This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Aleese Hughes is many things: a mother and wife, an avid reader, a performer, and an author. Aleese enjoys her time at home with her children and relishes the opportunities to pick up a good book or write one herself.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy," a series that combines both the fantasy and murder mystery genres.
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. There you can join Aleese's newsletter to receive exclusive updates, bonus content (like a free eBook copy of Peas and Princesses), and much more. You can also follow Aleese on social media.
Reviewed by Tracy Traynor for Readers' Favorite
Edge of the Barrier by Aleese Hughes is as if Cinderella fell into Star Trek, and the result is a young adult, unputdownable dystopian novel. Anne Blankenship has just turned eighteen and is about to graduate. In an ideal world, all her hard work and dedication would have paid off. But this is NewMerica in the 36th century and everything is far from ideal. After the attack in 2505, Americans managed to create an electric dome over a vast area to keep the aliens out. But it’s been so long since the dome of protection went up that people have become removed from the invasion, and dissension filters through the sections of the new world. The royal family needed to do something to stop the unrest, so they announced two things: they would hold a Crown Ball, at which the prince will choose his bride, and that a lottery will be held so that one lucky lady from the four factions will win a pass to the ball and a chance to marry the future king. When Anne wins the ‘lucky’ ticket, everyone is delighted—except for Anne. Thrown into a world she knows nothing about, Anne must find her way to the end because her younger sisters need her to win the lottery money. But not everything is as it seems. What is happening to people who are ‘enlisted’? What’s happened to her friend Sarah? And most importantly… who or what is Jeslak?
Aleese Hughes has a flair for writing. Her characters are real, the plot is exciting, and the descriptions are spot-on. I literally couldn’t put this book down. I must add that there is no final resolution in the story and readers will be waiting for book two to find out what happens. I really enjoyed the ‘touch’ of Cinderella that ran through this dystopian/sci-fi story. From wearing government-issue jumpsuits to breathtaking ball gowns, Anne’s story will enchant young adult female readers. Yet the undercurrent of threat from a corrupt government and distant aliens firmly puts the story in its correct genre of dystopian/sci-fi. The budding romance was tenderly portrayed. From characters to world-building Edge of the Barrier is a top-notch read and sure to be a bestseller.
