The Zaragoza Chronicles: Beginnings
The richest family in the world offers a dream scholarship to disadvantaged scholars. But as recipients vanish, a group of rebels unveils a chilling secret….
Top Reviews
Little is as it seems in A. J. Ayeni’s superbly written The Zaragoza Chronicles: Beginnings
“From a writing standpoint, Ayeni’s prose is a confident mix of world-building and vivid scene-setting. Little is as it seems in A.J. Ayeni’s superbly written THE ZARAGOZA CHRONICLES: Beginnings, a thrilling suspense-laden, character-driven examination of a not-so-distant future where an influential family with a disturbing secret finally meets its match. In addition to the superb writing and plot development, the supernatural vibe that this story takes on as it unravels is a clever, welcome addition. What begins as a straightforward, sci-fi-tinged drama quickly turns into a paranormal thriller. By this point, it may sound like there’s a handful of competing elements at play here, but Ayeni makes it all work, and in turn, THE ZARAGOZA CHRONICLES is a fascinating, well-crafted read from start to finish. As the subtitle states, THE ZARAGOZA CHRONICLES is merely the beginning of a much larger saga, but if A.J. Ayeni never writes another word, he’s already succeeded in presenting a unique, fully realized story.” 4.4/5.0 –James Weiskittel, IndieReader
A Fabulous Debut Novel!
A.J. Ayeni may be a debut author, but with this book shows skill and understanding of creating the perfect gothic thriller that has a touch of the supernatural. He builds anticipation, that left me with butterflies in my stomach, by slowly revealing clues, and through the revelations of the students.
Talk of the power of the Zaragoza family, a pledge of fealty shown through signing a document with blood, a Non Disclosure Agreement and the taking part in trials, all filled me with a feeling with dread, and add to this the supernatural element I was completely immersed in this book. It is interesting that in the 2040 A.J. Ayeni creates the world is still facing some of the same important issues we face today; poverty, corruption, the power of money and racism. Difference is still something that causes division, whether it is your race, the tone of your skin, or your intelligence, and A.J. Ayeni explores this through the diversity of the students and their life experiences.
The Zaragoza Chronicles: Beginnings is a fabulous start to what seems to be a thrilling series. A.J, Ayeni has created such real characters, capturing their different qualities and personal traits, and their natural interactions with each other. The plot had me completely gripped, turning each page with great speed to see where this book was going to take me next, and it never disappointed. From life and death situations, to trials and supernatural occurrences this is captivating, dark and thought provoking, and I can’t wait to read what happens to Femi and his friends next.
Good Action Story!
The Zaragoza Chronicles is book 1 of the TZC series. The supernatural, paranormal story begins with MC Femi discovering that he has been accepted to the world’s most prestigious and generous scholarship, the Zaragoza New Beginnings Scholarship.
It is an honor to be selected as one of the two citizens chosen per country, and as Femi pursues to head off to the Zaragoza’s ancestral estate, he makes friends with other people there. There is a process before joining, and as he endures all of the mandatory three-month-long orientation programs, he realizes a few things that set up the foundation of the story.
Set in the year 2040, we notice many changes and governments of the world dictating the public, affecting many lives. Femi’s personality and character suited the story very well. I particularly enjoyed this being the first of its series. It enabled me to understand the world setting far better than just jamming a set of dialogues and action sequences.
The story is over 400 pages and relishes you into its moments. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to action-adventure readers and those who like supernatural material.
A Great Introduction to the Series!
This book was full of adventure and mysterious supernatural elements. It is very intelligent writing with thorough details and an extensive plot. It is a great read for fans of urban fantasy, superhero stories, and entertaining characters. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
Realistic Dark Academia - cannot wait to read the next part of this series!
A.J. Ayeni’s debut novel pleasantly reminded me that the gothic horror genre grew out of mystery stories, which was showcased well here, then deviated from it brilliantly!
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