"A must read for those who are nostalgic for the time period of the 1960s and 70s and the music, vibes, colors, and history of Civil Rights activism. If you're a fan of African narratives of immigration during this fascinating period in history, then Aquarian Dawn needs to be added to your . . . cart ASAP!" -Brittle Paper
"This character-driven volume tackles themes such as abandonment, belonging, loss, and racism via a complexly written protagonist whose charismatic personality invests readers from the very first page." –Publishers Weekly
"Chizea offers YA fiction a provocative maturity and thoughtful nuance that reads like Zadie Smith or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie but nonetheless provides an undoubted and necessary perspective specifically for young audiences." –The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Fusing war, politics, love, and confusion in a touching exploration of young womanhood on the brink of national changes, Aquarian Dawn is a memorable novel." –Foreword Reviews
"Ada's story, every twist and turn, is worth the trip." –Kirkus Reviews
"As soon as one starts reading Aquarian Dawn you are captivated by Ebele's powerful use of language and literary skills and descriptive language. This book is a gem in so many ways as not only is the storyline and Ada, the protagonist, so captivating but the illustrative language is so engaging! A must read!"–Naomi Isted, Award-Winning TV Host; Editor-in-Chief Ultimate Lifestylist
"A dazzling debut novel by a dazzling writer whose storytelling shines as bright and liquid as the African sun. Aquarian Dawn and its radiant protagonist Ada Ekene are a gift to the planet with heartfelt observation, sparkling beauty and insight into the perils and promise of growing up, breaking loose, and coming home." –Lynn Lipinski, author, Bloodlines, God of the Internet, Serpent Loop
"Aquarian Dawn is a breathtaking, soulful, and timeless literary masterpiece that will engulf readers in a tsunami of emotions. It will be difficult for us not to see reflections of ourselves in Ada Ekene. Haven't we all witnessed a dramatic change in the trajectory of our lives at some point? Haven't we all stumbled upon truths that shook us to our core or attempted to run away from our destiny? Through her debut novel, Aquarian Dawn, Ms. Ebele Chizea -our Griot - presents each of us with a beautiful and powerful story. At the same, Ms. Chizea, in the tradition of Griots from times past, employs words as her instrument–through Aquarian Dawn–to offer us profound life lessons about listening to our soul's voice, the transcendency of love, embracing our destiny, and the wisdom in unmasking the past." –Diane Aisha Sears, Managing Editor, In Search of Fatherhood
