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Kristen Taber
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Aerenden: The Child Returns (Ærenden Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Kristen Taber (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 84 ratings
Book 1 of the Ærenden Series B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree 2014 Best Kindle Book Awards Finalist Murder. Monsters. Magic. To Meaghan, these words belong in newspaper articles and children’s stories, not her carefully planned life. Until the day she and her friend Nick witness her parents’ brutal demise at the hands of red-eyed creatures. They flee into the wilderness where Nick tells her the creatures, known as Mardróch, came from another world to kill her. He gives her a choice—face the Mardróch alone or escape through a portal into a distant kingdom. It isn’t much of a choice. Ærenden is a land more beautiful and sinister than Meaghan could have ever imagined. Vines attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Soldiers create bombs from the air. Even Meaghan’s newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control. But control becomes the least of her worries when she learns the truth behind the kingdom’s fifteen-year civil war—a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.
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  1. Reading age
    11 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 5
    Ærenden
  3. Print length
    383 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    15 Jan. 2014
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0985120016
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There are 5 books in this series.

Product description

About the Author

Born in Bangor, Maine, Kristen Taber spent her childhood at the feet of a "tall tale" grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction and imagination with reality. She lived within the realms of the worlds that captivated her, breathing life into characters and crafting stories even before she could read. Those stories have since turned into a wide range of short tales, poems, and manuscripts in both the Young Adult and Adult genres. Currently, she is writing from various coffee shops in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0084UZ5GM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sean Tigh Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 15 Jan. 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 383 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0985120016
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Ærenden
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 18 years
  • Customer reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 84 ratings

About the author

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Kristen Taber

Kristen Taber

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Born in Bangor, Maine, Kristen Taber spent her childhood at the feet of a “tall tale” grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction and imagination with reality. She lived within the realms of the worlds that captivated her, breathing life into characters and crafting stories even before she could read. Those stories have since turned into a wide range of short tales, poems, and novels in both Young Adult and Adult genres. She is currently writing from various coffee shops in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
84 global ratings

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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Gemma Wainwright
    5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST Read!!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I'm 25 and was recommended to read this book. I read an array of books which range in genre...from the moment I started reading this, I couldn't put it down! The story makes you want to find out what's going to happen next to the 2 main characters and who they will meet next. I would recommend it to both older and younger readers who want a bit of excitement and adventure and feel like they are there in the story with the characters.

    My only question is...when's the sequel coming?!?!!?!?!? :)
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  • Deborah Jay
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great start to an exciting new series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2014
    Four and a half stars from me.
    Aerenden: The Child Returns hits the ground running and doesn’t let up for some considerable distance.
    Starting with the rescue of a small child from a fire that kills her mother, we then cut to seventeen-year-old Meaghan, plagued by nightmares and confused by her attraction to her parent’s lodger, Nick, even after he spurns her advances.
    In short order, Meaghan’s simple, college-oriented life is ripped violently away from her. Her parents are murdered and she’s on the run with Nick, even though she’s not sure she trusts him. In fact, he might be crazy, as he starts babbling about the pair of them being from another world, but then he drags her through a portal to Aerenden, and madness becomes reality.
    The dangers keep coming thick and fast, and Nick is infuriating (to me, as well as to Meaghan) in his repeated refusal to explain things. Meaghan must learn to survive in this strange new world, and uncover Nick’s real motives.
    This is a beautifully written book, rich in description and Kristen Taber has a great ear for dialogue. The action is relentless, and her main characters develop at a realistic pace as they both come to terms with their roles in life, and with each other. All the characters are well rounded, with multiple weaknesses as well as strengths, and the plot flows naturally from events and decisions both historical and current.
    I absolutely loved the idea of the magical gift of being a ‘Writer’, able to produce a book that takes the reader so far in, as to experience things as if they were part of the story. Seems to me that is what we (writers) all strive to do even though we lack the assistance of magical talents, and only the best succeed.
    My reasons for not awarding the full five stars, even though I enjoyed this book immensely, were a few little anachronisms that irritated me (even more than Nick’s ability to put off almost every question until a convenient moment in the plot). Top of these were what to me, seemed a slight glitch in the world building. Okay, they have magical powers, but they live in villages which appear to be seriously low-tech, with more than a hint of the medieval, and yet they have such things as showers and syringes, and talk about gene pools. I also don’t understand how any sort of power could be considered a ‘disability’ – by its very nature, unless it has a detrimental effect on the one who possesses it, it must be an ‘ability’.
    And why is it that villains always try to utterly destroy everything? Grim weed is a great invention, but if it’s going to choke all vegetation to death, how will the villain and his followers survive once they win the war?
    Apart from those little niggles, there is a lot of information to absorb to understand the way in which this world works, but as Meaghan is also learning, it never comes in too big chunks, and it certainly all seems to hang together well by the time we reach the end of this instalment.
    So although this is just Book #1 in the series, there is a nice rounding off of this portion of the tale, with an exhilarating climax rather than a cliff-hanger (my pet hate) and I’m looking forward to reading the rest.
    Definitely recommended.
    I received a copy of this book for review for a blog tour; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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  • indieBRAG
    5.0 out of 5 stars B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2014
    We are proud to announce that AERENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS by Kristen Tabor is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
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  • KC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant (contains some spoilers!)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2014
    Received this book on exchange for a review.

    I really enjoyed this - much more than I thought I would! Mainly, I have to say, because I don't usually like fantasy fiction. But I just got really into the Ærenden world, and all it's problems.

    My only problem with it? Her. Meg. All she seemed to do was cry! I think at one point she was a wee bit tired, and she cried. Ok, ok, so she had a bit of a hard time at the beginning, what with her 'parents' dying, and all but I don't actually recall her crying about THAT! What a wet lettuce.

    But still, she did get a bit better later on, definitely more Queenly (not a spoiler, because it's obvious from the first page).

    I shall be buying the next two books!
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  • Zoë Ann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing conecpt and world building, I really loved it!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2014
    *I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

    I loved this book. The concept of the guardians and the forbidden romance was something I really liked. The world building was really amazing - I especially loved the description of how people were 'wed', I think it's a really beautiful idea. I had thought this would be about fairies when the book first introduced the powers but I loved how instead it turned into more of a 'parallel universe' idea - the comparison of things with earth were quite funny.

    I loved Meaghan's character, she acted very realistically when she found out about her true identity - I find that in a lot of books they just nod and agree but I loved that she actually had a mini freak-out and was in denial. One of my favourite things about Meaghan’s character was how she wasn’t afraid to admit that she knew she had feelings for Nick but that she didn’t love him and wouldn’t try to convince him otherwise. I felt she was much stronger than Nick and I admired her for this, although his reasoning was clear I didn’t like him much because of this. Nick was a great character but I felt as though he had taken on the girls role; his feelings made him weaker.

    I cant find anything wrong with this book that may put someone off reading it, although, as much as I loved it it really reminded me of Julie Kagawa's, Iron Fey books - the main character was some variation of 'Meghan', they both were raised in the 'human world' due to family reasons, both turned out to be queen... I truly enjoyed this book and am definitely getting the next one - I cant wait to find out what happens next!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mr. Andrew G. M. Wood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next in the series ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2012
    From the start it was difficult to put down and I very quickly started to care what happened to the characters. Whilst obviously a book for kids there was enough 'meat' in the mix, to make it interesting, hell, exciting even, for adults to read. The creation of a new world, a new universe, for these characters to roam is no mean feat, and I am really looking forward to the next book in the series to see how they fair against the perils that will undoubtably be thrown in their path.
    Outstanding.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Annette Kenny
    3.0 out of 5 stars A teenager hidden on earth, returns to her home world to claim her destiny.
    Reviewed in Australia on 29 September 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I think this is written with a young adult audience in mind, so I found the main character and her reactions to events quite annoying. I’m sure if you are in the appropriate age group they would be enjoyed but my journey ends here.
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  • W. Stuart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to the series!
    Reviewed in the United States on 30 March 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I decided to read a few of my fellow indie BRAG Medallion authors’ books. I started with Kristen Taber’s Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1). Read on for my review!

    Synopsis (from the author):
    Murder. Monsters. Magic. To Meaghan, these words belong in newspaper articles and children's stories, not her carefully planned life. Until the day she and her friend Nick witness her parents' brutal demise at the hands of red-eyed creatures. They flee into the wilderness where Nick tells her the creatures, known as Mardróch, came from another world to kill her. He gives her a choice--face the Mardróch alone or escape through a portal into a distant kingdom.
    It isn't much of a choice.
    Ærenden is a land more beautiful and sinister than Meaghan could have ever imagined. Vines attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Soldiers create bombs from the air. Even Meaghan's newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control.
    But control becomes the least of her worries when she learns the truth behind the kingdom's fifteen-year civil war--a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.

    What I liked:
    I enjoyed the way Kristen Taber melded the modern world with a medieval feeling Aerenden. The action was good, and Meaghan and Nick made good characters. The Mardróch was sufficiently evil and Garon, as the ultimate bad guy in the story, made for a great villain. I liked the way the author wove magic into the story as well. Overall, an entertaining book!

    What I didn’t like:
    Nick and Meaghan’s relationship was unnecessarily choppy and the transition from modern times to Aerenden was a little odd to me. Other than that, no complaints.

    Overall impression:
    Aerenden: The Child Returns was a good story! Good characters, nice pace, and a little romance kept me turning the pages. I recommend this one to fantasy readers of all ages!

    My rating:
    4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
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  • Vered Ehsani
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good pace, fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Meaghan thinks she's just your average Earth child, trying to survive her upcoming exams. Within the first few pages, it becomes clear that passing exams are the least of her worries. Aided by her mysterious neighbor, Nick, she must escape the assassins of a false King and make a decision that will impact a whole world.

    The opening two chapters of Aerenden were dynamite, immediately capturing my interest. Kristen Taber creates an alternate reality that mirrors certain aspects of Medieval Europe (or at least that's the impression I get), with some magic thrown into the mix. I definitely felt immersed in that alternate reality. The pace was good, although there were a few conversations (when Nick is explaining about powers and Aerenden to Meaghan) that were a little too "preachy" for my taste and briefly slowed it down. I also got a bit irritated in a few places with Meaghan, when she was bursting into tears and clinging onto Nick. However, given what she went through and her age and innocence, it's understandable. And to her credit, she did develop a backbone as the story continued, doing us all proud as she faced a rather monumental task. This is a series with potential, and a solid 3.5 stars.
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  • Deborah Wiley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easily recommended!
    Reviewed in the United States on 9 July 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Meaghan thought her dreams were just nightmares....

    Meg's whole world had revolved around her progress in school, her family, and her crush on Nick. Her dreams of another world and fire were disturbing, but she could ignore those in the cold light of day. All of that changed in an instance, however. How will Meg handle her entry into this new, darker world where creatures such as the Mardróch stalk her every move? What is Nick's role in her life? And just how will Meg cope with all these changes?

    ÆRENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS is the first book in what looks to be a spectacular new fantasy series. Kristen Taber takes the reader on an intriguing journey into a new world where nothing is quite as you would expect. From the Mardróch to the howler monkeys, each new revelation is fresh and exciting. The world is lush and vivid, drawing the reader in even as the dangers escalate.

    The character depictions of Meg and Nick are superbly done. I love seeing Meg's awakening to the hidden dangers as well as to her own powers and role. She has a decided knack for finding trouble but her heart is always in the right place. Nick's own frustration at his new role is understandable, even as he struggles with his feelings towards Meg. I can't wait to see how this relationship grows and changes!

    ÆRENDEN: THE CHILD RETURNS is a book that steadily builds in pace to a thrilling conclusion that has this reader anxious for the second book. Kristen Taber does a spectacular job at crafting a new world and making it both believable and captivating. Friend or foe, danger or harmless- each piece fits seamlessly into the world she has created. I can't wait for ÆRENDEN: THE GILDONAE ALLIANCE! Easily recommended!
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  • ham1299
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, exciting, and fun fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on 13 August 2012
    Verified Purchase
    As found on proudbooknerd.com:

    The world of Ærenden is similar to Earth but with key differences. The aforementioned vines and monkeys are just a small part of it. Just about everyone has innate powers, which serve a variety of purposes. These aren't your typical fantasy-book powers. There are all sorts of different powers - walking through things, being invisible, seeing in the dark, to name a few. People even use powers to make goods like clothing and shoes. Pretty cool.

    Overall, I really enjoyed Aerenden: The Child Returns - especially as the story progressed. I found myself smiling and getting more and more excited to see what was coming next. And at the end, ready to start the next book NOW! (I really, really hope it'll be ready sooner rather than later!) I would highly recommend this to those who like YA fantasy and/or paranormal. It's unique, exciting, and a great read.
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