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Return of Anka

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Living on Earth, Carmen has no idea she carries the soul of mighty Phoenix's son, Anka. Legend has it, the Phoenix bird was born on the planet Crictus. He granted the Queen of Crictus' wish and gave her two Anka and Inca. The twins possessed their father's ability that made their bodies mortal but their souls immortal. When the queen died, Anka and Inca got into an endless war for the Crictus throne that went on for centuries... When Carmen is hunted by her twin Inca, she finds the truth about herself, that she is the heir to the Crictus throne. With the help of Anka's guardian Emerald Ron, she travels to Crictus to regain her throne. In a world she has never been before, Carmen is up against her evil brother Inca, the last soul hunter who can kill her indefinitely, and their loyal followers.

302 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2024

8 people want to read

About the author

Melodi Baç

15 books4 followers
Melodi Baç 4 Ocak 1995’te İstanbul’da doğdu. Onaltı yaşında yayımlanan ilk kitabı ile Fantastik Kitap sevenlerin kalbini kazandı. Melodi Baç, Fantastik Kitap serileri yazmakta, aynı zamanda senaryo eğitimi almaktadır. Yasak ve Anka olmak üzere iki serisi bulunmaktadır.

Bir sanat tutkunu olan yazar Melodi Baç, kısa bir mimarlık eğitiminin ardından bölüm değiştirerek, İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi, Film ve Televizyon Bölümünü 2017 yılında Birincilik ile bitirdi. Hayallerinin peşinden giderek 2018 yılında radikal bir kararla Los Angeles, Amerika’ya taşındı ve UCLA Üniversitesinde senaryo eğitimi alarak film/yazarlık kariyerine devam etti.

Amerika’da yaşamını sürdürürken 2019 yılında UCLA eğitimi esnasında üstünde çalıştığı orijinal dizi senaryosu ile 2019 ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship senaryo yarışmasında çeyrek finalist oldu. Kısa bir süre sonra Dünyaca ünlü Final Draft senaryo yarışmasında jürilik yapmaya başladı.

Melodi Baç şimdilerde San Diego’da yaşamakta ve Senaryo Danışmanlığı, Çevirmenlik, Editörlük, ve Jürilik görevlerinin yanı sıra senaryoları ve kitapları üstünde çalışmaktadır.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Deirdre Dubois.
11 reviews
April 28, 2025
As I turned the final page of Return of Anka by Melodi Bac, I found myself lingering in the captivating universe she had meticulously crafted. The book is a spellbinding journey that intertwines elements of fantasy, identity, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Told through the eyes of Carmen, a seemingly ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny, the narrative unfolds with a blend of suspense and emotional depth that kept me enthralled from start to finish.
The narrative unfolds with Carmen residing on Earth, blissfully unaware of her extraordinary lineage. She is far from an ordinary girl; she is the reincarnation of Anka, the son of the legendary Phoenix. Bac's vivid storytelling immerses readers in the enchanting realm of Crictus, the mythical planet that serves as the origin of the Phoenix legend.

On this distant planet, the Phoenix granted a wish to the Queen of Crictus, resulting in twin sons, Anka and Inca. Gifted with immortality, the twins entered a perpetual struggle for the throne after their mother's death. This struggle reflected conflicting destinies and the light-dark dichotomy within Anka and Inca. Anka, guided by the Phoenix, aimed to bring hope and renewal to Crictus, while Inca, driven by jealousy and a desire for power, sought to exploit dark forces hidden within the planet.

Amidst the turmoil, Carmen, oblivious to her connection to this cosmic conflict, harbored the potential to alter the balance of power. Her arrival in Crictus signified the onset of a new chapter in this long-standing struggle, where the past and present converge, and the planet's fate teeters on the edge. Through Carmen's perspective, readers are invited to delve into the intricacies of power, the burdens of legacy, and the enduring quest for redemption and unity.
Through Carmen's eyes, readers witness a powerful transformation as she grapples with the weight of her lineage and the expectations it brings. The novel deftly explores how our past shapes us, yet does not define us, allowing Carmen to forge her path amidst the shadows of history. Her story is a testament to the strength found in self-discovery and the courage required to stand against the tides of tradition and expectation.

In the process, Return of Anka also challenges readers to reflect on their own identities and the legacies they inherit. It prompts contemplation about the choices we make and the impact they have on those who come after us. Bac's narrative invites us to consider what it truly means to be a part of something greater than ourselves, while still maintaining our essence.

As I closed this book, I was filled with a profound desire to return to Crictus and further explore its captivating realm. Bac has truly made an indelible impression with this enchanting masterpiece.
3 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2025
A Fast-Paced YA Fantasy with Room to Grow
Once you get past the frequent typos and occasionally awkward phrasing of the English translation, The Return of Anka delivers a brief but enjoyable journey through the eyes of a teenage girl coming of age—while discovering that she rules a kingdom in a parallel universe. The story wastes no time jumping into the action, with satisfying pacing and that familiar sense of magical foreshadowing beloved in YA fantasy.

The plot is filled with twists and turns and moves at a breakneck speed, making it easy to stay engaged. There’s even a light touch of “will they, won’t they” romance, which adds a nice layer of intrigue without overwhelming the main storyline. Despite the challenges presented by the writing, I found this to be a fun, quick read—perfect as a travel companion or a light escape into another world.

What I’d Love to See More Of:
The world of Crictus is introduced as a magical realm with great potential, but the story leaves much of it unexplored. The author does a great job of presenting some really cool elements and an ancient language that pull the reader into the magical details of another planet. I wanted to see more vivid world-building—what did the food smell like? What did the towns look like? What strange creatures roamed this otherworldly place? Adding sensory details and deeper descriptions could bring Crictus to life in a way that truly immerses the reader.

What I’d Prefer to See Less Of:
There are many grammatical and spelling issues throughout the book, including a few name swaps, misspelled words, and inconsistent vocabulary. In some places, the writing uses overly complex language for simple thoughts, making the meaning awkward to follow sometimes.
Translation or Style Concerns:
The prose is very literal and often lacks the descriptive imagery expected in fantasy. Rather than “showing,” the story frequently “tells” how characters feel or what’s happening, which can flatten the emotional impact. At times, the vocabulary swings between overly simplistic and unnecessarily complex, creating a jarring narrative tone.

Final Thoughts:
This story has the bones of a compelling YA fantasy—engaging pacing, an intriguing premise, and a strong central character. With a thorough round of editing and more immersive world-building, it could evolve into something truly special. As it stands, it’s an entertaining read for those looking for a fast-paced adventure with hints of romance and magical discovery.

Profile Image for Courtney (Bookish Blonde Barista).
621 reviews
January 31, 2025
Return of Anka is a story with incredible potential, but it does need some polishing. At first, I struggled to get into the book, but once I pushed through the beginning, the pacing picked up, and I became more invested in the story.
The premise is fantastic—our protagonist, raised as an ordinary girl, discovers she was actually born on another planet and is the host of an ancient spirit destined to rule. With hidden powers, a noble heart, and a mission to save her people from evil, she embarks on an undercover journey with her emerald (protector) to infiltrate the castle and train to become her best self. The worldbuilding is creative, and the inclusion of a dictionary helped bring the setting to life, making it easier to follow along and visualize the world.
However, the writing itself could use improvement. With proper editing, the flow of the narrative could be much smoother, allowing the reader to fully appreciate the depth of the story. There were times when I had to reread parts to make sure I understood it.
Despite the grammatical and structural issues, Return of Anka has a strong foundation. With some refining, it has the potential to be a five-star read. I’m eager to see how the series continues and would recommend this book to YA readers aged 13 and up who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds. I look forward to finding out what happens next!

🖤Length: 302 Pages
🖤Genre: Fantasy
🖤Spice: None
🖤Violence: 🔥🔥
🖤Editing: Nothing that pulled me from the story
🖤Series: Return of Anka
🖤Ending: Cliffhanger

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 review
May 3, 2025
Carmen isn’t just a girl from Earth - she’s the key to ending a centuries-long war.

As someone who adores fantasy novels, especially ones that transport you to whole new worlds, “Return of Anka” was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Melodi Bac has crafted a vibrant, otherworldly story that blends romance and fantasy in such a compelling way. I was hooked from the first chapter.

At 16, Carmen has always felt like she didn’t quite belong, and suddenly, she finds out why. She’s from the planet Crictus and carries the immortal soul of Anka, one of two legendary twins created by the Phoenix bird. And her twin? He's not too happy to see her return. Carmen is thrown into a dangerous, unfamiliar world where she must train, fight, and learn who she really is - while also navigating sweet but complicated feelings for her protector, Ron (who I absolutely loved, by the way - brooding, loyal, and torn between duty and emotion? Yes, please).

The setting is lush and layered, with a helpful dictionary at the back if you get a little lost. It’s an intense, emotional ride: soul hunters, battles for the throne, ancient powers, and just enough romance to make you beg for more. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, and I can’t wait to see where Carmen’s journey takes her next.
5 reviews
June 9, 2025
Melodi Bac’s Return of Anka is a fantasy story that transports the average teen girl into a world of power struggles, magic, and most importantly, self-discovery. What I enjoyed most about this book is the intricate interplay between the protagonist’s normal suburban everyday life and the destiny thrust upon her by her intergalactic lineage. The characterization is believable, the plot is intriguing and unique, yet holds a sense of familiarity. Bac employs vivid yet controlled imagery and a sassy strength characteristic of a modern female fantasy protagonist. Return of Anka is a solid example of how love—romantic, familial, platonic, and even self-love—breaks barriers.

I will say, it took a little while for me to really get into it. There’s some frontloading of Carmen’s normal everyday life before we get to the heart of the story, but once you’re past that, the plot ramps up. There are also some spots where the writing can come off a little repetitive or redundant. Overall, however, Return of Anka comes with a well developed back story, a well-crafted world, plenty of tension, and most importantly, a teen girl’s fraughtful journey to discovering her unexpected and powerful lineage.
1 review
June 14, 2025
Like the early days of the Young Adult genre, Return of Anka by Melodi Bac is a coming-of-age story filled with adventure, teenage drama, and mythological drama. Carmen’s story is filled to the brim with the timeless perils of teenage romance, self-doubt, and navigating personal identity. Albeit not with the fate of another world and a legion of soul hunters after you and your predestined protector.
As a life-long Percy Jackson fan, immediately this book enraptured me. Especially once Carmen discovers her lineage as the carrier of the soul on Anka, the son of the Phoenix. Her duty is to fight Inca, the twin brother of Anka for the throne of Crictus, which was left to them in the wake of their mother’s death. She then partners with Ron, her destined protector (and maybe her true love?), to take Inca head on and restore bring peace and finally end this centuries long war.
If anyone is looking for a return into the genre of contemporary mythological drama through the eyes of destined teenage warriors, then the Return of Anka is a must-have. There were a few grammatical and syntax errors within the book, however this is easily overlooked by the fast-pace and intensity of the story.
2 reviews
June 16, 2025
Return of Anka by Melodi Bac is a lively tale with deep world-building and fun characters to enjoy. Carmen begins as a teenage girl wanting to explore the world, and little does she know she’s about to explore a completely different one when an evil tries to destroy her and an emerald tries to save her. I had a lot of fun reading and greatly enjoyed Ron and Carmen’s relationship developing as he taught her about Crictus. There definitely was a lot of information to take in at times, but it wasn’t too overwhelming or uninteresting. However, it is a minor source of disappointment for me as I found myself looking for a team-building quest with all potential emeralds, but ended up with an incomplete set. The Soul Hunter is a fascinating villain for a legacy empowered by two constantly rebirthed souls. Inca did not have the same aura as Anka at times; we got to see the burden of that power and the fear it caused in Carmen as someone who very suddenly lost her sense of self. Fortunately, she regains it as she navigates this new existence and readies herself to become a strong ruler like her mother. She has a lot more to do, but as Bac left the readers with a strong sense of confidence, she will be able to achieve that and possibly more.
1 review
June 17, 2025
Return of Anka by Melodi Bac is one of those books that grows on you the more you read. I’ll be honest: the beginning presented some difficulty. The pacing was slow, and the writing had enough grammatical issues and typos to pull me out of the story at times. Some sentences were awkward or hard to follow and gave the first few chapters a slightly unfinished quality—nothing that some time with an editor or proofreader couldn’t fix.

But I’m glad I stuck with it. I connected with the characters and setting as the plot developed. The concept is solid: Carmen, a girl from Earth, finds out through her dreams she holds the soul of Anka, an ancient figure locked in a power struggle with his brother Inca. The conflict, along with the backdrop of the Crictus throne and the fate of an entire planet, makes for an engaging plot.

The world-building was a high point. There’s even a glossary, which helps a lot with the unique terms. I’d recommend this to YA fantasy readers 13 and up, particularly those who don’t mind rough edges if the story has heart. I’m curious to see where the series goes next!
Profile Image for Kayla Nowakowski.
104 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
Let me start by saying, the story itself was a great story! Our girl was raised as a normal girl but then finds out she was actually born on a completely different planet and is the host of an ancient spirit who is destined to rule. She has undiscovered powers, a heart of gold, and people who need to be saved from the evil that has taken over in her absence. She goes on undercover missions with her emerald (protector) to infiltrate the castle and trains to be the best she can be. That being said, the writing could definitely use some work with an editor. There are many typos throughout the entire book, sentences feel choppy, and there are sections that are hard to even figure out such as “Had she really seen Inca, or was it just a dream? It understand. She wrinkled her forehead. She Inca’s words: was hard to thought about…” This book absolutely has the potential to be a 5 star book with the story line, but it needs some work first on the grammatical end.
3 reviews
June 20, 2025
Great and impressive story!
I just finished reading it and I must say I really enjoyed it! It has great action, heartfelt romance and awesome adventure. The author truly let her protagonist face with the best and the worst. I was not expecting some tough things to happen but guess what… they happened. Oh my god. It is a beautiful book. I definitely recommend it 100%, for the reason that it is easy to read in terms of complexity, and that is specially a good thing because the story can move forward at a nice and smooth pace, allowing the reader to be involved in it.
On the other hand, I kind of struggled with the English translation. It is not quite accurate in the use of some of the words, and the syntax is weird at times. I felt like that interrupted my experience and also messed up with the rhythm of the events in the story, and sometimes that took me out of the fiction. Perhaps next editions could fix this, I am sure the story could hit better just by getting this fixed.
1 review
May 23, 2025
This is a story of a 16-year-old girl with a thousand-year-old soul, caught in an ancient war that never truly ends.
Return of Anka draws readers into a world where immortal spirits clash over the throne, and one girl finds herself at the heart of it all. With poetic prose and gripping momentum, this YA fantasy delivers emotional depth, sweeping stakes, and just the right amount of mystery.

This novel is free of romantic “spice,” making it a perfect entry point for young readers who are just beginning their journey into the fantasy genre. It's a coming-of-age story about identity, destiny, and the quiet strength it takes to challenge fate.

Ideal for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas, Return of Anka offers both a compelling standalone story and the thrilling promise of more to come. It’s a spellbinding start to a series that’s sure to find a loyal international following.
Profile Image for Sclick_83_reads.
116 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2025
3.75 rounded up to 4. This is a good YA fantasy. I felt like the world building was creative. I did get a little lost a couple of times. This does have the potential to be a great YA series.
Carmen raised as a normal girl finds out at 16 she is the host of the ancient spirit, Anka. With the help of Anka's guardian Ron, she returns to Circuts to regain the thrown.
The ending did end on a cliffhanger and left me wanting to read more to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Colleen Cook.
2 reviews
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book can’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a perfect YA book for ages 13 and up. I love that there was a dictionary made it easy to follow the story, and I was able to see the world in my mind. And I can’t wait to finish the series.
As a reference my favorite authors to read are Kristen Cast, P.C Cast, Mercedes Lackey.
Profile Image for Kashena Dykeman.
86 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
Such a good unique story! Fantasy, but a little sifi as its based on another planet.

I really enjoyed it, but do remember it was translated into English, so there are a few off phrases and such.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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