House of Aries

Ascendant #1

by Whitney Estenson

A Story of Love, Loss, and Extraordinary Discovery-

Kyndal Davenport has suffered terrible tragedy. As the sole survivor of a car crash that claimed her entire family, Kyndal knew that her life would never again be easy. Now she must live with an aunt she has never met in a small town she has never been to. Worse, at school she is hounded with taunts and whispered rumors by suspicious classmates. When she receives the rare attention of the alluring but inscrutable Roman Sands, Kyndal must determine what his true intentions are. But the everyday pains of adjusting to her new life are put aside when Kyndal wakes from strange dreams, finding her sheets on fire and her skin unburned. When Kyndal develops a powerful connection with Roman, she discovers that she isn't the only extraordinary person in Marienville, Pennsylvania. Roman reveals that his interest in Kyndal goes far beyond a high school romance; an interest that may decide the fate of the entire world.

In this Young Adult debut fiction novel, author Whitney Estenson introduces us to The Ascendant Series - a world of magic, adventure, and enduring love in the face of an enemy who only understands death and hunger. Born into the House of Aries, Kyndal must confront her fate and find the strength to protect the people closest to her.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2016

About the author

Whitney Estenson was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. The daughter of two teachers, she spent her summers swimming at the pool. Through the years, she played several sports, including; softball, basketball, volleyball and running track. While traveling to the next tournament, whether it be an hour away, or several states away, Whitney always traveled with a book. It was on these long trips that she developed a love of supernatural and fantasy stories.


After graduating high school, Whitney attended Washburn University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education in 2009. That summer, she married her husband Josh in a seven minute ceremony on a Jamaican beach. When she returned, she began her teaching career and has been teaching middle school English for the last seven years. In 2012, she received a Master of Science in Educational Technology from Pittsburg State University. In 2013, Whitney and Josh welcomed their daughter Avery.

When she’s not teaching or writing, Whitney loves to swim and ride four wheelers with her husband and daughter.

House of Aries is Whitney’s first novel.

Reviews

[Donna]

Full of teenage angst and adventure, twists and turns. It's a hard one to set down. Definitely waiting for the next in the series.

[Taylor]

I thought this book was amazing. She had so much action in it. It had the right combination of everything a reader wants. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Sierra Unger]

AMAZING. Literally could not put this book down, finished it in a day!

[Amanda Guthrie-Bare]

My daughter had the author for media class at school in 7th grade and my daughter is the one who told me about this book. I love reading young adult fantasy and this book did not disappoint. The author set up the characters nicely at the beginning of the book, and there was plenty of action throughout the book. I will be starting on book 2 tonight. Thanks!

[Devina Patterson]

Wonderful

Well written book. Keeps you interested from the first page. love the suspenseful ending. Cannot wait until the 2nd book.

[Renae]

I simply could not put this one down. Easy adult read but the level is just right for teens and teens. Story line and creative world within our world kept me turning pages.

[Hunter Wong,]

My teacher is the author of this book, and i just have to say, wow! The best book I have ever read! If you don't have ths book, then buy it!!

[Grace]

This was the first book that I read all the way through in like a couple of days in grade school. Never knew how much I enjoyed reading. I even pulled it out to read at lunch. I blame this book for pulling me into the world of reading. I also knew the author. She was a teacher at my middle school. <3

[Renee Selle]

Entertaining.

[Chelsey]

Love this book!!! Could not put it down!!!!

[Camber Thornburgh]

I have been meaning to read this book for a few years now and the only mistake was not reading it sooner. The characters are real. While I do not personally relate to Kyndal, I see her in one of my best friends— firey and determined. She doesn’t care if you are new, or in authority, she will stand up for what is right. I related to Lydia, the curious friend who says it like it is. Someone who got to watch the magic from a distance. The romance reminded me of the connection that Tris and One have, that Gail and Katness had, and even Clary and Jace. The magic was original, with a backstory and many secrets. I am so excited to continue reading.

[Whitney Estenson]

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

House of Aries by Whitney Estenson is the first in The Ascendant Series. Kyndal Davenport has been struck by tragedy, losing her entire family in a car accident, and having to move to a small town in Pennsylvania with an aunt she doesn't know. Things only get worse when the mean girl of the school singles her out and spreads rumors about her, leading her classmates to taunt and whisper behind her back. Though when alluring Roman Sands pays attention to her, and she makes two new friends, she thinks maybe her life can return to normal. Then nightmares haunt her, her sheets catch fire, and she develops a powerful connection to Roman who opens up her world to its dark and dangerous secrets, including the truth of her past, and the key to the future.

From the first page I was hooked. The end only made me need more, to know what will happen to Kyndal and her friends. Kyndal is stubborn, hard-heading, flawed, and completely perfect as the heroine of this story. She has so much tragedy in her life, but she overcomes the grief and grows stronger with each chapter. Whitney Estenson brings to life this world through rich backstory, tragic circumstances, unlikely heroes, and strength of character with a charming blend of humor, magic, and mystery. Estenson knows where to pack the emotion punch, letting Kyndal grieve and get angry, but also knows how to lighten the mood when necessary. House of Aries is a strong debut with the same wit and spirit as the lead. A must-read! It'll leave you desperate to know more!