to all the changes that have occurred in the time since she learned what she was and that there are others like her (or are there?). She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes and to disagree when she thinks that what everyone else believes is antiquated, wrong and harmful to those that believe in it so totally they are on the verge of extinction.
One of the things that I really dislike about these types of stories is the "I hate you, but I really love you", that authors always feel
their characters have to experience. You know immediately what's going to happen, so why can we not have a book where they meet and instead of glowering and snarling at each other they try to get to know each other and let their feelings grow?
If, I was reading this before I was able to read the sequel in a relatively short span (less than a month, I would be upset. I detest these types of cliff-hangers where you have to wait for 12/18+ months before you can read the next book. I read too much for me to remember every book that I've read (several books a week unless I'm too busy or sick). That is one of the reasons that I don't like to read books until the series is complete. (I mean how long have we been waiting and will continue to wait before we receive the last book in "The Passage Trilogy"?) I hate having to go back an reread or skim through previous books to refresh my memory. I really love what Brett has done with his "Demon Cycle Series"; the first few pages are a recap of what has happened so far; this works well in stimulating my memory and making me remember all the most important things that have occurred up to the present book. Enough complaints, I'm off to read "Aquila, Into the Light", so I can see if Aqua manages to save herself and everyone she loves and their different lifestyles.
May 11, 2016
I was given a copy of this book through goodreads in exchange for an honest review
From The Darkness left me feeling rather conflicted on what I thought of the book. On the one hand, it was a quick, fun read that I enjoyed. On the other hand, I was considering starting a drinking game for every time Aquila fainted or cried.
In all honesty though, I did enjoy this book. It's a read you can't take seriously, and if you want complete fluff then I completely recommend this book. I found the concept of separate evolution really interesting. The way the Angeli society was constructed was detailed and well done and it's easy to see why they would live the way they did.
I had a few problems with the characters. Aquila was hard to love in the beginning as she has the typical traits of a YA Mary Sue. The 'unusual' name, the perfect qualities, the love triangle, the different eye colour, and something strange that makes her different. The thing is that actually after a while these things didn't bother me anymore, in fact they are what made me start to love her. I think the idea that cliches can be alright in a story if written well applies in this case. I do have to say I didn't like Liam. ( Disclaimer: In the next book as he develops I did enjoy him a lot more. ) He was an absolute jerk. I don't think the fact that he was in love with her really justified his actions. That doesn't mean I thought Aaron was good for her either, I just simply couldn't fall in love with him. I did love the second characters though such as Lucus, Robin, and August. They really helped me get through the story.
All in all, it wasn't a bad book. As the characters progressed and grew I learned to love them. This book is complete fluff, and I think if you want a simple, fun read then it's certainly for you. (The second book in the series is far better than this one, so you should stick with it simply for that fact!)
From The Darkness left me feeling rather conflicted on what I thought of the book. On the one hand, it was a quick, fun read that I enjoyed. On the other hand, I was considering starting a drinking game for every time Aquila fainted or cried.
In all honesty though, I did enjoy this book. It's a read you can't take seriously, and if you want complete fluff then I completely recommend this book. I found the concept of separate evolution really interesting. The way the Angeli society was constructed was detailed and well done and it's easy to see why they would live the way they did.
I had a few problems with the characters. Aquila was hard to love in the beginning as she has the typical traits of a YA Mary Sue. The 'unusual' name, the perfect qualities, the love triangle, the different eye colour, and something strange that makes her different. The thing is that actually after a while these things didn't bother me anymore, in fact they are what made me start to love her. I think the idea that cliches can be alright in a story if written well applies in this case. I do have to say I didn't like Liam. ( Disclaimer: In the next book as he develops I did enjoy him a lot more. ) He was an absolute jerk. I don't think the fact that he was in love with her really justified his actions. That doesn't mean I thought Aaron was good for her either, I just simply couldn't fall in love with him. I did love the second characters though such as Lucus, Robin, and August. They really helped me get through the story.
All in all, it wasn't a bad book. As the characters progressed and grew I learned to love them. This book is complete fluff, and I think if you want a simple, fun read then it's certainly for you. (The second book in the series is far better than this one, so you should stick with it simply for that fact!)
January 26, 2014
Firstly id like to thank T.L. Searle for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review
I could not put this book down!
Aquila is just a normal girl who works on her mothers farm, has a Aaron her best and only friend whom she loves. Yep normal oh except for the large black wings protruding from her back that she hides beneath large jumpers and shirts. Aqua has kept this secret from her best friend out of fear of rejection and the possibility that he wont accept her and there friendship will crumble.
Aqua only has every Saturday off from her farm duties which she uses to take to the skies and spread her wings. It is on one of these flights she senses she isn't alone and sights the first ever being that has wings like her own except white. When she has no other choice but to reveal her secret to Aaron and the thing she fears most happens (this is when my dislike for Aaron begins) she takes to the skies and follows Lucas to his home in the mountains where over the next few months she learns the truth about how she came to be in her mother Libby's care, what happened to her brother, why she looks so different from the others of her kind, Angeli are not the only other species are on earth. She also builds new friendships and tries to find a place she belongs where at first everyone feared her.
Aqua will see and feel betrayal from those whom she has come to care for and second guess who she puts her trust in.
T.L. Searle captured my imagination from the beginning. With bits of humour and a lot of romance throughout, made it a great book.
I cant wait for part 2 and even more so because T.L. Searle put in a preview of the next book (which did dull the ache the epilogue left) I am even more excited to see how Aquila's story unfolds because there are still many questions left unanswered
I could not put this book down!
Aquila is just a normal girl who works on her mothers farm, has a Aaron her best and only friend whom she loves. Yep normal oh except for the large black wings protruding from her back that she hides beneath large jumpers and shirts. Aqua has kept this secret from her best friend out of fear of rejection and the possibility that he wont accept her and there friendship will crumble.
Aqua only has every Saturday off from her farm duties which she uses to take to the skies and spread her wings. It is on one of these flights she senses she isn't alone and sights the first ever being that has wings like her own except white. When she has no other choice but to reveal her secret to Aaron and the thing she fears most happens (this is when my dislike for Aaron begins) she takes to the skies and follows Lucas to his home in the mountains where over the next few months she learns the truth about how she came to be in her mother Libby's care, what happened to her brother, why she looks so different from the others of her kind, Angeli are not the only other species are on earth. She also builds new friendships and tries to find a place she belongs where at first everyone feared her.
Aqua will see and feel betrayal from those whom she has come to care for and second guess who she puts her trust in.
T.L. Searle captured my imagination from the beginning. With bits of humour and a lot of romance throughout, made it a great book.
I cant wait for part 2 and even more so because T.L. Searle put in a preview of the next book (which did dull the ache the epilogue left) I am even more excited to see how Aquila's story unfolds because there are still many questions left unanswered
May 21, 2014
4.5 Stars
Aqua has her share of secrets, and growing up in the English countryside it's been easy enough to hide who she is. But she's getting older and wants...more. Well be careful what you wish for because it looks like she's gonna get a crash course in more. She's always wondered what she really was because come on Angel? Does that sound possible just because she has wings? She doesn't really have Angelic feelings, but when she finds out the truth it's more than she ever bargined for. Now trying to navigate this new world she's suddenly been made aware of and trying to figure out the secrets everyone's hiding. Plus she realizes she's different even from those who have wings and it makes it hard to know who to trust when it feels like everyone knows things she doesn't.
Aqua is tough, she may not think she is but she is hardcore. Keeping a secret may have been dificult, but it's made her stronger because of it. She doesn't take anything at face value and sees things others don't. I loved her attitude and unwilligness to let something go just because some doesn't want her to think about it. She's fierce with a good since of right and wrong, watching as she learned the different aspects of who she is you fall for her more with every turn of the page.
The supernatural element was well defined and explained and made the story all the more interesting to get into and fall in the world the author created. This was a great start to the series and I can't wait to see more.
Aqua has her share of secrets, and growing up in the English countryside it's been easy enough to hide who she is. But she's getting older and wants...more. Well be careful what you wish for because it looks like she's gonna get a crash course in more. She's always wondered what she really was because come on Angel? Does that sound possible just because she has wings? She doesn't really have Angelic feelings, but when she finds out the truth it's more than she ever bargined for. Now trying to navigate this new world she's suddenly been made aware of and trying to figure out the secrets everyone's hiding. Plus she realizes she's different even from those who have wings and it makes it hard to know who to trust when it feels like everyone knows things she doesn't.
Aqua is tough, she may not think she is but she is hardcore. Keeping a secret may have been dificult, but it's made her stronger because of it. She doesn't take anything at face value and sees things others don't. I loved her attitude and unwilligness to let something go just because some doesn't want her to think about it. She's fierce with a good since of right and wrong, watching as she learned the different aspects of who she is you fall for her more with every turn of the page.
The supernatural element was well defined and explained and made the story all the more interesting to get into and fall in the world the author created. This was a great start to the series and I can't wait to see more.
January 10, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. At first I wasn't too sure about it based on the blurb, (What on earth is this power she has? This sounds weird) but it seriously came through for me. As you learn in the first chapter or so, Aquila is the main character has a very particular physical attribute that everyone I know has always dreamed of, but that's not even the most defining thing about her. I enjoyed her spunk, attitude, determination and quirkiness much more than several other mainstream heroines that are currently all the rage, and can't wait to read the next installment of this story.
The author has written a wide variety of characters to enjoy and I love the basic world that she's constructed in her mountain. Aquila is constantly proving herself and gaining the respect of the people around her, including the reader's. This story had a ton of action and a great pace, I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loved Divergent and The Hunger Games - Aquila is a heroine on par with both Katniss and Tris, in my opinion.
I loved it!
The author has written a wide variety of characters to enjoy and I love the basic world that she's constructed in her mountain. Aquila is constantly proving herself and gaining the respect of the people around her, including the reader's. This story had a ton of action and a great pace, I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loved Divergent and The Hunger Games - Aquila is a heroine on par with both Katniss and Tris, in my opinion.
I loved it!
January 26, 2014
*I received a free copy from the author*
Let me start my review by saying that I wasn’t sure if this book was one I was going to like, based on the blurb it didn’t seem like a read I would enjoy but I decided to give Aquila a chance and I can say very sincerely that I did not regret my choice.
I really liked this book in general, I at first I thought it would be very predictable book but every time I tried to guess where the plot was going it turned out it was going in a totally different direction and it’s a great knowing that there are still authors out there with fresh ideas.
As for the characters I cans say I enjoyed the all, even the villains. My favorite had to be Aqua since she grew so much during the book.
This book may not be my favorite although it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing; it is an excellent novel with great characters, interesting plots that many people will enjoy.
*Thanks again to T.L. Searle for letting me enjoy her work*
Let me start my review by saying that I wasn’t sure if this book was one I was going to like, based on the blurb it didn’t seem like a read I would enjoy but I decided to give Aquila a chance and I can say very sincerely that I did not regret my choice.
I really liked this book in general, I at first I thought it would be very predictable book but every time I tried to guess where the plot was going it turned out it was going in a totally different direction and it’s a great knowing that there are still authors out there with fresh ideas.
As for the characters I cans say I enjoyed the all, even the villains. My favorite had to be Aqua since she grew so much during the book.
This book may not be my favorite although it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing; it is an excellent novel with great characters, interesting plots that many people will enjoy.
*Thanks again to T.L. Searle for letting me enjoy her work*
February 9, 2014
It's a 3.5 Stars
*Firstly id like to thank T.L. Searle for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review*
Humans with wings aren't necessary equal to angels, this book holds a different story.
I like the idea of birds evolving and ultimately became an Angeli. Of course not forgetting the Dragone. It was refreshing and a good start.
I like the settings in this book and also the characters. Every single one has their own 'feel' and I adored everyone of them. Have a couple of questions and I'll just have to wait for the next installment to get my answers. Is Liam really cares for Aqua? This question bothers me the most because I can't seem to grasped his character >< which is why I can't wait for the next installment
*Firstly id like to thank T.L. Searle for giving me this book in exchange for a honest review*
Humans with wings aren't necessary equal to angels, this book holds a different story.
I like the idea of birds evolving and ultimately became an Angeli. Of course not forgetting the Dragone. It was refreshing and a good start.
I like the settings in this book and also the characters. Every single one has their own 'feel' and I adored everyone of them. Have a couple of questions and I'll just have to wait for the next installment to get my answers. Is Liam really cares for Aqua? This question bothers me the most because I can't seem to grasped his character >< which is why I can't wait for the next installment
October 2, 2014
4 1/2 stars
T.L. Searle is a gifted story-teller. I enjoyed her writing style. Althought I found the beginning to be a little slow, once the story picked up steam, it never stopped. I loved the characters. Aquila (Aqua) the MC, is awesome. Yes, she's a bit emotional - but, she's no shrinking violet. Liam, the Master of the Guard is perhaps, my favorite character. He's like an onion - with all these layers to peel away: devotion, determination and hidden torment. The rest of the characters are well developed and the author did a good job giving each one a distinctive voice. It has been a while since I've read anything that has held my attention the way Aquila: From the Darkness did. It was a refreshingly unique.
T.L. Searle is a gifted story-teller. I enjoyed her writing style. Althought I found the beginning to be a little slow, once the story picked up steam, it never stopped. I loved the characters. Aquila (Aqua) the MC, is awesome. Yes, she's a bit emotional - but, she's no shrinking violet. Liam, the Master of the Guard is perhaps, my favorite character. He's like an onion - with all these layers to peel away: devotion, determination and hidden torment. The rest of the characters are well developed and the author did a good job giving each one a distinctive voice. It has been a while since I've read anything that has held my attention the way Aquila: From the Darkness did. It was a refreshingly unique.
January 31, 2014
Aquila: From the Darkness, is an intriguing and interesting read. The book will always lead you into a new surprise, each and every chapter that follows.
The authors writing is highly descriptive, and eloquent. She describes many scenes very realistically. Her story lines are quite lively, even when the book seems to have some draggy scenes in it at times. But this is because it is built inside of the main characters timid yet challenging over time, demanding persona.
Written in the first person narrative, you could really feel over time the main characters progressive, open minded, broad minded thinking.
It is a truly magical read.
The authors writing is highly descriptive, and eloquent. She describes many scenes very realistically. Her story lines are quite lively, even when the book seems to have some draggy scenes in it at times. But this is because it is built inside of the main characters timid yet challenging over time, demanding persona.
Written in the first person narrative, you could really feel over time the main characters progressive, open minded, broad minded thinking.
It is a truly magical read.
December 3, 2013
Aquila is a book that grabs you, holds you with earnest, beautiful, fun language and propels you forward with a plot and a romance that keeps you guessing. Searle has a diamond in this book, and I am eagerly awaiting the continuation to this wonderfully told fantasy. There is no reason that this book should not be taken up and given to the eager young adult masses. Come on, publishers...Readers, do yourselves a favor. Get this book.
August 13, 2016
I received this book from T.L. Searle in exchange for an honest review. Thank you T.L. Searle for the chance to read your work. I found the book well written. I like how Aqua has a secret and finding she has wings not knowing if she was an angel or not. I laughed when Aqua went on her own for the day and described what her mother taught her. Yes learning how to fly.
I can not wait for book 2 and see how the rest of the story goes.
I can not wait for book 2 and see how the rest of the story goes.
May 30, 2014
Aquila is a great read in a new series that I cant wait to read more of. I loved reading about Aqua and her journey of finding out who and what she really is. This book has great characters in an amazing world with lots of details. This is a definite must read, I cant wait to see what happens next in this series.
September 17, 2013
Really enjoyed reading this book. If you love Twilight, you will love this book.
November 20, 2014
4.5 Stars
April 28, 2015
I loved this book... The characters, the story, the tempo, the story.... It was all good. Looking forward tp the next book!
March 30, 2015
Aqua Vickers is a normal, impulsive and stubborn seventeen year old girl living with her mother in the countryside and secretly in love with her best friend Aaron Coles. Yet Aqua has a secret, and maybe she's not as 'normal' as she first seems. This book is a YA fantasy romance. We follow Aqua's journey as she seeks answers to her past and discovers things about herself that she would never have guessed. She meets new friends and family along the way who help her when a horrendous event threatens to destroy her life and her sanity. Aqua doesn't like all of the answers she finds, and some answers pose far more personal and painful questions.
The book is written from Aqua's POV. It is the first of a two-part story following her maturing as a person, finding love, suffering grief and sorrow and seeking the answer to the all important question... Who is she and what is her role?
Hope you all enjoy this x
Merged review:
Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?
The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.
Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.
In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.
The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.
War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.
Aquila; From The Darkness (Book One) Now available from smashwords as epub, mobi (kindle), pdf, Irf, pdb, txt and read online.
The book is written from Aqua's POV. It is the first of a two-part story following her maturing as a person, finding love, suffering grief and sorrow and seeking the answer to the all important question... Who is she and what is her role?
Hope you all enjoy this x
Merged review:
Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?
The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.
Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.
In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.
The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.
War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.
Aquila; From The Darkness (Book One) Now available from smashwords as epub, mobi (kindle), pdf, Irf, pdb, txt and read online.
August 1, 2016
Aqua has always been different. Always hiding who she is because of fear that she will be rejected. So when she sees some one with wings just like here she is curious to find out more. When her best friend does reject her she is devastated. So when this mysterious stranger takes her to the mountains she is amazed at a whole other world. She learns about her history and about her species as well as enemy's. Not what I thought the book would be about but great none the less. Full video review on YouTube channel Adventures-IN-Print. https://youtu.be/-plYwOt8Js0
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