What do you think?
Rate this book
The Garden Reborn
Humanity is collapsing, machines roam the wastelands, and drones hunt anything that still breathes. Three kids—Lilly, Benny, and Laurel—stumble into a hidden underground facility and uncover a truth buried for thousands of humans weren’t just born… they were engineered.
The Anunnaki, the ancient sons of gods who altered human DNA long ago, have returned to finish what they started. But as the kids fight to survive the machines and the alien forces closing in, something even older awakens.
Now the fate of the world rests in the hands of three kids who never asked to be heroes. If they fail, humanity ends. If they succeed… the world begins again.
The Anunnaki, the ancient sons of gods who altered human DNA long ago, have returned to finish what they started. But as the kids fight to survive the machines and the alien forces closing in, something even older awakens.
Now the fate of the world rests in the hands of three kids who never asked to be heroes. If they fail, humanity ends. If they succeed… the world begins again.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Dorianne Ashe
22 books13 followersDorianne Ashe writes Paranormal Poppycock with a side of Sci‑Fi Serenity. Stories where magic misbehaves, monsters have opinions, and humanity’s “official” history is the biggest lie of all. Gods, genetics, and the truths we lost.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2026
I just finished reading The Garden Reborn by Dorianne Ashe, and I am still trying to process the sheer scale of the world she built. As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, I thought I knew what to expect, but this story takes the end of the world trope and turns it into a cosmic, mythological tragedy that felt incredibly personal.
The story begins with a chillingly quiet disaster: a meteor hits, and suddenly, the world starts drying up. I was immediately gripped by the Hydration Pod Initiative—the idea of being sealed in a humid box for a year while watching the green lights of your neighbors’ pods slowly turn red as they fail is nightmare fuel. When the protagonist, Lilly, finally breaks out and finds herself in a silent, carcass of a school, the sense of loneliness is palpable.
What really kept me turning the pages was the relationship between Lilly and Benny, a brilliant fourteen-year-old she rescues from another pod. Benny isn't just a sidekick; as the son of the scientist who nearly found a cure, he’s the intellectual engine of the book. I loved the talk and walk dynamic they had as they navigated a world of cracked lake beds and skeletal trees on solar-powered bikes.
The mid-book twist blew my mind. I wasn't expecting the story to pivot into Sumerian mythology. Finding out that the meteor was actually a harvest operation by the Anunnaki—ancient beings who view humans as slaves or insects—raised the stakes from a survival story to a battle for the soul of the planet. The introduction of Laurel, the young girl they find hiding in a gas station, added a much-needed layer of vulnerability and hope. Her death at the hands of an alien guardian in the fissure vault was, for me, the most heartbreaking moment of the book. It was the catalyst that turned Lilly and Benny from survivors into revolutionaries.
The finale is truly epic. Seeing the true gods, AN and KI, return to Earth to scold their disappointed sons, Enlil and Enki, felt like a massive cosmic reset. I appreciated the theme of the feminine divine and the idea that humanity failed because it lost its sense of balance. The ending, where the surviving humans are relocated to a new garden to start a society based on harmony rather than greed, felt like an earned, peaceful resolution to a very violent journey.
Overall, Ashe has written a hauntingly beautiful epic. It’s a story that asks big questions about our place in the universe while never losing sight of the small, human moments that make life worth saving.
The story begins with a chillingly quiet disaster: a meteor hits, and suddenly, the world starts drying up. I was immediately gripped by the Hydration Pod Initiative—the idea of being sealed in a humid box for a year while watching the green lights of your neighbors’ pods slowly turn red as they fail is nightmare fuel. When the protagonist, Lilly, finally breaks out and finds herself in a silent, carcass of a school, the sense of loneliness is palpable.
What really kept me turning the pages was the relationship between Lilly and Benny, a brilliant fourteen-year-old she rescues from another pod. Benny isn't just a sidekick; as the son of the scientist who nearly found a cure, he’s the intellectual engine of the book. I loved the talk and walk dynamic they had as they navigated a world of cracked lake beds and skeletal trees on solar-powered bikes.
The mid-book twist blew my mind. I wasn't expecting the story to pivot into Sumerian mythology. Finding out that the meteor was actually a harvest operation by the Anunnaki—ancient beings who view humans as slaves or insects—raised the stakes from a survival story to a battle for the soul of the planet. The introduction of Laurel, the young girl they find hiding in a gas station, added a much-needed layer of vulnerability and hope. Her death at the hands of an alien guardian in the fissure vault was, for me, the most heartbreaking moment of the book. It was the catalyst that turned Lilly and Benny from survivors into revolutionaries.
The finale is truly epic. Seeing the true gods, AN and KI, return to Earth to scold their disappointed sons, Enlil and Enki, felt like a massive cosmic reset. I appreciated the theme of the feminine divine and the idea that humanity failed because it lost its sense of balance. The ending, where the surviving humans are relocated to a new garden to start a society based on harmony rather than greed, felt like an earned, peaceful resolution to a very violent journey.
Overall, Ashe has written a hauntingly beautiful epic. It’s a story that asks big questions about our place in the universe while never losing sight of the small, human moments that make life worth saving.
May 11, 2026
This book is a metaphorical mic drop of a finale!
The author blew my expectations out of the water! It was a very fun book to read with a nicely set pace that gave you everything you wanted for the situations presented while still being highly enjoyable. The way the author uses line breaks to induce the feeling of dread and danger was really cool to read and really helped me get immersed in the story.
I would have loved to learn more about the main characters since I feel as if beyond what they provided to make the story progress I was not able to know who they are. That being said the descriptions of the environment and the world building are absolutely phenomenal, and heartbreaking at the same time.
While reading through the book you can tell that a lot of thought had been put into the adventure our main characters are on. From the mysteries they uncover, to the way they interact with the environment as it would be at the end of the world was very cool to read and gave the story a very grounded feel overall.
I completely devoured the book as I was reading it, barely being able to put it down without wondering what was gonna happen next. From the very first chapter I was attached to the main character and needed to know how her story ended, just from the way she was described and how she interacted with her environment had me hooked.
So many chapters ended with sentences I can only describe as a metaphorical mic drop. The kind where you think “wait what?!” And have to immediately turn the page to read what happens next! It always had me losing track of time minutes to hours flew past but I would be completely immersed in the book, with no thoughts of putting it down until I was done.
Overall I liked the book a lot, there’s some things I wish we had learned more about, and some parts I thought weren’t necessary but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I would definitely recommend this book to any sci-fi lover looking for a great read!
The author blew my expectations out of the water! It was a very fun book to read with a nicely set pace that gave you everything you wanted for the situations presented while still being highly enjoyable. The way the author uses line breaks to induce the feeling of dread and danger was really cool to read and really helped me get immersed in the story.
I would have loved to learn more about the main characters since I feel as if beyond what they provided to make the story progress I was not able to know who they are. That being said the descriptions of the environment and the world building are absolutely phenomenal, and heartbreaking at the same time.
While reading through the book you can tell that a lot of thought had been put into the adventure our main characters are on. From the mysteries they uncover, to the way they interact with the environment as it would be at the end of the world was very cool to read and gave the story a very grounded feel overall.
I completely devoured the book as I was reading it, barely being able to put it down without wondering what was gonna happen next. From the very first chapter I was attached to the main character and needed to know how her story ended, just from the way she was described and how she interacted with her environment had me hooked.
So many chapters ended with sentences I can only describe as a metaphorical mic drop. The kind where you think “wait what?!” And have to immediately turn the page to read what happens next! It always had me losing track of time minutes to hours flew past but I would be completely immersed in the book, with no thoughts of putting it down until I was done.
Overall I liked the book a lot, there’s some things I wish we had learned more about, and some parts I thought weren’t necessary but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I would definitely recommend this book to any sci-fi lover looking for a great read!
May 13, 2026
I do not read a lot of science fiction or dystopian, but I do love mythology. That is what made me take a chance with this book. The mention of the Sumerian Gods. We follow Lilly as she explores her high school, which has been turned into a facility that houses humidity pods to try to save humanity while scientists work on finding a cure. The one person she can find is Benny, who is also her AP science teacher's son. Thankfully, Benny absorbed everything his father taught him, and his dad leaves him notes as guidance to help save the world. Along the way, they see what has taken over the Earth and the devastation that has occurred not only from the lack of water but also from the drilling that is occurring. They soon meet Laurel, and she joins them on their journey. Part of the reason I gave it four stars is one that I found a couple of errors. Also a lot of what occured just seemed a little too easy to get out of situations. I do feel that this book is not for everyone. People who believe in a monotheistic belief system might not enjoy this book.
May 12, 2026
The Garden Reborn is a heartwarming and gripping tale of finding hope and family in a world that is crumbling around you.It's a story about fighting not only for your own life but also for the lives of those still to come. It's a story about overcoming desolation to recover and build something stronger, something prosperous.
The plot, while not uncomplex, is easy to follow and is, in my opinion, rather unique. Even as a sci-fi lover, it was my first time reading a book like this that so perfectly blended technology, pathogenic disaster, dystopia and ancient civilisations and gods. It is a fairly novel concept and it kept me hooked on the story, especially since I couldn't truly guess where it was going at any point.
Each character was distinct and lovable, and the dynamic between the members of the friend group was enjoyable to read and also heartwarming. There truly is nothing like a good found family trope in my eyes.
As for the actual writing style of the author? Beautiful. Dorianne Ashe has an amazing talent for painting vivid visual imagery with her choice of words. Her use of similes and comparisons was something that I took note of very early on and then throughout the book. They are an excellent literary tool that really made the work feel more impactful, alongside the use of short, punctuated sentences at times that better translated the tension and impact of the words on the page to real life. This writing style and command of the English language made reading this book an even more enjoyable experience.
As for any negative points I have to mention, the first is that there are occasionally punctuation errors, as well as a few grammar errors. These are a few, though, and do not make the reading less enjoyable unless you are particularly finicky when it comes to such things.
Another criticism I have, which may just be personal taste, is the chapter length. The chapters are rather short, which, in itself, is not the issue since short chapters can be a great way to make scenes and plot points more effective or impactful. However, I found that occasionally there were parts that were broken into multiple chapters when they could have worked very well as just one chapter instead of being split in such a manner.
As I said, however, this might only be personal taste.
All that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was light and easy to read, and at no point did I get bored. I laughed, I held my breath, and at times I was rather moved. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a gripping yet light sci-fi book to read. I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.
The plot, while not uncomplex, is easy to follow and is, in my opinion, rather unique. Even as a sci-fi lover, it was my first time reading a book like this that so perfectly blended technology, pathogenic disaster, dystopia and ancient civilisations and gods. It is a fairly novel concept and it kept me hooked on the story, especially since I couldn't truly guess where it was going at any point.
Each character was distinct and lovable, and the dynamic between the members of the friend group was enjoyable to read and also heartwarming. There truly is nothing like a good found family trope in my eyes.
As for the actual writing style of the author? Beautiful. Dorianne Ashe has an amazing talent for painting vivid visual imagery with her choice of words. Her use of similes and comparisons was something that I took note of very early on and then throughout the book. They are an excellent literary tool that really made the work feel more impactful, alongside the use of short, punctuated sentences at times that better translated the tension and impact of the words on the page to real life. This writing style and command of the English language made reading this book an even more enjoyable experience.
As for any negative points I have to mention, the first is that there are occasionally punctuation errors, as well as a few grammar errors. These are a few, though, and do not make the reading less enjoyable unless you are particularly finicky when it comes to such things.
Another criticism I have, which may just be personal taste, is the chapter length. The chapters are rather short, which, in itself, is not the issue since short chapters can be a great way to make scenes and plot points more effective or impactful. However, I found that occasionally there were parts that were broken into multiple chapters when they could have worked very well as just one chapter instead of being split in such a manner.
As I said, however, this might only be personal taste.
All that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was light and easy to read, and at no point did I get bored. I laughed, I held my breath, and at times I was rather moved. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a gripping yet light sci-fi book to read. I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.
May 23, 2026
The Garden Reborn by Dorriane Ashe surprised me a lot because I don’t typically reach for post apocalyptic tales, but this book exceeded all my expectations. It was a very quick and easy read that is definitely worth your time. While there were some confusing aspects of the dystopian world, overall the book was very easy to follow. There was good character development, and while the plot was predictable in some sections, it was very entertaining nonetheless. The world building was very interesting, I could definitely see a sequel in the future because there were so many details of their world that weren't fully explored in this book. My biggest complaint is when the group is on the adventure everything is really handed to them. I would have loved to see how the characters interacted and worked together, when they were faced with challenges, but throughout the story every obstacle was passed easily. If the main trio had to persevere more to finish their mission, I think the reader would gain better insight into their unique abilities and how these obstacles impact their relationships with each other.
Setting - The setting of a post apocalyptic version of the east coast of the United States was unique because Ashe included famous locations and showed how they were in the post apocalyptic world, after all of the water was taken. She beautifully described the dystopian landscapes the story is set in, with compelling imagery and figurative language.
Characters - The characters had a very typical dynamic, Lilly is the main protagonist, who was a natural leader, but a relatable teenager at the same time. Benny was a more reserved but highly intelligent character who accompanied Lilly throughout the story. Lastly Laurel joined the group as a small, helpless child. In my opinion Laurel had the best character development despite being the least prominent of the three main characters. She develops significantly from when Lilly and Benny pick her up to the end of the book. Her confidence, personality, wit and humor shine through as she becomes more comfortable with the others.
Final thoughts - This is a great post apocalyptic/dystopian story, it is a short read but still features a well thought setting. The main reason why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have was the fact that almost everything was handed to the main characters on their adventure, so they weren't able to develop as characters as much as if they went through more struggles on their mission and had to persevere.
May 16, 2026
The earth lost all its water, all life on earth has perished, expect for few humans. The world is in dehydration, the sons of god has returned to destroy humanity and take what is rightfully theirs. Three kids who survived are attempting to save the world from these aliens and machines and recreate the earth’s original form.
It’s a dystopian sci-fi fantasy young adult novel, about Benny, Lilly and Lauren three teenagers who survived the catastrophe is trying to find their way back into the world to restore what once was. The story follows the three kids while they investigate why the earth had lost all its water and what has come to earth to destroy it. While investigating what was going on, they encountered machines, desperate humans who are trying to survive, and other similar problems.
Will they save earth and restore humanity? Or will the gods defeat them?
I personally found the short chapters of the book quite helpful. It is very easily readable with no high scientific terminology. However i felt the characters could have been developed with more depth to create a stronger personal connection. At times i felt the dialogues were repetitive. The story line was in linear form but it was lacking more details of the journey, especially in the middle sections where parts of the story seemed to move quickly.
Overall, the story was good, though the writing style was too simple. It’s not necessarily a drawback as the simplicity makes the book easy and comfortable to read especially for casual readers. However, i personally wished for a little more depth in both narrative and character development to make the experience more memorable.
June 8, 2026
Easy Read That Brings A Lot Of Adventure
The Garden Reborn was a fast and fun read. It had me hooked right from the beginning! I was very impressed with the way the author was able to help me feel like I was in the apocalyptic world with the character with fantastic descriptions and emotional dialogue. The characters Lilly, Benny and Laurel are on a mission to save the world during an apocalyptic event. They face several dangerous events on their journey seeking the truth and solution to help save Earth. A great book for middle school readers and up! I really enjoyed the epilogue as it tied the story together and offered the reader a lot of substance for reflection and a life lesson message about caring for the planet we call home.
The Garden Reborn was a fast and fun read. It had me hooked right from the beginning! I was very impressed with the way the author was able to help me feel like I was in the apocalyptic world with the character with fantastic descriptions and emotional dialogue. The characters Lilly, Benny and Laurel are on a mission to save the world during an apocalyptic event. They face several dangerous events on their journey seeking the truth and solution to help save Earth. A great book for middle school readers and up! I really enjoyed the epilogue as it tied the story together and offered the reader a lot of substance for reflection and a life lesson message about caring for the planet we call home.
May 7, 2026
One and Done
Weak storyline. Hurried and too brief in plot! Juvenile writing. I did finish this only skimming it as it was too shallow to be able to invest real reading and involvement into.
Weak storyline. Hurried and too brief in plot! Juvenile writing. I did finish this only skimming it as it was too shallow to be able to invest real reading and involvement into.
May 7, 2026
The garden reborn is an absolute phenomenal story from start to finish. It's an intense emotional page Turner that kept me hooked some start to finish. The plot twists are incredible and the writing is so detailed it is a total must read that I could not put down.
May 8, 2026
Kept my Attention
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this. It caught my interest right away and kept it. I very much like fantasy sci-fi and this fit very well. The book kept my interest from beginning to end.
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this. It caught my interest right away and kept it. I very much like fantasy sci-fi and this fit very well. The book kept my interest from beginning to end.
June 3, 2026
The Garden Reborn, Book 1 of 3: The Primordial Record by Dorianne Ashe dropped me straight into a broken world where humanity is barely hanging on. Machines rule the wastelands, drones hunt anything that moves, and survival feels impossible. In the middle of this chaos are three kids — Lilly, Benny, and Laurel — who never expected to be anything more than survivors. But while hiding in a forgotten underground facility, they uncover a truth that changes everything: humans weren’t born by accident. They were engineered thousands of years ago by the Anunnaki, the ancient “sons of gods.”
Now those same creators returned, not to save humans, but to finish what they started and wipe humanity out. As Lilly, Benny, and Laurel run from drones and alien forces, something even older stirs beneath the surface of the dying earth. Suddenly, these three kids carry the weight of an entire species. If they fail, humanity is gone. If they succeed, the world gets a chance to start over. It’s a high-stakes race between extinction and rebirth, told through the eyes of kids who never asked to carry that burden.
What grabbed me first was how real the three kids feel. Lilly, Benny, and Laurel aren’t trained soldiers or chosen ones with instant powers. They’re scared, stubborn, and sometimes argue like real siblings would, but that makes their courage hit harder when it shows up. I especially liked how the writer uses the underground facility as a turning point — it’s eerie, claustrophobic, and full of secrets that slowly peel back the layers of human history. The idea that our origins aren’t what we thought adds a chilling, “what if” layer that sticks with you long after reading.
The pacing also works. You get quiet moments of discovery mixed with tense action scenes where the machines and alien forces feel genuinely threatening. The world-building is grim but vivid — you can almost feel the dust, hear the drones, and sense the weight of a dying planet.
Beyond the science-fiction action, the book tackles themes like identity, purpose, and what it means to be human. The Anunnaki twist isn’t just a plot device; it forces the kids — and the reader — to question who we are and why we deserve to survive. The idea that even in a burning world, a new beginning is possible gives the story emotional weight without tipping into despair. Ashe balances the heavy stakes with the innocence of the kids, so it never feels overwhelming. My rating of The Garden Reborn is 5 out of 5 stars.
I’d recommend it to readers who love fast-paced sci-fi books with a mythological twist. If you enjoy stories where ordinary people are forced into extraordinary roles, this one will pull you in. It’s perfect for teens and adults who don’t mind a darker setting but still want a thread of hope and resilience.
The reason I’d pick it up again is simple: it makes you think. It’s not just about survival. It’s about whether humanity is worth saving, and what we’d do if we got a second chance. Lilly, Benny, and Laurel’s fight feels personal, and that’s what makes this book unforgettable. If you like stories that mixes action with deep questions about our past and future, start here — Book 1 leaves you wanting the next chapter.
Now those same creators returned, not to save humans, but to finish what they started and wipe humanity out. As Lilly, Benny, and Laurel run from drones and alien forces, something even older stirs beneath the surface of the dying earth. Suddenly, these three kids carry the weight of an entire species. If they fail, humanity is gone. If they succeed, the world gets a chance to start over. It’s a high-stakes race between extinction and rebirth, told through the eyes of kids who never asked to carry that burden.
What grabbed me first was how real the three kids feel. Lilly, Benny, and Laurel aren’t trained soldiers or chosen ones with instant powers. They’re scared, stubborn, and sometimes argue like real siblings would, but that makes their courage hit harder when it shows up. I especially liked how the writer uses the underground facility as a turning point — it’s eerie, claustrophobic, and full of secrets that slowly peel back the layers of human history. The idea that our origins aren’t what we thought adds a chilling, “what if” layer that sticks with you long after reading.
The pacing also works. You get quiet moments of discovery mixed with tense action scenes where the machines and alien forces feel genuinely threatening. The world-building is grim but vivid — you can almost feel the dust, hear the drones, and sense the weight of a dying planet.
Beyond the science-fiction action, the book tackles themes like identity, purpose, and what it means to be human. The Anunnaki twist isn’t just a plot device; it forces the kids — and the reader — to question who we are and why we deserve to survive. The idea that even in a burning world, a new beginning is possible gives the story emotional weight without tipping into despair. Ashe balances the heavy stakes with the innocence of the kids, so it never feels overwhelming. My rating of The Garden Reborn is 5 out of 5 stars.
I’d recommend it to readers who love fast-paced sci-fi books with a mythological twist. If you enjoy stories where ordinary people are forced into extraordinary roles, this one will pull you in. It’s perfect for teens and adults who don’t mind a darker setting but still want a thread of hope and resilience.
The reason I’d pick it up again is simple: it makes you think. It’s not just about survival. It’s about whether humanity is worth saving, and what we’d do if we got a second chance. Lilly, Benny, and Laurel’s fight feels personal, and that’s what makes this book unforgettable. If you like stories that mixes action with deep questions about our past and future, start here — Book 1 leaves you wanting the next chapter.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews