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Logos
An incendiary novel about the fierce rise of civilization, Nikita’s haunting debut is an extraordinary story of creativity and perseverance, the tragic consequences of unresolved grief and the power of legacy.
After witnessing the brutal death of his parents, a young caveboy, known only as "the eldest," is roaming through a barren, parched land with nothing but his newborn brother strapped to his chest.
Unwilling to accept his loss, the eldest sets out on a dangerous path to reach the home of the gods—a mountain looming in the distance—in search of a way to reunite with his parents. But the grief-stricken journey to the mountain is also a violent exile into adulthood, and the mountain holds secrets the gods are unwilling to share. Not without sacrifice.
Logos' prose, sparse and fragmented at first, evolves alongside two brothers as they claim authority over their environment—a ruthless, prehistoric setting, rarely depicted in either literary or genre fiction.
After witnessing the brutal death of his parents, a young caveboy, known only as "the eldest," is roaming through a barren, parched land with nothing but his newborn brother strapped to his chest.
Unwilling to accept his loss, the eldest sets out on a dangerous path to reach the home of the gods—a mountain looming in the distance—in search of a way to reunite with his parents. But the grief-stricken journey to the mountain is also a violent exile into adulthood, and the mountain holds secrets the gods are unwilling to share. Not without sacrifice.
Logos' prose, sparse and fragmented at first, evolves alongside two brothers as they claim authority over their environment—a ruthless, prehistoric setting, rarely depicted in either literary or genre fiction.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, ebook
Published October 14, 2024
43 people are currently reading
1340 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Nikita
1 book8 followersBorn in London in 1982, Nicholas is a British-Cypriot author and illustrator. His debut novel, Logos, was officially released on October 14th, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 12, 2024
There was some descriptions of rape that I could have done without. However the book was unlike anything I have ever read. I really loved the perspectives of each individual, the twists and changes as characters develop further. Truly a good story, dark and gruesome... but really good.
April 25, 2024
I did not expect to get as wrapped up in this tale as I did! I loved the character shirt with the names being used. I loved the realizations of who certain characters were. I loved rooting for the brother(s) as a team and then as an individual. I most certainly loved Habat’s entire journey. I am not one to find reading bliss in characters demise/torture/rape so I didn’t love those sections but I understand that they were necessary for the most accurate understanding of the time.
January 10, 2025
This was such an unexpected find. I like how deep in thought I got after finishing this book. Kind of a "birth of civilization" mythos. The stark landscape of survival and the progression of thought and understanding was incredibly well done. The only thing I found a bit too repetitive and distracting was the unfamiliar language, but that also boosted the confusion of community being unable to fully come together. Solid start to 2025 reading.
October 5, 2024
MUST READ!! A TRULY RARE FIND!!
At the heart of "Logos" lies the powerful story of two brothers. In the first half of the book, we witness a gripping tale of coming-of-age and survival. Set in a hostile and unforgiving environment, the heroes struggle to survive with the minimal resources available to primitive humans. Life becomes an unending battle, and Nikita skillfully makes the reader feel as if they are struggling alongside the characters.
In the second half or the book, concepts such as language, writing, religion, society, and civilization seem to emerge as the brothers reach increasingly significant milestones. The journey of the two protagonists goes beyond a mere survival story; it serves as an allegory for the evolution of the human species over thousands of years. It is quite impressive how the author guides readers to make connections with widely recognized ideas and figures.
As time passes, the two brothers develop distinctly different characters, and their perspectives on the world and their place within it change. Each main character is well-crafted and complex, allowing readers to identify with both at certain points. While one brother may easily provoke dislike, Nikita ensures that readers still understand his motivations through his journey of growth. In addition to the two brothers, the portrayal of the book's most important female character is particularly striking. Despite suffering from the actions of men much like the other women of her time, the heroine stands out for her courage and resilience, evoking the reader’s admiration.
The author’s unique writing style evolves as the story progresses, allowing the reading experience to become smoother as the protagonists achieve their milestones. Creativity flows abundantly throughout the book, reflecting not only the spirit of one of the brothers but also showcasing Nikita’s writing talent. Moreover, the author seeks to convey complex ideas in simple terms. Through his narrative, he provides “keys” for readers to unlock mysteries and unexplored aspects of human prehistory, prompting us to wonder, “what if?”.
Visually, the book is rich with imagery. Nikita paints scenes that come alive in our minds, making the settings and emotions feel tangible. This vividness enhances the reading experience, pulling us further into the world he has created. As the characters grapple with the weight of their actions and the consequences that follow, you experience a spectrum of feelings—from the warmth of affection and loyalty to the crushing depths of grief and loneliness, ultimately leading to a profound sense of hope. The story is beautifully interwoven with themes of love and loss, as the two protagonists navigate their brotherly bond and the relationships with those around them. The boundaries of love and sacrifice are continually tested, leading to a crescendo that will leave you in tears.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Logos". It is a compelling piece of art with a meaningful and thought-provoking story—a journey for anyone seeking not just to read, but to reflect, grow, and engage with the very essence of what it means to be human. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and pain of existence, wrapped in a tale that will leave you yearning for more. I ensure you that it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page!! A truly rare find!!
At the heart of "Logos" lies the powerful story of two brothers. In the first half of the book, we witness a gripping tale of coming-of-age and survival. Set in a hostile and unforgiving environment, the heroes struggle to survive with the minimal resources available to primitive humans. Life becomes an unending battle, and Nikita skillfully makes the reader feel as if they are struggling alongside the characters.
In the second half or the book, concepts such as language, writing, religion, society, and civilization seem to emerge as the brothers reach increasingly significant milestones. The journey of the two protagonists goes beyond a mere survival story; it serves as an allegory for the evolution of the human species over thousands of years. It is quite impressive how the author guides readers to make connections with widely recognized ideas and figures.
As time passes, the two brothers develop distinctly different characters, and their perspectives on the world and their place within it change. Each main character is well-crafted and complex, allowing readers to identify with both at certain points. While one brother may easily provoke dislike, Nikita ensures that readers still understand his motivations through his journey of growth. In addition to the two brothers, the portrayal of the book's most important female character is particularly striking. Despite suffering from the actions of men much like the other women of her time, the heroine stands out for her courage and resilience, evoking the reader’s admiration.
The author’s unique writing style evolves as the story progresses, allowing the reading experience to become smoother as the protagonists achieve their milestones. Creativity flows abundantly throughout the book, reflecting not only the spirit of one of the brothers but also showcasing Nikita’s writing talent. Moreover, the author seeks to convey complex ideas in simple terms. Through his narrative, he provides “keys” for readers to unlock mysteries and unexplored aspects of human prehistory, prompting us to wonder, “what if?”.
Visually, the book is rich with imagery. Nikita paints scenes that come alive in our minds, making the settings and emotions feel tangible. This vividness enhances the reading experience, pulling us further into the world he has created. As the characters grapple with the weight of their actions and the consequences that follow, you experience a spectrum of feelings—from the warmth of affection and loyalty to the crushing depths of grief and loneliness, ultimately leading to a profound sense of hope. The story is beautifully interwoven with themes of love and loss, as the two protagonists navigate their brotherly bond and the relationships with those around them. The boundaries of love and sacrifice are continually tested, leading to a crescendo that will leave you in tears.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Logos". It is a compelling piece of art with a meaningful and thought-provoking story—a journey for anyone seeking not just to read, but to reflect, grow, and engage with the very essence of what it means to be human. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and pain of existence, wrapped in a tale that will leave you yearning for more. I ensure you that it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page!! A truly rare find!!
May 1, 2024
REVIEW CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS
The novel Logos depicts the development of man and reason through a prehistoric story and numerous symbols. The story itself is simple and follows the lives of two brothers: the older one who witnessed the death of his parents and who knows only natural instincts from beginning to end, and the younger one who is not forced to think about survival and gradually develops creative and creative thinking.
The speech itself is raw at first. Characters gradually build a language and share the knowledge with other people. By doing so, mutual understanding develops as well as the human spirit.
The author metaphorically compares the two sides of a human being through two main characters: raw instincts and intelligence.
As important symbols, the author highlights Aeos and Fos. Aeos is the first keeper of light and the sign of the first order, the order of nature. Aeos is helping the older brother to hunt during the day, but vanishes at night.
Fos - fire or light, a sign of the new order, the order of man. For the older brother, Fos is a symbol of power and control over other people, while the younger brother sees light as a gift of nature and a tool that can make life easier for everyone. For other characters, Fos represents the source of life and makes them see mortals as gods.
„Fos is confidence. Fos is influence. Even a swine in control of the light can rule over a den of lions. Unless… control of the light, is the only thing a swine and a lion have in common.“
The male aspect dominates from start to finish. The author portrays the rule of man and his attitude towards women in a cruel way, but highlights the strength of a woman who is not weakened by fear.
Logos is definitely a book I recommend: a powerful work of art with an instructive story.
The novel Logos depicts the development of man and reason through a prehistoric story and numerous symbols. The story itself is simple and follows the lives of two brothers: the older one who witnessed the death of his parents and who knows only natural instincts from beginning to end, and the younger one who is not forced to think about survival and gradually develops creative and creative thinking.
The speech itself is raw at first. Characters gradually build a language and share the knowledge with other people. By doing so, mutual understanding develops as well as the human spirit.
The author metaphorically compares the two sides of a human being through two main characters: raw instincts and intelligence.
As important symbols, the author highlights Aeos and Fos. Aeos is the first keeper of light and the sign of the first order, the order of nature. Aeos is helping the older brother to hunt during the day, but vanishes at night.
Fos - fire or light, a sign of the new order, the order of man. For the older brother, Fos is a symbol of power and control over other people, while the younger brother sees light as a gift of nature and a tool that can make life easier for everyone. For other characters, Fos represents the source of life and makes them see mortals as gods.
„Fos is confidence. Fos is influence. Even a swine in control of the light can rule over a den of lions. Unless… control of the light, is the only thing a swine and a lion have in common.“
The male aspect dominates from start to finish. The author portrays the rule of man and his attitude towards women in a cruel way, but highlights the strength of a woman who is not weakened by fear.
Logos is definitely a book I recommend: a powerful work of art with an instructive story.
September 30, 2024
I feel like there are no words to describe what I feel but I will try. I am impressed and shocked. I just finished the book and now I don’t know how to fill in the void. I want to read more. There is so much more about the story that I want to know. It stays in my mind.
I have never read any story like this. The language improves, changes and a new one is created. I always wanted to know how our ancestors created the words to label the unknown and teach them to be understood by others and know the same meaning.
I never thought how hard it would be to survive in the wild, surrounded by beasts that are always ready to hunt. If you don’t kill them they will kill you.
Getting water was the cause of death most of the times.
Nowadays we take everything for granted. We might not survive if we find ourselves waking up in the shoes of the protagonist.
What would you dare to do to survive and save your brother?
Blood. Brotherhood. The family bond cannot be broken by anyone else. But the temptations, pleasures and hunger might turn us into beasts... the brutal and vulgar behavior of the human nature.
“Rest in peace” - only the ones who lost someone they really loved can understand. For others just empty words. However the way how the loneliness, emptiness & pain was described by the authors words can touch the coldest hearts and melt them to tears while feeling the grief.
Birth. Death. Love. Heartbreak. Survive. Die. Hunt. Kill. Sex. Pleasure. Blood. Bond. Fire.
I highly recommend to read Logos!
I have never read any story like this. The language improves, changes and a new one is created. I always wanted to know how our ancestors created the words to label the unknown and teach them to be understood by others and know the same meaning.
I never thought how hard it would be to survive in the wild, surrounded by beasts that are always ready to hunt. If you don’t kill them they will kill you.
Getting water was the cause of death most of the times.
Nowadays we take everything for granted. We might not survive if we find ourselves waking up in the shoes of the protagonist.
What would you dare to do to survive and save your brother?
Blood. Brotherhood. The family bond cannot be broken by anyone else. But the temptations, pleasures and hunger might turn us into beasts... the brutal and vulgar behavior of the human nature.
“Rest in peace” - only the ones who lost someone they really loved can understand. For others just empty words. However the way how the loneliness, emptiness & pain was described by the authors words can touch the coldest hearts and melt them to tears while feeling the grief.
Birth. Death. Love. Heartbreak. Survive. Die. Hunt. Kill. Sex. Pleasure. Blood. Bond. Fire.
I highly recommend to read Logos!
November 19, 2024
The mechanics of Logos are strong overall. I noticed a few minor typos and punctuation inconsistencies, but they didn’t detract significantly from the reading experience. The formatting is clean, and the chapter breaks are clear, making it easy to follow the story’s progression. However, a few paragraphs felt overly dense.
The characters are well-developed and distinct, with enough depth to make them relatable. Their motivations feel genuine. The conversations are natural in key scenes and convey emotion effectively, adding to the story's impact.
The storyline flows smoothly, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. There were no jarring transitions or confusing plot points. However, some sections dragged slightly, and a tighter edit could help maintain consistent pacing.
I enjoyed the book for its thought-provoking themes and compelling storyline. It’s a mix of engaging characters and a well-structured plot that keeps me interested. I found myself reflecting on some of its deeper messages after finishing the book.
I’d rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a solid read with room for slight improvements in pacing and dialogue, but its strengths far outweigh the minor flaws.
The characters are well-developed and distinct, with enough depth to make them relatable. Their motivations feel genuine. The conversations are natural in key scenes and convey emotion effectively, adding to the story's impact.
The storyline flows smoothly, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. There were no jarring transitions or confusing plot points. However, some sections dragged slightly, and a tighter edit could help maintain consistent pacing.
I enjoyed the book for its thought-provoking themes and compelling storyline. It’s a mix of engaging characters and a well-structured plot that keeps me interested. I found myself reflecting on some of its deeper messages after finishing the book.
I’d rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a solid read with room for slight improvements in pacing and dialogue, but its strengths far outweigh the minor flaws.
December 6, 2024
"Logos" by Nicholas Nikita is a bold foray into the distant past, placing readers at the dawn of human civilisation. While it's not always an easy read—some passages feel overly dense or struggle with pacing—the overall effect is uniquely captivating. Imagine stepping into a world before recorded history, where survival depends on discovering fire and forging uneasy alliances. The setting feels raw and authentic, capturing the brutality and vulnerability of early humankind.
The characters are well-drawn, with their fears, desires, and moral quandaries on every page. Themes like the emergence of prejudice and the clash of evolving social norms add depth, giving plenty to chew on long after you've turned the final page. The violence and occasional sexual assault may unsettle some, but they underscore the harsh realities of that era.
Though the narrative could benefit from tighter editing and clearer descriptive balance, "Logos" shines for its ambition and originality. It's an intense, thought-provoking journey that dares to explore who we once were—and what that might say about who we are now. A recommended read for those willing to brave a challenging but rewarding prehistoric adventure!
The characters are well-drawn, with their fears, desires, and moral quandaries on every page. Themes like the emergence of prejudice and the clash of evolving social norms add depth, giving plenty to chew on long after you've turned the final page. The violence and occasional sexual assault may unsettle some, but they underscore the harsh realities of that era.
Though the narrative could benefit from tighter editing and clearer descriptive balance, "Logos" shines for its ambition and originality. It's an intense, thought-provoking journey that dares to explore who we once were—and what that might say about who we are now. A recommended read for those willing to brave a challenging but rewarding prehistoric adventure!
December 8, 2024
Outstanding
This book was a great read on many levels. The writing is clever, evolving from fragmented to eloquent as the characters themselves evolve. The author thought in terrific detail through the challenges of children and ancient people, and how they might have perceived those challenges. The moral, emotional, social and technological trials and transformations that he creates are brilliant.
The setting is a rough, ugly world and the book is not for sensitive whiners. It moves along nicely and I was never bored.
There were 2 draw-backs, both related to the characters’ language. The author inadequately educates the reader in this invented tongue, especially considering how much dialogue he wrote in it. I spent a lot of time not knowing what the heck was being said.
The second problem was that, towards the end of the book, the characters occasionally engage in long soliloquies of complex, deeply philosophical thought. This was unrealistic, given that their language was still quite primitive.
This book was a great read on many levels. The writing is clever, evolving from fragmented to eloquent as the characters themselves evolve. The author thought in terrific detail through the challenges of children and ancient people, and how they might have perceived those challenges. The moral, emotional, social and technological trials and transformations that he creates are brilliant.
The setting is a rough, ugly world and the book is not for sensitive whiners. It moves along nicely and I was never bored.
There were 2 draw-backs, both related to the characters’ language. The author inadequately educates the reader in this invented tongue, especially considering how much dialogue he wrote in it. I spent a lot of time not knowing what the heck was being said.
The second problem was that, towards the end of the book, the characters occasionally engage in long soliloquies of complex, deeply philosophical thought. This was unrealistic, given that their language was still quite primitive.
April 26, 2024
Logos is a very interestingly written story that evolves with the characters in the days of early humanity. The style of writing is very sparse in the beginning, as our main character knows very little, and develops into more robust descriptions of the environment and social interactions as the MMC develops more understanding of the world.
Initially, I struggled with the evolving writing style because it was unexpected. However, when I set the book down, I couldn't stop thinking about where the characters were in their journey and all the challenges ahead of them. Before I knew it, I had started reading again and finished the book. Logos will hook you in the most surprising way.
This is a different syle of book for me and I am glad I had the opportunity to read a copy via Goodreads Giveaway.
Initially, I struggled with the evolving writing style because it was unexpected. However, when I set the book down, I couldn't stop thinking about where the characters were in their journey and all the challenges ahead of them. Before I knew it, I had started reading again and finished the book. Logos will hook you in the most surprising way.
This is a different syle of book for me and I am glad I had the opportunity to read a copy via Goodreads Giveaway.
November 1, 2024
Extra Wild Quest!
Nikita's debut novel "Logos" hits right with a prehistoric tale that's way more intense than your typical caveman story.
A young cave kid, traumatized after watching his parents get brutally killed, is wandering through this crazy-harsh wasteland with his baby brother literally strapped to his chest.
Instead of just dealing with his grief like an average person (but hey, therapy wasn't a thing back then), this kid decides he's gonna climb a mountain where he thinks the gods live, hoping they'll bring his parents back.
But this isn't just a hiking trip—it's a brutal coming-of-age journey that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about early humans.
Nikita's debut novel "Logos" hits right with a prehistoric tale that's way more intense than your typical caveman story.
A young cave kid, traumatized after watching his parents get brutally killed, is wandering through this crazy-harsh wasteland with his baby brother literally strapped to his chest.
Instead of just dealing with his grief like an average person (but hey, therapy wasn't a thing back then), this kid decides he's gonna climb a mountain where he thinks the gods live, hoping they'll bring his parents back.
But this isn't just a hiking trip—it's a brutal coming-of-age journey that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about early humans.
December 4, 2024
I won a free Kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway win and would like to thank anyone who had a hand in making that happen.
I'm not quite sure what to make of this one! It is certainly unique and interesting but also unrelentingly brutal. The most fascinating thing I picked up from this book that I had no idea was an actual practice is using ants jaws to close wounds. I would definitely recommend giving this a read if you are interested in prehistory and the evolution of humanity and civilization!
I'm not quite sure what to make of this one! It is certainly unique and interesting but also unrelentingly brutal. The most fascinating thing I picked up from this book that I had no idea was an actual practice is using ants jaws to close wounds. I would definitely recommend giving this a read if you are interested in prehistory and the evolution of humanity and civilization!
August 12, 2024
well done. a simple but exciting story about growing up in a underdeveloped world. and as every time it's all about the power of a "king" who has the "money" (fire in this story). following this book the next one could tell the story of Habat. because she is a strong woman. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 17, 2024
Astounding, one-of-a-kind book.
It seems like a dream. No, like a miracle. Born out of the mind of one from another world. The language is from another world. Only one human has discovered it - the author of this book. Impossible to describe - we don't have the words. Will we ever? We are too ignorant, it seems.
It seems like a dream. No, like a miracle. Born out of the mind of one from another world. The language is from another world. Only one human has discovered it - the author of this book. Impossible to describe - we don't have the words. Will we ever? We are too ignorant, it seems.
December 8, 2024
I won a free kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I thought this book was well-written and fascinating. It is definitely different than the books I typically read, but I was engaged and very impressed with the author’s writing and story development.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews