A stunning debut novel. Imaginative, a fantastic and well drawn world. Characters that you cannot help but fall in love with and a stunning cover. Amazing.

Most of planet Erthe was destroyed by a comet many years ago and only one island remains. On that island are two very different cities: Athenas, a city made of metal where they believe technology is the key to survival, and Metis where people have made their homes in giant trees and believe that nature is the most important thing and must be protected. Each of these cities has a Chosen One and according to prophecy they will alone can find a way to bring their people together. The Chosen Ones must complete a selection of challenges, only the best will survive and they will be the one who shows the people the way forward.

Aula and Joomia are the Chosen Ones, neither girl asked for the responsibility and they have both been treated differently their whole lives because of it. The girls only meet once a year, on their birthday, when they travel to Ariadnis, the place between their cities, to receive wisdom from the Chosen Ones who went before them, their trials are supposed to begin on their eighteenth birthday and that is when the prophecy will finally be proven. On the day of their seventeenth birthday the girls are told that they must find a way to unite before their trials start or both their cities will be doomed but with travel between the two cities banned that won't be an easy task.

I've found it really hard to write a review for Ariadnis, not because I didn't enjoy the book but because it's hard to know how much I can say without giving accidental spoilers. This isn't quite like anything else I've read before and it took me a bit of time to get used to the world and understand exactly how everything worked. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters though and I loved how different they were because of the way they were raised. Aula is from Metis and her mentor has focused her training on different types of technology, she is also incredibly strong and powerful so has spent a lot of time training for physical battle. Joomia is much quieter, in fact she is unable to speak and can only communicate with a very small number of people mind to mind. She doesn't have Aula's physical strength but she has a quiet wisdom and she is able to tell a great deal about the world around her by communicating with the trees they've made their home.

There are some great side characters and a lot of positive messages in the story about love and friendship. I loved that neither society is hung up on sexuality so it wasn't unusual for characters to date both boys and girls, there was no shame in characters having more than one sexual relationship and things were much freer and less pressured. Ariadnis is a slow build story, one that focuses on introducing both the world and the characters in the beginning but as you get further in the mystery deepens and you start to realise there are a lot of things going on that you weren't immediately aware of. Aula and Joomia are both thrown into some pretty impossible situations and it was really interesting to see how they coped with what happened to them. The way things unfolded at the end have left me desperate for the next book and I think Josh Martin is definitely going to be an author to watch out for!

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.



★★☆☆☆ 2/5

DNF at 19% 

I really wanted to like Ariadnis, really. Look at that synopsis, two girls who are chosen to undertake a mysterious and deadly challenge against each other, sounds good, right?

Unfortunately that's all Ariadnis is, something that sounds good but isn't actually good.

At first it was interesting learning about the two girls, their training, their cities, and how different their lives are to each other's, but after a while I just lost interest, it got boring, slow and the girls felt flat. 

There were months leading up to their eighteenth birthday where nothing happened. Literally nothing that furthered the plot at all and this is where I gave up. I tried for over a month to read it, to finish it because surely it was going to pick up? There's a sequel being written so surely something good and interesting is about to happen? 

I'll never know because sadly Ariadnis is a book I'll never finish. 



Did I like the book? I wanted to but nope.

Did I love it? No.

Would I recommend it? No. The two stars were for the cover and the synopsis.

BOOK REVIEW:  Ariadnis
From the start of this book, told in dual narrative from the perspectives of the Chosen Ones of two rival cities, we are coming at this unusual future dystopia from two distinct mirror-image angles.  After some kind of schism in the philosophies that brought them to this post-apocalyptic point, the two societies have been heading in different directions.  The vaguely steampunk city above has its ideas about where society should be heading, while that below is more focused on living in tune with nature.
Playing with the Chosen One tropes, we are presented with the super strength of Aula as set against the mute, unharnessed powers of Joomia.  They have very little time remaining until the final test that will seemingly decide the fates of their respective worlds.
These worlds are distinct, unusual, fresh and well drawn.  I felt I was entering a fictional future that was not as well trodden as some of them have become.  Side characters were well employed and had good flesh on their bones; those designed to be likeable were just that, while dastardly villains didn’t disappoint.  I don’t know if it’s just my interpretation, but I was a big fan of the androgynous, multi-racial qualities of most of the young cast.  It’s a pretty nifty way of allowing all comers to the book to project themselves into and onto your story without turning into one of those super politically correct authors tripping over themselves to incorporate a rainbow into their narrative at its own expense.  I don’t mean to come over cynical there (though I probably do) because I felt this aspect worked well, added to the atmosphere, and was entirely appropriate in the context.
What’s most clever and impressive about this debut however is the symmetry of the dual narrative.  As I’ve said before, I’m not a big fan of these unless there is a reason for them, and in this case there certainly is.  The way the stories of the two heroines intertwine - coming together, moving apart and ultimately colliding, is a smart piece of plotting and in itself a mirror (see what I did there) of the novel’s own themes.
Nicely done, and a pacey, involving read.  Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette for the ARC.

A really interesting read and a different twist on the gystopian near future after the earth has been affected by a comet hitting the earth. Really believable cahracters and I can't wait to see more of them and from this author.

Ariadnis is a unique novel which twists tropes to create a story which defys expectations. Just as I felt like I'd figured out where the story was going, new information comes to light, forcing you to reevaluate what you know. This is definitely one of those books where going in knowing very little is probably best. A big part of this story is the mystery of the world and its history. While it may feel a little confusing at first, that is the nature of this world, persist and you will be rewarded with an incredibly unique world.

The story is told across to points of view, the perspectives of the two chosen ones, Aula and Joomia. These girls have very distinct voices, and are incredibly well crafted characters with clear personalities and flaws. These girls are not the typical 'perfect chosen ones' you see time and time again. They are very real, they have flaws and fears and they definitely feel the burden of the expectations put on them. It was refreshing to see this trope turned into something more.

The world itself is somewhat of a mystery, I'm not going to say too much because of spoilers, but in simple terms, there are two cities which are divided. These cities are literally one on top of the other. How this works is so creative and different, and it will definitely stay with you, especially with all the vivid descriptions. The two cities were once at war due to their very different views on how they should live, and are now divided.

There are several thing that Josh Martin has done in this book that I wish were more common in the YA genre. Firstly this world is not heteronormative, one character has relationships with male and female characters, and another female character is attracted to other female characters. This is not presented as a big deal and there is very little angst involved. I need more of this. Also, in this book sex is handled very casually, not as a big deal. There is a very sex positive attitude, where characters express their desires clearly. I feel it's also important to note that most of the characters are people of colour, and are clearly described as such throughout the text.

I really don't want to say much else, I don't want to spoil the story, as many of the twists were unexpected. I really enjoyed this book once I got into it, and I'll definitely  be reading it again before the sequel comes out. I feel like it's one of those books where you pick up on different important details on a second read through.

I often say with my fantasy that I'm looking for something new and different. You can only take so many tales based on girls with hidden talents competing in competitions and winning the hearts of princes or lords (often both, creating the dreaded love triangle) before enough is enough.




Ariadnis caught my eye because it seemed to avoid all of the above. Yes, our main characters are special girls. But that's not all they are. Both Aula and Joomia are the Chosen Ones of their rival, post unexplained apocalyptic event, homes. Each have their strengths (Aula is literally strong, and Joomia has power over nature) and their weaknesses (Aula is desperate for affection - often driving those around her away in the process of trying to get it - and Joomia is a mute who is unable to use her powers for fear of losing control). Instantly this humanity in the face of a very fantastic setting made both girls compelling.




What made Ariadnis stand out for me was how the central "quest" - trying to get a book of knowledge which was pre-ordained in prophecy hundreds of years before - isn't really the central theme of the book. At least not for me. My favourite thing, other than the wonderful world building, interesting supporting cast of characters, and great heroines was this; the story was of Aula and Joomia growing up and becoming the people they were capable of being. It's a coming of age story which is steeped in fantastical elements, and yet it is also incredibly relatable. Aula is every young girl, trying to find love from those around her and responding to rejection with rebellion. Joomia is every shy and introverted teen who is too afraid to stand out, for fear of the expectations attached with it becoming too much. There's also great diversity here; characters come in a wide variety of colours and sexual orientations - just what modern fantasy needs more more more of.




I also felt that the writing style, especially the sometimes incredibly frequent changes between narrator, worked really well. When you reach the end of the book you will draw your own conclusions as to whether the device is used well (the plot indicates why it is done so very frequently, and I loved the result) - it keeps things fast paced and connected. However it might not be for everyone, so be forewarned if you're not a fan of this. 





I would have liked to know more about the worlds the characters lived in, and would be really interested in a prequel about how the life changing event which set this into motion came to pass. However in many ways this is perfect as a standalone (another rare trait for a fantasy novel). A good, solid read.

* * * *
4 / 5

This book did not go in the direction that I expected. And I loved it. The synopsis suggests that it will be focused around a competition - this "mysterious and deadly challenge" - and whilst this is a key point, Ariadnis isn't really about the challenge. The book opens on the day that Aula and Joomia turn seventeen, a full year to go before they must undertake the challenge. It is an event that is built up to, looming in the distance, but not one that is the action focus of the novel, per se. This is by no means a problem, in fact I rather thought it enhanced the plot, but the synopsis is a little misleading. Further, the two cities Metis and Athenas are not exactly at war - there is animosity, yes, but not war. 

So, you ask, if it is not about a competition or war, then what is Ariadnis about? It is about love, strength, duty, betrayal, family, and growing into yourself. There is a lot of focus on relationships, but this is not at the expense of the plot. 

"Yeah. But she was so proud of you. You think Ashir's pride could ever die? She reaches up with one silky wrinkled hand and brushes Etain's coarse hair. "Sing, my darling girl. Sing like yer heart's gonna come outta yer mouth" 

Aula lives in Athenas, the city of industry and technology that thrives above the cliff, with her best friend, mechanic and daughter of a prophet, Etain. Joomia resides in Metis, the city of trees and nature built into the nine trees below the cliff, with her adopted brother (of sorts) Taurus. They are their peoples' Chosen Ones, marked out by a tattoo to compete on their eighteenth birthdays for the book of the Wise One that contains all the knowledge in the universe. With this their city may subsume the other and their ideals rule the planet of Erthe.

There is a lack of information at the start of the novel, which is part of the reason this is not a five star book. I was confused about what exactly was happening, what the Wise One was, why there are Chosen Ones, why they were competing, for longer than I should have been. But soon enough the explanations start to roll in and the bizarre yet beautiful ideas behind Ariadnis come to the fore. The writing itself is lovely; there is a touch of slang to give it character, the girls both have distinct voices and personalities, and Martin manages to utilise time skips really well (which is a hard thing to do!).  

"This forest is so still. I know the trees of Metis are old, but these are something else: old in the way that comes before memory, like elements: rain or clouds or earth"

Aula is strong, bull-headed with anger in her veins. Her powers revolve around strength and speed. Joomia is more meek, unsure of herself, and the more obedient one of the two. Her powers are to do with nature. I don't want to give too much away here, so I won't elaborate, but both characters are beautifully written and have strong, compelling relationships with the rest of the cast. 

"Aula's powers reflect her city's values - the impossible speed and strength of industry, the reckless, ruthless spirit of human command. Whereas you - you reflect that slow growth of nature, naturality. Quiet, but dangerous to underestimate." 

There are Nadrik and Mathilde, the two "mentors", as well as Etain and Taurus, and a number of other important side characters including Ashir, Etain's mother, and Abe, whose mind has been torn apart by prophecy. Through these characters Aula and Joomia develop and grow into their responsibilities as Chosen Ones. Joomia's arc was my favourite; I cheered her transformation from someone hesitant, afraid of herself and what she could do, into an adult who knew what she was. 

"Young girl, young heart, young power," she says. "Older now"

Overall, Ariadnis is a lovely novel that went in an entirely different direction to the one I expected. It is crafted with delightful prose, charming (yet sometimes annoying) characters, and an excellent plot full of twists and turns. Its flaws include a lack of world building at the start, and even by the end I still had some questions (I still don't really get why they had to leave Earth), but I would certainly recommend it. The ending is perfectly wrapped up for a standalone novel, but also has room for a sequel depending on what the author plans.

Couldn't finish this.  Started an advanced copy but I really didn't like the style of narration.  Was a shame as the story concept is really interesting.

Ariadnis is a curious read - depicting a strange realm after an event that's referred to as the 'Great Wave' - where two 'Chosen Ones' must battle it out for the sake of their respective lands. 

There was much to enjoy about this novel. The differing perspectives added a lot to the book, though at times, they left me slightly confused. I thought the characters themselves were really nicely realised - the bold, impetuous Aula and the sensitive, unsure Joomia both stood out, and I loved their magical powers. I think teens will relate well to both of them - which is always a great thing. 

It's clear that the author is a talented writer, and has excellent ability when it comes to world-building. In particular, Joomia's 'vine' world is crafted wonderfully, and it's a really unusual, interesting idea. If there's one minor criticism I'd level at this book, it's that it did get confusing from time to time, especially when other characters' prophesies were revealed. There were a few times I had to dip back a few pages to check I was following what was going on! Also, I wasn't quite sure all the swearing was entirely necessary - I'm all for swearing at the right time / place, but it felt a bit gratuitous at times. (Maybe that's just me being prissy!). 

Overall, an entertaining, highly creative read - and I'd like to see more from this writer.