Review: Aura (The Senses Novels Book 1) by K M Aul

Shifting your perspective as a reader is one of the fundamental reasons to pick up a book, and great authors can immerse readers in worlds they couldn’t have imagined before the first page. In Aura, the first installation of the Senses Novels by K M Aul, the author does not hesitate to throw readers off the deep end of all they assume about the world – and about how it’s going to end.

The gifted young characters that sit at the center of the novel, particularly Jacob, must navigate their own inherent struggles in the larger world, while also fighting perhaps the greatest battle humanity has ever faced. Jacob and his team of unlikely heroes were all born during a particular astral event and are each struck by a certain handicap – blindness in the case of the main character.

That presents an immediate challenge for an author, and one that can easily be worked around badly in the prose, but within the context of this plot, Jacob can see in other, far more fantastic ways, which is compelling and well-conceived. Centering most of the revelations and action around Jacob works for the story, as he is easily the most developed character, and the vessel through which much of the existential/spiritual struggle is expressed.

The rising Darkness that threatens to engulf the world is vaguely described, but vividly depicted, with that creeping style of suspense and intrigue that few authors do well. The fact that Aul’s preferred genre is Christian fiction lends some idea to where the underlying message of the book is heading, but the ability to predict larger themes doesn’t undercut the fascinating nature of the plot. While the conflict is the perennial favorite of good and evil, it is cleverly couched in such a unique story that covers new ground.

In terms of the YA target audience of the book, that is clear in some of the unpredictable plot progression, but there are also plenty of moments that appeal to older readers as well. The action can be dark, and the overall “aura” of the book leans towards the sinister, but the take home messages are powerful. Overcoming seemingly impossible odds, accepting oneself for both weaknesses and strengths, and not backing down from a battle to protect what you love…these are eternal themes, but worthy of repeatedly planting in the minds and hearts of young readers, particularly in the framework of such an addictive read.

The pacing of the novel is generally good, though it does have a tendency to ramble and rush at times. Some additional editing for tangential sections or unnecessary spurts of directionless dialogue could have tightened up the writing, but rarely does a reader fall out of the premise or become distracted. The entire book is quite short, yet author K M Aul manages to pack in a riveting story between the binding.

Knowing that there are already a few more books ahead in this series is an enticing prospect, because it’s clear that the battle is far from over, and Aura establishes an exciting beginning to the series.