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d.a. wells
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“One writer in particular stood out from the finalists, with a character-driven story that we just couldn't put down until we'd turned the last page.
There's clever subversion of the easier clichés, showing respect to the reader and leaving them feeling both surprised and satisfied with key characters' decisions.
We can't wait to see what's next from D.A. Wells!
From The Readers
4.75
Here‘s what D.A. Wells readers have to say.
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I was immediately drawn into The Alexandria Cypher, the first book in The Apocrypha Trilogy. It’s a fast-paced, intelligent adventure that balances historical mystery with emotional depth. Ava Calloway, the protagonist, is refreshingly sharp and resourceful—her intellect drives the story in a way that feels both believable and empowering.
What stayed with me most was the way the book explores family. Beneath the puzzles and ancient secrets is a touching story about connection, legacy, and the quiet strength of love. Ava’s relationship with her father and her feelings for her grandmother add real heart to the narrative. I appreciated how the story reinforced the importance of family bonds without ever feeling stiff or forced.
If you enjoy stories that blend clever plotting with emotional resonance, this is a great pick. It’s thoughtful, engaging, and leaves you curious about what’s next in the trilogy, which I am very much looking forward to reading!
My review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I received for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily. ~Melissa C.
Ava Calloway has been in her grandmother’s care since her father disappeared while on an archeological expedition three years ago. Now she is a seventeen year old freshman at Yale with exceptional linguistic abilities when her life is disrupted once again. Her family home is about to be sold to cover back taxes and her father’s debts, and she has to clear out any personal property that is not to be sold. Her grandmother, Isabella Martinez, seems more at peace with this bombshell than Ava is. One of the items left for Ava is an unusual golden compass with symbols that she believes will help her find her father’s truth. And then, as Ava and her trusted friend Marcus would say “Holy shit!” Ava and Marcus use his connections to get to the Vatican, where the real adventure that could cause Ava’s death or change humanity forever begins. In the best tradition of Dan Brown, Kathleen MacGowan, Danielle Trussoni, and Katherine Neville, D.A. Wells creates believable secret organizations and spiritual truths that leave the reader questioning. I received an advance copy of this book and leave this review voluntarily. I can’t wait to read the next book in this projected trilogy. ~Louisa
This is a heck of introduction to Ava and the Apocrypha Trilogy. It has an amazing mix of mystery, history and secrets. It is a well written YA historical fantasy that is easy to get lost in. I can't wait to read the next journey of the series. ~Kathryn
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I am a fan of archaeological mysteries and this book takes it to a new level easily giving Dan Brown a run for his money. Mysteries become unlocked at a 17-year-old prodigy works with old text and discovers the mysteries within. Why are scholars disappearing? What organizations are keeping religious Information from humanity? What are they hiding? Ava is searching for her father who she believes is being held against his wishes. Ava tracks through her father‘s journal to discover hidden text. The text contain writings from Mary Magdalene and contain an awakening power within each text. This becomes a mad race to find the next scrap of the text before it is destroyed by those Invested in keeping the truth from the world. This is definitely a mad cap adventure with religious components that are mesmerizing can each piece of new information awaken a dormant bloodline in Ava creating a connection with Mary Magdalene.? This is an absolutely fascinating, compelling, thought, provoking, storyline. I cannot wait for the next installment to find out what happens in this mad cap search for the truth. What would happen to the world’s religious institutions if the truth was exposed?
Myles C.
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This is a heck of introduction to Ava and the Apocrypha Trilogy. It has an amazing mix of mystery, history and secrets. It is a well written YA historical fantasy that is easy to get lost in. I can't wait to read the next journey of the series.
booklover 97
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This YA novel gave me the same excitement I had the first time I read The DaVinci Code. Secrets hidden to be uncovered and the truth set free…liberating and exciting. A solid story that takes its foundation from history and interweaves a modern tale that is suspenseful and exhilarating, with relatable characters that quickly become old friends. I cannot wait to read book 2.
marie
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