Aegis Rising

An Aegis League Novel

Young Adult - Sci-Fi
440 Pages
Reviewed on 04/16/2014
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

S.S.Segran spent a good chunk of her childhood exploring the enchanted forest of a million tales in the mystical land of books. In her early teens, she began crafting intriguing new worlds and conjuring up characters who came alive with the flick of her wand... err... pen. With the publication of Aegis Rising in her senior year of high school, she was surprised by the abundance of time that magically appeared right after graduation. She plans to use this new found resource to expand the arc of the Aegis Series. Her future plans include studying Cognitive Science at university and helping youths in developing countries realize their potential through her non-profit organization, Aegis League (www.aegisleague.org)

When not devouring a book or writing one, S.S.Segran can be found standing behind the cauldron of life, stirring a potion made up of chores, parkour, gaming, drawing, horseback riding and--having recently jumped off a perfectly fine airplane at fifteen thousand feet - perhaps skydiving.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

“From the flames of Cerraco five will arise, Saplings of Aegis, the bearers of light...” In S.S. Segran’s Aegis Rising, sixteen-year-old Tegan Ryder was enjoying a smooth flight in northern Canada with her four best friends; Mariah Ashton, Jag Sanchez, Aari Barnes, and Kody Tyler. A freak storm caught them by surprise, and one of their engines was struck by lightning. They survived the plane crash and found themselves in Dema-Ki, a hidden valley inhabited by mysterious people. The Elders of the people believe that the teenagers are the saviors as foretold in their prophecy. Hesitant at first, the five youths accept their fate, but are they ready to face both the dangers in and outside the valley?

This first book in the Aegis League series is well-written and gave me an interesting set of premises to read. S.S. Segran has managed to weave together threads of youth leadership, love, loss, intrigue, excitement, and action in just the right amount without the scenes becoming too artificial. The relationships between characters in the book are deftly depicted and easily convinced me about the depth of their feelings. The story flows along well, with twists placed perfectly in the plot, and I absolutely love the part when the teenagers undergo their training. Due to Segran’s great skill at building the teenagers’ relationships among themselves and with other characters, every scene affects my emotions, ranging from intrigue, hilarity, excitement to anger. I recommend this book to any YA fans that enjoy well-paced, immersive sci-fi/fantasy series worth following.

Kathryn Bennett

Aegis Rising: An Aegis League Novel by S.S. Segran involves a plane crash, a hidden valley, ancient prophecy, and a cataclysmic scheme all in one set of pages. Friends Mariah, Aari, Kody, Jag, and Tegan live through a plane crash that puts them in an undiscovered valley with people living in it that are mysterious and uncontacted. After being nursed back to health, they find themselves in the middle of a prophecy which involves them. A story of adventure and faith, what will the outcome be?

When I look at an adventure book I want it to have everything, maybe a little bit selfish but I want the adventure, intrigue, and a good story line to go with it. Aegis Rising: An Aegis League Novel by S.S. Segran delivers on every level and makes for a fantastic and interesting book. This is perhaps the best sci-fi adventure I have read all year and I could easily picture Captain Kirk among the landscape, along with our main characters, figuring things out and as an avid Trekkie that is a big compliment. With that parallel said, the people themselves and the story are completely unique and compelling. If you are a sci-fi reader and have been looking for something that is unique and will make you want to keep reading from the first to the last page, this book is the one you need to read right now. Once I picked it up, I didn’t put it down and enjoyed every word.

Mamta Madhavan

Aegis Rising - An Aegis League Novel by S.S. Segran is an adventurous science fiction that will keep readers engrossed with its action. Five friends - Mariah, Kody, Aari, Tegan and Jag - are forced to crash-land their small plane in Northern Canada. They find themselves in a hidden valley called Dema-Ki and in the midst of mysterious people when they wake up. These inhabitants believe that these five teenagers have the key to salvation as per the prophecy. Though these kids don't believe it initially, the strange turn of events makes them accept the truth about the prophecy.

It is a fast paced, mysterious story that will keep readers glued till the very end. The youthful theme and the new age thinking will fascinate young readers. The theme and concept are great and the author has captured the mystery surrounding the valley and its inhabitants beautifully. The contrasting images of the unexplored, hidden valley and the technological advancement of cities is very interesting to read. The scenes which speak about the battle between good and evil also set the pace, making it an exciting read.

The plot has been woven well and the scenes do not sound forced; the portrayal of each character highlights the effectiveness of the scenes in the story. The combination of youth, leadership, mystery, prophecy and a hidden valley has been woven together to bring out a story of surprise. It is indeed a gripping novel!

Swati

Totally captivating. Movie like, intense adventure novel with breath taking thrills.

I would definitely recommend Aegis Rising to anyone who loves to read a book with old world living mixed with thrilling sci-fi adventure.

Loved it. !!

Red Grammer

An extraordinary effort... all the more amazing given the author's age. I was especially gratified by the way she used the teen protagonists' close knit relationships as the backdrop against which the dramatic events in Aegis Rising unfolded, without having "love interest" or other typical teen story devices hijack the underlying theme of the book. She's a real talent!"

Red Grammer - Grammy Nominated, Award Winning Singer/Songwriter

Honore Gbedze

A riveting plot that takes you on an intriguing odyssey through mysterious northern forests and mist covered mountains to corporate boardrooms and global schemes. Prepare to get swept away on a breathtaking journey!

~The SAGE Foundation~

John Kirk

This Sci-Fi adventure is a nice break from the typical fantasy read. The notions of an ancient race, highly developed extra-sensory skills and mysterious prophecy sets an interesting pace. A number of exciting conflicts leading to a paramount good vs. evil battle kept me glued to the end. Looking forward to the next adventure.

Bina D

This is one of the most captivating book that I've ever read. It is really amazing how the author, although being so young, has such a vivid imagination that carries you to a magical land far far away while keeping you grounded to the harsh realities of our technological and industrial race for greed. It is one of the books that you won't want to put down once you've started to read and it also makes a wonderful Gift for friends and families. It is a book that I have also shared with my friends and everyone of them have loved this book as well. We are all impatiently waiting and hoping for the next book from the author. Kudos to the young author for such a fascinating debut book.

Deva S.

If you are looking for a young adult novel that is a class of its own, get Aegis Rising. Heads and shoulders above the formulaic approach many YA novels employ. Here you will be drawn in to a rich, captivating environment filled with intrigue and engaging characters. And it takes place in the real world, not some faraway fantasy land. The plot flows effortlessly and sweeps you away on an unforgettable adventure. I don't wish to give away any part of the story as every scene is a delectable piece to be enjoyed. All I can say is if you are a YA fan (or for that matter even if you are not), check out Aegis Rising, it's something else!

Wendy S

This book is excellent. Great story told well. I can't wait for the sequel! I'm only sorry that I read it so quickly.

Beverly A

I am 61 years of age and received this book as a Christmas gift.Although I think this book may have been targeting a younger "Harry Potter" like reader, I was in awe by this young woman's ability to capture my attention with such fascinating adventures and clarity of details, which kept me reading chapter after chapter! This young author is an inspiration and her first book, a wonderful read for ANY AGE!

Michelle Brown

Just finished reading "Aegis Rising." I was grabbed by the story early on and found it to be one of those books you just can't put down. I loved that while it is enjoyable for adults, it stayed clean and would be safe reading for a younger audience. It's a classic good vs. evil tale,
appealing to higher ideals and morality while reminding us of the personal responsibility we have to do good.

All in all, it was an excellent read and I very much hope a sequel is in the works.

Renu Cabot

This book is a great depiction of youth leadership n how the new generation can make this world a better place.The author captures each character so precisely n wonderfully.not a dull moment.I couldn't put it down n constantly found myself reading till the wee hours of the night.a great read for all ages.loved it.

JoAnne Pfoh

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that real life kept getting in the way of my reading.

I was intrigued when the prologue began in 500 B.C. and from that moment on I was hooked. As we fast forward to present day we find ourselves on a perilous plane ride with 5 close friends all terrified and confused. They awaken in a hidden valley inhabited by the most amazing individuals they have ever met. Hidden from civilization for centuries, the villagers live a quiet life in tune with nature. The village elders display an incredible insight into the human mind and all its potential. Life in the village seems perfect but things are about to change. Our five teenagers will begin an incredible adventure that will change them forever.

I was so impressed to discover that the writer of this incredible novel was just a teenager. The writing style is superb and their narrative prowess is extraordinary.
The 5 main characters are described in such detail that I could close my eyes and see them in front of me. The attention to detail when describing the valley and the inhabitants is awe inspiring.

There are some real lessons to be learned as we come face to face with modern day progress and the impact and devastation it can cause if not closely monitored. We begin to explore the depths of the human spirit when faced with adversity and greed and we watch as our 5 youths learn about themselves and the inherent powers of the mind.

If you enjoy adventure, and sci-fi then I highly recommend this book. I do caution that some of the action content is very descriptive and intense and would best be suited to 12 and older and will appeal to teens and adults alike.

I applaud this young author's debut novel and I will be following her very closely in anticipation of her next creation.

Krista S

I own the e-book and just bought a hardcover as a Christmas gift. This is certainly one of the most original plots I have read in a long time. It is hard to classify a novel so unique and well-written, especially when there are no vampires, zombies, dragons or teenage romance roller-coasters rides to compare with other books in this genre. Instead, there is this beautiful storytelling that engages the reader and then takes you on a breathtaking adventure filled with action and intrigue. The story is BIG! It's hard to put it into a few words. It is something to be experienced. The synopsis describes it the best. For extra clarity of what to expect, check out the author's Book Trailer in YouTube. Search for 'Aegis Rising Trailer'. What you see there is an amazing recreation of what you can expect it the book.

M.L.

I loved this book! The author, S.S. Segran, has created an action-packed story filled with some original and textured characters I enjoyed getting to know. Creative and delightful to the core, this first book in the Aegis League series is reminiscent of a combination of The Game of Thrones and City of Bones for young adults with its cast of teenagers surmounting incredible obstacles in a richly woven plot.

My favorite aspect of this book is the author's exquisite descriptions of the landscapes of the story. The ability to craft descriptive, but not boring, prose is a gift that is on display in this book and is the mark of a true storyteller. I was able to vividly conjure up images of the characters and setting in a way that added to the intrigue and engagement I felt while reading. S.S. Segran also did a fine job of developing the characters such that I felt I knew each of the five protagonists very well.

For the fast-paced, engaging plot and the cross-genre appeal (action, adventure, fantasy) for both young and older adults, I give this refreshingly unique book a much-deserved 5 stars.

Rosemary G

A group of five teenage friends are tossed into a lost civilization when the plane they are traveling in is struck by lightning and crashes. The book is filled with many influences from Lost to Percy Jackson to the survivalist action of the Hunger games, yet manages to stand on its own as a daring and original work that should appeal to the targeted young adult demographic and beyond to older readers. I had a lot of fun reading this book and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.

Joanne S.

While the main characters in Aegis Rising are 5 teenagers—this series is sure to be appreciated by readers of all ages who enjoy adventure-filled sci-fi and fantasy novels. That this is the debut by Segran (and that she is so young) speaks volumes. She writes with the maturity of a professional—and with the limitless imagination of youth. The characters and plot are well developed—and the suspense and creativity keep you guessing in a good way. Highly recommended!

WL Johnston

Aegis Rising is an incredible story of five teens thrown into a mysterious world after the plane they were on gets struck by lightning from a freak storm and crashes into uncharted Canadian territory. Finding themselves alone and far from civilization, these five are `adopted' by a secretive people who live in a hidden valley. The Elders of this village realize that these five `outsiders' bring with them the characteristics described in an ancient prophecy that promises new hope in the wake of a malevolent threat that could lead to the death and destruction of not only the village and its people but the entire world.

When introduced to the tribal story, the five teens are reluctant to accept themselves as the ones to fulfill that prophecy. Yet in time, having experienced bizarre events, they eventually accept their destiny and train with the Elders to develop their latent powers to become a powerful team that can fight a malevolent shadow that is preparing to unleash its destruction on the planet.

In Aegis Rising, S.S. Segran is able to capture the detail and essence that brings the reader right into the story. The descriptive explanation of the setting and rich development of the characters makes it easy to get lost in the story. It's almost as though you are able to "see" what is taking place with the graphic depictions of the characters, the setting, and the situation.

This is an exceptional book that will easily fall within the same realm as other mega successful stories of teenage adventure. Would not be surprised to see this adapted into a blockbuster movie.

Truly excellent!

D Smith

Our student Book Club just finished reading "Aegis Rising" and loved it!. Great action and adventure story of good vs. evil. Thank you for writing a book that is appropriate for YA readers. We can't wait to read book 2.

Bibliophile

Aegis Rising starts out in the past, a huge catastrophe and an ancient race fleeing their island.. they find hope and rebuild life far away in a new land with another group of indigenous people. The two civilizations merge, combining their cultures and prophecies and skills.

Fast forward to today.... the village is still hidden from the outside world... they live in peace. Then a group of five teens on a trip are thrown into an life-changing adventure when their plane flies into a storm and gets struck by lightning and catches fire.... and the sight of fiery object in the sky is viewed by the villagers and is seen as their ancient prophecy coming true.

Then there is an dark and mysterious organization, lurking at the back of this story with a nefarious plan. This organization is led by a shadowy figure and is intent on unleashing something sinister on the planet.

Hold on to your seat and get ready for the ride of your life. The book starts out slow, but interesting... it quickly picks up the pace and momentum until you are gripping the mouse with white knuckles clicking from page to page as fast as you can read.

The action scenes are incredible and epic, something I can definitely see on the big screen.

I think all in all though, what I really liked about this book... was the values the villagers have... the way they live and the way they raise their kids. Its the kind of message that our society can learn from.

The fact that the author donates part of the proceeds to help kids in need? It should get another five stars just for that! But alas they won't let me give it ten stars :)

I would recommend this book to anyone really. The last four hours of reading were solid action and incredible reading, with a wonderfully creative storyline and characters I felt I knew. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Michael Beas

Truly a classic in the making!

As a fantasy fiction writer I have to admit that I am a harsher critic when it comes to novels / books in this genre. In many ways books in this class I feel should be able to captivate the imagination and place you in a different realm that is far from the problems and stress of everyday life. If a book in the genre is able to do that i.e. “Game of Thrones,” “The Hobbit,” “Narnia,” etc. then it has succeeded in a way that will not only stand the test of time, but will also leave a mark on your own life.

With that said, “AEGIS RISING” accomplishes that and a whole lot more. The writing style is extremely descriptive. This descriptiveness paints a vivid picture that is filled with lavish sceneries that place you at the centre of all the action. When reading this book, I felt as if I was walking alongside the dynamic casts of characters as they each find ways to make their mark on the world that is on the brink of disaster. This is one that I can certainly picture on the big screen and perhaps will one day.

Truly the work of a master storyteller I am amazed that author S.S. Segran is only a teenager. If this is the quality of her writing now, I cannot imagine how it will develop and be in a few years. Simply Brilliant!

~ Michael Beas ~ Author of 'Strump'

Lynn Wee

This is one of the most original novels I have read in a very long time. With the Yound Adult market saturated with mostly predictable reads, Aegis Rising is a welcome breath of fresh air. The writing is impeccable and engaging, the characters are multidimensional and real, the plot is intriguing and gripping and the pacing is perfect.

This superbly written novel easily appeals to all age levels and possibly to a broad genre although it is currently ranked in Amazon’s Bestseller list in the Kindle Sci-Fi category

Definitely recommended!

M. Ryan

"AEGIS RISING" had me from the get go. The author writes with a wonderful flow and the multiple strands of the plot simply come together brilliantly at a perfect pace. This novel contains various thrilling moments that kept me catapulting from chapter to chapter. I definitely plan on reading more from this author. Can't wait for the release of Book Two later this year.

Christopher G.

In her impressive debut novel, S.S. Segran wields a skillful pen that transcends her youth by crafting haunting prose, vivid imagery, and a well thought out plot to cast herself into a mix of young authors to watch. It is obvious, from the very first chapter, that this is the work of a talented writer who possesses an enviable imagination along with the intelligence to mold it into an absorbing story.

There are many things to like about this novel, but one of the most impressive aspects, to me, was the amount of research that went into this work to lend authenticity to the setting and characters. It is a glowing testament to the work ethic of the author and, if I may, an ethic that I wish more young authors shared.

As YA literature goes, this is of a very high quality that I’d put on par with the Hunger Games trilogy. I can see only good things in Ms. Segran’s future if she continues to hone and perfect her craft. Well done!

Carol C.

I purchased kindles for my twin granddaughters and started the tedious process of loading books in them. I came across this one and as per my agreement with their parents, I began to read in order to fulfil my commitment to screen each and every book, before I load up. When I found AEGIS RISING I was intrigued, with what I read on the flap,

It met all the criteria set out for a book that my girl had listed that they liked. Fantasy check, ensemble cast of diverse characters check, major adventure check, gripping plot line check and finally dialogue that isn't hokey, check.

So far so good way to go YaYa scanned it quickly for inappropriate content None, situations too advance for 13 None, and the big one characters dealing with advanced life situations None. Those facts qualified it for a read. Here is what I discovered: This book is extremely well written; the characters are very realistic and seem to have natural, realistic personality traits and foibles. The dynamic between the five friends is not a bit forced it flows as if they have been friends for, well years, LOL!

The pace is fast and to be frank while there was a brief moment or two of drag, overall the story held my attention and then some. The story did not get bogged down by the complicated plot nor did I get lost in a maze of characters. Each character was detailed with a history and a soul. In an abstract way it reminded me of the Breakfast Club only more interesting and much better locales than the school library or cafeteria. I feel as if I have found a book that is of quality writing. The great part is this is going to be a series and there will be more.

The multiple story lines would be a challenge for any writer never mind a first time author who interestingly enough is a teenager herself. That's right you heard me right. S.S. Segran is a teen herself! Amazing, how did you spend your teen years? What a great caveat of the book, my granddaughters can recognize that the art of stringing words together is possible for a kid. Great life lesson to boot.

Remember the name S.S. Segran because she is going to be around for a long time.

John Kirk

This Sci-Fi adventure is a nice break from the typical fantasy read. The notions of an ancient race, highly developed extra-sensory skills and mysterious prophecy sets an interesting pace. A number of exciting conflicts leading to a paramount good vs. evil battle kept me glued to the end. Looking forward to the next adventure.

E. Lucas

“Aegis Rising” is a smart, interesting fantasy adventure story with a touch of sci-fi and five engaging protagonists.

The story begins in the ancient past—500 BC—when a more advanced civilization flees a natural disaster and finds itself on foreign shores. Generations later, the strangers and the natives have intermingled their cultures and created a peaceful, nature-focused haven where people can unleash the power of their minds to develop almost superhuman abilities.

In the present day, a plane crash strands five teenagers in that hidden valley—the Dema-ki—and though they seem to the reader like ordinary young men and women, the Elders of the valley are convinced they are the five saviors from an ancient prophecy who will guide the village through a time of great trouble. As the youths struggle with their newfound life and desire to go home, they will also face danger and betrayal, not only from wild beasts and from inside the village itself, but from a mysterious illness and the operations of Phoenix Corporation in the outside world.

There’s something captivating about the possibility of hidden worlds within our own, and “Aegis Rising” succeeds in building a society that’s not only isolated, but almost mystical and entirely fascinating. Since this is the first in a series, you get enough of an impression of the village and its people, as well as the way they use crystals to enhance their individual powers, to whet your appetite for future installments. The five teens who end up there are more modern and add a nice contrast to the story as they deal with not only figuring out their place in the village, but whether they want to accept the prophecy. Tegan, Mariah, Kody, Jag, and Aari all have distinct personalities, but their bond is what drives them forward and what keeps you as a reader invested in the story. The actions scenes are well-written and suspenseful, and the sense of impending disaster that steadily rises throughout the novel keep the tension high. There’s even a subtle environmental message that I enjoyed.

I would recommend “Aegis Rising” to readers who are looking for a fantasy/sci-fi adventure story with a new and interesting world, strong characters, and the potential to fill out into a satisfying series.

R. Mikhita

This action-adventure sci-fi novel is an amazing read. It's unique, it's action-packed, it's plot-driven, it's got engaging characters, it's set in the real world yet feels magical, in short it's BIG! S.S.Segran has written a novel that is going to create some major waves in the YA scene! The novel follows the incredible adventure of five teenagers after their plane is struck by lightning and crashes in a remote northern forest. The thrilling plot unveils great characters with unique attributes who are forced to grow through a life-changing journey filled with danger and amazing possibilities. This is an epic plot that kept me glued to the pages from the mysterious beginnings right to the super-charged, action-packed ending . It is definitely a five star book and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, even though it is categorized as a YA novel.