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The Book of Origins
“You are the silent knife in the night, the eyes everywhere, that will do what no other can or will…”
The vast Vol Supremacy maintains an iron grip over its people through a secret cabal of spies and assassins known as the dakir. Offered as tribute by their parents, and trained from childhood, the dakir are skilled and ruthless – tasked with crushing dissent in any way they see fit. Three dakir novices approach their final trial, having long relinquished any hope of a future for themselves. Their only wish is to serve their religious order.
Or so they tell themselves.
Meanwhile, the Supremacy has discovered a lush, wild continent to the south. The settlement there slips slowly toward rebellion - dissenting voices speaking in public, attendance at holy ceremonies dwindling, and an underground resistance fanning the flames of an uprising. And what of the mysteries of this strange new land itself – apparently uninhabited, yet so suited to human life?
Something awaits that will alter the Supremacy forever. This is where it begins.
The vast Vol Supremacy maintains an iron grip over its people through a secret cabal of spies and assassins known as the dakir. Offered as tribute by their parents, and trained from childhood, the dakir are skilled and ruthless – tasked with crushing dissent in any way they see fit. Three dakir novices approach their final trial, having long relinquished any hope of a future for themselves. Their only wish is to serve their religious order.
Or so they tell themselves.
Meanwhile, the Supremacy has discovered a lush, wild continent to the south. The settlement there slips slowly toward rebellion - dissenting voices speaking in public, attendance at holy ceremonies dwindling, and an underground resistance fanning the flames of an uprising. And what of the mysteries of this strange new land itself – apparently uninhabited, yet so suited to human life?
Something awaits that will alter the Supremacy forever. This is where it begins.
- GenresFantasy
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
About the author
Jean Swan
4 books22 followersHi, I'm Jean - fantasy author from South-Eastern Australia. When not writing or working, you’ll find me anywhere there's beach or snow, hanging with my gang of nieces and godchildren, or in the garden trying to stay on top of the weeds. And reading, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 18, 2025
Deep, multi-layered political fantasy that poses fascinating moral quandaries through the lens of its sympathetic main characters. The term “morally gray” gets thrown around a lot these days, but this book embodies the true meaning of the phrase. A fascinating dramatic irony underpins almost every character interaction. We love these characters, we know they want to do good, and we also know that they are aligned with an organization that has, at best, dubious motivations and, at worst, actively evil ones.
“He smiled at Deisha as she waved goodnight, hoping it appeared genuine despite the hollow feeling in his stomach. A dakir had no family, no friends, no lovers. He was a knife in the night, nothing more.”
We follow Regar and Asrah who have been raised since childhood as spies and assassins for the ruling theocracy of the Sehir. This book expertly showcases the real conditions that create cult mindsets, without resorting to caricature or oversimplification.
This is the kind of fantasy book that you can read with literary scrutiny and be rewarded with a wealth of depth and nuance to unpack.
Side note: you don’t have to read the prequel novella before this, but when you finish this book you’re going to be grateful that the prequel is there waiting for you!!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“He smiled at Deisha as she waved goodnight, hoping it appeared genuine despite the hollow feeling in his stomach. A dakir had no family, no friends, no lovers. He was a knife in the night, nothing more.”
We follow Regar and Asrah who have been raised since childhood as spies and assassins for the ruling theocracy of the Sehir. This book expertly showcases the real conditions that create cult mindsets, without resorting to caricature or oversimplification.
This is the kind of fantasy book that you can read with literary scrutiny and be rewarded with a wealth of depth and nuance to unpack.
Side note: you don’t have to read the prequel novella before this, but when you finish this book you’re going to be grateful that the prequel is there waiting for you!!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
The Book of Origins
By Jean Swan
This is going to be one I keep raving about!
I knew Jean Swan was great at characterization from her novella, but it’s on a whole other level now that I get to hang out with them for a whole novel! I love our main 2 characters and everyone they meet feel so fleshed out and real. I’d be interested in a Damarion perspective but I’m also quite content to hang with Regan and Asrah.
The world building is phenomenal. Lots of showing and weaving in information and history and religion so seamlessly into the story. Beautiful.
Honestly, I’m just upset I can’t immediately pick up the next one!! I’m a fan, and this is definitely going in my best books of the year lineup!
Thanks to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
By Jean Swan
This is going to be one I keep raving about!
I knew Jean Swan was great at characterization from her novella, but it’s on a whole other level now that I get to hang out with them for a whole novel! I love our main 2 characters and everyone they meet feel so fleshed out and real. I’d be interested in a Damarion perspective but I’m also quite content to hang with Regan and Asrah.
The world building is phenomenal. Lots of showing and weaving in information and history and religion so seamlessly into the story. Beautiful.
Honestly, I’m just upset I can’t immediately pick up the next one!! I’m a fan, and this is definitely going in my best books of the year lineup!
Thanks to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2026
A wonderful character-driven political fantasy with rich worldbuilding...5 stars
In The Book of Origins, executive families offer up children to the Sehir, the ruling body. Some of these children are raised to be spies/assassins.
"As dakir, you have no friends, no family. You don’t even really exist in the eyes of anyone that sees you. You are an illusion.”
This is not a fast-paced tale of constant action and bloodshed. It is a slower burn, character-driven story. It is deep, intriguing and hard to put down. There are still moments where you'll gasp and tense moments where you find yourself holding your breath.
Swan creates a rich and vivid world. The history and culture is intriguing and there is so much religious scripture she has written for the world too. A certain know-it-all character has great knowledge of this and loves to quote it.
There is something really unique and beautiful that Swan has done with her characters. The characters are wonderfully imperfect. They have realistic doubts and make mistakes, but still keep going. We get flashbacks to their childhood, training as dakir, offering an added depth to their characters and their relationships with one another.
My favourite character is Regar, as we all know I have a weakness for the sad boys. Regar really loves his friends and tries his best, but at times can feel torn and frustrated. He has been through quite a lot and Swan, as a psychologist, explores his trauma in a not glorified, but real and raw, way. Asrah is a smart, know-it-all who excels at all she does. Damarion is cheeky, fun and loves attention, but there is still depth to him and clearly more than meets the eye.
The last 100 pages and epilogue introduced so much more to the story, and I'm so excited for the next book. I will be picking up the novella immediately.
In The Book of Origins, executive families offer up children to the Sehir, the ruling body. Some of these children are raised to be spies/assassins.
"As dakir, you have no friends, no family. You don’t even really exist in the eyes of anyone that sees you. You are an illusion.”
This is not a fast-paced tale of constant action and bloodshed. It is a slower burn, character-driven story. It is deep, intriguing and hard to put down. There are still moments where you'll gasp and tense moments where you find yourself holding your breath.
Swan creates a rich and vivid world. The history and culture is intriguing and there is so much religious scripture she has written for the world too. A certain know-it-all character has great knowledge of this and loves to quote it.
There is something really unique and beautiful that Swan has done with her characters. The characters are wonderfully imperfect. They have realistic doubts and make mistakes, but still keep going. We get flashbacks to their childhood, training as dakir, offering an added depth to their characters and their relationships with one another.
My favourite character is Regar, as we all know I have a weakness for the sad boys. Regar really loves his friends and tries his best, but at times can feel torn and frustrated. He has been through quite a lot and Swan, as a psychologist, explores his trauma in a not glorified, but real and raw, way. Asrah is a smart, know-it-all who excels at all she does. Damarion is cheeky, fun and loves attention, but there is still depth to him and clearly more than meets the eye.
The last 100 pages and epilogue introduced so much more to the story, and I'm so excited for the next book. I will be picking up the novella immediately.
February 12, 2026
Gripping, Tense, and Impossible to Put Down
Typically, when I review a book, I focus on the "vibes": whether I liked it, the pace, and whether it felt good. But with The Book of Origins, I feel compelled to say much more.
I first encountered this book through its sole review (at the time) from a source I trust. Based on that recommendation, I snatched it up and even imported The Dreamer, a novella set in the same universe. The Dreamer was a phenomenal, high-magic experience—a crystal city glowing blue where citizens communicate psychically. In just 50,000 words, Jean Swan packed in rich lore, politics, and character depth. It left me incredibly excited for more.
NOTE: In order to maximize the mindwarp that goes on here, I recommend reading The Dreamer first, but strictly speaking, they stand alone and can be read in any order.
I opened The Book of Origins ten days ago, and frankly, I wish I could spend another ten days lost in it.
In sharp contrast to the high magic of The Dreamer, The Book of Origins takes place in the Vol Supremacy, a low-magic, Middle Eastern-inspired empire. The ruler, known as the Apex, is a religious leader focused on bringing all things into "Nexus" - a state of total balance.
To prove their loyalty, noble "Executive Families" must surrender a child to the Apex. These "Offered" children are trained as clerics, scholars, or soldiers. However, some are given to the Dakir: an elite order of assassins and spies who maintain balance in ways the Apex cannot do openly.
Though it is not integral to the plot, I want to put out there that this book is very LGBTQ positive. This is a VERY VERY low spice book, but it’s there and happening between all the genders- nonchalantly. One time I thought Swan was discussing two Executives that were brothers, they were married. Swan does a great job of weaving these worldbuilding elements into the story to create a fully realized culture and belief system.
This is where we meet our three protagonists: Asrah, Regar, and Damarion. Nearly every chapter begins with a flashback to their brutal training at the Sehiran. In this school, they are stripped of family and forbidden from making friends; any hint of personal connection results in a test of loyalty to the Apex.
Swan’s character work truly shines here. These flashbacks connect you to the trio almost immediately, developing distinct, clear voices for each.
· Asrah is a total badass lead. Shes also like if Hermione was a killer assassin spy.
· Damarion thrives as the center of attention.
· Regar is... well, he’s Regar, and we love him for it.
When a mysterious new continent is discovered and a settlement is established, the Apex needs eyes and ears in the field. This is where Swan displays her mastery of espionage.
To be clear: this isn't The Bourne Identity or James Bond. It isn't a high-octane action flick. Instead, this is a character-driven political spy novel. It’s about undercover identities, false relationships, seduction, and complex maneuvering. While there are certainly explosions and assassinations, the heart of the story lies in the tense political and religious friction.
The world-building is deep, the scheming is top-tier, and there is even a "slow-burn" romantic element that—despite my usual indifference to romance—I found undeniable. This book is gripping, tense, and addictive. I’ll be diving into the rest of Swan’s short stories and novelettes imminently.
If I HAD to provide a criticism its that I really would like to see a Damarion POV. Without spoiling things there are a few things happening in his orbit that I would REALLY love to see from his POV. If I were a betting man, I would wager one is coming.
The lingering question here is, who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Are there good guys and bad guys? What is going on in this new world?
As to its connection to The Dreamer, all I will say is, when you see it you cannot unsee it.
For Fans Of: The "School of Assassins" trope, where the training is as brutal as the missions. Intricate Political Intrigue and Middle-Eastern non-European settings. Also very LGBTQ positive and normative.
The Hook: The flashback structure and the characters. You don't just see who these spies are; you live through the trauma that made them. It’s gripping, tense, and deeply addictive.
Typically, when I review a book, I focus on the "vibes": whether I liked it, the pace, and whether it felt good. But with The Book of Origins, I feel compelled to say much more.
I first encountered this book through its sole review (at the time) from a source I trust. Based on that recommendation, I snatched it up and even imported The Dreamer, a novella set in the same universe. The Dreamer was a phenomenal, high-magic experience—a crystal city glowing blue where citizens communicate psychically. In just 50,000 words, Jean Swan packed in rich lore, politics, and character depth. It left me incredibly excited for more.
NOTE: In order to maximize the mindwarp that goes on here, I recommend reading The Dreamer first, but strictly speaking, they stand alone and can be read in any order.
I opened The Book of Origins ten days ago, and frankly, I wish I could spend another ten days lost in it.
In sharp contrast to the high magic of The Dreamer, The Book of Origins takes place in the Vol Supremacy, a low-magic, Middle Eastern-inspired empire. The ruler, known as the Apex, is a religious leader focused on bringing all things into "Nexus" - a state of total balance.
To prove their loyalty, noble "Executive Families" must surrender a child to the Apex. These "Offered" children are trained as clerics, scholars, or soldiers. However, some are given to the Dakir: an elite order of assassins and spies who maintain balance in ways the Apex cannot do openly.
Though it is not integral to the plot, I want to put out there that this book is very LGBTQ positive. This is a VERY VERY low spice book, but it’s there and happening between all the genders- nonchalantly. One time I thought Swan was discussing two Executives that were brothers, they were married. Swan does a great job of weaving these worldbuilding elements into the story to create a fully realized culture and belief system.
This is where we meet our three protagonists: Asrah, Regar, and Damarion. Nearly every chapter begins with a flashback to their brutal training at the Sehiran. In this school, they are stripped of family and forbidden from making friends; any hint of personal connection results in a test of loyalty to the Apex.
Swan’s character work truly shines here. These flashbacks connect you to the trio almost immediately, developing distinct, clear voices for each.
· Asrah is a total badass lead. Shes also like if Hermione was a killer assassin spy.
· Damarion thrives as the center of attention.
· Regar is... well, he’s Regar, and we love him for it.
When a mysterious new continent is discovered and a settlement is established, the Apex needs eyes and ears in the field. This is where Swan displays her mastery of espionage.
To be clear: this isn't The Bourne Identity or James Bond. It isn't a high-octane action flick. Instead, this is a character-driven political spy novel. It’s about undercover identities, false relationships, seduction, and complex maneuvering. While there are certainly explosions and assassinations, the heart of the story lies in the tense political and religious friction.
The world-building is deep, the scheming is top-tier, and there is even a "slow-burn" romantic element that—despite my usual indifference to romance—I found undeniable. This book is gripping, tense, and addictive. I’ll be diving into the rest of Swan’s short stories and novelettes imminently.
If I HAD to provide a criticism its that I really would like to see a Damarion POV. Without spoiling things there are a few things happening in his orbit that I would REALLY love to see from his POV. If I were a betting man, I would wager one is coming.
The lingering question here is, who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Are there good guys and bad guys? What is going on in this new world?
As to its connection to The Dreamer, all I will say is, when you see it you cannot unsee it.
For Fans Of: The "School of Assassins" trope, where the training is as brutal as the missions. Intricate Political Intrigue and Middle-Eastern non-European settings. Also very LGBTQ positive and normative.
The Hook: The flashback structure and the characters. You don't just see who these spies are; you live through the trauma that made them. It’s gripping, tense, and deeply addictive.
October 10, 2025
4.5 stars
The Book of Origins is an epic, expansive fantasy with intricate worldbuilding and a loveable cast of characters. The story spans decades and continents, and it's clear that Swan put a great deal of thought into this world. At every moment of the story, I felt like I lived in the world and knew its history and customs as if they were my own.
I loved the characters, especially Asrah and Regar, though I wish we'd also gotten to spend more time in the POV of Damarion, the third member of the dakir trio. The secondary characters were also wonderfully written--and didn't always turn out to be as they'd first appeared!
The plot starts out somewhat slow before building at the end toward intriguing mysteries. I won't spoil anything, but I will say I can't wait to find out what happens in book two after the huge revelations at the end of this one!
The slow pace of the plot lends itself perfectly to the moral and religious explorations that form the very heart of this book and its characters' growth. As the story progresses, the main characters start to realize that perhaps morality isn't as black-and-white as they'd thought--a hard pill to swallow for three young adults shaped from childhood by a strict religious and societal hierarchy. It will be interesting to see how this thread continues into book two!
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Book of Origins is an epic, expansive fantasy with intricate worldbuilding and a loveable cast of characters. The story spans decades and continents, and it's clear that Swan put a great deal of thought into this world. At every moment of the story, I felt like I lived in the world and knew its history and customs as if they were my own.
I loved the characters, especially Asrah and Regar, though I wish we'd also gotten to spend more time in the POV of Damarion, the third member of the dakir trio. The secondary characters were also wonderfully written--and didn't always turn out to be as they'd first appeared!
The plot starts out somewhat slow before building at the end toward intriguing mysteries. I won't spoil anything, but I will say I can't wait to find out what happens in book two after the huge revelations at the end of this one!
The slow pace of the plot lends itself perfectly to the moral and religious explorations that form the very heart of this book and its characters' growth. As the story progresses, the main characters start to realize that perhaps morality isn't as black-and-white as they'd thought--a hard pill to swallow for three young adults shaped from childhood by a strict religious and societal hierarchy. It will be interesting to see how this thread continues into book two!
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
I cannot tell you how blown away I was reading this book. This reading experience was like nothing I’ve ever read before, with unique concepts and original characters with so much depth, epic prose that flowed throughout, a lush and intriguing setting with complex world-building, and so much political intrigue it feels like you’re right there within those pages. I cannot rave enough about how refreshing it was to read something SO original and SO unique, with such in-depth characters that I immediately felt connections to. I was utterly captivated from page one. A couple things I loved MOST were the non-Western setting, the absolutely gorgeous style of Jean’s writing, the layered depth of the characters, NO shadow daddies (🥳) but those characters are the epitome of morally-grey. And we, as the reader, feel that in all its complexity and morality.
Navigating three perspectives, which cleverly turned out to actually be more than that (hello secret identity trope x3!), this view gives the reader an incredible amount of political nuance and layers of identify and self-preservation from these characters. These three characters who I absolutely love and adore with all my heart. We follow Asrah and Regar, who have been together since childhood, raised and trained to be spies and assassins for the ruling and elite Holy Sehir. We follow their journey as they navigate the changing tides and bubbling ideas of a new world. We also have Damarion, who is a fabulous counterpart to both Asrah and Regar, and watching their dynamics unfold was not only engaging and extremely entertaining, but mysterious and intriguing as well. I absolutely LOVE Asrah as a baddie FMC; Regar has my entire heart; andI want to yap with Damarion.
In fact, so many mysteries are layered within this tale that I am SO excited to continue this saga. You don’t necessarily have to read the inter-connected standalones. But having read The Dreamer beforehand, you will be rewarded with deep connections and revelations that make you sincerely clap for the author for being so clever.
Thank you Jean babe for letting me read this GLORIOUS tale. I cannot wait for everyone to meet the trio, and the rest of the crew we find along the adventure. Infinity stars.
TROPES AND THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Epic fantasy
Complex worldbuilding
Layered characters full of depth
Adventure, mystery and intrigue
First book in series, with other inter-connected short stories
3 main characters with other epic side characters
Political intrigue, secret identities & scheming
Slow-burn romance
Navigating three perspectives, which cleverly turned out to actually be more than that (hello secret identity trope x3!), this view gives the reader an incredible amount of political nuance and layers of identify and self-preservation from these characters. These three characters who I absolutely love and adore with all my heart. We follow Asrah and Regar, who have been together since childhood, raised and trained to be spies and assassins for the ruling and elite Holy Sehir. We follow their journey as they navigate the changing tides and bubbling ideas of a new world. We also have Damarion, who is a fabulous counterpart to both Asrah and Regar, and watching their dynamics unfold was not only engaging and extremely entertaining, but mysterious and intriguing as well. I absolutely LOVE Asrah as a baddie FMC; Regar has my entire heart; andI want to yap with Damarion.
In fact, so many mysteries are layered within this tale that I am SO excited to continue this saga. You don’t necessarily have to read the inter-connected standalones. But having read The Dreamer beforehand, you will be rewarded with deep connections and revelations that make you sincerely clap for the author for being so clever.
Thank you Jean babe for letting me read this GLORIOUS tale. I cannot wait for everyone to meet the trio, and the rest of the crew we find along the adventure. Infinity stars.
TROPES AND THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Epic fantasy
Complex worldbuilding
Layered characters full of depth
Adventure, mystery and intrigue
First book in series, with other inter-connected short stories
3 main characters with other epic side characters
Political intrigue, secret identities & scheming
Slow-burn romance
October 10, 2025
I absolutely loved The Book of Origins. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by this rich, unique world and the authentic characters Jean Swan created.
We often think of fantasy books as being just that; a fantasy, but this is so much more than that.
The Book of Origins will have you stop reading to think (do continue after you’ve given yourself a moment though) because there is so much truth in the story as it deals with friendships, politics, religion, indoctrination; things we all deal with on a daily basis.
If you enjoy books that make you think, feel, and maybe even see the world differently, I would highly recommend checking this out because the author created something very special here.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the paperback because this is definitely one of those books I want to own, get back into, and annotate.
Side note: I was playing the video game Assassin’s Creed Mirage right before I started reading this book. The game is set in Baghdad so it has this beautiful Middle Eastern ambience with an amazing soundtrack. While still being under the spell of that game and its music, it was incredibly easy to roll into The Book of Origins; it felt natural, almost.
Highly recommend combining the book with this game and/or its soundtrack if that’s something you’re into because the vibes are *chef’s kiss*!
We often think of fantasy books as being just that; a fantasy, but this is so much more than that.
The Book of Origins will have you stop reading to think (do continue after you’ve given yourself a moment though) because there is so much truth in the story as it deals with friendships, politics, religion, indoctrination; things we all deal with on a daily basis.
If you enjoy books that make you think, feel, and maybe even see the world differently, I would highly recommend checking this out because the author created something very special here.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the paperback because this is definitely one of those books I want to own, get back into, and annotate.
Side note: I was playing the video game Assassin’s Creed Mirage right before I started reading this book. The game is set in Baghdad so it has this beautiful Middle Eastern ambience with an amazing soundtrack. While still being under the spell of that game and its music, it was incredibly easy to roll into The Book of Origins; it felt natural, almost.
Highly recommend combining the book with this game and/or its soundtrack if that’s something you’re into because the vibes are *chef’s kiss*!
September 10, 2025
Asrah, Regar, and Damarion are each given to the church as children, raised as dakir: spies and assassins trained to enforce the religion’s laws and crush rebellion. Indoctrination, secrecy, and the command to show no mercy define their lives.
When they are sent to the new world as undercover agents, their mission is to ensure the settlement follows the dictates of the church. Through assumed identities and secret reports, they track rebellion, threats, and shifting power. But life in the new land changes them. What they discover could either preserve or unravel the faith they were raised to uphold.
This book is incredible. Deeply political and thought-provoking, it explores indoctrination, rebellion, faith, found family, and the chilling real-world resonance of religion as a system of control. The horrors of their training are devastating, yet the gradual thawing of Asrah and her companions in the new world -the way laughter, friendship, and freedom start to seep in was absolute perfection.
✨ Utterly entrancing. I lost myself so completely in this story that I forgot I was reading.
When they are sent to the new world as undercover agents, their mission is to ensure the settlement follows the dictates of the church. Through assumed identities and secret reports, they track rebellion, threats, and shifting power. But life in the new land changes them. What they discover could either preserve or unravel the faith they were raised to uphold.
This book is incredible. Deeply political and thought-provoking, it explores indoctrination, rebellion, faith, found family, and the chilling real-world resonance of religion as a system of control. The horrors of their training are devastating, yet the gradual thawing of Asrah and her companions in the new world -the way laughter, friendship, and freedom start to seep in was absolute perfection.
✨ Utterly entrancing. I lost myself so completely in this story that I forgot I was reading.
December 30, 2025
The Book of Origins completely pulled me in with its layered storytelling and emotional depth. What stood out most was the character growth—watching the characters evolve as truths are uncovered and past choices come back to haunt them felt incredibly natural and well-earned. No one stays the same by the final pages, and that transformation is one of the book’s biggest strengths.
I also loved the use of different points of view. Each perspective added new context rather than repeating information, and it constantly shifted how I understood the characters and their motivations. Just when I thought I had someone figured out, a new POV would challenge that assumption.
The jumping timelines were handled beautifully. Instead of being confusing, they added tension and mystery, slowly revealing how the past and present are deeply intertwined. Every timeline jump felt purposeful, uncovering pieces of the story at exactly the right moment.
This book is thoughtful, immersive, and rewarding for readers who enjoy complex narratives and character-driven stories. A truly engaging read that lingers long after you turn the last page.
I also loved the use of different points of view. Each perspective added new context rather than repeating information, and it constantly shifted how I understood the characters and their motivations. Just when I thought I had someone figured out, a new POV would challenge that assumption.
The jumping timelines were handled beautifully. Instead of being confusing, they added tension and mystery, slowly revealing how the past and present are deeply intertwined. Every timeline jump felt purposeful, uncovering pieces of the story at exactly the right moment.
This book is thoughtful, immersive, and rewarding for readers who enjoy complex narratives and character-driven stories. A truly engaging read that lingers long after you turn the last page.
October 7, 2025
This book is everything I love about epic fantasy.
It's deftly drawn and flowing, the world fully realised with its own cultures, systems of governance, religions, and languages. The main characters are complex and intriguing, all with their own pasts and motivations. The plot is nicely balanced, with enough mystery to draw the reader into the story and keep them there, and enough context to make them feel grounded. I flew through this, thought about it when I wasn't reading, and will absolutely be getting a paperback for my shelf.
I read Swan's other short works prior to reading this, and I'm glad I did; it was immensely satisfying to see some of those threads woven into this novel.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with complex worldbuilding, layered characters, intrigue, adventure, and hints of the slowest slow burn in history (maybe ...?), The Book of Origins is a hard recommend.
It's deftly drawn and flowing, the world fully realised with its own cultures, systems of governance, religions, and languages. The main characters are complex and intriguing, all with their own pasts and motivations. The plot is nicely balanced, with enough mystery to draw the reader into the story and keep them there, and enough context to make them feel grounded. I flew through this, thought about it when I wasn't reading, and will absolutely be getting a paperback for my shelf.
I read Swan's other short works prior to reading this, and I'm glad I did; it was immensely satisfying to see some of those threads woven into this novel.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with complex worldbuilding, layered characters, intrigue, adventure, and hints of the slowest slow burn in history (maybe ...?), The Book of Origins is a hard recommend.
October 29, 2025
This is an amazing first book in a fantasy series!
I had the privilege to recieve an ARC (I'm leaving this review voluntarily), and I can safely say it is a fresh, twisty mysterious story!
There is a lot to love about the story:
*Religions that make you want to convert until a definite unease sets in and grows as the story progresses.
*A lush and fresh fantasy world that feels real and is very skilfully crafted.
*The mystery of the short stories that Swan has already published into the same world, and how it all connects.
*The way Swan writes with knowledge, but chooses very consciously what to tell us when. It feels reminiscent of Robin Hobb, the way the story builds up and the crumbs that lead to a conclusion I have no clue about yet. Very impressing.
I can't wait to continue on into the mysteries of The Offred series, and will be jumping out of my skin when book 2 gets announced.
I had the privilege to recieve an ARC (I'm leaving this review voluntarily), and I can safely say it is a fresh, twisty mysterious story!
There is a lot to love about the story:
*Religions that make you want to convert until a definite unease sets in and grows as the story progresses.
*A lush and fresh fantasy world that feels real and is very skilfully crafted.
*The mystery of the short stories that Swan has already published into the same world, and how it all connects.
*The way Swan writes with knowledge, but chooses very consciously what to tell us when. It feels reminiscent of Robin Hobb, the way the story builds up and the crumbs that lead to a conclusion I have no clue about yet. Very impressing.
I can't wait to continue on into the mysteries of The Offred series, and will be jumping out of my skin when book 2 gets announced.
December 31, 2025
This was absolutely fantasy. The world-building, the characters, the relationship dynamics. The politics and social commentary. I don't normally read YA but I was gripped. Definitely a book you need to have the head space to dive into, but I loved the slow unfolding of plots and schemes, the careful reveals of greater machinations happening in the world. It was gripping and entertaining.
November 25, 2025
𝐀 𝐝𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.
My wonderful friend Jean Swan recently gave me a copy of her debut full length novel The Book of Origins and naturally I loved it, like I love everything else she’s written.
‘The vast Vol Supremacy maintains an iron grip over its people through a secret cabal of spies and assassins known as the dakir. Offered as tribute by their parents, and trained from childhood, the dakir are skilled and ruthless - tasked with crushing dissent in any way they see fit. Three dakir novices approach their final trial, having long relinquished any hope of a future for themselves. Their only wish is to serve their religious order. Or so they tell themselves.’
This reads like an assassin coming-of-age story (already so here for that), but it’s much more deeply layered - as the story progresses, it becomes a rich and complex political and religious commentary on the ruling theocracy. The reader is not railroaded, and left to draw their own conclusions about the ‘goodness’ of the system, which I really enjoyed.
I also loved the characters - as I said to Jean herself, it’s giving Dragon Age. All of our merry band have layers and dimensions, and we’ve got some great examples of strong female characters - I loved how Asrah and Fara showed different sides of that coin.
Last but not least, you guys, the vibes really be vibing. The start was a great intro to the world but things really KICK OFF in the last third in particular. That was an absolute rollercoaster that we could not put down, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Hoping to see some more familiar faces 👀👀
My wonderful friend Jean Swan recently gave me a copy of her debut full length novel The Book of Origins and naturally I loved it, like I love everything else she’s written.
‘The vast Vol Supremacy maintains an iron grip over its people through a secret cabal of spies and assassins known as the dakir. Offered as tribute by their parents, and trained from childhood, the dakir are skilled and ruthless - tasked with crushing dissent in any way they see fit. Three dakir novices approach their final trial, having long relinquished any hope of a future for themselves. Their only wish is to serve their religious order. Or so they tell themselves.’
This reads like an assassin coming-of-age story (already so here for that), but it’s much more deeply layered - as the story progresses, it becomes a rich and complex political and religious commentary on the ruling theocracy. The reader is not railroaded, and left to draw their own conclusions about the ‘goodness’ of the system, which I really enjoyed.
I also loved the characters - as I said to Jean herself, it’s giving Dragon Age. All of our merry band have layers and dimensions, and we’ve got some great examples of strong female characters - I loved how Asrah and Fara showed different sides of that coin.
Last but not least, you guys, the vibes really be vibing. The start was a great intro to the world but things really KICK OFF in the last third in particular. That was an absolute rollercoaster that we could not put down, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Hoping to see some more familiar faces 👀👀
January 8, 2026
Jean Swan knocked it out of the park with this one.
This book gave me everything I expect from my fantasy books. It had the political intrigue, the worldbuilding, the culture, a rich plot, lustrous prose and characters that were full of depth. Jean did not compromise on anything! The amount of thought put into everything was mind-blowing.
The pacing of the plot is great and is used exceptionally to explore the religious and political themes. I have read a lot of books with non-Western settings, and there are very few authors who write that setting well. Jean wrote it with so much wonder. I loved each and every detail that was revealed about the world. The writing style lends the world so much intricacy. I cared about each and every character, each and every development. I learned that Jean put in ten years worth of effort into this story and guess what? IT PAID OFF!
My favourite was Regar. I would give my life for him. Asrah was a great lead. A lot of authors turn their female leads into Mary Sues. That was not the case here at all. She had her flaws, her strengths, and well-developed, well-explored relationships. Absolutely adored her.
Overall, it was a great book. I can't wait for the second book. I'll be lying in bed with a hot cup of coffee when I get my hands on the next instalment.
This book gave me everything I expect from my fantasy books. It had the political intrigue, the worldbuilding, the culture, a rich plot, lustrous prose and characters that were full of depth. Jean did not compromise on anything! The amount of thought put into everything was mind-blowing.
The pacing of the plot is great and is used exceptionally to explore the religious and political themes. I have read a lot of books with non-Western settings, and there are very few authors who write that setting well. Jean wrote it with so much wonder. I loved each and every detail that was revealed about the world. The writing style lends the world so much intricacy. I cared about each and every character, each and every development. I learned that Jean put in ten years worth of effort into this story and guess what? IT PAID OFF!
My favourite was Regar. I would give my life for him. Asrah was a great lead. A lot of authors turn their female leads into Mary Sues. That was not the case here at all. She had her flaws, her strengths, and well-developed, well-explored relationships. Absolutely adored her.
Overall, it was a great book. I can't wait for the second book. I'll be lying in bed with a hot cup of coffee when I get my hands on the next instalment.
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