The Spiral

The Path of None #2

by Alexander Gabriel Zoderot

Every seeker must walk alone.

Haunted by dreams and driven by an inner fire he cannot explain, Drakko leaves behind everything he's ever known to pursue a calling that whispers from the East. The journey should kill him—the valley has claimed every soul who dared enter its depths.

Yet somehow, he survives.

Beyond the wasteland lies a hidden world where the impossible becomes inevitable, where pilgrims gather to test themselves against mysteries older than memory. Here, Drakko meets others who have heard the same call, felt the same burning need to discover what lies beyond the veil of ordinary existence.

But the path of truth is treacherous. With each step deeper into this realm of wonders and terrors, Drakko must confront not just external trials, but the demons within—attachments, fears, and illusions that chain the soul. Yet as he struggles to break these chains, the very forces of darkness he battles within begin to manifest without.

When legions of shadow pour forth like a tide of the lost, his personal quest becomes part of the ultimate war between eternal forces—a final battle where even the gods must choose between light and shadow, and victory demands the ultimate sacrifice.

The question that haunts every seeker echoes through his What am I willing to sacrifice to become who I truly am?


Praised by readers as "overflowing with imagination and profound wisdom," "a breathtaking fusion of epic adventure and cosmic mystery," and "a mesmerizing journey that lingers long after the last page."
Perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea, and the timeless epics of Tolkien.

Genres: Fantasy

447 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sequel to The Curse, The Spiral had a different vibe, trading the beautiful visuals of the graphic novel for a classic prose style with no illustrations. The story began slowly, and it took me a couple of tries to get into it. But when I picked it up a third time, I was glad I did. The novel’s prologue and first chapter are richly immersive, with a poetic quality that draws readers into an ancient, mystical world. Themes of unity, self-discovery, and the eternal Truth resonate deeply. Once past the slow start, The Spiral became a rewarding read, evoking the mystical atmosphere and high stakes that make this series compelling.

As the story continues, Drakko wakes up haunted by a vivid and unsettling dream that lingers in his mind. As he moves through his village, everything feels distant, almost surreal. His usual interactions with friends and neighbors, including a warm greeting from Kolan and working alongside Amron, feel empty. The dream—full of mystery, allure, and fear—casts a shadow over his daily tasks. Despite the grounding routines, Drakko feels a growing disconnection from village life, realizing that his path may lead him beyond the life his family envisioned.

Drakko, who, after a vivid, otherworldly dream, feels called to break free from life's repetitive cycles. In the dream, he and his friend Stanor are warriors in an ancient war, and the experience leaves him with a sense of deeper purpose.

The dream stirs a longing in Drakko to seek answers by journeying east, a decision that his friend, Stanor, cannot understand. While Drakko feels compelled to pursue meaning beyond daily routines, Stanor values stability, leading to tension between them.

Drakko’s determination to follow his calling, despite the risks and the strain it places on his friendship. This marks the beginning of his journey into the unknown, guided by a sense of destiny.

This is where the story truly takes off. Drakko’s journey leads him to strange and exciting places, uncovering secrets beyond his imagination. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an adventure that explores the mysteries of purpose and destiny.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check Your Triggers 😊
A mesmerizing fusion of epic adventure and mystical exploration, infused with the essence of religion and magic, The Spiral emerges as a potent narrative weaving legends and conflicts of The All-Origin. This fantastical saga offers an unprecedented look into the psyche and existence of one graced by divine intervention, charting his journey of upheaval and metamorphosis as uncharted realms unfurl before his very eyes. With each revelation, his spiritual journey deepens, his devotion matures, and the very fabric of his being undergoes a profound transformation. 🌌✨
I was completely engrossed in The Spiral, finding Mr. Zoderot’s novel both captivating and enjoyable. The richly developed world and profound themes made the story deeply immersive and left a lasting impression on me. 📚💫 I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one in the series! 📚✨

#Fantasy #EpicAdventure #BookRecommendation #MustRead #ImmersiveStory #ThoughtProvoking #MagicalRealms

Book Series Order:
The Curse: Spiritual Dark Fantasy Ballad (The Path of None Book 1)
Book 1 of 5: The Path of None
The Spiral (The Path of None Book 2)
Book 2 of 5: The Path of None
The Ascent (The Path of None Book 3) Available December 3, 2024
Book 3 of 5: The Path of None
The Curse II (The Path of None Book 4) Available March 3, 2025
The Curse II (The Path of None Book 4)
The Spiral II (The Path of None Book 5) Available July 26, 2025
Book 5 of 5: The Path of None

Related to: The Path of None
The Curse: A Graphic Ballad (The Path of None)
The Curse II: A Graphic Ballad (The Path of None)

[Andrei Morosan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spiral is a transcendental odyssey of self-discovery through the eyes of its enigmatic protagonist, Drakko. With vivid and intricately crafted scenic descriptions, the novel seamlessly blends the external world with the inner landscapes of the mind. Drakko’s journey is both physical and profoundly spiritual, exploring the fundamental question, “What is I?” As he navigates serene landscapes and shadowy realms, Drakko's experiences reflect the transformative nature of traveling within one's inner world, making his quest a universal representation of anyone striving to understand their true self.

At the heart of Drakko's journey is the struggle to push forward the light of self-awareness while facing the daunting challenge of conquering his own shadow. This light-versus-shadow theme serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal battles we all face, highlighting the spiritual aspect of his odyssey. Drakko’s courage in confronting his fears and doubts is both inspiring and relatable, offering readers hope and encouragement in their own spiritual journeys of self-discovery.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting read. It was different than what I expected after having read Zoderot’s The Curse which was told all in verse. The Spiral is told in verse and prose, but it makes for an easier read.

This story about a man’s spiritual journey and all he encounters along the way was a great read. There were a few sections where I felt it was a little repetitive and the story wasn’t really advancing, so I feel like it could have been shortened just a little. Other than that, the storytelling was great, and the big battle at the end was certainly something to behold! Zoderot has no limits to his imagination, that is for certain.

If you’re looking for a spiritual, mystical fantasy book, this would be the one for you! It’s definitely different than anything you are used to reading, I am sure.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MellissaMae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's lengthy narrative unfolds at a measured pace, suited to a particular readership. While requiring patience, the story is well-crafted. However, it lacks the anticipated level of action and suspense, especially given its increased length relative to the first installment. I found Drakko's journey engaging and hope to continue it in the next book, time permitting. There were 60+pages of something strange in ch8. Just a bunch of letters and blank pages that I honestly skipped over because I didn’t know what was going on and why all of that was necessary. It could’ve just been the version I read.
As someone who usually avoids lengthy reads due to attention span constraints, I appreciated this book, though it would probably be a one time read.

[Birgit Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Drakko on his epic journey of self discovery and spiritualism. I loved this book, the world building is fantastic. I could see myself walking alongside Drakko as he embarks on his quest, from his day to day life with his mother, working and training, to following his visions that come to him in his dreams. Asking himself the question "what am I?" trying to find himself. He encounters darkness and light, witnesses a fight between good and evil, makes friends along the way, such as Ojo, Mira and Mari.
I found this book easy to read, I liked the use of prose and the philosophical aspect in this story, although this might not be for everyone. It is rare for me to find a book that I can immerse myself in fully, this book did that for me. The only thing I wish I had, would be the hardcopy of the book, rather than the e-book, only to be able to refer to a map and a glossary for character names and places, as they are very complex, which is not easy to do on a Kindle.


This book was sent to me by the author as an ARC and I am leaving my honest review.

[J. Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely mesmerizing blend of mystical adventure and deep introspection that kept me completely absorbed. The journey from wasteland to hidden realm unfolds with stunning imagery and philosophical depth. What struck me most powerfully were the seamless transitions between external quests and internal revelations. Every trial feels purposeful and transformative. The author masterfully explores themes of sacrifice and self-discovery without overwhelming the thrilling plot. Genuinely moving fantasy that resonates on multiple levels long after finishing.

[Lucky karma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was genuinely interesting, but I would have preferred if this book had followed the same format as the first volume. Volume one was brilliant and I can't recommend it highly enough, even to folks who don't generally reach for a graphic novel. It was just that amazing in my humble opinion.

That said and as thought-provoking and engaging as this volume was, I found myself frequently distracted by the heavy use of exclamation points. This wouldn't have been an issue had this been a graphic novel, but that's not what this was. I'm still glad I read it because The Spiral for the message behind it, but the punctuation took away from the overall reading experience for me personally.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miranda Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

For followers of this series, book 2 is an even more in depth look into the world of Drakko and his epic journey for the truth. Highly descriptive and deep, this book leads you right along the same path with Drakko and his numerous travels, trials and errors that he faces on his path to enlightenment. Learn the history and geography of this rich world and hopefully, learn a little about yourself along the way as well.

[Gemma Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lived being able to follow Drakko on his journey, and have a first row seat as he battles for self awareness. The world building is complex and well developed. Admittedly the writing style took a little while to get into and might not be for anyone, but I found it fully immersive and wonderfully poetic. A good read for all fantasy lovers!

[Angiewagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drakko is still haunted by his dreams.
But he believes in his calling and follows his beliefs. So many different lands and continues to learn so many secrets that he couldn't even dream of.
Great read and good continuation of The Curse
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ranna (Ray) Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What an immersing story- I felt as though I went through a spiritual awakening (almost like the mc did), and I really enjoyed how easy it was to get into this dark epic. Some parts were lengthy, and it took awhile to finish- but I’m glad I got to read this book.

Thanks to the author for allowing me the pleasure of reading this arc.

[BeBop19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a bit of a hard time with this one because it isn't a usual genre for me, with that being said I'm glad I did. It has all the twists and keeping you reading that a reader enjoys. you will not be disappointed by giving this a try even if it isn't your usual choice.