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Teneō: A Novella
Who’s in control in those moments you aren’t?They’re all around us.
Wherever there’s enough of us to keep them alive. Waiting for their chance to occupy those of us whose consciousness lapses. There when we get lost in a thought. A daydream. A moment.
Through us, they experience the joys of the world in fleeting moments. By feeding on the scraps of attention we let wander, they live a little longer.
For most, those small glimpses of how we experience the world are all they get.
But some want more. They find another way.
They live among us. Within us. And in some cases, instead of us.
Wherever there’s enough of us to keep them alive. Waiting for their chance to occupy those of us whose consciousness lapses. There when we get lost in a thought. A daydream. A moment.
Through us, they experience the joys of the world in fleeting moments. By feeding on the scraps of attention we let wander, they live a little longer.
For most, those small glimpses of how we experience the world are all they get.
But some want more. They find another way.
They live among us. Within us. And in some cases, instead of us.
- GenresScience FictionNovella
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
12 people want to read
About the author
Kojo Gyan
1 book2 followersKojo Gyan writes out of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Channeling an urbanite upbringing, overactive imagination and love of everyday magic, he brings daydreams to life in chimeric renditions of our everyday world.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 31, 2025
My first impressions of this story was: the cover is gorgeous, it’s a novella which was perfect in between larger books and it made me think of “The Host” by Stephanie Meyer, which I love!
This story was unsettlingly unique. Other worldly beings live & thrive off of humans, aka “hosts.” It explored the full spectrum of inhabiting another’s body. Whether it’s for survival and experience or for greed and selfishness. All the while, humans are most often than not, fully unaware.
Last impression? There was a lot about this novella that was intriguing and outlandish enough to keep me interested. However, I feel slightly unenthused about how it ended. I expected more for the main “being” and human. I wanted a happy ending for both of them but it ended one sided. Which is the reasons behind my 3 star rating.
Overall, it was a great debut for this author and an easy read. I’ll enjoyed reading it and read it in one sitting this morning!
This story was unsettlingly unique. Other worldly beings live & thrive off of humans, aka “hosts.” It explored the full spectrum of inhabiting another’s body. Whether it’s for survival and experience or for greed and selfishness. All the while, humans are most often than not, fully unaware.
Last impression? There was a lot about this novella that was intriguing and outlandish enough to keep me interested. However, I feel slightly unenthused about how it ended. I expected more for the main “being” and human. I wanted a happy ending for both of them but it ended one sided. Which is the reasons behind my 3 star rating.
Overall, it was a great debut for this author and an easy read. I’ll enjoyed reading it and read it in one sitting this morning!
April 8, 2025
I snagged this one as a recommendation from booksirens as something I may like, and while i found it a bit confronting in the last half, this has me thinking.
The way that this makes out to be that these beings controlling hosts is a mutually beneficial relationship, but then it shifts into something far more intense and morbid to the point where we discover that maybe, who we think we are and the autonomy we have over our lives may not be entirely what it seems…
Wow. This was eerie and creepy. If you like unsettling books from authors such as Mona Kabanni or even something like Earthlings by Sayaka Murata, you may enjoy this one.
Thanks so much to booksirens and the author for allowing me an early copy of this book!
The way that this makes out to be that these beings controlling hosts is a mutually beneficial relationship, but then it shifts into something far more intense and morbid to the point where we discover that maybe, who we think we are and the autonomy we have over our lives may not be entirely what it seems…
Wow. This was eerie and creepy. If you like unsettling books from authors such as Mona Kabanni or even something like Earthlings by Sayaka Murata, you may enjoy this one.
Thanks so much to booksirens and the author for allowing me an early copy of this book!
May 11, 2025
This is not something I usually read, but I want to shake things up and read something outside my normal, safe, haven genres, and I was not disappointed.
✅️ Thought provoking
✅️ Exploration
✅️ MH and addiction
✅️ Self discovery
✅️ Possesiveness
✅️ Singular POV
✅️ Dark themes
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This book delves into the thought-provoking concept of how easily humans can lose touch with reality, following an entity that preys on people's unconsciousness. As the entity embarks on its journey, it also begins to discover its own identity, forming an attachment to a single host while encountering other entities like itself along the way.
Although this isn't a genre I typically gravitate toward, it was a refreshing and timely shift in my reading choices. The book explores several hard-hitting realities, offering a unique perspective on consciousness and self-awareness. While I think the addition of a Jeanne POV would have elevated the story to a five-star experience, I don't believe that was the book's main focus, so it's not a major drawback.
For such a brief read, this novella packed a punch. I appreciated how it tackled the effects of drug and alcohol use on the conscious state, making it both fascinating and insightful.
If you're looking for something unique and impactful, I definitely recommend giving this novella a try. It’s a captivating exploration of identity, reality, and the human psyche. I’m looking forward to seeing more work from this author.
✅️ Thought provoking
✅️ Exploration
✅️ MH and addiction
✅️ Self discovery
✅️ Possesiveness
✅️ Singular POV
✅️ Dark themes
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This book delves into the thought-provoking concept of how easily humans can lose touch with reality, following an entity that preys on people's unconsciousness. As the entity embarks on its journey, it also begins to discover its own identity, forming an attachment to a single host while encountering other entities like itself along the way.
Although this isn't a genre I typically gravitate toward, it was a refreshing and timely shift in my reading choices. The book explores several hard-hitting realities, offering a unique perspective on consciousness and self-awareness. While I think the addition of a Jeanne POV would have elevated the story to a five-star experience, I don't believe that was the book's main focus, so it's not a major drawback.
For such a brief read, this novella packed a punch. I appreciated how it tackled the effects of drug and alcohol use on the conscious state, making it both fascinating and insightful.
If you're looking for something unique and impactful, I definitely recommend giving this novella a try. It’s a captivating exploration of identity, reality, and the human psyche. I’m looking forward to seeing more work from this author.
April 11, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC copy of Teneō. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
They live among us. Within us. And in some cases, instead of us
A few days have passed since I finished Teneō and I'm still not sure what just happened in it, but I do know that I enjoyed every word and that it is definitely one of my first favorite reads of the year!
"Who’s in control in those little moments that we aren’t? In gathering crows, where there's enough of us humans to sustain them, who are waiting for their chance to occupy those of us: Lost in a thought. A daydream. A moment. And they appear, to lap to our wandering consciousness.
Through us, they experience the joys of the world in fleeting moments. By feeding on the scraps of attention that evade us, they can live a little longer. For most, they only get those small glimpses at how we experience the world, and it's enough for them. But others want more, and do not doubt that they always find a way to"
To say that I flew through this book would be an understatement. Fast paced, short chapters and non-stop action mixed with constant movement from the protagonist, make this book addicting.
As expected from the book blurb, we follow one of those "beings", which we can call body snatchers, because that's kind of what they are, even if they can only inhabit us for a while to feed on our conscious energy. Though, in some peculiar cases, these "beings" can have full control of the human they come to be in.
Such is the case of our protagonist when it meets Jane, a young human woman that is one of those special people: at some times of the day, she does not leak consciousness, she's far off her mind, which is the perfect moment for the "being" to inhabit her and feed of her mind.
What I loved most about Teneō was, in fact, that symbiotic relationship between the main "being" and Jane, by them helping each other live as best as they can. And how that relationship kept on going through the pages, changing as the "being" changed too, learning new thing about its species, about abilities it can learn to better cohabit with humans and lengthen its live. Some of these things in detriment of Jane, the poor girl. I truly suffered for her most of the book.
The second best element of this book is the world, the context in which the characters (humans and "beings") live and develop. I found it interesting, loved the details the author decided to share with us, how it was always at the precise moments that these were revealed to confirm what we suspected by the heavy world building already done. The history and rich lore of the "beings" was on point, showing how they are not as harmful as they can appear at first and how they are more alike to humans that they think. Greedy, hateful, angry, sad, happy, thoughtful, kind.... The whole deal. And, of course, this has an impact in how some of them interact with humans, maybe wanted more than a few seconds, trying to live for them instead of just around them.
Overall, I read this to get a bit out of my comfort zone, attracted by the stunning cover and the promising blurb, and I am glad that I followed my instinct and picked a copy/ARC of this one through Book Sirens. Horrible but well developed characters that make you follow them anywhere, a compelling world for them to inhabit and a close-knit plot to keep you glue to the pages, gripping the book (or e-reader) with tension for what may happen in the near future.
I'm giving Teneō five starts for all these aspects, but mostly, because the ending left me devastated. And, sometimes, that's just what I'm looking for in a book: impacting emotions that leave me thinking about them and the book for days on, like Teneō has manage to do.
I totally recommend this book to sci-fi lovers, those that love innovative works and are willing to delve into the strange and imaginative world it has crafted, to offer a chance to a different view into body snatchers and that want to try something out of their comfort reading zone, like I did
They live among us. Within us. And in some cases, instead of us
A few days have passed since I finished Teneō and I'm still not sure what just happened in it, but I do know that I enjoyed every word and that it is definitely one of my first favorite reads of the year!
"Who’s in control in those little moments that we aren’t? In gathering crows, where there's enough of us humans to sustain them, who are waiting for their chance to occupy those of us: Lost in a thought. A daydream. A moment. And they appear, to lap to our wandering consciousness.
Through us, they experience the joys of the world in fleeting moments. By feeding on the scraps of attention that evade us, they can live a little longer. For most, they only get those small glimpses at how we experience the world, and it's enough for them. But others want more, and do not doubt that they always find a way to"
To say that I flew through this book would be an understatement. Fast paced, short chapters and non-stop action mixed with constant movement from the protagonist, make this book addicting.
As expected from the book blurb, we follow one of those "beings", which we can call body snatchers, because that's kind of what they are, even if they can only inhabit us for a while to feed on our conscious energy. Though, in some peculiar cases, these "beings" can have full control of the human they come to be in.
Such is the case of our protagonist when it meets Jane, a young human woman that is one of those special people: at some times of the day, she does not leak consciousness, she's far off her mind, which is the perfect moment for the "being" to inhabit her and feed of her mind.
What I loved most about Teneō was, in fact, that symbiotic relationship between the main "being" and Jane, by them helping each other live as best as they can. And how that relationship kept on going through the pages, changing as the "being" changed too, learning new thing about its species, about abilities it can learn to better cohabit with humans and lengthen its live. Some of these things in detriment of Jane, the poor girl. I truly suffered for her most of the book.
The second best element of this book is the world, the context in which the characters (humans and "beings") live and develop. I found it interesting, loved the details the author decided to share with us, how it was always at the precise moments that these were revealed to confirm what we suspected by the heavy world building already done. The history and rich lore of the "beings" was on point, showing how they are not as harmful as they can appear at first and how they are more alike to humans that they think. Greedy, hateful, angry, sad, happy, thoughtful, kind.... The whole deal. And, of course, this has an impact in how some of them interact with humans, maybe wanted more than a few seconds, trying to live for them instead of just around them.
Overall, I read this to get a bit out of my comfort zone, attracted by the stunning cover and the promising blurb, and I am glad that I followed my instinct and picked a copy/ARC of this one through Book Sirens. Horrible but well developed characters that make you follow them anywhere, a compelling world for them to inhabit and a close-knit plot to keep you glue to the pages, gripping the book (or e-reader) with tension for what may happen in the near future.
I'm giving Teneō five starts for all these aspects, but mostly, because the ending left me devastated. And, sometimes, that's just what I'm looking for in a book: impacting emotions that leave me thinking about them and the book for days on, like Teneō has manage to do.
I totally recommend this book to sci-fi lovers, those that love innovative works and are willing to delve into the strange and imaginative world it has crafted, to offer a chance to a different view into body snatchers and that want to try something out of their comfort reading zone, like I did
May 8, 2025
Teneō is a quiet, eerie, deeply intimate novella about a formless being surviving by occupying human consciousness, always flickering between freedom and unbearable pain. The story follows this unnamed entity as it discovers a strange new possibility, hosts that offer not just temporary refuge, but full control and, most shockingly, satisfaction. What starts as survival turns into a slow, fascinated exploration of humanity: of sensation, thought, even emotion. As the entity grows, it brushes against others like itself, raising huge questions about existence, identity, and connection. It’s a short story, but it sticks in your mind long after you put it down.
Right off the bat, I loved the opening lines. “I live for the moments in-between. Those precious seconds of flight.” That intro sunk a hook right into me. Kojo Gyan’s writing has a floaty, almost dreamlike style that fits perfectly with the narrator’s formless existence. He captures feelings, loneliness, hunger, and wonder with this sparse, rhythmic voice that’s somehow both gentle and urgent. I thought the descriptions of the city from the being’s eyes, like the “storm of senses” when inhabiting the woman in heels, were especially vivid. It didn’t feel like a human looking at humans; it felt alien, sharp-edged, new. I found myself slowing down just to savor the language.
Sometimes that dreaminess made me feel a little lost. There’s this sequence when the being meets another of its kind inside a weird “recharging station,” and for a few pages, I had no clue what was happening. The being couldn’t move, it couldn’t speak, there were voices inside its mind… it was wild but disorienting. Part of me thinks that was on purpose to make the reader feel the same confusion and fear, but it was frustrating. Still, I kind of loved that frustration. It made the moments of clarity, like when the being finally learns how to “open” its boundary and absorb energy, feel like such a hard-won victory.
Emotionally, this book surprised me. I didn’t expect to feel so much for a formless consciousness! But Gyan pulled it off. The scenes with Jeanne, especially the little things like the shower scene or the pizza moment, were weirdly beautiful. They captured this innocence, this pure joy in discovering life’s tiny pleasures. I smiled a lot, especially when the being carefully cleaned Jeanne’s messy apartment just to make her smile. There was a deep, gnawing loneliness under everything. When the being looked up at the giant ones in the sky and felt how small it still was… that hit me hard. It felt so real, even though it was so fantastical.
Teneō is one of those rare books that feels bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It’s strange and slow and quietly powerful. It’s for readers who like wandering, who like atmosphere and emotional resonance over fast plots. Anyone who’s ever felt a little lost or a little in awe of being alive will find something here that tugs at them.
Right off the bat, I loved the opening lines. “I live for the moments in-between. Those precious seconds of flight.” That intro sunk a hook right into me. Kojo Gyan’s writing has a floaty, almost dreamlike style that fits perfectly with the narrator’s formless existence. He captures feelings, loneliness, hunger, and wonder with this sparse, rhythmic voice that’s somehow both gentle and urgent. I thought the descriptions of the city from the being’s eyes, like the “storm of senses” when inhabiting the woman in heels, were especially vivid. It didn’t feel like a human looking at humans; it felt alien, sharp-edged, new. I found myself slowing down just to savor the language.
Sometimes that dreaminess made me feel a little lost. There’s this sequence when the being meets another of its kind inside a weird “recharging station,” and for a few pages, I had no clue what was happening. The being couldn’t move, it couldn’t speak, there were voices inside its mind… it was wild but disorienting. Part of me thinks that was on purpose to make the reader feel the same confusion and fear, but it was frustrating. Still, I kind of loved that frustration. It made the moments of clarity, like when the being finally learns how to “open” its boundary and absorb energy, feel like such a hard-won victory.
Emotionally, this book surprised me. I didn’t expect to feel so much for a formless consciousness! But Gyan pulled it off. The scenes with Jeanne, especially the little things like the shower scene or the pizza moment, were weirdly beautiful. They captured this innocence, this pure joy in discovering life’s tiny pleasures. I smiled a lot, especially when the being carefully cleaned Jeanne’s messy apartment just to make her smile. There was a deep, gnawing loneliness under everything. When the being looked up at the giant ones in the sky and felt how small it still was… that hit me hard. It felt so real, even though it was so fantastical.
Teneō is one of those rare books that feels bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It’s strange and slow and quietly powerful. It’s for readers who like wandering, who like atmosphere and emotional resonance over fast plots. Anyone who’s ever felt a little lost or a little in awe of being alive will find something here that tugs at them.
October 11, 2025
Have you ever wondered what happens when your mind begins to wander? What happens in those moments between active thought and sleep? Have you ever had moments where you don’t quite remember how you got somewhere or what happened in the recent past? Author Kojo Gyan explores this in Teneō. In this novella, there are invisible beings that are able to inhabit humans when these moments of absent thought occur. In order to live, they must inhabit us whenever possible, or they will cease to exist. But what exactly does that entail?
This book was extremely thought-provoking from the very beginning! While I personally have never had moments where I couldn’t go back and trace my steps to where I was before, I have known people to say they don’t remember. This novella explores the possibility that maybe something else was in control during that time. While certain humans are more susceptible to this, it definitely got me thinking about all the times that I allow my consciousness to waver.
The main character is one of these other beings. We get to tag along as they discover how to survive and what exactly that means. They discover there is more than just survival and that they can experience human emotions and feelings through those they inhabit. However, it’s hard, as once the human is fully aware of what they are doing, the other being is immediately ejected. It was honestly a bit of an emotional journey of fear, discovery, and determination.
This is definitely a story that I felt like had a bit of a message in it, while also just exploring an idea that Gyan had. Something that is heavily emphasized is that those who take any type of drug (alcohol, sleeping pills, illegal drugs, etc.) are more susceptible to being controlled by these other beings. This is also a self-reflection on how often we tune out the world.
One thing that I think was beautifully done was how well Gyan described some of the experiences the other being was having while possessing the different humans. He did an amazing job at what it might be like for someone to experience food, heat, showers, and human interactions without the upbringing we as humans become familiar with from birth.
Teneō by Kojo Gyan explores the concept of something able to take over when there is a lapse in control of our minds. He did a phenomenal job portraying what this might be like. I do want to mention I would recommend this only for adult audiences. There are some things talked about (drugs, sex, alcohol) that would not be suitable for a younger audience. There is very little cursing; however, there is a mild description of the physical sensations experienced during an open-door bedroom scene. I really loved the layout of the book and the way Gyan successfully broke through to the audience. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading thought-provoking books.
This book was extremely thought-provoking from the very beginning! While I personally have never had moments where I couldn’t go back and trace my steps to where I was before, I have known people to say they don’t remember. This novella explores the possibility that maybe something else was in control during that time. While certain humans are more susceptible to this, it definitely got me thinking about all the times that I allow my consciousness to waver.
The main character is one of these other beings. We get to tag along as they discover how to survive and what exactly that means. They discover there is more than just survival and that they can experience human emotions and feelings through those they inhabit. However, it’s hard, as once the human is fully aware of what they are doing, the other being is immediately ejected. It was honestly a bit of an emotional journey of fear, discovery, and determination.
This is definitely a story that I felt like had a bit of a message in it, while also just exploring an idea that Gyan had. Something that is heavily emphasized is that those who take any type of drug (alcohol, sleeping pills, illegal drugs, etc.) are more susceptible to being controlled by these other beings. This is also a self-reflection on how often we tune out the world.
One thing that I think was beautifully done was how well Gyan described some of the experiences the other being was having while possessing the different humans. He did an amazing job at what it might be like for someone to experience food, heat, showers, and human interactions without the upbringing we as humans become familiar with from birth.
Teneō by Kojo Gyan explores the concept of something able to take over when there is a lapse in control of our minds. He did a phenomenal job portraying what this might be like. I do want to mention I would recommend this only for adult audiences. There are some things talked about (drugs, sex, alcohol) that would not be suitable for a younger audience. There is very little cursing; however, there is a mild description of the physical sensations experienced during an open-door bedroom scene. I really loved the layout of the book and the way Gyan successfully broke through to the audience. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading thought-provoking books.
March 28, 2025
4.25 stars
Where do you go in those moments of untethered daydreaming? When your mind starts wandering in the middle of something, and you're there but not? What happens when you medicate to the point of near-oblivion? Author Kojo Gyan posits that there are things that live beyond the realm of our consciousness but feed on it to sustain themselves.
This was a fascinating, brief dive into the arena of human consciousness and reality. I would argue that a lot of these situations in the book hinged on a person dealing with mental illness, or on being divorced from their own reality in some way. It was very simply written, due to the nature of the narrator, but with massive implications regarding awareness of self and who may have the right to our life if someone deems that we're not using it correctly. Yes, the other lifeforms here may be imagined, but the whole premise is rather disconcerting nonetheless. Overall, a thought-provoking novella worthy of a read.
Thanks to BookSirens and author Kojo Gyan for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
Where do you go in those moments of untethered daydreaming? When your mind starts wandering in the middle of something, and you're there but not? What happens when you medicate to the point of near-oblivion? Author Kojo Gyan posits that there are things that live beyond the realm of our consciousness but feed on it to sustain themselves.
This was a fascinating, brief dive into the arena of human consciousness and reality. I would argue that a lot of these situations in the book hinged on a person dealing with mental illness, or on being divorced from their own reality in some way. It was very simply written, due to the nature of the narrator, but with massive implications regarding awareness of self and who may have the right to our life if someone deems that we're not using it correctly. Yes, the other lifeforms here may be imagined, but the whole premise is rather disconcerting nonetheless. Overall, a thought-provoking novella worthy of a read.
Thanks to BookSirens and author Kojo Gyan for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
This was quite a unique experience. I grabbed this book after seeing a review on Literary Titan. Immediately, I was drawn to the name as well as the cover art, which goes perfectly with the book's theme. Not gonna lie- I want an art print.
Teneō's mood is very ethereal and explorative as you follow along with the entity that is learning about itself, and how it becomes enraptured by Jeanne via her unique essence. You come to learn more about these entities and how they feed, prey upon, enjoy, and protect themselves to exist—parasitic in nature. Themes of manipulation, possessiveness, exploitation, sexual abuse, and addiction are explored.
Overall, it was a good read for me. Well, up until the end. It would have been nice to let Jeanne get out of her funk without being done dirty. Especially by the one who covets her as much as it did.
Side note: There are some scenes that might be uncomfortable for folks. Not for me, as I enjoy reading dark content. But, I don't recall seeing a content transparency warning, and I would urge the author to add one so the sensitive themes are visible for folks who need the heads up.
Teneō's mood is very ethereal and explorative as you follow along with the entity that is learning about itself, and how it becomes enraptured by Jeanne via her unique essence. You come to learn more about these entities and how they feed, prey upon, enjoy, and protect themselves to exist—parasitic in nature. Themes of manipulation, possessiveness, exploitation, sexual abuse, and addiction are explored.
Overall, it was a good read for me. Well, up until the end. It would have been nice to let Jeanne get out of her funk without being done dirty. Especially by the one who covets her as much as it did.
Side note: There are some scenes that might be uncomfortable for folks. Not for me, as I enjoy reading dark content. But, I don't recall seeing a content transparency warning, and I would urge the author to add one so the sensitive themes are visible for folks who need the heads up.
March 30, 2025
This novella is very well written. It’s poetic, it’s pleasing to read, the chapters are short and sweet, leaving a feeling of floating around with the main character.
It’s a tricky one - there’s something that takes humans hosts. We don’t have a lot of information. We don’t need it. We know that the MFC, to call her that way, is Jeanne, and the being who’s using her as a host is very protective of her.
The only reason why I rate three stars is because some of the topics in the novella have made me uncomfortable. Sometimes uncomfortable is good. I love when a book makes me think and it churns my stomach. However, in this case, this didn’t do it for me. There’s substance abuse, there’s some physical abuse, ethical dilemmas, and these topics are treated in a very nonchalant way, dismissing humanity. I understand the message that the author is trying to convey. However, it’s not for me.
I’d like to thank Book Sirens and Kojo Gyan for the ARC of the novella. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s a tricky one - there’s something that takes humans hosts. We don’t have a lot of information. We don’t need it. We know that the MFC, to call her that way, is Jeanne, and the being who’s using her as a host is very protective of her.
The only reason why I rate three stars is because some of the topics in the novella have made me uncomfortable. Sometimes uncomfortable is good. I love when a book makes me think and it churns my stomach. However, in this case, this didn’t do it for me. There’s substance abuse, there’s some physical abuse, ethical dilemmas, and these topics are treated in a very nonchalant way, dismissing humanity. I understand the message that the author is trying to convey. However, it’s not for me.
I’d like to thank Book Sirens and Kojo Gyan for the ARC of the novella. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
Rating 3.75 Rounded up
The narrator is a being that In habit a new human host and then the next and the next. It’s describing what it’s like to go from host to host. The description of the human senses and the experience of their memories. Our narrator bounces from host to host looking for somewhere to stay. Streams of consciousness, those times when humans drift away mentally. The being needs humans to be consciously vacant in order to attach to a host and it needs a host to avoid the pain. Bit the being wants more.
This story will raise questions and leave you pensive. Well at least it did for me. Questions like are humans even aware of what is really happening around them? Do they function with such a little awareness to the world around them? Yes, yes we do. We function on auto pilot more then I would care to admit.
This story is reflective and very well written. Lyrical and poetic.
The narrator is a being that In habit a new human host and then the next and the next. It’s describing what it’s like to go from host to host. The description of the human senses and the experience of their memories. Our narrator bounces from host to host looking for somewhere to stay. Streams of consciousness, those times when humans drift away mentally. The being needs humans to be consciously vacant in order to attach to a host and it needs a host to avoid the pain. Bit the being wants more.
This story will raise questions and leave you pensive. Well at least it did for me. Questions like are humans even aware of what is really happening around them? Do they function with such a little awareness to the world around them? Yes, yes we do. We function on auto pilot more then I would care to admit.
This story is reflective and very well written. Lyrical and poetic.
April 2, 2025
A thought provoking, fantasy novella about sentient “beings” that take up residence is “hosts,” human beings who are unconsciously moving through life.
I chose this ARC for the beautiful cover and interesting plot. There are some trigger warnings (s*x, dr*gs, r*pe, viol*nce).
The story was a quick read with short chapters, one POV, and fast paced story telling. I thought it was an interesting concept of this “being” that has to learn the ins and outs of the world and becomes attached to one human in particular. He clings to this idea of a symbiotic relationship with this host he becomes attached to (no pun intended), but how will that work out for them?
Overall, I thought it was an interesting story. Nice shorter read for a cleanser or to reach a reading goal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I chose this ARC for the beautiful cover and interesting plot. There are some trigger warnings (s*x, dr*gs, r*pe, viol*nce).
The story was a quick read with short chapters, one POV, and fast paced story telling. I thought it was an interesting concept of this “being” that has to learn the ins and outs of the world and becomes attached to one human in particular. He clings to this idea of a symbiotic relationship with this host he becomes attached to (no pun intended), but how will that work out for them?
Overall, I thought it was an interesting story. Nice shorter read for a cleanser or to reach a reading goal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2025
I thought that the concept is brilliant and the way the word "Teneo" is unfolded to frame it and underline the theme was very powerful. Chilling even. This story, about creatures that feed on consciousness when humans are "zoned out" or on autopilot, manages to read like a cautionary tale or parable about how passive we choose to be in our lives. It also made me reflect on the role perspective plays in symbiotic relationships here on earth.
The genre feels somehow like gentle fantasy meets thriller. It's wonderfully written in a sparse style that somehow allows you to vividly imagine the world's even though the main character's narration is quite simple. I thought this was a beautiful feat of reader experience, imagination and plotting by the author and a propulsive short read! Recommend for folks who love fantasy and short stories.
Content warning re: drugs, se*ual violence.
The genre feels somehow like gentle fantasy meets thriller. It's wonderfully written in a sparse style that somehow allows you to vividly imagine the world's even though the main character's narration is quite simple. I thought this was a beautiful feat of reader experience, imagination and plotting by the author and a propulsive short read! Recommend for folks who love fantasy and short stories.
Content warning re: drugs, se*ual violence.
May 2, 2025
Thought provoking SF riff on identity.
This brief book blew my mind. It posits a world where unseen beings can feed on and grow from human unconscious thought. The main, nameless character is one of these beings. Humanity, love and loyalty are seen through the lens of the attachment this amoebic being makes with a female. Joy of sensations and experiences as well as tediousness of some human interactions are described and shared. Mentoring by an older, ambivalent being leads to fresh experiences and skills including sexual activity and exploitation of drunks, drug abusers and human vegetables. A quick and satisfying read which kept me immersed and made me think.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This brief book blew my mind. It posits a world where unseen beings can feed on and grow from human unconscious thought. The main, nameless character is one of these beings. Humanity, love and loyalty are seen through the lens of the attachment this amoebic being makes with a female. Joy of sensations and experiences as well as tediousness of some human interactions are described and shared. Mentoring by an older, ambivalent being leads to fresh experiences and skills including sexual activity and exploitation of drunks, drug abusers and human vegetables. A quick and satisfying read which kept me immersed and made me think.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2025
This novella took my breath away. It was eloquent and poetic while describing this innocent entity who is discovering what it means to be human. I grew fond of this entity, and while not being something that’s as seen with the physical eye this story was still descriptive that I pictured the experiences of the entity and its host.
Then this switch happens bringing on this light horror aspect and we gain an understanding of what this entity is actually doing… and it’s not innocent.
I loved the beginning and end starting with the Teneo definition, it set and ended the stage well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Then this switch happens bringing on this light horror aspect and we gain an understanding of what this entity is actually doing… and it’s not innocent.
I loved the beginning and end starting with the Teneo definition, it set and ended the stage well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
Have you ever wondered what happens when your mind begins to wander? What happens in those moments between active thought and sleep? Have you ever had moments where you don’t quite remember how you got somewhere or what happened in the recent future? Author Kojo Gyan explores this in “Teneō: A Novella.” In this novel, there are invisible beings that are able to inhabit humans when these moments of absent thought occur. In order to live, they must inhabit us whenever possible, or they will cease to exist. But what exactly does that entail?
“Teneō: A Novella” by Kojo Gyan explores the idea of what if something was there to take over when there is a lapse in control of our minds. He did a phenomenal job at portraying what this might be like. I believe the genre would be psychological science fiction. I do want to mention I would recommend this only for adult audiences. There are some things talked about (drugs, sex, alcohol) that would not be suitable for a younger audience. There is very little cursing. However, there is a mild description of the physical sensations experienced during an open door bedroom scene. I really loved the layout of the book and the way the Gyan successfully broke through to the audience. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes to read the types of books that make you think.
For a more detailed review, go to the link below:
https://readerviews.com/reviews/teneo...
“Teneō: A Novella” by Kojo Gyan explores the idea of what if something was there to take over when there is a lapse in control of our minds. He did a phenomenal job at portraying what this might be like. I believe the genre would be psychological science fiction. I do want to mention I would recommend this only for adult audiences. There are some things talked about (drugs, sex, alcohol) that would not be suitable for a younger audience. There is very little cursing. However, there is a mild description of the physical sensations experienced during an open door bedroom scene. I really loved the layout of the book and the way the Gyan successfully broke through to the audience. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes to read the types of books that make you think.
For a more detailed review, go to the link below:
https://readerviews.com/reviews/teneo...
April 16, 2025
This novella is very well written, and it's great to read as the chapters are nice and short, while delving into it.
This isn't a genre I typically gravitate towards, but it offered a unique perspective on self-awareness and consciousness. The only reason it went down to 4 stars is the addition of Jeanne's POV. I felt a little lost at the end of it, while still asking questions.
Overall, a great read, and for a debut Novella, they packed it all together nicely.
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC copy.
This isn't a genre I typically gravitate towards, but it offered a unique perspective on self-awareness and consciousness. The only reason it went down to 4 stars is the addition of Jeanne's POV. I felt a little lost at the end of it, while still asking questions.
Overall, a great read, and for a debut Novella, they packed it all together nicely.
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC copy.
April 18, 2025
This was a really interesting take on the "different life form" notion. It was very well done. I enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fresh look at a concept frequently done poorly. I'm not going to disrespect anyone who has taken a stab at trying to think like an alien being but I will say Kojo Gyan managed it better than anyone I've read lately. Gyan was unfamiliar to me as a writer but I am going to see what else I can find.
I am glad to support a Canadian writer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am glad to support a Canadian writer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2025
This was a really good, imaginative fantasy novella. It was well-written and did a good job of getting you into the mind of its protagonist, an energy being capable of possessing humans. I initially assumed it would go in a more horror-oriented direction, but the author takes a more original approach. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am voluntarily this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am voluntarily this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2025
From page one this story absolutely gripped me and pulled me in. In this debut speculative fiction novella, the author explores human consciousness, the experiences that come with it, and what is in control in the moments we are not. This was such an interesting perspective on mindfulness and the consequences of not being fully aware. This novella is very mysterious with beautiful prose that will keep you guessing and allows your imagination to ponder all the possibilities. I really enjoyed this quick little read and I’m excited for more from this author. Not to mention, the cover art is absolutely gorgeous.
A huge thank you to author and Book Sirens for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A huge thank you to author and Book Sirens for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 9, 2025
It was an interesting story and an interesting concept of where to take the paranormal. But I could not get connected to it for whatever reason, it felt maybe too melancholic for my liking, or maybe that was just the voice inside my head that formed by reading the story from the first page.
April 3, 2025
As a novella, it has a gorgeous cover, and it is a creative exploration of being human. It's well-written and thought provocative. Fast read but stays in our thoughts.
April 28, 2025
Definitely an interesting read! Host/Body Snatchers vibes. The writing is very good and you get to learn along with this entity, I really liked that!
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC read!
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC read!
April 8, 2025
This book is trippy. I wasn't quite sure what to expect and I was intrigued by this novella. This one was very thought provoking, sad in parts and made me question humans and the way we live our lives.
Definitely an interesting read and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: 4/8/25
Definitely an interesting read and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: 4/8/25
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