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LOY: In the forests of the mind
The world is destroyed.
Stripped of all modern technology, a small group of people survive and evolve. The Rehloy are born blind and don’t gain sight until they reach puberty. Learning of the world first through their other senses, creates such a high level of awareness in them that they border on the mystical.
For a thousand years they have lived in isolation, developing a special relationship with nature. Theirs is a “spiritual” life, ethereal, in some ways divine. But the outside world is intruding. The trees have begun to whisper of change….
On a distant shore, men whose technology is akin to the ancient Romans, have landed. Bent on conquest, they cut down trees, carve out roads, and begin to build a city.
And so, the struggle between a shamanic-like culture and an industrial one begins.
Loy is the story of a shaman, who must leave his homeland to discover the truth, and in so doing becomes its instrument.
It is about a mother who sacrifices her freedom and sanity in order to save her unborn child. It is about a child born with excruciating sensitivities, whose pain eventually becomes a source of great strength.
It is about monsters and madness, paradise found and lost. It is about the search for inner truth and a journey into the nature of mind and spirit.
Stripped of all modern technology, a small group of people survive and evolve. The Rehloy are born blind and don’t gain sight until they reach puberty. Learning of the world first through their other senses, creates such a high level of awareness in them that they border on the mystical.
For a thousand years they have lived in isolation, developing a special relationship with nature. Theirs is a “spiritual” life, ethereal, in some ways divine. But the outside world is intruding. The trees have begun to whisper of change….
On a distant shore, men whose technology is akin to the ancient Romans, have landed. Bent on conquest, they cut down trees, carve out roads, and begin to build a city.
And so, the struggle between a shamanic-like culture and an industrial one begins.
Loy is the story of a shaman, who must leave his homeland to discover the truth, and in so doing becomes its instrument.
It is about a mother who sacrifices her freedom and sanity in order to save her unborn child. It is about a child born with excruciating sensitivities, whose pain eventually becomes a source of great strength.
It is about monsters and madness, paradise found and lost. It is about the search for inner truth and a journey into the nature of mind and spirit.
410 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2023
About the author
Todd David Gross
3 books10 followersIn a past life, Todd David Gross had an extensive background in music and was a veteran of such rock groups as The Burning Sensations, The Band Next Door, and The Shout! He performed primarily on bass, sometimes keys, sang, wrote songs, hauled equipment and performed in downtown NYC clubs, (usually after 2 a.m. on a work night), hauled equipment back, and sometimes saw the sunrise.
Along the way he discovered esoteric literature, and for decades has been an avid student of philosophical, and psychological studies, embracing both Western constructs and Eastern philosophies which strive to bring the light of consciousness to humanity.
Eventually, he traded one keyboard for another and wrote several plays including The Visit, Life In The Park, Sense Memory, all performed in New York City. His most “prestigious” play, Them Within Us, ran Off-Broadway at Theater Row Theater, (alas, now Theater Row Diner), and was published by Broadway Play Publishing.
Thereafter he set about writing Loy, which has become a series, and his most extensive achievement to date. You can read more about Todd by visiting his website at www.toddgrossauthor.com
Along the way he discovered esoteric literature, and for decades has been an avid student of philosophical, and psychological studies, embracing both Western constructs and Eastern philosophies which strive to bring the light of consciousness to humanity.
Eventually, he traded one keyboard for another and wrote several plays including The Visit, Life In The Park, Sense Memory, all performed in New York City. His most “prestigious” play, Them Within Us, ran Off-Broadway at Theater Row Theater, (alas, now Theater Row Diner), and was published by Broadway Play Publishing.
Thereafter he set about writing Loy, which has become a series, and his most extensive achievement to date. You can read more about Todd by visiting his website at www.toddgrossauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 23, 2023
“Loy: In the Forests of the Mind” is an epic fantasy novel by Todd David Gross and one that I simply could not put down. The book is one of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking ones that I have read in quite some time. This is a story that will not only entertain the reader but give you a new way of looking at so many things.
“Loy” is set in the future after the world as we know it has been destroyed. A small group of people, The Rehloy, have been able to survive and transform into a new society that lives in isolation. This group is born without sight, which they do not gain until they have matured. Along the way, they must delve into themselves and learn to live in and see the world through their other senses.
By doing this, the Rehloy develop an unusual and very amazing relationship with nature. As always, however, there is a problem. After many years of living this way, the real world is about to interfere again as on a faraway shore, men have arrived. As they decide to create a new city and a new world by cutting down trees, creating roads, and destroying nature, a new, and yet familiar, struggle begins to take shape.
This is the story of so many things and people… a shaman who leaves his safe life to discover what is going on, a mother who gives up everything to save her unborn child, and a child who is born with unbearable and agonizing feelings. It is the story of a place and its people, once a paradise but now a fading idea, and it is a search for the perfect relationship with the world we live in.
In “Loy” the author takes each of his readers to another time and world that is truly amazing. The plot and the characters in the story grab you from page one and never let go. The writing is perfection. It is clear, descriptive, and flows so easily, with plenty of humor and a serious tone underneath.
The book also gives the reader a glimpse of many important issues such as climate change, our dependence on the natural world, as well as the mistreatment of those who are native to the land. “Loy” is so engaging and the story will remain in the readers’ thoughts long after the last page is turned and the book is put on a shelf. And yes, put it on the shelf because it is one that you will want to read again at some point, without a doubt.
“Loy: In the Forests of the Mind” by Todd David Gross is a riveting story that everyone will, I am sure, adore. Whether you are a science fiction fan or just someone looking for the perfect book. It is one of those where, as you read, you will be able to really feel yourself in the setting and enjoy every character. The best part, in my opinion, is that this is only book one in what is to be a three-part series. I can’t wait for book two. Definitely 5 stars!!
“Loy” is set in the future after the world as we know it has been destroyed. A small group of people, The Rehloy, have been able to survive and transform into a new society that lives in isolation. This group is born without sight, which they do not gain until they have matured. Along the way, they must delve into themselves and learn to live in and see the world through their other senses.
By doing this, the Rehloy develop an unusual and very amazing relationship with nature. As always, however, there is a problem. After many years of living this way, the real world is about to interfere again as on a faraway shore, men have arrived. As they decide to create a new city and a new world by cutting down trees, creating roads, and destroying nature, a new, and yet familiar, struggle begins to take shape.
This is the story of so many things and people… a shaman who leaves his safe life to discover what is going on, a mother who gives up everything to save her unborn child, and a child who is born with unbearable and agonizing feelings. It is the story of a place and its people, once a paradise but now a fading idea, and it is a search for the perfect relationship with the world we live in.
In “Loy” the author takes each of his readers to another time and world that is truly amazing. The plot and the characters in the story grab you from page one and never let go. The writing is perfection. It is clear, descriptive, and flows so easily, with plenty of humor and a serious tone underneath.
The book also gives the reader a glimpse of many important issues such as climate change, our dependence on the natural world, as well as the mistreatment of those who are native to the land. “Loy” is so engaging and the story will remain in the readers’ thoughts long after the last page is turned and the book is put on a shelf. And yes, put it on the shelf because it is one that you will want to read again at some point, without a doubt.
“Loy: In the Forests of the Mind” by Todd David Gross is a riveting story that everyone will, I am sure, adore. Whether you are a science fiction fan or just someone looking for the perfect book. It is one of those where, as you read, you will be able to really feel yourself in the setting and enjoy every character. The best part, in my opinion, is that this is only book one in what is to be a three-part series. I can’t wait for book two. Definitely 5 stars!!
April 7, 2023
Todd David Gross's Loy: In the Forests of the Mind is a one-of-a-kind post-apocalyptic narrative that offers a unique perspective on humanity's resurgence after a catastrophic event. This gripping story takes place thousands of years into the future and follows the Rehloy, descendants of mankind who have evolved in remarkable ways. Through the use of a plant with mystical properties, the Rehloy have become a species that is deeply attuned to nature and their own minds and bodies. Living in harmony with the environment, the tribe has thrived. However, when the Rehloy's spiritual guides feel a significant change in the world, Jormah, one of these "Kwaman," sets out to find answers beyond their community. This quest leads him to explore a devastated North America, where he encounters dangerous carnivorous grass and experiences full-body psychedelics.
Gross's portrayal of the Rehloy is genuinely remarkable. These unique descendants of man possess supernatural abilities that are depicted as almost elvish. Their movements, interactions, and shared consciousness are profoundly spiritual and full of self-reflection. Gross does an exceptional job of conveying the perspectives of these reflective individuals, highlighting their connections to each other and the world. Their level of empathy is extraordinary, as evidenced by the birth of a child who is ultra-sensitive to his surroundings and causes physical harm to those around him. However, not everything is idyllic in this new world. The land has been invaded by the Ontarans, who seek to colonize the territory. The Ontarans walk a different path, one of fire and steel, and remain much closer to their ancestors' appearances and destructive ways. While the Rehloy and their interactions are fascinating, the Ontarans and their goals leave much to be desired.
Overall, Loy is an incredibly original Epic Fantasy story that offers a fascinating and thought-provoking look into the future of humanity. This dystopian view of what the world could be and become is a combination of mystical and horrifying. Gross's depiction of the Rehloy is simply excellent, and their story is one that is not to be missed.
Gross's portrayal of the Rehloy is genuinely remarkable. These unique descendants of man possess supernatural abilities that are depicted as almost elvish. Their movements, interactions, and shared consciousness are profoundly spiritual and full of self-reflection. Gross does an exceptional job of conveying the perspectives of these reflective individuals, highlighting their connections to each other and the world. Their level of empathy is extraordinary, as evidenced by the birth of a child who is ultra-sensitive to his surroundings and causes physical harm to those around him. However, not everything is idyllic in this new world. The land has been invaded by the Ontarans, who seek to colonize the territory. The Ontarans walk a different path, one of fire and steel, and remain much closer to their ancestors' appearances and destructive ways. While the Rehloy and their interactions are fascinating, the Ontarans and their goals leave much to be desired.
Overall, Loy is an incredibly original Epic Fantasy story that offers a fascinating and thought-provoking look into the future of humanity. This dystopian view of what the world could be and become is a combination of mystical and horrifying. Gross's depiction of the Rehloy is simply excellent, and their story is one that is not to be missed.
April 16, 2023
The Review
This was such a powerful and gripping sci-fi fantasy novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author created were felt immediately, as the story brought this lush world and nature in the wake of disaster to life perfectly. The action and suspense that came with this new world was engaging, and being able to see how these new societies of people in the wake of our society’s collapse evolved and yet fell into similar pitfalls of our own making was unique to see come to fruition in the narrative.
Yet the heart of this novel came in the rich world-building and character development of the narrative. The way the author was able to build upon the world we know and flush out brand new mythos and delve into the concept of how we connect and interact with the world around us on both a physical and spiritual nature was amazing to watch come to fruition on the page. The heartfelt story of a mother in this new society and her child, the former that sacrifices everything for their child and the latter that uses their pain as a source of strength really will speak to readers as the backdrop of this conflict between two very different societies takes shape.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thoughtful, and thrilling, author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the Forests of the Mind” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel. The heart that goes into this narrative and the brilliant world-building an immediate draw to readers, and the twists and turns in the direction that these characters go will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
This was such a powerful and gripping sci-fi fantasy novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author created were felt immediately, as the story brought this lush world and nature in the wake of disaster to life perfectly. The action and suspense that came with this new world was engaging, and being able to see how these new societies of people in the wake of our society’s collapse evolved and yet fell into similar pitfalls of our own making was unique to see come to fruition in the narrative.
Yet the heart of this novel came in the rich world-building and character development of the narrative. The way the author was able to build upon the world we know and flush out brand new mythos and delve into the concept of how we connect and interact with the world around us on both a physical and spiritual nature was amazing to watch come to fruition on the page. The heartfelt story of a mother in this new society and her child, the former that sacrifices everything for their child and the latter that uses their pain as a source of strength really will speak to readers as the backdrop of this conflict between two very different societies takes shape.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thoughtful, and thrilling, author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the Forests of the Mind” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel. The heart that goes into this narrative and the brilliant world-building an immediate draw to readers, and the twists and turns in the direction that these characters go will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
December 28, 2023
"Loy" by Todd Gross is a literary gem that intertwines suspense and emotion seamlessly. Gross crafts a riveting narrative around the characters that mirror the intricate layers of the plot. The storytelling is masterful, creating a magnetic pull that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last. The characters are vividly drawn, and their journeys evoke genuine empathy. With twists that defy expectations and a rich exploration of human nature, "Loy" is a compelling tale that leaves a lasting impact. Todd Gross demonstrates his storytelling prowess, delivering a poignant and unforgettable literary experience.
May 1, 2023
this was an interesting book, with a unique writing style that definitely stands out. The setting takes place in the future, after a nuclear apocalypse. Humans are now plant hybrids. Beasts have changed. this was an interesting world and experience to read'
- alex puffle reviews
- alex puffle reviews
March 25, 2024
3.5* Complex story
The author created a planet with cultures and variable life forms. I readxon a Kindle, but I wanted the physical book. Everything was new and had little similarities to our life forms. The author created weather, rules, other lifeforms, and different anatomical properties. I took my time reading this and having to reread descriptions of new characters or environments.
Outstanding, one of a kind, SciFi / fantasy.
The author created a planet with cultures and variable life forms. I readxon a Kindle, but I wanted the physical book. Everything was new and had little similarities to our life forms. The author created weather, rules, other lifeforms, and different anatomical properties. I took my time reading this and having to reread descriptions of new characters or environments.
Outstanding, one of a kind, SciFi / fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews