Young Aina

Blue Prometheus #0.5

by Ned Marcus

Aina and her father are pursued deep into the ancient forest by a deadly enemy. To her father’s concern, the forest speaks to his daughter, awakening a natural magic within her. Will Aina’s magic awaken in time to save the lives of both her and her father?

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

39 pages, ebook

Published November 16, 2017

About the author

Ned Marcus writes fantasy and science fiction. Magic and science, nature, and aspects of spirituality combine in his stories.

He was born in the north of England but now lives in East Asia.

You can find out more about him at nedmarcus.com

Reviews

[Noor Al-Shanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this short story on Kobo's free page. It's not bad and a pretty quick read. The world seems interesting. The main issue I had was that something about the way it was written made it feel distant for me. I didn't really feel Aina's pain or fear or wonder during certain key moments. However, the world is really interesting so it might be worth checking out for others who like interesting new worlds.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this short tale, a subtle message of mans damage to the eco-environment lies underneath the story.

Would I read the sequel? Yes I would

I never know Aina age but I’m guessing round eight and the writer got it spot on sometimes you read children wise beyond their years and pulls you out of the story, I always thought Aina was just a normal little girl who learns magic. I really like how she starts to communicate with nature with the flashing visions.

I really liked Aina’s father too and I was quite shocked when he got stabbed and then relieved when he started healing only to get struck again by deadly magic and this time life finally went out of him, I totally wasn’t expecting that!

I wasn’t keen on the character of the villian that much I would have liked him to be more fleshed out but I guess there’s only so many pages you can have in a short, I would have liked to know where he got his magic from was he born with it or did he gain it from somewhere?

[Erin MacMichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent piece of writing tells the tale of a young girl who lives in Silvan, a small, independent country on the cold planet of Prometheus (Uranus). Aina's father teaches her to connect with the True Language of the plants, animals, and intelligent species who inhabit the vast wild forests that cover Prometheus, but the pair are not alone in their ability to wield natural magic. Silvan is on the verge of being overrun by troops from the neighboring colony of the Empire, and Aina and her father find themselves on the run, hunted by Lord Anlair, a sorcerer of the Imperial Order.

This novelette is fast-paced, gripping, and painfully sad. The language is lyrical, evocative, and brings up images and feelings that remain long after the pages come to an end. The story is an excellent beginning to what promises to be an engrossing series.

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 12 year old girl on an alien planet dreams of visiting the ancient forest where her father patrols and protects the strange flora and fauna. But there is some kind of political unrest; lordlings and Empire men threaten to encroach of the small settlement that is Aina's home, all for the sake of the hunt. Danger sends her into the heart of the forest where she learns more of it's mysteries and magic.

Nicely written, but more of a supplemental story than a dive-in-here prequel; I didn't always appreciate who was doing what or the setting itself. Aina's narration seems a bit mature for her age, but it serves to tell the short story well.

[Christine Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Aina is a short story about Aina roughly 12 years old who lives on Prometheus (Uranus) She dreams to one day walk through the Ancient Forrest that her father patrols. Unfortunately there is a political feud between her little home Silvan against the neighboring colony the Empire.

This book was enduring and cute and sad. Plus the world that was described seems beautiful. Nearly like Avatar (the movie)

[Lucille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aina

This story drew me in within the first pages and didn't let go. I'm not good at expressing myself, but I really must continue with this story. It tense, exciting and interesting, (interesting is a tame word)

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start

To a new series. I loved it right from the beginning. I can’t wait to see where the story takes me. I think this would be a great read for young and old. Aina is a character that everyone can relate to.

I recommend you give it a chance, you won’t regret it!

[MGB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aina is getting a tough start in young life. She connects to the wilderness, but it comes at a terrible expense. Of course there are evil doers and now she is the target.

A pleasant story that the reader sees from the distance, but is never really drawn into.

[David Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting world. Decently written. Makes me want to read more in the series.

While I only gave this 4*, I reserve 5's for truly excellent books (Patty Briggs, Heinlein at his peak, etc.).

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice prologue that pedaled my interest in the planet and the story of begins to tell. I will be purchasing the series to see how the journey goes.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!

[Fermentum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult read

I Liked the book, short and easy to read. And i think the next book in series will be good.