The God Heist: An Oceans of Sand Novella

by Jessica Flory

"Fascinating magic, a dash of romance, and stakes that have you at the edge of your seat!" - Madelyn Smith, The Squeaky Clean Reader

A disillusioned thief.
A dreaded gift.
An impossible heist to pull.
Jehn fears the day when his people will receive a moonstone from their goddess, Atoille, which will bestow a sand gift upon everyone. His rough upbringing on the street, pulling cons to survive, has taught him that people can’t be trusted.
When the dark god steals the moonstone and Jehn accidentally becomes the only recipient of its power, he must harness his unwanted gifts to recover the moonstone.
Jehn will have to master his new powers and dig up every skill he learned on the street if he’s going to cross the ocean of sand, infiltrate the dark god’s dwelling, and take back the moonstone.
Can he really pull a heist on a god?

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Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Novella, Clean Romance, Young Adult, Magic

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Jessica Flory is an award-winning author of YA fantasy/romance. She has a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from BYU, Provo, and she uses that science background to dream up cool settings and magic systems. Jessica has been a proud member of the Hot Mess Writers Critique Group since 2013.
Jessica is a mom of three crazy boys and one girl. She is a fitness instructor and an avid baker. When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing her kids, making a mess in the kitchen, or reading with her husband. Connect with her at jessicaflory.com.

Reviews

[Sara Watterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The God Heist is perfect when you’re looking for a quick weekend fantasy read! I love the idea of an ocean formed from sand rather than water. The magic system was intriguing, and the characters engaging. Filled with both adventure and sweet romance, I was hooked from the start. The God Heist is a clean read, perfect for readers of any age. A short novel like this would be good for a reluctant reader or one intimidated by longer books. This novella might be the springboard they need to pull them into a longer fantasy book. I read this story before reading Oceans of Sand, and you can bet I’m ready to pick up that one after reading The God Heist.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC for The God Heist, Jessica Flory's latest book. Though not a sequel to Oceans of Sand. It is a prequel to that work.

And I gotta say . . . .

Wow. I freaking loved this novella. Jessica Flory doesn't disappoint again.

This novella had so much world building for a novella. Knowing that Jessica has studied under the feet of Brandon Sanderson, that doesn't surprise me at all. It was such a phenomenal read. I was glued to the page. I was able to read this super fast just like its predecessor, "Oceans of Sand."

Prequels are interesting bags. They either work or they don't. I am happy to say that The God Heist is a great prequel to Oceans of Sand. It doesn't do any of the tropes that prequels usually do. I was happy for that. It tells its own story and only gives hints at the future of this world at the very end. This was brilliantly done.

The characters are really well developed throughout the novella. Jehn and Keziah are a great couple and I enjoyed seeing their story play out. I also loved Duma and her knowledge of crystals and quartz. I learned a thing or two from her. Hraithan and Zarin were great antagonists too.

I usually don't care for the enemies to lovers trope in novels. It's kind of overplayed these days in the light of other novels doing it. But this one actually made it work. It turns out it isn't the trope I don't like. Just how those particular books are handling it. I'd be interested in reading other books that handle it equally well.

There are also some really cool twists midway through that had me intrigued. It makes me wonder if that will play in future novels in this world.

All in all, I loved this novella. I loved coming back to this world and Jessica's stunning prose and worldbuilding. I would recommend reading this if you have or haven't read Oceans of Sand, you will NOT be disappointed.

[Jen Woodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book of Jessica Flory's and I think this novella was a great place to start! I can sense that Jessica has developed very rich worlds, and the magic systems (power over sand) were very cool. The characters were written well and the plot moved fast. A quick read!!

[The Squeaky Clean Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic YA fantasy novella

Sand Magic? What's that?

Find out right alongside Jehn as he figures out how to use his unexpected gifts and pull a heist against a God.

Its a YA fantasy with an epic adventure, an enemies/rivals to lovers romance and has an awesome magic system.

This book is perfect for any and all fantasy lovers but those who especially love 👇

✨Heists
✨Magic
✨Epic worldbuilding
✨Adventure
✨Clean Romance
✨A book you can enjoy with your teenager

Seriously this book is AMAZING!

It is a prequel novella to Oceans of Sand which is just perfection. But honestly it says novella but is actually basically a novel of amazingness.

❤️The romance is sweet and clean
⚠️Our main character is an orphan, someone is kidnapped, and there's lots of fantasy adventure and some violence as is to be expected


Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy.

[Araya Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The God Heist is a prequel to Oceans of Sand, where our daring protagonists embark on the ultimate heist... from a god. it's a super cute YA fantasy sprinkled with just the right amount of clean romance.
despite its shorter length, it didn’t skimp on the world building. Every corner of this fantastical realm is vividly brought to life, from the bustling streets to the crystal castle. The magic system was explained with such clarity that it was easy to understand.
If you’re looking for a cute short fantasy read you should check this out!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahlia Remer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This novella is packed with world building, depth of character, romance, adventure, and story. This prequel is a great introduction to the unique magic system and world of Oceans of Sand. Jehn, Duma, and Keisha, are a dynamic trio of lead characters to follow on this heist. I can’t wait to read more in the Oceans of Sand world.

[Lydia Thurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book gave more insight into the world of Oceans of Sand. It was so cool seeing the connections between the first book and this novella. I felt like I needed to reread Oceans of Sand again after reading this novella!

If you are looking for Enemies to Lovers without the spice, this novella has it all. All of the tension, but no spice.

The plot twists were so fun, and definitely kept me on my toes. The world building was once again stunning and just so unique and fresh. If you have read Oceans of Sand, you need to read this. Even if you haven't read the first book, this is your sign to start the series now :)

[Ry · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was sooo good! I love the story and the romance and the growth! I highlighted a lot (mostly pink yk lol) and it was just overall an enjoyable read. I loved the world building with the sand gifts. Im sad it’s over but the ending is very nice and left me content. Now I need to read Oceans of Sand! Love this so much!!

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The God Heist by Jessica Flory is a fast-paced, thrilling, young adult fantasy novella. The story opens with a young man, Jehn, and the rest of the villagers awaiting the sand gifts from their moon and their goddess, Atoille. Jehn fears that the sand gifts will cause problems for humanity, especially with the problems the villagers already face, including mysterious disappearances, hunger, and larger societal problems; Jehn believes people are inherently bad.

While Jehn is an apprentice of Elder Yewen, Keziah has been training and preparing to receive the sand gifts that will come with the moonstone from Atoille. In a flurry of action, Atoille appears and bestows the moonstone on Elder Yewen; in the panic from the villagers, he is attacked by Zarin, a woman who once gave Jehn a small kindness that likely saved him from starvation. Zarin was cloaked, but Jehn recognized her. In the midst of the chaos, Keziah was separated from Elder Yewen and Jehn, and the Elder reached out and touched Jehn, giving him a small bit of light that was left behind from the moonstone. Jehn immediately knows something is happening, much to his fears, he has received the sand gifts. Keziah is angry that he is the receiver of the gifts.

The disappearances of villagers continue, knowing they are going to a dark god, Haraithan. Jehn’s young friend, Duma, has his sister Elize taken in the night. Jehn knows that he must go in search of Elize and to retrieve the moonstone from Zarin and the dark god. The journey will be dangerous, as Jehn is not fully in control of his talents with the sand gifts, and navigating the route will be difficult and dangerous.

Luckily, Keziah inserts herself into the team, as she had been training to receive the gifts, and believes she can help guide them and defend them in an attack. The three set off in search of Elize and the other missing villagers. The dark kingdom is described in wonderful detail.

“The dark god’s dwelling isn’t quite what I imagined. There are no endless pits leading to Atoille’s Hell, no torture instruments adorning the walls. Instead, there are high black quartz walls that sparkle with a dark glow. The outside light pierces them through and illuminates the hallways dimly without the need for torches. There are red, plush carpets leading down a grand entryway. Two curving staircases lead up to other floors. It feels cool inside, a stark contrast to the intense heat of the desert. Keziah’s eyes dart back and forth, her body taut and ready. I glance at Duma. I expect him to be afraid, to need comforting, but he’s gazing around at the walls and the furniture, a look of awe on his face.”

Upon arrival, Zarin greets them and knows that she must listen to Haraithan and permit them to enter the dark kingdom. What they see troubles them, and they know that they must devise a plan to get Zarin to let them stay until they can find the villagers. Jehn, Keziah, and Duma devise a plan to retrieve the moonstone and the villagers. In a surprising and sweet turn of events, Jehn and Keziah set aside their differences and find comfort in each other while working together for the greater good. They learn the truth about the missing villagers and the shadows surrounding the kingdom.

This action-packed fantasy is a quick read with plenty of adventure, intrigue, deception, and a bit of young love that makes for an enjoyable journey into another world.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The God Heist by Jessica Flory takes us back to when they first got the sand gifts.

Will Jehn pull off the greatest heist on a god?

Jehn
Jehn is the main character of this story. He is an apprentice priest, and one day, he will become an Elder of the village. Jehn will one day lead them, and he has to be ready for that, even if he never wanted this life. The only reason he is on this path is because the current head of the village, Elder Yewen, took him in from the streets. He is a nonbeliever on these sand gifts and doesn’t think they should have them. I like how Jehn evolves and becomes the leader his group needs to succeed in doing this heist.

The Story
Jehn had to live a life that none of the other two characters got to experience since they still had their parents. He had to pull off heists all the time, so when the three of them make it onto the island to infiltrate the evil god’s lair, Jehn realizes that he has to pull off the biggest heist of his life. Jehn still had some things to learn about the sand gifts throughout the story, which makes him a great candidate to be the leader one day, as he can help everyone learn how to use their new gifts. I have to say that I loved this story and every detail Ms. Flory gave us.

Five Stars
I am giving five stars to The God Heist by Jessica Flory and recommending it to anyone who loves a good Young Adult Romantic Fantasy book. The God Heist by Jessica Flory is an excellent prologue to an already rich story from the first book in this series. I loved learning more about the sand gifts and how the people got them, especially how they only got one stone in the sand region.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The God Heist by Jessica Flory.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Lucy Anne Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is filled with magic, adventure, intrigue, and a dash of romance. It's a short and easy read and one that I think would be great for teenage readers. I actually feel like it could be enjoyed by some middle-grade readers as well, although there is a scene where two of the main characters share a bed, plus I almost feel like the romance might be a bit too much for middle-grade readers. But it depends on the reader!

My favourite thing about this book was the magic system. It felt very creative, and I found myself wanting to know more about it. I'm so curious to know what will happen considering the outcome of the story and the implications it has for the people in the village.

I did like the main characters, and I found myself wondering a lot about Jehn. I would have loved to know more about his past. It's hinted at that he was a thief and lived on the streets, but I'm curious to know more about that. I also found myself wondering if there were any traumas left from that experience and how that might affect his character. The romance was sweet, and I could clearly see a beautiful friendship grow between the characters throughout the book. I loved how they learned to turn to each other for comfort and advice when things became difficult.

Overall, I wish there was more. The world and the magic system were so interesting to me—some things even reminded me a bit of Dune. I would've liked to learn more about it all. I suppose I'll have to add Oceans of Sand to my to-read list. I did feel, however, that the descriptions were sometimes lacking a little bit. Even for a novella, I thought some things could have been fleshed out more. At times, I felt like I was observing the story from afar rather than being immersed in it.

This is a wonderfully clean read! As mentioned before, two of the main characters do share a bed, however nothing happens between them. And later on, the furthest things get is a kiss. I really appreciated this aspect of the book!

[Makayla Nielson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought this story was fun. The premise, setting, and magic system are unique, and the romance was cute. 

Some things I really enjoyed:

1. The descriptions were really interesting. One example is when they're on the ship approaching the dark god's island. The description of the approaching treeline was neat. In connection with this, I enjoyed reading the description of the tower too 

2. The villagers turning into shadows was a cool, eerie concept. The transformation visually made sense and raised the stakes at the end as well.

3. I liked Dumas character. He was consistent and kind of funny in a not-trying-to-be-funny kind of way.

4. The romance was sweet and I thought it progressed steadily enough. Their banter was believable and fun (minus the few times Jehn called her Dear). I knew I was sucked into it when they almost kissed, but didn't, and I wanted them to! Haha.

That all being said, there were a few things I think could have been tweaked to make this story really shine:

1. The pacing. I thought it went a little too fast, especially at the beginning. There could have been a more developed Act 1 where we got to know Jehn better. This would have cut down in a lot of the "telling" that comes later, especially where his motivations are concerned. It could have been shown that he had a tendency towards thievery, even if he isn't a thief in this particular story. Or at least some inkling of him being sneaky/a jokester/anything to point us toward his abilities to pull off a heist. 

2. When the dark god accepts them and decides to trust them, he decides that Jehn is telling the truth about the moon stone, that he doesn't want the sand gifts to be in the hands of the people... But does the dark god not see that the other two, especially Keziah, doesn't agree/have the same view as Jehn? The dark god's powers in general, what he knows and doesn't know, seemed conveniently left out and made things a little confusing. 

I think this was a fun introduction to the world Jessica Flory has created, and I'm excited to keep reading more from her!

[Rebecca Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main characters were Jehn, Apprentice to Elder Yemen; Duma, Skilled in Crystals; Keziah, War Master; Atoille, Moon Goddess; Hraithen, Dark God; Zarin, Deciple of Hraithen

Atoille gave the town a Moodstone to be accepted by the Elder Yemen. As he received it, Zarin was there to take it for the Dark God. Keiziah started after Zarin and Jehn went to Yemen. Yemen opened his hand and a small ball of light flew to Jehn and hit him in the chest making him feel different. Duma and Keziah volunteered to go with Jehn on his journey to find the moonstone.

The next night the village was awakened by screams, as the people amassed in the town they saw Duma's sister being taken by Zarin and two men. Jehn told them to stop but the men had the girl and they vanished. Zarin said her master needed more people and she would be back to get them and they could not stop her. Jehn, Duma, and Keziah gathered their tools and got aboard the sand boat to start a journey to find the black onyx structure that held the Dark God. It looked like it had been built with one of the moonstone powers.

Once they got inside they found most of the people were no longer there but Duma's sister was and so was the Moonstone. Now all they had to do was get the moonstone, save the people, and go home without letting the Dark God touch them. Sounds simple enough except for all the guards, Zarin, and the Dark God

The author, Jessica Flory has woven a story of intrigue and suspense in another realm of reality. She explains all the events happening and lets you find out about the characters yourself. Pick your hero and see who saves the day if it gets saved.

When I started this book I wasn't sure about it because many of these other realm books are out there and the plot sometimes gets lost. Not in this book, it stays on track the whole way even when you think it has been lost

I received this as a free book and decided to review it voluntarily

[Lili_Recs · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐⭐✨

I don't really know how to start this review...
I guess I'll start with the characters.
I loved Jehn, he seemed like a 'wiser than his years' kind of guy and I liked his relationship with Duma.
His character is slightly confusing. He was written and I read him as a sweet, gangly kind of guy, but there were weird times when he suddenly talked about him being the king of the heist, having a lot of experience stealing, etc. Which I guess can kind of make sense since he lived in the streets?? While later in the story it made more sense - especially as the title of the book is the God HEIST - it was dropped randomly at the beginning making it confusing like, "wait you stole?".

There were also the times where he called Keziah "dear", which makes him sound like one of those 'all the girls love me/I'm a hot pirate' guys instead of the sweet 'I have a sad past be nice to me' guy (especially since there was no attraction or relationship at that point).

I like Jehn and Keziah's relationship. It didn't feel forced, as we can see Jehn noticing Keziah's eyes at the beginning. The one bed scene did feel kind of ... thrown in though...

Other than that I loved the world and the idea. It really made me feel like something Brandon Sanderson would write.
As someone who hasn't read Oceans of Sand, but knows a little bit of the story, I thought it was a great leeway into that story.

Overall, it was a nice, fast read. Not the best book I've ever read but I'm excited to read the next ones and experience more of the Ocean of Sands world!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GOD HEIST
(AN OCEANS OF SAND NOVELLA)
by: Jessica Flory
@jessicafloryauthor

•I give 5 stars!•⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~A disillusioned thief. A dreaded gift. An impossible heist to pull...

-THE GOD HEIST, is such a fascinating YA fantasy novella with high stakes, and failing is not an option. It will take risking everything in order to save everyone cared about! Now, before I get any further, you must know even with this being a novella, it simply isn’t doesn’t rushed or feeling incomplete in any way! The characters are well-developed, the adventure is full of mystery, action and danger, and the world building will captivate your full attention. Add in some intriguing magic, a dash of romance, and enemies to lovers, and you will be in for quite a thrilling edge of your seat awesome epic read! You also can receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author by signing up for her newsletter. I will also admit that this story took me by surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey packed full of so much depth. This my friends, is a compelling story worth reading!🙌🏻📚✨

“Everyone deserves a chance at redemption.”

•Content: a character is an orphan, someone is kidnapped, some fantasy adventure and some mild violence. Romance is clean and sweet.

“Life isn’t all a fight.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“You are worth more than your ability to fight.”

#thegodheist
#jessicafloryauthor
#allaboutthebestreads

“I believe in you.”

[Mary Mecham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read a novella, I never expect a lot of world-building since it goes so quickly, but WOW! The God Heist packed a massive punch with its phenomenal world building and unique magic system. It was a fast-paced plot, but I still felt like there was so much explored—this civilization’s culture, traditions, rituals, the religion… all within an hour and a half read!

The entire concept of an ocean of sand that the people have to cross… I LOVED IT! Such a unique concept and my brain conjured SUCH a vivid picture with all these descriptions. I loved Jehn as a reluctant hero, and that he relied on Duma (his best friend who knows all about crystals and stones) and Keziah, a warrior girl who he can’t stand being around…and can’t stand to be without, but still was a strong character by himself who gained confidence and still remained humble. Excellent character arc there.

And then the villain. Spectacular. There were several times when I wasn’t sure who was right and who was wrong, because a good villain will always have powerful motives.


Some of my favorites lines:

“I’m an apprentice priest…what am I supposed to do, lift ink pots?”

“Keziah dear, subterfuge is my specialty”

“My best has never been good enough”

“You are worth more than your ability to fight”

I read this entire thing in one sitting and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!

[Rachel Luke Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically read Novellas but when Jessica asked if I would read hers I jumped at the chance! I absolutely adore her full length novel Oceans of Sand so getting to read the prequel is a dream come true!

The God Heist is a fast paced fantasy adventure that kept me turning page after page! It has such high stakes, impossible feats, and the best characters you just can't help cheering for!

Jehn is such an amazing guy from humble circumstances! I love that he shows us that it isn't our past circumstances that define who we are, but the steps we take to embrace what makes us unique that can give us true power. I love that he shows us that fear shouldn't hold us back from accepting challenges. He is definitely someone that is easy to look up to.

I also love Keziah! She is such a fierce warrior with such a soft heart. I love the balance and banter that happened between Jehn and Keziah. I love that we got to see her at her best but also when she let her walls down to be vulnerable.

If you are wanting a quick fantasy read that will take you on a thrilling journey with the best magic, world building, and just all around fantastic writing definitely give this one a go!

Then read Oceans of Sand because it's still one of my top fantasy reads of all time 🙌

Physical Intimacy Lvl 2 non descriptive longer kisses
Zero Swearing

[Kyrie Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is FREE if you sign up for the author's newsletter!
Wow, this novella packs a punch! The God Heist features a fantastic coming-of-age character arc, an antagonism-to-lovers subplot, and even a relatable antagonist. The stakes were high, and the climax was so intense that my fingernails left indents on my phone case. I was gripping it so hard!
And I reiterate... it's still a novella!

Jehn is my favorite kind of protagonist. He's flawed but is willing to change; he chooses to be courageous despite his instinctive fear. He hones his powers but doesn't go about flaunting it, and is kind to the lowest and most vulnerable of society. His relationships with side characters Duma and Keziah were also believable, touching, and sometimes very funny.

The story explores a timeless question- are people inherently good or bad? My best reads all have central themes rooted in the narrative and are shown through the growth of the main character(s). I also love happy and satisfying endings that give a glimpse into the future. The God Heist delivers on all accounts.

I do wish there was a tad more description of the food, like what "lunch" was made of. But I love food, so it may be just me. And in all, this was a great book!

This was a 1.5-2hr read and totally worth your time!

Content warnings: nothing that struck me as a potential trigger
Romance: Wholesome and sweet
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Sofia Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you'd love an afternoon reading and finishing a book, this is the book for you!

It's a clean fantasy that tells the story of a reluctant hero, who is oh-so relatable and has a history of thieving. He's converted his life into the epitome of goodness as an aid to a holy man who gives the hero all five gifts of a powerful stone that was meant for the whole town.

He takes those gifts along with an assassin who he might be attracted to and his loyal and quirky friend on an ocean of sand sailing in a boat he sails with winds he creates. Yeah, there's a lot there to unpack, but Jessica Flory does so seamlessly.

He makes it to his destination where a god lives who wants the same gifts the hero has but for his demented shadow followers. For them to have this gift would spell disaster on the world so the hero, along with his deadly love interest and his unflappable friend make it their mission to stop this god and save the humans he's stolen to make into shadow minions.

I won't spoil the ending for you...but it's amazing, you won't want to put the book down.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, I am so intrigued by this YA fantasy novella!!

As the first- and only- recipient in his village of the sand gifts, Jehn is tasked with leading a dangerous mission to steal back the moonstone from a the dark god. The stakes are high. Failing is not an option. And Jehn must risk everything in order to save everyone he cares about.

What you'll love:
Prequel fantasy novella
Enemies to lovers sweet romance
High-stakes adventure
Magic
Danger and suspense

I had such a hard time putting this one down! Even though it is a novella, it didn't feel rushed or incomplete in any way and the characters were well-developed. The adventure was full of action and danger (oh my gosh, that ending!!) and the world building left me very intrigued. There was even time for a sweet enemies to lovers romance to bloom between Jehn and Keziah!

I haven't read the novel Oceans of Sand yet but you better believe it is on my TBR now. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Shana Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The God Heist" is a captivating prequel novella that immerses readers in Jessica Flory's rich world-building and magical storytelling. This fast-paced fantasy adventure, a delightful exploration of the sand gifts introduced in "Oceans of Sand," skillfully blends danger and adventure. From mesmerizing sand ocean crossings to a captivating heist, the narrative is both adventurous and perilous, complemented by a favorite trope of enemies to lover’s romance. Drawing readers into a fascinating realm, the author presents the complex world-building in an easy-to-follow manner. With its surprising ending and the balance of big ideas with character choices, the novella stands out as a standalone yet enhanced by reading after "Oceans of Sand." In conclusion, "The God Heist" is a must-read for fantasy lovers of all ages, promising more captivating tales within the enchanting universe of "Oceans of Sand."

[Tara Wayland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a stand-alone story, The God Heist is also a prequel to Jessica Flory’s award-winning book Oceans of Sand. It’s based on the harrowing quest of 3 friends to save their community. Jehn, Kesiah, and Duma, battle the powers of the dark God, Hraithan, and an approaching army, all while struggling with the moral implications of superpowers for humankind. Told from the viewpoint of each character from chapter to chapter, The God Heist keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a great thinker book….what would I do? How would I react?
The God Heist is an easy read…no complicated terminology or complex structure. That being said, younger readers beware. The shadow people might force you to find a night light. This is a fantastic, relatable chronicle of agency and acceptance of its consequences. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

[MsBitsyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest admission: I’ve never read a book that is categorized as fantasy, sci-fi.)
However - I loved the movie The Black Tower (S. King) which helped me tremendously, while reading The God Heist.

I enjoyed visualizing this journey & traversing the sea of sands, landscapes, crystalline quartz, and the hint of unknown dangers always lurking not too far behind.
•Good vs evil
•Past generations of leaders challenging & recognizing the generations of their future to save their land, hope for peace & prosperity, & preservation of existence.

From this, my first sci-fi read, Author Jessica Flory has an imagination that transcends my imagery, reaching heights of creativity & storytelling that most can only dream about. I’ll be recommending this to several of nephews who would enjoy this magic tale! I highly recommend this book (and thank you for a clean read!)

[Kayla Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jehn is a humble apprentice and by a crazy turn of events he suddenly gains the sand gifts meant for all and is now the only hope to retrieve the moonstone and their townsfolk that have been disappearing. He is accompanied in this journey by his friend Duma and Keziah (whom doesn’t view him a a friend). Jehn just so happens to have previous skills born of desperation that are perfect for this endeavor.

This novella took me by surprise and I was on the edge of my seat throughout. Wondering how in the world Jehn could pull a heist on a God. The story was compelling and insightful. The danger they encounter and Jehn’s quick thinking made for an epic story! I don’t know how she packed so much depth into a novella!

Jessica Flory created the coolest world in her Debut: Oceans Of Sand and now we have this prequel Novella to learn how it all began.

[Bookgirlnextdoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
I quite enjoyed this read for a short novela. The best way to describe the feel is if you would take Dune and Six of Crows and mix it together.
I would definitely recommend this book, I love the magic ‘by gifting’ system and how unique the gifts were. I also loved the stubborn, very strong FMC.
The reasons this is not a perfect book for me is that I wish the MMC was a bit more assertive and less whiny while we progress in the book, but I believe this is just a personal preference.
Towards the middle of the book, some actions and dialogue were a bit rushed, I wish it didn’t feel like I was reading on fast forward.

[Cheryl Wanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love heist stories? Unique and detailed fantasy world building? A reluctant, out-of-his depth hero and a strong heroine who both works against and with him? Ever rising stakes against an impossible villain? Then check out Jessica Flory’s novella, THE GOD HEIST, set in her OCEANS OF SAND world!

Jehn is a delightful anti-hero, and the enemies-to-lovers romance between him and Keziah is sweet and fulfilling. I especially loved the many plot twists as they totally caught me off guard—along with the realization that THE GOD HEIST is a prequel to OCEANS OF SAND!

[Myriah H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is an award-winning author for her debut novel, Oceans of Sand, and this is her prequel novella!

We follow Jehn, the MMC, as he navigates his new sand gifts (he received all 5!). He has to embark on a dangerous journey with his best friend Duma and FMC Keziah, who he has despised for a while. 😅

Jessica has created a creative world in which these characters live: surrounded by sand, abilities to be received from a moonstone to bless their people, high-stakes adventure.

Go check out The God Heist and Ocean’s of Sand!

[Marissa Dike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia and still read them as comfort books many years later, and I’ve wished for a while that there were more short, clean fantasy books that both kids and adults could read and enjoy. This one fits right in! It’s roughly the length of one of The Chronicles, and it’s whimsical enough to keep young readers engaged while the world building is sophisticated enough to captivate older fantasy readers. I loved the whole concept of the sand gifts… I feel like I’d be a Forger personally, but I haven’t decided yet!

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jehn never wanted to have the powers but somehow finds himself being the only one with them & thus being thrust on a deadly quest to save his village. He has to try & trick a god to get what he needs to save his village. I have not read the first book Oceans of Sand but I really enjoyed this novella. It flows well & has lots of information packed into it without feeling overwhelming. I love the ending. It feels very fitting. This book has definitely made me want to read the book even more now.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

🏜️ The vibes:
- novella prequel
- Sand powers
- Epic YA fantasy
- friendships

🏜️ My thoughts:
A very quick read set in the same universe as the Oceans of Sand duology. I would like to petition a full length novel of this because it had some very interesting and fun elements! Jessica Flory is a wonderful writer that I have enjoyed throughout. While this one did feel really short to me - I will pick up anything Jessica writes in the future because I love how creative her books are.