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Goleah's Lore
There are those who believe that the secrets of our past are hidden in the stars; those who believe we will find the answers we seek in the bones of our ancestors. I have long since learned that, no matter our beliefs, the truth is laid bare in the stories we be they inspired by stardust, or uncovered bone, or a faith in the gods who built monoliths of whitestone. For this reason, I have scoured the lands, from East to West, seeking the age old tales passed down from generation to generation, and have seen the hidden truths within the stories we tell. Stories which transcend ages and eras, tongues and traditions; which have survived the rise and fall of great empires. Stories from across the known world which, in one way or another, are in keeping with the entries found among the sacred writ. Those of an oral tradition I have had transcribed, and those already written, I have gathered; and I have put together a tale to twist the strings of fate and set the world free. — The Collector ✮ ⚔ ✮ Goleah’s Lore is a collection of myths, legends, and folktales from the fantastical world of Eutopia, strung together through the secret writings of Goleah, the immortal son of the Fallen God. _______
- GenresFantasy
232 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2024
6 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Xyvah M. Okoye
5 books21 followersXyvah M. Okoye is an epic fantasy author and believer.
When she isn’t tinkering with the mechanics of another story, she might be refuelling her magic in a pool, on the beach, or close to some other body of water. And at times like that, with her pointy ears twitching and her button nose buried in a book, if you look close enough, you just might see the shimmering veil around her… The veil between this world, and hers… Between what is, and what possibly could be.
To find out more, visit www.xmokoye.com
When she isn’t tinkering with the mechanics of another story, she might be refuelling her magic in a pool, on the beach, or close to some other body of water. And at times like that, with her pointy ears twitching and her button nose buried in a book, if you look close enough, you just might see the shimmering veil around her… The veil between this world, and hers… Between what is, and what possibly could be.
To find out more, visit www.xmokoye.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 6, 2024
"There once was a god who fell from the stars."
It was an absolute joy to read the ARC release of Goleah's Lore by Xyvah M. Okoye. Each tale in Goleah's Lore reads like an artifact — a relic you'd find in a museum. This is a story for those who enjoy mythology and prose written in the classical tradition. The author's strength is in worldbuilding and there were so many moments where I found myself in a meditative state because of the richness and dream-like quality of the world, Eutopia. Okoye's writing style is classical and rhythmic. While reading, I felt like I was woven into Okoye's mesmerizing world of lore and word alchemy.
Goleah's Lore has a unique approach to storytelling, and I recommend Okoye's book to any reader who enjoys nested stories within a larger narrative, immersive worldbuilding, lore and mythology, and prose in the style of classical works/ancient texts.
It was an absolute joy to read the ARC release of Goleah's Lore by Xyvah M. Okoye. Each tale in Goleah's Lore reads like an artifact — a relic you'd find in a museum. This is a story for those who enjoy mythology and prose written in the classical tradition. The author's strength is in worldbuilding and there were so many moments where I found myself in a meditative state because of the richness and dream-like quality of the world, Eutopia. Okoye's writing style is classical and rhythmic. While reading, I felt like I was woven into Okoye's mesmerizing world of lore and word alchemy.
Goleah's Lore has a unique approach to storytelling, and I recommend Okoye's book to any reader who enjoys nested stories within a larger narrative, immersive worldbuilding, lore and mythology, and prose in the style of classical works/ancient texts.
December 1, 2023
Goleah's Lore is set in the same world as Okoye's main fantasy series, Age of the Anathema, but as the ancient history of Eutopia.
Okoye decided to give us the book mentioned in her main series; the book mentioned, of course, is Goleah's Lore. Sometimes it's referred to as a children's book and at other times it's called a holy book. I wish more authors did this! It added SO MUCH depth to her fantasy world!
Strung together into a collection by "The Collector", each tale in this book is rich in world-building and connected to other tales within the book as well as small details in the main series, like why in a certain region they don't ride horses, etc. Some connections are open-ended, left for the reader to decide, which I enjoyed.
Okoye does a fantastic job executing different writing styles of "authors" and "historians" of each tale. The thought that went into this book is phenomenal. The author has built a world brimming with cultures so real you'd think you could visit.
My favorite story in the book was 'Luna and the Empress Azula,' which reminded me of gender-swapped Ester retelling (sort of). To be honest, I would REALLY love a full novel of this story! I'd want the super duper special edition with painted edges and all the character art (this is me manifesting it into existence, lol, PLEASE).
Unique and intriguing, Goleah's Lore will transport you to the ancient world of Eutopia. Well-written and perfect for readers who enjoy shorter stories or take their time reading like I do as a mother of three small children.
5/5 stars for this fantastic read!
Okoye decided to give us the book mentioned in her main series; the book mentioned, of course, is Goleah's Lore. Sometimes it's referred to as a children's book and at other times it's called a holy book. I wish more authors did this! It added SO MUCH depth to her fantasy world!
Strung together into a collection by "The Collector", each tale in this book is rich in world-building and connected to other tales within the book as well as small details in the main series, like why in a certain region they don't ride horses, etc. Some connections are open-ended, left for the reader to decide, which I enjoyed.
Okoye does a fantastic job executing different writing styles of "authors" and "historians" of each tale. The thought that went into this book is phenomenal. The author has built a world brimming with cultures so real you'd think you could visit.
My favorite story in the book was 'Luna and the Empress Azula,' which reminded me of gender-swapped Ester retelling (sort of). To be honest, I would REALLY love a full novel of this story! I'd want the super duper special edition with painted edges and all the character art (this is me manifesting it into existence, lol, PLEASE).
Unique and intriguing, Goleah's Lore will transport you to the ancient world of Eutopia. Well-written and perfect for readers who enjoy shorter stories or take their time reading like I do as a mother of three small children.
5/5 stars for this fantastic read!
November 11, 2023
Goleah’s Lore is a strange reading experience.
And I mean that in the best way.
Set in the world of the Age of the Anathema series, this is a collection of short stories that act as the myths and tales that build up that world and threaded together by the elusive Goleah.
Some of the stories are connected by events and characters, but all can be read separately. And I would say that even without having read the original series, you can read these with ease. They are, essentially, fairy tales from another world.
Personally, my favourite element of the stories was the theme of home. Many of the characters are searching for what home means - whether it be a place or a person. And - as with all fairy tales - some were unexpectedly dark.
My favourites would have to be ‘The Boy Who Was Gifted the Moon,’ ‘Umi and the Siren Prince’ and the ‘Paradise Tree.’
If you’re looking for a novel then this isn’t what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for delightful short stories in the vein of the Grimm brothers and Perrault, then this is definitely for you. Overall, this is a very cleverly constructed piece of work.
Perfect for fans of traditional fairy tales and world-building myths!
And I mean that in the best way.
Set in the world of the Age of the Anathema series, this is a collection of short stories that act as the myths and tales that build up that world and threaded together by the elusive Goleah.
Some of the stories are connected by events and characters, but all can be read separately. And I would say that even without having read the original series, you can read these with ease. They are, essentially, fairy tales from another world.
Personally, my favourite element of the stories was the theme of home. Many of the characters are searching for what home means - whether it be a place or a person. And - as with all fairy tales - some were unexpectedly dark.
My favourites would have to be ‘The Boy Who Was Gifted the Moon,’ ‘Umi and the Siren Prince’ and the ‘Paradise Tree.’
If you’re looking for a novel then this isn’t what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for delightful short stories in the vein of the Grimm brothers and Perrault, then this is definitely for you. Overall, this is a very cleverly constructed piece of work.
Perfect for fans of traditional fairy tales and world-building myths!
October 17, 2023
In this book, the collector uses stories to highlight events that punctuate Goleah's immortality and break it into bearable chunks of forever. Goleah's Lore is a chain of tales with its links oscillating between nihilism and hope.
Like all her books, Xyvah's Goleah's Lore makes you nostalgic for a place you haven't been. The stories in this book will stir many emotions as you read. But at the turn of the last page, you will feel understood.
Like all her books, Xyvah's Goleah's Lore makes you nostalgic for a place you haven't been. The stories in this book will stir many emotions as you read. But at the turn of the last page, you will feel understood.
February 8, 2024
This is absolutely captivating. A collection of myths and folklore from the fictional land of Eutopia. The source of these stories is by a mysterious being, known only as The Collector.
This is one of those books which you do not want to end. The stories are beautiful and the characters are a mix of beauty and danger, as with all things, everything comes with a price. Each of the stories alone are creative enough to be a short novella on their own, but put together in this makes a book you cannot put down.
If you like your fairytales, retellings and fantasy reads in general, I can highly recommend this book.
This is one of those books which you do not want to end. The stories are beautiful and the characters are a mix of beauty and danger, as with all things, everything comes with a price. Each of the stories alone are creative enough to be a short novella on their own, but put together in this makes a book you cannot put down.
If you like your fairytales, retellings and fantasy reads in general, I can highly recommend this book.
December 13, 2024
I was given this book as an ARC reader for an honest review.
Goleah's Lore by Xyvah M. Okoye is a collection of short stories set in Eutopia from Okoye's Age of the Anathema series. The book is a collection of tales from a world of dragons, gods and magic. These stories that give insight into the rules, customs and beliefs of Eutopia's people reflect how much thought the author has put into her world-building.
The Boy Who Was Gifted the Moon, Unicorn of the Sacred Mountain, and Paradise Tree were some of my favourites.
Reminiscent of various fairytales from the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault, Goleah's Lore gives insight into the different cultures and tales of its world.
I'm usually reluctant to read companion books from a fantasy world I'm not too familiar with. I usually find them confusing. But I have not read the Age of the Anathema books and I was still able to follow the stories and get a sense of the world. As I read her main series, I can't help but notice a lot of new details that are linked together.
With its lyrical style and rich world, I recommend Goleah's Lore to fantasy and fairytale lovers.
Goleah's Lore by Xyvah M. Okoye is a collection of short stories set in Eutopia from Okoye's Age of the Anathema series. The book is a collection of tales from a world of dragons, gods and magic. These stories that give insight into the rules, customs and beliefs of Eutopia's people reflect how much thought the author has put into her world-building.
The Boy Who Was Gifted the Moon, Unicorn of the Sacred Mountain, and Paradise Tree were some of my favourites.
Reminiscent of various fairytales from the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault, Goleah's Lore gives insight into the different cultures and tales of its world.
I'm usually reluctant to read companion books from a fantasy world I'm not too familiar with. I usually find them confusing. But I have not read the Age of the Anathema books and I was still able to follow the stories and get a sense of the world. As I read her main series, I can't help but notice a lot of new details that are linked together.
With its lyrical style and rich world, I recommend Goleah's Lore to fantasy and fairytale lovers.
July 7, 2024
Goleahs Lore is a beautifully written fantasy novel. Almost poetic. I felt as if I was reading a classic / some sort of love letter to the genre. The world is fascinating and the way it's written really adds to you wanting to power through the book. Even at times when I felt the content slowed down, I was still so taken in. I will deffo be keeping an look out for this author's work. Whether it's my thing or not, I just love their style. It was sort of like that feeling of reading Lord of the Rings for the first time.
I also liked the extra detail at the end about the world.
I recommend this book. Especially to those who love the fantasy genre. You may find this one very dreamy!
I also liked the extra detail at the end about the world.
I recommend this book. Especially to those who love the fantasy genre. You may find this one very dreamy!
December 11, 2023
What I loved most about this collection of myths and folklore was how “legitimate” it all read. I felt like I was back in high school reading a collection of Greek mythology. The stories have just the right amount of depth needed draw in their readers and yet, they still retained an air of mystery and unfamiliarity associated with a new mythology. The stories with Luna and the Black Unicorn were my absolute favorite! You can 100% tell the time and effort the author put into her work!
March 5, 2024
Goleah's Lore was absolutely amazing that I could not put it down. The writing was impeccable. The world building was phenomenal. It is short stories that all go together. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Thank you Order Of The Bookish for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2024
Goleah’s Lore is a frame tale set both within and outside of the conventional boundaries of time. It is influenced by a variety of stories, from religious and historical to contemporary epic fiction and sits comfortably alongside titles such as One Thousand and One Nights.
Its major themes include discovering one’s identity, a search for meaning, and our relationship with time. Though it exists within a book, like The Tales of Beedle the Bard,it is a book which both stands alone and can be read as a companion to the Age of the Anathema series.
Its major themes include discovering one’s identity, a search for meaning, and our relationship with time. Though it exists within a book, like The Tales of Beedle the Bard,it is a book which both stands alone and can be read as a companion to the Age of the Anathema series.
February 11, 2024
Very interesting read. Didn’t put it down except to make a much needed cup of tea! Having read Tainted and Branded, I kept thinking “oh, that’s what black diamond is!” and “that’s where Reagan got this tale.” Author’s writing style and ability to put ideas down in such a way that you feel you’re part of the tale is exceptional.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews