What do you think?
Rate this book
Ashwater #1
Ashwater
Welcome to Ashwater, Colorado.
Ashwater seems like a quaint tourist town. But locals know otherwise. Mysterious disappearances spanning decades and rumors of strange experiments at the nearby Bio-Core facility are part of the town’s everyday lore.
Adam has a secret. One he’d kill to keep.
After escaping Bio-Core, Adam just wants to fit in—a hard task for an android. He finds a home at Jack’s Arcade, and everyone loves his new dance game. When he meets Evie, a girl who lights up his CPU, he wavers between kissing her and obeying his programming to kill her.
Evie, an obsessive artist, can’t stop drawing Adam. He’s socially inept, but his dance moves and the way he looks at her has her hooked. When Adam reveals his secret to Evie, will their connection keep her safe, or will his killer instinct win out?
Full of mystery, humor, and eighties’ music, Ashwater is the first book in Melissa Koberlein’s captivating new series.
Fans of Fireflies, Riverdale, and Stranger Things will love it!
Ashwater seems like a quaint tourist town. But locals know otherwise. Mysterious disappearances spanning decades and rumors of strange experiments at the nearby Bio-Core facility are part of the town’s everyday lore.
Adam has a secret. One he’d kill to keep.
After escaping Bio-Core, Adam just wants to fit in—a hard task for an android. He finds a home at Jack’s Arcade, and everyone loves his new dance game. When he meets Evie, a girl who lights up his CPU, he wavers between kissing her and obeying his programming to kill her.
Evie, an obsessive artist, can’t stop drawing Adam. He’s socially inept, but his dance moves and the way he looks at her has her hooked. When Adam reveals his secret to Evie, will their connection keep her safe, or will his killer instinct win out?
Full of mystery, humor, and eighties’ music, Ashwater is the first book in Melissa Koberlein’s captivating new series.
Fans of Fireflies, Riverdale, and Stranger Things will love it!
- GenresRomance
Paperback
Published February 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Seyler
11 books53 followersHello! I write rom-coms and light science fiction with humor and heart. I embrace my romantic 'geekiness' and enjoy sharing it with the world. My passion for stories comes from an imaginative childhood where every day ended with a book. If you're looking for romantic and funny, that's me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 17, 2020
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute, light and fluffy first book in a new YA SciFi series.
Adam is an android that escaped from a biological company and settled down in a nearby town called Ashwater. He's an android/human hybrid, with a computer processor for a brain, as well as a host of weaponry he can use to eliminate threats. But, he is also just an 18 year old boy that is hungry all the time, likes to play video games and dance, and just got a crush on a girl named Evie.
Adam has three good friends that he's learning to be more human from, but his flirting skills are lacking and rather than a "meet-cute" with Evie, it's more of a "meet-awkward". She takes his comments the wrong way and doesn't like him, but he is smitten with her. Even though Evie thinks Adam is rude, she can't deny that she's attracted to him, and as an artist, can't stop drawing him. The couple eventually begin an awkward, shy friendship, and begin to hang out together. Before they can get too far, however, events come to a head and Adam must make some tough decisions about his future in Ashwater, and with Evie. As Adam's friends cope with his disappearance, they have to decide if his friendship is worth putting themselves in danger. I can't say more with out spoiling the story.
This is a fast and easy read. It's not a complicated story or book. I would almost categorize it as "simple". The characters are fairly straightforward and the author doesn't do much worldbuilding or character development. Adam and Evie have a typical angsty relationship, but it's a fun book if you want some escapism and a book that will only take you a couple days to read.
Thank you to Parker West Books and Book Sirens for a free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute, light and fluffy first book in a new YA SciFi series.
Adam is an android that escaped from a biological company and settled down in a nearby town called Ashwater. He's an android/human hybrid, with a computer processor for a brain, as well as a host of weaponry he can use to eliminate threats. But, he is also just an 18 year old boy that is hungry all the time, likes to play video games and dance, and just got a crush on a girl named Evie.
Adam has three good friends that he's learning to be more human from, but his flirting skills are lacking and rather than a "meet-cute" with Evie, it's more of a "meet-awkward". She takes his comments the wrong way and doesn't like him, but he is smitten with her. Even though Evie thinks Adam is rude, she can't deny that she's attracted to him, and as an artist, can't stop drawing him. The couple eventually begin an awkward, shy friendship, and begin to hang out together. Before they can get too far, however, events come to a head and Adam must make some tough decisions about his future in Ashwater, and with Evie. As Adam's friends cope with his disappearance, they have to decide if his friendship is worth putting themselves in danger. I can't say more with out spoiling the story.
This is a fast and easy read. It's not a complicated story or book. I would almost categorize it as "simple". The characters are fairly straightforward and the author doesn't do much worldbuilding or character development. Adam and Evie have a typical angsty relationship, but it's a fun book if you want some escapism and a book that will only take you a couple days to read.
Thank you to Parker West Books and Book Sirens for a free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2019
This is just awesome! A well written story with an intriguing plot that kept me hooked from start to finish! Tons of mystery and drama, romance and intrigue, twists and turns galore and some sci-fi then throw in fab relatable characters, a secret Android and an 80’s playlist and you will not be able to put this down! Definitely well worth a read!
December 20, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
Love is sometimes found in the most unexpected of places. In a Colorado mountain town filled with light-skinned humans, Adam stands out. Though he resembles the others in appearance, his differences are more significant than might be expected. Adam is an android, struggling to find his place after escaping from the Bio-Core facility moments before being destroyed. He finds his way to the town of Ashwater and does everything he can to override his innate tendencies and appear “human.”
Singularly focused on fitting in, Adam is not prepared to meet Evie, the daughter of the sheriff and the first human to make his heart skip a beat. Evie’s passion for sketching and Adam’s similar love of music and dancing connect them as they fall hard for each other. When Adam’s violent training bubbles to the surface, however, he is forced to run away, ultimately divulging his secret to Evie from his hidden refuge. Soon, Adam is recaptured by Bio-Core, and it is up to Evie and their friends to rescue him and return him to his true home.
Young adult fiction fans of all ages will fall for this story and likeable characters. Tied to iconic music from the eighties, the story even has a soundtrack that can be found on Spotify. Readers will recognize similarities to the Terminator films, and fans of Cinder will appreciate the connections in this story from the android perspective, as well.
Written in an active, engaging style, this story keeps readers connected from beginning to end. Occasional strong language, moderate levels of violence, and moderate romantic discussion make this story better suited to more mature teen readers. Well-orchestrated pacing places readers in the emotional mindset of the characters, particularly when Evie and Adam do recognizable and cringe-worthy things as their relationship blossoms.
This book includes an air of mystery balanced with just enough conflict and action to appeal to a wide range of readers. Thoughtfully designed, readers will feel a sense of finality upon reaching the end of book one, but they will feel compelled to seek answers to lingering questions in the subsequent books in the series. Fans of the action in Divergent and The Hunger Games—especially if also interested in eighties references—are sure to enjoy this book.
Love is sometimes found in the most unexpected of places. In a Colorado mountain town filled with light-skinned humans, Adam stands out. Though he resembles the others in appearance, his differences are more significant than might be expected. Adam is an android, struggling to find his place after escaping from the Bio-Core facility moments before being destroyed. He finds his way to the town of Ashwater and does everything he can to override his innate tendencies and appear “human.”
Singularly focused on fitting in, Adam is not prepared to meet Evie, the daughter of the sheriff and the first human to make his heart skip a beat. Evie’s passion for sketching and Adam’s similar love of music and dancing connect them as they fall hard for each other. When Adam’s violent training bubbles to the surface, however, he is forced to run away, ultimately divulging his secret to Evie from his hidden refuge. Soon, Adam is recaptured by Bio-Core, and it is up to Evie and their friends to rescue him and return him to his true home.
Young adult fiction fans of all ages will fall for this story and likeable characters. Tied to iconic music from the eighties, the story even has a soundtrack that can be found on Spotify. Readers will recognize similarities to the Terminator films, and fans of Cinder will appreciate the connections in this story from the android perspective, as well.
Written in an active, engaging style, this story keeps readers connected from beginning to end. Occasional strong language, moderate levels of violence, and moderate romantic discussion make this story better suited to more mature teen readers. Well-orchestrated pacing places readers in the emotional mindset of the characters, particularly when Evie and Adam do recognizable and cringe-worthy things as their relationship blossoms.
This book includes an air of mystery balanced with just enough conflict and action to appeal to a wide range of readers. Thoughtfully designed, readers will feel a sense of finality upon reaching the end of book one, but they will feel compelled to seek answers to lingering questions in the subsequent books in the series. Fans of the action in Divergent and The Hunger Games—especially if also interested in eighties references—are sure to enjoy this book.
March 19, 2019
Melissa Koberlein has done it again! What an amazing book. I can't wait for the second book. I absolutely love this book and I love the fact that there is a sound track to go along with it. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book.
September 28, 2022
This book was such a great read.
I was able to grab an early copy of Ashwater by Melissa Koberlein & if I had to choose just one word to describe the writing of this book, it would be "AMAZING"!!!!
This was such a great book to read. It was very easy to sink into. So much so that it was really hard to put down. (I think I completed it in about 3-4 days)
The writing and story telling kept you engaged and wanting more and more! It also kept you well informed on the characters locations, atmosphere, the characters feelings, not only personal, but for other characters as well.
The details of the story and characters made it so easy to develop feelings for them as if you really knew them.
Something that was really unique (at least to me) was that Melissa Koberlein created a Spotify playlist to compliment the book!! I absolutely LOVE listening to it and love that when I do it sparks memories about the story too!!
Definitely an A++ book ~ Can't wait to read it again!!
I was able to grab an early copy of Ashwater by Melissa Koberlein & if I had to choose just one word to describe the writing of this book, it would be "AMAZING"!!!!
This was such a great book to read. It was very easy to sink into. So much so that it was really hard to put down. (I think I completed it in about 3-4 days)
The writing and story telling kept you engaged and wanting more and more! It also kept you well informed on the characters locations, atmosphere, the characters feelings, not only personal, but for other characters as well.
The details of the story and characters made it so easy to develop feelings for them as if you really knew them.
Something that was really unique (at least to me) was that Melissa Koberlein created a Spotify playlist to compliment the book!! I absolutely LOVE listening to it and love that when I do it sparks memories about the story too!!
Definitely an A++ book ~ Can't wait to read it again!!
September 18, 2020
Ashwater was a book that I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started reading the book. It had enjoyable moments, reminding me of when I was younger and hanging out with my friends playing games or just finding things to do. The relationship between Adam and Evie was really relatable, as I have had one where things started off awkward and rocky, and it became more and that was nice. The mysteries of the story kept you guessing, though with Adam being an android his "processing" could be a bit much at times. Trying to compensate and prove that he is a human while overshooting is understandable, and very fish out of water, but when he already seems pretty perfect it comes across a little bit like forcing flaws.
A little more show not tell would have been good in the story as well.
It was engaging however, and fairly well written, though at times the talk was like someone trying to speak as a younger person, but that was mainly during the exposition type conversations so perhaps that was the main problem.
I enjoyed it though and would read the other book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A little more show not tell would have been good in the story as well.
It was engaging however, and fairly well written, though at times the talk was like someone trying to speak as a younger person, but that was mainly during the exposition type conversations so perhaps that was the main problem.
I enjoyed it though and would read the other book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2020
I had a hard time getting in to the story at the beginning, but it continued to get better as the book progressed. Maybe I had a hard time relating to the main character because he is male and I am female. However, I could relate to the main theme of the book, which is trying to fit in. For the most part it was well written ( the exceptions being an occasional wrong verb tense and wrong use of breath/breathe). That's the bad news. The good news is that the book gets better as it goes. However, my favorite thing about it was the humor! Some of the conversational mistakes the main characters makes are funny!!! One in particular had me laughing so hard my eyes started watering. That alone made the book worth reading.
March 30, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed Ashwater! I found the plot centering around Adam and Evie so intriguing. The awkward interactions are adorably fitting and I found Adam's narrations to be written really well! Reading from his mindset there were a few instances where I didn't catch on to just what he had done in his "mistakes" for a moment (such as just promptly walking out the door after texting Evie about homework). While there were a few spots of weaker writing (mostly a few editing/printing errors) that occasionally took a moment to decifer, but the majority of the book was great :)
Please excuse me while I await my order for the sequel.
I really enjoyed Ashwater! I found the plot centering around Adam and Evie so intriguing. The awkward interactions are adorably fitting and I found Adam's narrations to be written really well! Reading from his mindset there were a few instances where I didn't catch on to just what he had done in his "mistakes" for a moment (such as just promptly walking out the door after texting Evie about homework). While there were a few spots of weaker writing (mostly a few editing/printing errors) that occasionally took a moment to decifer, but the majority of the book was great :)
Please excuse me while I await my order for the sequel.
August 1, 2019
I loved reading this story from the moment I picked up the book. An escaped android who is trying to remain undetected in a town that is a little more than "odd". When he meets a girl and falls in love he uses his amazing dance skills to whisk her off her feet, that is if he doesn't lose control of his hardware and kill her.
This is the first book of Melissa Koberlein's newest book series and I can't wait to read more!!
This is the first book of Melissa Koberlein's newest book series and I can't wait to read more!!
July 22, 2020
I loved this book! I wasn't sure how I would react to the android part of the story, but knowing I enjoyed this author's other books, I had a feeling I would likewise enjoy this one. I was so right! I love how Adam flubs through his interactions and his constant struggle to act human and understand those around him. It was humorous but heartfelt. Starting book two now to see where it goes from here!
July 8, 2019
Ashwater is a very intriguing book. It was fun to read, and the characters personalities are well explained and designed. Although confusing at points, Ashwater is full of plot twists and romance. I find Adam and Evie are well interpreted characters in the book that have the drama that almost any teen can relate to. Altogether, Ashwater is a great, relatable book, with an android twist!
August 1, 2019
This is a great read. I love this Mystery and how the Author brings the story out and how it evolves. It grabbed me and kept me inthralled from the first to the last page. Its definitely a must read. You can feel the emotions of the Characters. And the Scenery is brought out great as well.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
July 21, 2019
Definitely not my normal read but I have to say I enjoyed it. Loved the 80's theme and dancing vibe. The characters were witty and fun. This book also has some great plot twists. I would highly recommend this book if you like androids and syfy.
August 1, 2019
This is great book from start to finish. Easy read for YA but still entertaining for the more adult reader. It wraps up the story but also leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. O and I love the included Spotify playlist.
September 2, 2019
This is a fun and interesting romantic fantasy novel. It is romantic and sweet, emotional and has very likable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2019
Great book! It made me feel several emotions.
May 14, 2020
An usual but a really interesting storyline.
Ashwater is full of mystery, adventure and drama with a healthy dose of humour and the eighties! I had so much fun while reading this!
Ashwater is full of mystery, adventure and drama with a healthy dose of humour and the eighties! I had so much fun while reading this!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews