Herai by Aaron D. Key

Herai is a debut novel by Aaron D. Key.  The main character is Herai and her story unfolds in two different realities. One reality is called “WITHOUT” and one “THE BETTER PLACE” because an all-powerful being has entered the one reality thereby greatly affecting it. It is not until the end that you know who this being is.

Since you are following two subplots and the book alternates between the two. It made for a slow and arduous read. The plot(s) were difficult to keep straight. I found myself constantly flipping back to see which reality I was reading about. I finally gave up and started making notes in an effort to keep track of everything going on. This is not my most favorite thing to do and made it hard for me to really get vested in the story. 

Herai lives in an underground society that is ruled by her father Glant. Glant rules with an iron fist but he is getting older. Some see an opportunity to rise up against him and secretly meet to develop a plan to overthrow him. Meanwhile, Herai has taken her first steps into the unknown outside world of sun and danger.  Herai is drawn to the outside and despite the peril she goes against her father and continues to explore the outside to the detriment of all.

The story is inventive and different. However, as I mentioned earlier, the story is hard to follow. In addition, the plot did not move along like it should. I felt like I was getting pushed from scene to scene without a real purpose. All-in-all it read more like a work in progress. I feel the story could benefit from some serious editing.  That said, there is some really good ideas here and I had no quam with the prose.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.