What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cradle of Oshae
Seaborn legend has it that mountain-sized elemental gods once roamed the surface of the earth, ruining, shifting, and shaping it in their wake. Although the tribes of The Valley disagree on the names and nature of the deities they share and worship, one thing is the world is coming to life in ways never thought possible.
Isolated from the rest of the world, Paeon, Fike, Harp, and Orphan are all leading their usual lives, longing for something more when suddenly their journeys collide, while beyond the sky-high cliffs of The Valley, Ferr’ha, Ktah’la, and Eh’rru roam the jungle in search of revenge, truth, and long-lost magic. Somewhere deep inside an unexplored cave, however, a dark force is awakened when Moz ventures just a little too far.
The Cradle of Oshae is book one in a character-driven trilogy that follows nine protagonists from different parts of the continent, each of them forced to deal with the thrill, wonder, and horror of the magic that surrounds them as their lives slowly begin to intertwine—and it is the first look into the Fifth Age of the Primordials Rise saga.
Isolated from the rest of the world, Paeon, Fike, Harp, and Orphan are all leading their usual lives, longing for something more when suddenly their journeys collide, while beyond the sky-high cliffs of The Valley, Ferr’ha, Ktah’la, and Eh’rru roam the jungle in search of revenge, truth, and long-lost magic. Somewhere deep inside an unexplored cave, however, a dark force is awakened when Moz ventures just a little too far.
The Cradle of Oshae is book one in a character-driven trilogy that follows nine protagonists from different parts of the continent, each of them forced to deal with the thrill, wonder, and horror of the magic that surrounds them as their lives slowly begin to intertwine—and it is the first look into the Fifth Age of the Primordials Rise saga.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2025
The Cradle of Oshae is the first book in the Primordials Rise saga, and it’s a story brimming with magic, ancient legends, and characters you’ll find yourself rooting for every step of the way.
Set in a world where elemental gods once roamed and shaped the land, the book explores what happens when these long-forgotten powers begin to stir again. At the heart of the story are nine characters from different parts of this world, each with their own struggles and dreams. Their lives gradually intertwine as they’re pulled into events far bigger than themselves.
In The Valley, we meet Paeon, Fike, Harp, and Orphan—four individuals longing for more than their quiet, routine lives. Outside the cliffs of The Valley, Ferr’ha, Ktah’la, and Eh’rru are searching the jungle for revenge, truth, and lost magic. Meanwhile, Moz ventures deep into a mysterious cave and accidentally awakens something dark and dangerous, setting off a series of events that change everything.
One of the book’s strongest points is its incredible world-building. The author doesn’t just describe the world, you feel like you’re there. Every setting is vividly brought to life. But the characters are what truly drive the story. Each one has a distinct voice and personal struggles that feel relatable, and as their paths cross, you start to see how their lives connect with the larger, magical forces shaping the world.
Even before you crack open the book, its stunning cover grabs your attention. It beautifully captures the essence of the story and pulls you into this fantastical world. Inside, the detailed descriptions and immersive writing live up to the promise of the cover, making the entire reading experience unforgettable.
If you love fantasy stories with rich worlds, interesting characters, and a touch of mystery, The Cradle of Oshae is a great pick. It’s the kind of book that makes you dream about what’s possible when magic and destiny collide.
Set in a world where elemental gods once roamed and shaped the land, the book explores what happens when these long-forgotten powers begin to stir again. At the heart of the story are nine characters from different parts of this world, each with their own struggles and dreams. Their lives gradually intertwine as they’re pulled into events far bigger than themselves.
In The Valley, we meet Paeon, Fike, Harp, and Orphan—four individuals longing for more than their quiet, routine lives. Outside the cliffs of The Valley, Ferr’ha, Ktah’la, and Eh’rru are searching the jungle for revenge, truth, and lost magic. Meanwhile, Moz ventures deep into a mysterious cave and accidentally awakens something dark and dangerous, setting off a series of events that change everything.
One of the book’s strongest points is its incredible world-building. The author doesn’t just describe the world, you feel like you’re there. Every setting is vividly brought to life. But the characters are what truly drive the story. Each one has a distinct voice and personal struggles that feel relatable, and as their paths cross, you start to see how their lives connect with the larger, magical forces shaping the world.
Even before you crack open the book, its stunning cover grabs your attention. It beautifully captures the essence of the story and pulls you into this fantastical world. Inside, the detailed descriptions and immersive writing live up to the promise of the cover, making the entire reading experience unforgettable.
If you love fantasy stories with rich worlds, interesting characters, and a touch of mystery, The Cradle of Oshae is a great pick. It’s the kind of book that makes you dream about what’s possible when magic and destiny collide.
November 15, 2024
The Cradle of Oshae is beyond any expectation of mind-blowing. The concept of mountain-sized gods traversing the world, molding it with each step, is disrupting and stunning, and Hauser's depiction of this fabled universe is endlessly interesting! Each character—from Paeon and Harp, who desire for something more than their solitary existence, to Ferr'ha and Eh'rru, who are motivated by revenge and the thrill of long-lost magic—feels intensely alive and full of purpose! Their stories connected in ways that left me wondering, but what truly sucked me in was how the earth itself appeared to pulse with primeval energy!
.
Hauser's style is thrilling, even lyrical, in the way it writes the nine characters' individual voices! Each chapter follows a captivating structure, producing tension and anticipation with each scene! The relationships and tensions are elegantly structured, giving each character's story weight and significance. But there's also an uncanny fragility—the sensation that something huge and horrible is about to erupt at any time! That emotion is most strong in sequences featuring Moz, whose journey into the underground cave unleashes a darkness that chills to the bone. This storyline surprise was so unexpected that I had to take a step back and process what had just transpired!
.
One of the few books that continuously intrigues and unnerves is The Cradle of Oshae. It tackles the fascinating unknown, where the materials themselves are dynamic and alive. Hauser constructed a story that extends magic and fancy; it is an incredible entertainment, a thrilling experience that evokes the primordial powers of creation and destruction! This work approaches the undiluted force of myth altogether as opposed to simply giving a glimpse into another world! This book is a must-read for anybody looking for an outstanding read that is beautiful and terrifying!
.
Hauser's style is thrilling, even lyrical, in the way it writes the nine characters' individual voices! Each chapter follows a captivating structure, producing tension and anticipation with each scene! The relationships and tensions are elegantly structured, giving each character's story weight and significance. But there's also an uncanny fragility—the sensation that something huge and horrible is about to erupt at any time! That emotion is most strong in sequences featuring Moz, whose journey into the underground cave unleashes a darkness that chills to the bone. This storyline surprise was so unexpected that I had to take a step back and process what had just transpired!
.
One of the few books that continuously intrigues and unnerves is The Cradle of Oshae. It tackles the fascinating unknown, where the materials themselves are dynamic and alive. Hauser constructed a story that extends magic and fancy; it is an incredible entertainment, a thrilling experience that evokes the primordial powers of creation and destruction! This work approaches the undiluted force of myth altogether as opposed to simply giving a glimpse into another world! This book is a must-read for anybody looking for an outstanding read that is beautiful and terrifying!
November 26, 2024
This was a great book by a debut author. The writing was beautiful with great descriptions. Wonderful characters and a fascinating story. I will definitely be watching for more from this author in the future
December 29, 2024
It always takes me a little time to get into a book and the new universe. It did so with acotar and fourth wing.
But around 26% into the book, I was hooked.
I had gotten to know the characters better, and things made sense to me.
And I have cried and laughed. Seriously.
Andy has a way of describing the little details, that I have not read anywhere else.
I don't make images in my head if the things I read, so all his amazing descriptions made the whole difference for me.
And his characters are really well written. And how the react towards each other is so great. It's easy to understand that they are individual people with their own hopes and dreams.
He builds up a world, that are so much bigger than this one book, and I still can't belive that I have to wait for the next one. It just started!
But seriously, Andy, stop messing with Fike! My heart can't take it 😭
Anyway, 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5. Read it. And you will also be supporting a new author and his dreams.
But around 26% into the book, I was hooked.
I had gotten to know the characters better, and things made sense to me.
And I have cried and laughed. Seriously.
Andy has a way of describing the little details, that I have not read anywhere else.
I don't make images in my head if the things I read, so all his amazing descriptions made the whole difference for me.
And his characters are really well written. And how the react towards each other is so great. It's easy to understand that they are individual people with their own hopes and dreams.
He builds up a world, that are so much bigger than this one book, and I still can't belive that I have to wait for the next one. It just started!
But seriously, Andy, stop messing with Fike! My heart can't take it 😭
Anyway, 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5. Read it. And you will also be supporting a new author and his dreams.
November 15, 2024
What a debut!!
I haven’t read a proper fantasy for a while that wasn’t smutty or had romance and forgot how much I enjoy it. This is one of my fav reads this year.
The world building is epic and the plot is very character focused. I found myself really caring about what happened to the characters. Except for Eh’rru I don’t like him. 😂
I usually read really fast but this made me slow down and actually savour the words.
And the cherry on top for me was that on the authors insta there is character art!! As someone who cannot visualise at all this was a huge help to get me immersed.
And that ending!!! Dying to know what happens next.
Honestly, one of the best debuts I’ve read.
I haven’t read a proper fantasy for a while that wasn’t smutty or had romance and forgot how much I enjoy it. This is one of my fav reads this year.
The world building is epic and the plot is very character focused. I found myself really caring about what happened to the characters. Except for Eh’rru I don’t like him. 😂
I usually read really fast but this made me slow down and actually savour the words.
And the cherry on top for me was that on the authors insta there is character art!! As someone who cannot visualise at all this was a huge help to get me immersed.
And that ending!!! Dying to know what happens next.
Honestly, one of the best debuts I’ve read.
December 6, 2024
This is an imaginative and richly woven tale that blends mythology with a gripping, evolving world. The story introduces a fascinating take on elemental gods, whose power and influence shape both the landscape and the lives of the characters. The world-building is impressive, and the sense of mystery kept me captivated. From the very first page, the storytelling immerses you in a mesmerizing fantasy world full of intrigue, adventure, and heart. The depth of the setting and characters makes this a must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a unique twist on ancient legends. What a fantastic debut novel!!
April 7, 2025
*Edited my rating from 4 to 5 stars. I simply cannot stop thinking about this story. I am eager to know more of the world and to revisit the characters that the author developed.*
Wow, this was such a great debut! It took me a little bit to get into, but I had grown such a fondness for the characters midway that I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to revisit the imaginative world that the author created. I think it’s going to be a great series!
Also I LOVE the character art on the website. Every single piece is absolutely stunning and you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not going to the author’s website or Insta to check them out. They really brought the characters to life. Artist credit: vitkovskaya_art
Wow, this was such a great debut! It took me a little bit to get into, but I had grown such a fondness for the characters midway that I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to revisit the imaginative world that the author created. I think it’s going to be a great series!
Also I LOVE the character art on the website. Every single piece is absolutely stunning and you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not going to the author’s website or Insta to check them out. They really brought the characters to life. Artist credit: vitkovskaya_art
November 25, 2024
The author gave me a copy of this book and this is my voluntary honest review.
Characters: With nine protagonists and several dozen more named side characters, there's a lot to keep track of, but Hauser does a fantastic job introducing them slowly through alternating limited 3rd person POV so you get the chance to know most of them pretty well. The first four were the most memorable and Fike and Paeon were especially likeable because you have the longest chance to get to know them. After that it gets a little hard to keep track of everyone by sheer numbers but they're all still very diverse and interesting and have unique voices and backgrounds. The POV continues to alternate so we're never out of any character's head for too long.
Worldbuilding: This was the shining gem of this world. I found the world of Primoridials Rise to be so cool and it reminded me a lot of a more complex Avatar the Last Airbender with the different elemental magics and tribes. We start on the shore of the ocean, where the Seaborn tribe worships the water deity Oshae and construct their lives out of the kelp, sand, shells, and other aquatic materials. Even their vocabulary reflects how their life revolves around the sea and sky. While there's a small glossary and pronunciation guide in the front of the book, I feel like some of their terms could have been included in the glossary as well, because you need to figure out everything through context clues, but after a few chapters, its not hard to pick up.
Soon after, the protagonists depart their home to rendezvous with the other water tribes - Riverborn, Lakeborn, Marshborn, and others, and there are interesting elements of cultural exchange where each have their own names for the goddess Oshae. I loved seeing how each of these similar groups developed their religious practices, social customs, currency, and magic.
We also get to see Sand culture through Harp, Stone through Orphan and Moz, and the connections to plants and animals through the different orders of druids. In each of these different locations, connected to a different character, there's a truly impressive attention to vocabulary and the technological limitations of the stone age setting, seeing how each has adapted to their environment. Seeing all the little moments of cultural exchange are fascinating, whether they're hostile or wholesome.
Some of the details of the magic system is left unanswered for the next books, but I loved that as a reader we get to discover and explore it alongside the characters. Each of the cultures also follow different gods which become more and more relevant as the story progresses. I love the intersection of magic, religion, and environment, and it feels like Hauser really understands human anthropology, even though this story is set in a fantastical world.
Plot: This is the kind of epic mythological fantasy world where the old gods are waking and the deep magic is manifesting in new ways. The intersection of individual character motivations with the cosmic scale of the story seems like it's still developing - They must learn to adapt their goals to the new world that they live in. As an epic fantasy reader I'm used to the kind of stories where you just have to commit to being confused for the first 50 pages before the immersion starts to set in. This book absolutely abides by that rule and continues introducing new elements without ever really answering your questions as the characters explore the world but as a scientist I really enjoyed and related to this feeling of being tiny and realizing the world is much more complicated than you ever realized. The more you learn the more questions you have as you leave your home for the first time and you should expect an epic fantasy to be grandiose in scale. This is also the first book in the series and I'm confident the answers will come in later installments, as A.K Hauser has set up too many threads to leave hanging. If you can handle the likes of the Stormlight Archive, you can handle this.
Pacing and Prose: This is a LONG book but it doesn't feel that slow as the characters continuously move between new interesting environments and you get to see the marvels of the jungle through the eyes of someone who only ever grew up knowing the ocean or vice versa. I binged it in under a week under a tight deadline and still really enjoyed it. The prose is gorgeous, even more impressive considering English isn't the author's native language, being Danish and German. Each chapter begins with a song or poem from that character's culture which was another way of deepening the world in a very human and soulful way.
Thanks again to A.K. Hauser for sharing this story with me! I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see where the story develops from here.
Characters: With nine protagonists and several dozen more named side characters, there's a lot to keep track of, but Hauser does a fantastic job introducing them slowly through alternating limited 3rd person POV so you get the chance to know most of them pretty well. The first four were the most memorable and Fike and Paeon were especially likeable because you have the longest chance to get to know them. After that it gets a little hard to keep track of everyone by sheer numbers but they're all still very diverse and interesting and have unique voices and backgrounds. The POV continues to alternate so we're never out of any character's head for too long.
Worldbuilding: This was the shining gem of this world. I found the world of Primoridials Rise to be so cool and it reminded me a lot of a more complex Avatar the Last Airbender with the different elemental magics and tribes. We start on the shore of the ocean, where the Seaborn tribe worships the water deity Oshae and construct their lives out of the kelp, sand, shells, and other aquatic materials. Even their vocabulary reflects how their life revolves around the sea and sky. While there's a small glossary and pronunciation guide in the front of the book, I feel like some of their terms could have been included in the glossary as well, because you need to figure out everything through context clues, but after a few chapters, its not hard to pick up.
Soon after, the protagonists depart their home to rendezvous with the other water tribes - Riverborn, Lakeborn, Marshborn, and others, and there are interesting elements of cultural exchange where each have their own names for the goddess Oshae. I loved seeing how each of these similar groups developed their religious practices, social customs, currency, and magic.
We also get to see Sand culture through Harp, Stone through Orphan and Moz, and the connections to plants and animals through the different orders of druids. In each of these different locations, connected to a different character, there's a truly impressive attention to vocabulary and the technological limitations of the stone age setting, seeing how each has adapted to their environment. Seeing all the little moments of cultural exchange are fascinating, whether they're hostile or wholesome.
Some of the details of the magic system is left unanswered for the next books, but I loved that as a reader we get to discover and explore it alongside the characters. Each of the cultures also follow different gods which become more and more relevant as the story progresses. I love the intersection of magic, religion, and environment, and it feels like Hauser really understands human anthropology, even though this story is set in a fantastical world.
Plot: This is the kind of epic mythological fantasy world where the old gods are waking and the deep magic is manifesting in new ways. The intersection of individual character motivations with the cosmic scale of the story seems like it's still developing - They must learn to adapt their goals to the new world that they live in. As an epic fantasy reader I'm used to the kind of stories where you just have to commit to being confused for the first 50 pages before the immersion starts to set in. This book absolutely abides by that rule and continues introducing new elements without ever really answering your questions as the characters explore the world but as a scientist I really enjoyed and related to this feeling of being tiny and realizing the world is much more complicated than you ever realized. The more you learn the more questions you have as you leave your home for the first time and you should expect an epic fantasy to be grandiose in scale. This is also the first book in the series and I'm confident the answers will come in later installments, as A.K Hauser has set up too many threads to leave hanging. If you can handle the likes of the Stormlight Archive, you can handle this.
Pacing and Prose: This is a LONG book but it doesn't feel that slow as the characters continuously move between new interesting environments and you get to see the marvels of the jungle through the eyes of someone who only ever grew up knowing the ocean or vice versa. I binged it in under a week under a tight deadline and still really enjoyed it. The prose is gorgeous, even more impressive considering English isn't the author's native language, being Danish and German. Each chapter begins with a song or poem from that character's culture which was another way of deepening the world in a very human and soulful way.
Thanks again to A.K. Hauser for sharing this story with me! I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see where the story develops from here.
January 27, 2025
The Cradle of Oshae by A. K. Hauser was a tremendously well-written story about found family. With a huge cast of characters and amazing world-building, this book should be right up the alley of any epic fantasy enjoyer.
Throughout the book, we are introduced to a huge cast of characters and get many chapters from all of their points of view. Almost all of them are dispersed throughout the continent on which the story takes place. As the story progresses, each character starts coming into contact with all the others, and the story finally starts to unfold.
In a land where magic is more a story of the history of the land, one guy who started carving designs soon finds that his designs may be a doorway to let spirits come into their world. When he goes on a journey, an eight-year-old girl stows away and joins him on his quest. Soon, the party consists of those two, a thief, a blind girl, and 2 women who come from the mysterious forest. As the magic unfolds, mountains begin to walk around the continent, and trouble starts brewing throughout the land.
Overall, this was a very interesting book. It was slow going, and I’ll admit I struggled to really get into it for the first half of the book. Boy, oh, boy, when the 50% mark was reached, the book was in full force, and I couldn’t stop reading it.
The book had beautiful prose throughout, and Hauser really shows his writing chops. I am eager to see where this author goes and to see how this story ends. If you are in the market for book one of a series with a beautiful world and a relatable cast of characters, look no further than The Cradle of Oshae by A. K. Hauser!
Throughout the book, we are introduced to a huge cast of characters and get many chapters from all of their points of view. Almost all of them are dispersed throughout the continent on which the story takes place. As the story progresses, each character starts coming into contact with all the others, and the story finally starts to unfold.
In a land where magic is more a story of the history of the land, one guy who started carving designs soon finds that his designs may be a doorway to let spirits come into their world. When he goes on a journey, an eight-year-old girl stows away and joins him on his quest. Soon, the party consists of those two, a thief, a blind girl, and 2 women who come from the mysterious forest. As the magic unfolds, mountains begin to walk around the continent, and trouble starts brewing throughout the land.
Overall, this was a very interesting book. It was slow going, and I’ll admit I struggled to really get into it for the first half of the book. Boy, oh, boy, when the 50% mark was reached, the book was in full force, and I couldn’t stop reading it.
The book had beautiful prose throughout, and Hauser really shows his writing chops. I am eager to see where this author goes and to see how this story ends. If you are in the market for book one of a series with a beautiful world and a relatable cast of characters, look no further than The Cradle of Oshae by A. K. Hauser!
January 16, 2025
It took me about halfway through to get invested in this book.
As with all fantasy books, it took some time to get through the world building. There were also a LOT of characters, and at first it was hard to keep track of who was who and where they all fit into the story.
I have aphantasia as well, which can be challenging when reading a highly descriptive book.
I also read this on my kindle, which made it challenging because I couldn't flip back and forth to all the goodies in the front (maps, character descriptions, language, etc) which can be helpful with my aphantasia.
Despite those things and once I got through all of those factors, I could appreciate the wonderful world the author created. The descriptions and characters created an amazing and full new world.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves in depth, huge world building fantasy books.
As with all fantasy books, it took some time to get through the world building. There were also a LOT of characters, and at first it was hard to keep track of who was who and where they all fit into the story.
I have aphantasia as well, which can be challenging when reading a highly descriptive book.
I also read this on my kindle, which made it challenging because I couldn't flip back and forth to all the goodies in the front (maps, character descriptions, language, etc) which can be helpful with my aphantasia.
Despite those things and once I got through all of those factors, I could appreciate the wonderful world the author created. The descriptions and characters created an amazing and full new world.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves in depth, huge world building fantasy books.
April 12, 2025
This was a very well written story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Each character stands out in a unique way. There is a perfect balance between world building and current events that creates a beautifully immersive reading experience. It's clear this author has a natural talent for storytelling. I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes from here.
Favorite quotes:
"Poor people don't need water to drown; they drown on land as they sleep."
"There's a light in you, Paeon. And a sadness that comes when that light is overshadowed. Don't let the shadow win. Never lose sight of your light. But do also savor it; save it; pour it out not all at once, for those who need it are many, and those who will take it from you are more, still"
Favorite quotes:
"Poor people don't need water to drown; they drown on land as they sleep."
"There's a light in you, Paeon. And a sadness that comes when that light is overshadowed. Don't let the shadow win. Never lose sight of your light. But do also savor it; save it; pour it out not all at once, for those who need it are many, and those who will take it from you are more, still"
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews