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The Anjidia Chronicles #1
Forgotten Atnama
Blind faith is an incredible thing—an incredible, scary thing.
Anjidia was a peaceful and harmonious place until its last ruler, Atnama Aryket, was the victim of the world’s first murder. Now, the gryphon colony has isolated itself. Dragons and humans are at odds. And no one has seen the Atnama's phoenix in over a decade.
Heading straight for her enemies is the last thing seventeen-year-old Lili should do, but what other choice does she have after the Honor Guard track her down and capture her Aunt Nix? To save the woman who raised her, Lili must gather allies among the outcast and disenfranchised and prove to them, and herself, that she is the Atnama's long lost daughter and heir.
As danger increases with each step on her journey, can Lili accept the costs of her birthright? Is she ready to lead a revolution to save her aunt? And what will she have to lose before she can win?
Anjidia was a peaceful and harmonious place until its last ruler, Atnama Aryket, was the victim of the world’s first murder. Now, the gryphon colony has isolated itself. Dragons and humans are at odds. And no one has seen the Atnama's phoenix in over a decade.
Heading straight for her enemies is the last thing seventeen-year-old Lili should do, but what other choice does she have after the Honor Guard track her down and capture her Aunt Nix? To save the woman who raised her, Lili must gather allies among the outcast and disenfranchised and prove to them, and herself, that she is the Atnama's long lost daughter and heir.
As danger increases with each step on her journey, can Lili accept the costs of her birthright? Is she ready to lead a revolution to save her aunt? And what will she have to lose before she can win?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
About the author
Sam Schreiber
2 books10 followersSam Schreiber is a fantasy writer who started her first story in fifth grade free period and hasn't stopped writing since. Masquerading as a tech executive by day, Sam has never stopped nurturing her passion for creating compelling stories with complex characters and rich worlds.
She is a graduate of American University with a BA in Literature. FORGOTTEN ATNAMA is her debut novel and Book 1 of her young adult fantasy trilogy, the Anjidia Chronicles.
Sam was born and raised in Texas, and she now resides in Maryland with her husband, son, and three fur-babies.
She is a graduate of American University with a BA in Literature. FORGOTTEN ATNAMA is her debut novel and Book 1 of her young adult fantasy trilogy, the Anjidia Chronicles.
Sam was born and raised in Texas, and she now resides in Maryland with her husband, son, and three fur-babies.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 5, 2024
I wasn't ready! Just as Lili isn't ready. What a journey. I'm still reeling. What I expected was a fun, coming of age, "but I don't want to be a princess" story. This book is so much more. It is rich and lush and twisty in all the best ways. I cannot wait for the next book and the prequel! I want to eat, breathe, and dream about Anjidia!
December 4, 2024
I was so excited to get my hands on this advanced copy!
Lili is one of the more likable, naïve FMCs I’ve read. She’s been raised intentionally without knowledge of the world she belongs to in the hopes to shield her, which leads to many challenges along the way as she attempts to reintegrate and find her place and standing to better her people.
The friends we meet along the way are amazing. I’m obsessed with Lord Kobos. That is all.
Each step of this story was clearly very intentionally and meticulously crafted, allowing for a seamless progression of the story with wonderful character and plot development throughout the story. Sam does a fantastic job of building the story line without giving away the plot twists as we venture forward.
Forgotten Atnama was a wonderfully captivating YA fantasy with a strong but young and flawed FMC that spends a large portion of the book struggling between her true identity, who to trust, how to trust, and figuring out who she wants to become.
I highly recommend this one but I will say, you’ll be begging for book 2!
Lili is one of the more likable, naïve FMCs I’ve read. She’s been raised intentionally without knowledge of the world she belongs to in the hopes to shield her, which leads to many challenges along the way as she attempts to reintegrate and find her place and standing to better her people.
The friends we meet along the way are amazing. I’m obsessed with Lord Kobos. That is all.
Each step of this story was clearly very intentionally and meticulously crafted, allowing for a seamless progression of the story with wonderful character and plot development throughout the story. Sam does a fantastic job of building the story line without giving away the plot twists as we venture forward.
Forgotten Atnama was a wonderfully captivating YA fantasy with a strong but young and flawed FMC that spends a large portion of the book struggling between her true identity, who to trust, how to trust, and figuring out who she wants to become.
I highly recommend this one but I will say, you’ll be begging for book 2!
December 19, 2024
Gryphons, and dragons, and a phoenix - oh my!!
This YA Fantasy is a great debut novel by Sam Schreiber. She creates a vast world filled with all sorts of creatures and adventures.
Lili is a young girl used to living on the seas, sailing with her Aunt Nix since her parents died when she was little. Sure, her aunt didn’t like to talk much about the old ruler who had been murdered (the very first murder to ever happen in Anjidia 😳) but Lili tried not to think too much into it. It was a sad tale after all.
But when the honor guard catches up with their ship and arrests Aunt Nix, Lili has to heed her warning and flee to find Nix’s brother Nixon…
But if Nix’s brother is still alive… could he be the same brother that would be Lili’s father?
Oh yeah, and there’s some major empathy magic going on that truly makes me feel sorry for our main character. She can be impulsive and quick to anger at times, but she’s also a teenager trying to figure out where she fits in as she discovers she is so much more than she ever knew.
Family mysteries, past secrets, magic, and twists. If you’re looking for a full on fantasy this is the book! There are hints at a possible love interest in future books, but not much happening yet. Just enough to make us intrigued. Looking forward to see what happens next!!
This YA Fantasy is a great debut novel by Sam Schreiber. She creates a vast world filled with all sorts of creatures and adventures.
Lili is a young girl used to living on the seas, sailing with her Aunt Nix since her parents died when she was little. Sure, her aunt didn’t like to talk much about the old ruler who had been murdered (the very first murder to ever happen in Anjidia 😳) but Lili tried not to think too much into it. It was a sad tale after all.
But when the honor guard catches up with their ship and arrests Aunt Nix, Lili has to heed her warning and flee to find Nix’s brother Nixon…
But if Nix’s brother is still alive… could he be the same brother that would be Lili’s father?
Oh yeah, and there’s some major empathy magic going on that truly makes me feel sorry for our main character. She can be impulsive and quick to anger at times, but she’s also a teenager trying to figure out where she fits in as she discovers she is so much more than she ever knew.
Family mysteries, past secrets, magic, and twists. If you’re looking for a full on fantasy this is the book! There are hints at a possible love interest in future books, but not much happening yet. Just enough to make us intrigued. Looking forward to see what happens next!!
December 29, 2024
This was hands down the best book I finished this year. It took me longer to start than I would've liked due to my schedule, but once I got into it, it was all I could think about. I laughed, I cried, I had my heart crushed and I cheered with hope. There are so many fantastic characters that I quickly became attached to and the worldbuilding is just spectacular, but the pacing also really kept me hooked because it was just non stop happenings. I can't wait for book 2.
January 3, 2026
What an exciting and thrilling beginning to a magic series! This book was full of twist and turns, magical creatures, heartbreak and betrayal, and I CANT WAIT for the next one!!
April 15, 2026
My 12 year old son devoured this book and couldn’t stop talking about it. He was right, it did not disappoint! YA fantasy that you can confidently give your kids to read and just as much fun for adults!
March 22, 2026
This debut was an absolute standout! I was immediately captivated by the high stageks and the intricate lore of Anjidia, a world still reeling from its very first act of violence.
Set in a land where the peace between humans, dragons and gryphons has shattered, the story follows seventeen year old Lili. It's a compelling blend of epic fantasy and coming-of-age journey, featuring a "lost heir" trope that feels entirely revitalized by the unique moral contraints placed upon the protagonist.
What I Loved
- World-Building: The history of Anjidia is exceptionally well-crafted. The concept of a world that didn't know murder until the fall of Atnama Aryket adds a fascinating layer of tension to every interaction.
- The Protagonist's Journey: I found Lili to be a deeply relatable lead. Her struggle to balance her new identity with the vow of non-violence creates a refreshing kind of conflict that you don't often see in YA fantasy.
- The Creatures: The inclusion of gryphons and dragons wasn't just window dressing. Their complex relationship with the human population felt integral to the political landscape of the novel.
Points for Consideration
- Pacing: The narrative takes its time to establish the lore and the various factions. If you prefer fast-paced action from the first chapter, the deliberate build-up of the world might require a bit of patience, but the payoff is immense.
- Development: I personally would have loved to see even more of the gryphon colony's culture early on, as their isolation is such an intreguing part of the mystery. Same goes for the dragons.
- Subjectivity: The heavy focus on political intrigue and moral philosophy might be a shift for readers expecting a traditional "battle-heavy" fantasy, but those who enjoy character-driven epics will be hooked.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Overall, Forgotten Atnama is a brilliant and thought-provoking start to the Anjidia Chronicles. Because of the unique moral dilemmas and the rich atmosphere, this is a very strond 4.5-star read for me. It's a must-read for fans of nuanced world-building and strong, principled heroines. I am incredibly eager to see how Lili's journey continues in the next installment!
Disclosure
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Set in a land where the peace between humans, dragons and gryphons has shattered, the story follows seventeen year old Lili. It's a compelling blend of epic fantasy and coming-of-age journey, featuring a "lost heir" trope that feels entirely revitalized by the unique moral contraints placed upon the protagonist.
What I Loved
- World-Building: The history of Anjidia is exceptionally well-crafted. The concept of a world that didn't know murder until the fall of Atnama Aryket adds a fascinating layer of tension to every interaction.
- The Protagonist's Journey: I found Lili to be a deeply relatable lead. Her struggle to balance her new identity with the vow of non-violence creates a refreshing kind of conflict that you don't often see in YA fantasy.
- The Creatures: The inclusion of gryphons and dragons wasn't just window dressing. Their complex relationship with the human population felt integral to the political landscape of the novel.
Points for Consideration
- Pacing: The narrative takes its time to establish the lore and the various factions. If you prefer fast-paced action from the first chapter, the deliberate build-up of the world might require a bit of patience, but the payoff is immense.
- Development: I personally would have loved to see even more of the gryphon colony's culture early on, as their isolation is such an intreguing part of the mystery. Same goes for the dragons.
- Subjectivity: The heavy focus on political intrigue and moral philosophy might be a shift for readers expecting a traditional "battle-heavy" fantasy, but those who enjoy character-driven epics will be hooked.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Overall, Forgotten Atnama is a brilliant and thought-provoking start to the Anjidia Chronicles. Because of the unique moral dilemmas and the rich atmosphere, this is a very strond 4.5-star read for me. It's a must-read for fans of nuanced world-building and strong, principled heroines. I am incredibly eager to see how Lili's journey continues in the next installment!
Disclosure
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2024
Forgotten Atnama is a new young adult fantasy. Anjidia is a beautifully created world that has completely drawn me in. There are fan favorite mythical creatures which gives Eragon and Harry Potter vibes (my personal favorites) with a strong female lead - a lost princess! The characters are immediately captivating.
The story is fast paced and exciting. When you have to put it down, it’s easy to pick it right back up again and immerse yourself in Lili’s world. While the story is fantasy, everyone can relate to the complex emotions experienced by the heroine.
This novel is suitable for teen and adult audiences. There is a content warning for depictions of violence, alcohol abuse and withdrawal, ptsd and death to name a few. Everyone experiences darkness in some form or knows someone in a similar situation. When things at times feel hopeless, this novel remains hopeful.
Samantha Schreiber is the new author to look out for. Knowing there are upcoming chronicles and prequels, leaves me excited to get my hands on more of her books. Book One reeled me in and left me needing to learn more about the characters’ complex history. I can’t stop thinking about this new world! I would recommend it to my fellow fantasy readers.
The story is fast paced and exciting. When you have to put it down, it’s easy to pick it right back up again and immerse yourself in Lili’s world. While the story is fantasy, everyone can relate to the complex emotions experienced by the heroine.
This novel is suitable for teen and adult audiences. There is a content warning for depictions of violence, alcohol abuse and withdrawal, ptsd and death to name a few. Everyone experiences darkness in some form or knows someone in a similar situation. When things at times feel hopeless, this novel remains hopeful.
Samantha Schreiber is the new author to look out for. Knowing there are upcoming chronicles and prequels, leaves me excited to get my hands on more of her books. Book One reeled me in and left me needing to learn more about the characters’ complex history. I can’t stop thinking about this new world! I would recommend it to my fellow fantasy readers.
November 4, 2025
A young, impulsive heroine plots to retake her birthright and throne with the help of her new friends. The catch? Her birthright comes with an empathy so strong that she can't hurt anyone else without hurting herself - and she doesn't care about ruling nearly as much as she cares about saving her guardian. It's a tricky way to kick off a revolution.
It's also a fresh, fun take on the chosen one archetype, with a realistically written teenage heroine - impetuous, hot-tempered, good-hearted, and willing to learn.
There are so many characters here that stole my heart - especially the bitter dragon and friend of Lili's father, and the gryphon prince who quickly becomes her ride-or-die. There's also a romance that's a nice slow burn, and I can't wait to see it play out in the next book(s).
Plus, I love a good villain - and, no spoilers, the villain in Forgotten Atnama is one of my favorites. ❤️
It's also a fresh, fun take on the chosen one archetype, with a realistically written teenage heroine - impetuous, hot-tempered, good-hearted, and willing to learn.
There are so many characters here that stole my heart - especially the bitter dragon and friend of Lili's father, and the gryphon prince who quickly becomes her ride-or-die. There's also a romance that's a nice slow burn, and I can't wait to see it play out in the next book(s).
Plus, I love a good villain - and, no spoilers, the villain in Forgotten Atnama is one of my favorites. ❤️
November 22, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Sam Schreiber's debut novel, Forgotten Atnama.
The story takes place in a formerly peaceable kingdom, now living in the shadow of the world's first murder. We follow Lili, a seventeen-year-old who has lived her life in unknowing exile... until the Honor Guard tracks her down, captures her aunt, and destroys her home, setting her out on an epic quest to discover, and then claim, her true identity, while rescuing the woman who raised her.
This book is a damn delight, y'all, and let me tell you why:
1. The world building is *incredible.* It is vibrant, immersive, and feels deeply original. The flora, the fauna, the politics... it's all fascinating. While there are fantasy-favorite creatures, this does not feel like a world I've visited before. And, now that I've stepped into Anjidia, I don't want to leave. (A dozen more books in this world, please and thank you, Sam!)
2. The main character, Lili, feels real and relatable. She's seventeen in a way that feels honest, but not off-putting. We all know what it is to feel in over our head, trying to make decisions in a world so deeply out of our control.
3. The creatures! Okay, I know that's part of world building, but they are so much fun! They've each got distinct personalities, and I would like a gryphon-friend by my side for any adventure.
4. This book is easy to get lost in, never really drags, and when you get to the point-of-no-return... Oh man. Cancel your plans. Definitely don't hit that point like 5 minutes before your kid's naptime ends so you have to wait in agony for bedtime to find out how it ends...
5. This cover is gorgeous, and the deeper you get into the book, the more meaning it holds. Love that.
6. Gabrien, a member of the honor guard who we just keep running into and... 👀
7. Titled chapters! They feel so rare to find a book these days, and Forgotten Atnama's chapter titles reflect Lili's voice in such a fun way.
8. Talking trees, talking trees, talking trees. I just adore talking trees.
There are probably half a dozen more reasons that I'm not thinking of right now. But for now, suffice to say: Forgotten Atnama officially comes out on December 3rd, it's a delight, and I am already antsy for a sequel.
The story takes place in a formerly peaceable kingdom, now living in the shadow of the world's first murder. We follow Lili, a seventeen-year-old who has lived her life in unknowing exile... until the Honor Guard tracks her down, captures her aunt, and destroys her home, setting her out on an epic quest to discover, and then claim, her true identity, while rescuing the woman who raised her.
This book is a damn delight, y'all, and let me tell you why:
1. The world building is *incredible.* It is vibrant, immersive, and feels deeply original. The flora, the fauna, the politics... it's all fascinating. While there are fantasy-favorite creatures, this does not feel like a world I've visited before. And, now that I've stepped into Anjidia, I don't want to leave. (A dozen more books in this world, please and thank you, Sam!)
2. The main character, Lili, feels real and relatable. She's seventeen in a way that feels honest, but not off-putting. We all know what it is to feel in over our head, trying to make decisions in a world so deeply out of our control.
3. The creatures! Okay, I know that's part of world building, but they are so much fun! They've each got distinct personalities, and I would like a gryphon-friend by my side for any adventure.
4. This book is easy to get lost in, never really drags, and when you get to the point-of-no-return... Oh man. Cancel your plans. Definitely don't hit that point like 5 minutes before your kid's naptime ends so you have to wait in agony for bedtime to find out how it ends...
5. This cover is gorgeous, and the deeper you get into the book, the more meaning it holds. Love that.
6. Gabrien, a member of the honor guard who we just keep running into and... 👀
7. Titled chapters! They feel so rare to find a book these days, and Forgotten Atnama's chapter titles reflect Lili's voice in such a fun way.
8. Talking trees, talking trees, talking trees. I just adore talking trees.
There are probably half a dozen more reasons that I'm not thinking of right now. But for now, suffice to say: Forgotten Atnama officially comes out on December 3rd, it's a delight, and I am already antsy for a sequel.
February 3, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews