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The Quest of All Ages
Set against the war-prone and volatile times of ancient Magna Graecia, this uplifting tale portrays the transcendental love between a Lucanian princess and her merman prince lover. Both, expected to marry from among their own races, decide to follow their oracle and spiritual advisor's guidance instead and set out on a life-transforming journey that will bring them to the brink of human perseverance and faith, in the hope of being able to unite in the heavenly abode of the Olympian Gods. In this first book of the multi-volume grand saga, Within the Ocean of Eternal Love, entitled The Quest of All Ages, the two lovers defy the rules and confines of a compromised reality to venture into the depths of the humanly impossible. Quickened by their endless love for one another, they startle and inspire their family and friends with their superhuman courage and ingenious plan to win the support of the Olympian Gods and Goddesses for the ultimate quest any soul can aspire to accomplish: complete self-mastery and unification with the other half of the soul, one's eternal soulmate! Maha Devi Li Ra La's writing weaves itself like an ethereal tapestry throughout the story, stylishly combining powerful spiritual knowledge with factual historic events into a language that is reminiscent of consciousness itself, vibrating with the aliveness of the laws of nature that underlie all of creation and that lend their synchronistic rhythms and cadences to this 'out of this world' story as if it were a poem springing from the mouth of the Divine itself.
260 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2014
1 person is currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Maha Devi Li Ra La
2 books31 followersHaving studied the Science of Creative Intelligence at Maharishi International University as well as spiritual knowledge from various other sources, and having practiced daily meditation for 30+ years, Maha Devi Li Ra La decided to incorporate her wisdom into a fiction novel that appeals to the young at heart, conveying higher truths in a highly entertaining and easily accessible way. As a child she enjoyed listening to fairy tales and was always fascinated with the character developments of the main protagonists, the moral of the story, and the happy endings that would inevitably follow any good deeds.
Throughout her years of spiritual studies, and leading both a spiritual retreat center and a spiritually oriented homeschool in Northern California, Maha Devi Li Ra La found that stories and analogies conveyed deep spiritual truth in all its simple and complex facets better than any factual explanations could often attain. In her several volume comprising Grand Saga, Maha Devi Li Ra La aspires to express this ultimate truth with her portrayals of heroes and heroines who won’t be swayed from their paths of righteousness until the highest goals of enlightenment and unity consciousness are accomplished.
Maha Devi Li Ra La is the president of ANANDA BLISS HARMONIES INC, a music label offering relaxing and mind-expanding New Age and Ambient music, and she is also the president of ANANDA BLISS CONSCIOUSNESS INC, the publishing house of her two books. She sees it as her life’s purpose to create works of literature, music, and art that reflect timeless wisdom, beauty, and truth, all of which support her audiences on their path to spiritual enlightenment and ultimate fulfillment.
Throughout her years of spiritual studies, and leading both a spiritual retreat center and a spiritually oriented homeschool in Northern California, Maha Devi Li Ra La found that stories and analogies conveyed deep spiritual truth in all its simple and complex facets better than any factual explanations could often attain. In her several volume comprising Grand Saga, Maha Devi Li Ra La aspires to express this ultimate truth with her portrayals of heroes and heroines who won’t be swayed from their paths of righteousness until the highest goals of enlightenment and unity consciousness are accomplished.
Maha Devi Li Ra La is the president of ANANDA BLISS HARMONIES INC, a music label offering relaxing and mind-expanding New Age and Ambient music, and she is also the president of ANANDA BLISS CONSCIOUSNESS INC, the publishing house of her two books. She sees it as her life’s purpose to create works of literature, music, and art that reflect timeless wisdom, beauty, and truth, all of which support her audiences on their path to spiritual enlightenment and ultimate fulfillment.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 22, 2016
"The Quest of All Ages" which I won through Goodreads/First Reads is a delightful fantasy that explores the undying love of a Mer Prince and a Earth Princess who struggle to be together after meeting each other at a waterfall one day only to have their dream thwarted by parents who want them to marry someone within their own races as well as Posideon's curse on a human world that he's judged violent and corrupt. Yet when they willingly agree to set out on a quest facing trials and tribulations that will test their commitment , perseverance and faith so they can meet in the heavenly abode of the Olympian Gods, their parents are inspired and agree to let them go on the journey.
Threads of the plot follow Loriolan and Indrali's separate struggle to win their parents approval for a quest that will not only cement their love, but hopefully bring peace and prosperity back to ancient Magna Graecia with its kingdoms that face war and economic instability. Loriolan visits Rachtan the King's advisor for advice putting aside his fears and doubts about the arduous journey while Indrali's counselled by a skeptical priestess only to pray to Aphrodite and be guided to the Oracle for wisdom and direction. Woven into a story that combines fantasy with historic fact, Maha Devi Li Ra La weaves in a spiritual aspect with the Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus. Although the plot is imaginative and innovative the fluidity and flow of the story is hampered by too little dialogue and lengthy narration.
Maha Devi Li Ra La creates main characters that infuse this fairytale -like story with intensity, passion and high drama. Indrali a kind and sensitive young woman becomes depressed, enduring in silence her father's arrangement to have her marry Hecto. With a refined and peaceful nature she detests the politically ambitious, overly -confident and arrogant Prince of Neopolis who shows cowardice at the Sports Games, and rudeness as well as disrespect at the celebration of their engagement. In contrast Loriolan is trustworthy, caring, brave and loyal, avoiding the temptation that Poseidon's daughter offered. I liked Indrali and Loriolan's parents who are loving, supportive and inspired by their children's conviction and determination to be together.
I liked "The Quest of All Ages" with its basic theme of sacrifice for true love. I'm rating it a 4.0 but would have given it a 3.5 if the scale allowed
Threads of the plot follow Loriolan and Indrali's separate struggle to win their parents approval for a quest that will not only cement their love, but hopefully bring peace and prosperity back to ancient Magna Graecia with its kingdoms that face war and economic instability. Loriolan visits Rachtan the King's advisor for advice putting aside his fears and doubts about the arduous journey while Indrali's counselled by a skeptical priestess only to pray to Aphrodite and be guided to the Oracle for wisdom and direction. Woven into a story that combines fantasy with historic fact, Maha Devi Li Ra La weaves in a spiritual aspect with the Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus. Although the plot is imaginative and innovative the fluidity and flow of the story is hampered by too little dialogue and lengthy narration.
Maha Devi Li Ra La creates main characters that infuse this fairytale -like story with intensity, passion and high drama. Indrali a kind and sensitive young woman becomes depressed, enduring in silence her father's arrangement to have her marry Hecto. With a refined and peaceful nature she detests the politically ambitious, overly -confident and arrogant Prince of Neopolis who shows cowardice at the Sports Games, and rudeness as well as disrespect at the celebration of their engagement. In contrast Loriolan is trustworthy, caring, brave and loyal, avoiding the temptation that Poseidon's daughter offered. I liked Indrali and Loriolan's parents who are loving, supportive and inspired by their children's conviction and determination to be together.
I liked "The Quest of All Ages" with its basic theme of sacrifice for true love. I'm rating it a 4.0 but would have given it a 3.5 if the scale allowed
January 17, 2016
The Quest of All Ages was an interesting read regarding Olympian Gods and Goddesses, spirituality and soulmates.
This book was definitely an interesting read - it didn't wow me, but it didn't turn me off the series either.
The plot line was all over the place, seeming like it was trying to be an old "Hercules" type of tale - going on an adventure to conquer true love, but it also wanted to throw in a splash of soulmates, and spirituality at the same time. All of these points go great together, but it felt like the story was long, slow and boring. There were many points in the story where I felt the story could have been summed up or could have ended.
That being said, this novel was very well written. The content itself was written in a magical way, and Maha Devi Li Ra La did a great job at it! I just felt the context was long and drawn out.
The epic tale was great, but I don't know whether to pick up the second novel. I am really on the fence about it, since this story felt long and drawn out. Could a sequel sum the story up? Will it continue on into a series? There are so many questions left.
Overall, this novel felt like it could have been a tale told over time in history classes. It was a great novel, but not something I am totally interested in!
Three out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was definitely an interesting read - it didn't wow me, but it didn't turn me off the series either.
The plot line was all over the place, seeming like it was trying to be an old "Hercules" type of tale - going on an adventure to conquer true love, but it also wanted to throw in a splash of soulmates, and spirituality at the same time. All of these points go great together, but it felt like the story was long, slow and boring. There were many points in the story where I felt the story could have been summed up or could have ended.
That being said, this novel was very well written. The content itself was written in a magical way, and Maha Devi Li Ra La did a great job at it! I just felt the context was long and drawn out.
The epic tale was great, but I don't know whether to pick up the second novel. I am really on the fence about it, since this story felt long and drawn out. Could a sequel sum the story up? Will it continue on into a series? There are so many questions left.
Overall, this novel felt like it could have been a tale told over time in history classes. It was a great novel, but not something I am totally interested in!
Three out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 31, 2017
I already wrote a review for this once but I don’t know what happened to it. I feel that this one won’t be nearly as good as the first especially since I am aggravated that I have to retype it. I will try to capture some of the first one though.
When I requested this from NetGalley, it was because I am a fairytale/mythology buff who can never have enough novels about it. I enjoyed the author’s interpretation because she stayed true to the originally mythology while making it her own. What I loved, however, was that it was not a modern telling, i.e. about the gods children or gods themselves in present day. That’s a trope I don’t enjoy.
Maha Devi Li Ra La masterly weaves a fantastical story of self-discovery with dynamic characters. It is story about adventure and coming into oneself, discovering one’s self. It was a powerful journey that had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for love in way I haven’t in a long time. I think it is because I have read erotica for so long where the couples have been hurt and jaded by the time they reach other. The love in Quest is fresh and dewy eyed like younger lovers falling in love for the first time. It has that hopefulness that young love seems to draw from.
Definitely a feel good novel. While it did not blow my mind, I walked away feeling optimistic and lighter.
When I requested this from NetGalley, it was because I am a fairytale/mythology buff who can never have enough novels about it. I enjoyed the author’s interpretation because she stayed true to the originally mythology while making it her own. What I loved, however, was that it was not a modern telling, i.e. about the gods children or gods themselves in present day. That’s a trope I don’t enjoy.
Maha Devi Li Ra La masterly weaves a fantastical story of self-discovery with dynamic characters. It is story about adventure and coming into oneself, discovering one’s self. It was a powerful journey that had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for love in way I haven’t in a long time. I think it is because I have read erotica for so long where the couples have been hurt and jaded by the time they reach other. The love in Quest is fresh and dewy eyed like younger lovers falling in love for the first time. It has that hopefulness that young love seems to draw from.
Definitely a feel good novel. While it did not blow my mind, I walked away feeling optimistic and lighter.
March 20, 2016
Simply wow!
I got it as a free giveaway. I have always been fascinated by fantasies. This one, though, was set on a different level altogether. Right from the vivid descriptions to the story line, everything was just perfect. This book is so captivating, I can't wait to read the next part of the saga. It's just epic, unique, yet familiar in its own way.
I got it as a free giveaway. I have always been fascinated by fantasies. This one, though, was set on a different level altogether. Right from the vivid descriptions to the story line, everything was just perfect. This book is so captivating, I can't wait to read the next part of the saga. It's just epic, unique, yet familiar in its own way.
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September 7, 2016I really liked this book's adventures and dilemmas. It's setting is nonfiction, set at a time when the Roman Empire was attempting to take over Greek colonies from Magna Graecia around 270 b.c. Indirali, the princess daughter of the King and Queen of the kingdom of Lucania, takes a walk with her maid servant to find a pool, safe from the sea that Poseidon stirs up in his hatred of humans.
There, they find three mermen. Indirali falls in love with the Merman Prince, Loriolan. Her maid servant likes Loriolan's best friend, Torilander. But in order to stay together, Indirali and Loriilan must endure near impossible feats to prove their worth to the Olympian Gods. So each sets out on their quest, alone without each other.
The book ends before anything really gets accomplished. For that you have to obtain book two: The Miracles of Friendship (Within the Ocean of Eternal Love). That kind of sucks. However, we do get to enjoy book two. Let the adventures progress.
Thank you Maha Devi Li Ra La, Ananda Bliss Consciousness Inc. and NetGalley for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review.
There, they find three mermen. Indirali falls in love with the Merman Prince, Loriolan. Her maid servant likes Loriolan's best friend, Torilander. But in order to stay together, Indirali and Loriilan must endure near impossible feats to prove their worth to the Olympian Gods. So each sets out on their quest, alone without each other.
The book ends before anything really gets accomplished. For that you have to obtain book two: The Miracles of Friendship (Within the Ocean of Eternal Love). That kind of sucks. However, we do get to enjoy book two. Let the adventures progress.
Thank you Maha Devi Li Ra La, Ananda Bliss Consciousness Inc. and NetGalley for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review.
April 5, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like this book wasn't quite what I expected, but in the best possible way. I was surprised by how often there were lines of dialogue that rang true. The spiritual leaders/oracles in this world are spot on and I love it! And to be perfectly honest, it was a relief how the issue of involving each of the main characters' parents in the narrative. I feel like this very easily could have devolved into a more Romeo and Juliet type of dynamic. And not only am I pleased that it didn't, but I think it makes for a richer story the way it is. I also was a bit disappointed that the book ended before each of the respective quests were complete- but that is the way of many a series. I am excited to see what happens next. And I feel like I have come to know the characters well enough that I at least have a good idea of what will happen next.
I feel like this book wasn't quite what I expected, but in the best possible way. I was surprised by how often there were lines of dialogue that rang true. The spiritual leaders/oracles in this world are spot on and I love it! And to be perfectly honest, it was a relief how the issue of involving each of the main characters' parents in the narrative. I feel like this very easily could have devolved into a more Romeo and Juliet type of dynamic. And not only am I pleased that it didn't, but I think it makes for a richer story the way it is. I also was a bit disappointed that the book ended before each of the respective quests were complete- but that is the way of many a series. I am excited to see what happens next. And I feel like I have come to know the characters well enough that I at least have a good idea of what will happen next.
November 19, 2015
I found The Quest Of All Ages to be a real gem and a wonderful, highly entertaining read for a number of reasons. It contains many elements that contribute to a very rich, uplifting, and very well-written novel: true love, action, fantasy, heroes, Gods and Goddesses, a highly engaging and intelligent storyline, and great character development. This is a beautiful and fascinating story in which the author did an excellent job weaving together the paths of the two main characters. One aspect that stood out for me was the deep wisdom found throughout the book—wisdom very apropos to our time and age. Maha Devi Li Ra La is a very gifted and talented author who excels in description and creating quite the ambience for the different parts of the book. Her book was not only fun and highly enjoyable to read but also very inspiring. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
November 18, 2015
I found The Quest Of All Ages to be a real gem and a wonderful, highly entertaining read for a number of reasons. It contains many elements that contribute to a very rich, uplifting, and very well-written novel: true love, action, fantasy, heroes, Gods and Goddesses, a highly engaging and intelligent storyline, and great character development. This is a beautiful and fascinating story in which the author did an excellent job weaving together the paths of the two main characters. One aspect that stood out for me was the deep wisdom found throughout the book—wisdom very apropos to our time and age. Maha Devi Li Ra La is a very gifted and talented author who excels in description and creating quite the ambience for the different parts of the book. Her book was not only fun and highly enjoyable to read but also very inspiring. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
November 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this epic tale. It was written with a Joseph Campbellian depth. The descriptions of the underwater world were vivid and detailed. They say a picture is worth 1000 words. The way this describes an ancient underwater fantasy world, it's in full motion. The characters are rich and well drawn. One of my favorite moments was the rise to action where they journey away from their comforts and familiarity and begin their quest. The pages flew by in this work. It seems thoroughly researched like an Anne Rice novel. That's one thing I appreciate is the historical color becoming pillars to an imaginative world. Overall the story taps into an essence one might call true love -- sacrificing for the ones we care about to achieve deeper harmony. I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2015
I really enjoyed this epic tale. It was written with a Joseph Campbellian depth. The descriptions of the underwater world were vivid and detailed. They say a picture is worth 1000 words. The way this describes an ancient underwater fantasy world, it's in full motion. The characters are rich and well drawn. One of my favorite moments was the rise to action where they journey away from their comforts and familiarity and begin their quest. The pages flew by in this work. It seems thoroughly researched like an Anne Rice novel. That's one thing I appreciate is the historical color becoming pillars to an imaginative world. Overall the story taps into an essence one might call true love -- sacrificing for the ones we care about to achieve deeper harmony. I highly recommend it.
June 30, 2024
I could not finish this book. Made it to 52%. The descriptions were too flowery and new agey. It just distracted me from the story. Also, it would sound so fitting for the time period, then toss in some modern verbiage. Very distracting.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
January 7, 2016
If you like fantasy, this novel has an authentic historical feel to the love story between a prince, who is actually a merman, and a Lucanian princess. Lots of description of the underwater world and the characters who live there. The merman and the princess are each expected to marry within their own race and their parents forbid their union. They must struggle to stay together in spite of all the pressure to break up and move on. I am used to shorter, more contemporary romance novels, so parts of the detailed story felt a bit "long" to me, but the story was well written and felt "real". Thanks for the win, Goodreads and the introduction to an author and genre I would have not usually picked up at the bookstore or library!
June 2, 2016
Surprisingly interesting.
At first, I wasn't expecting much from this book. I got really surprised by the quality and the fluidity of the story. Mixing Gods and the conquest of Love made this book readable even tho I'm not a fan of those stories.
You will probably crave a sequel at the end of this book. There isn't much action and it's pretty short. Switching between two perspectives (the princess and the prince) makes it even shorter.
The spiritual concept was the part I loved the most.
I got to thank Maha Devi Li Ra La for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
At first, I wasn't expecting much from this book. I got really surprised by the quality and the fluidity of the story. Mixing Gods and the conquest of Love made this book readable even tho I'm not a fan of those stories.
You will probably crave a sequel at the end of this book. There isn't much action and it's pretty short. Switching between two perspectives (the princess and the prince) makes it even shorter.
The spiritual concept was the part I loved the most.
I got to thank Maha Devi Li Ra La for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
December 30, 2015
Goodreads Signed Win
It’s a love story between merman prince and a Lucanian princess. Their fight to be together despite they are expected to marry their own race.
Their willingness to fight to be together with the support of family and friends despite the struggles they must endure. A sweeping tale of fighting for love that spans beyond time.
Will these two manage to get their chance to be together or is there too many obstacles in their path as we root for them? A heartwarming story of love.
It’s a love story between merman prince and a Lucanian princess. Their fight to be together despite they are expected to marry their own race.
Their willingness to fight to be together with the support of family and friends despite the struggles they must endure. A sweeping tale of fighting for love that spans beyond time.
Will these two manage to get their chance to be together or is there too many obstacles in their path as we root for them? A heartwarming story of love.
February 5, 2016
I recently received the book Quest of All Ages by Maha Devi Li Ra La from good reads. Thank you so much for this gift. This is not a book I would normally read but I'm glad I did. A Spiritual Fantasy where two people are promise to others but fell in love with each other. A Merman prince and a princess. They decide against all odds to go off on their own and sacrifice what ever they have to for true love. This is well written, interesting and quite descriptive. I will keep my eyes open for the next book. Well Done.
Thank you
Thank you
January 3, 2016
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
I will admit at first the cover threw me. I wasn't sure what to expect. I picked this book up without reading a summary for it. Sometimes it is fun to go into a book without knowing what it is about. I enjoyed this spiritual fantasy quite a bit. A beautiful book that I am happy to have read. It was written well and not too long or slow of a book.
I will admit at first the cover threw me. I wasn't sure what to expect. I picked this book up without reading a summary for it. Sometimes it is fun to go into a book without knowing what it is about. I enjoyed this spiritual fantasy quite a bit. A beautiful book that I am happy to have read. It was written well and not too long or slow of a book.
August 30, 2016
Book One in the series "Within The Ocean of Eternal Love" gives the reader a look at life (the sinfulness of man), war (the opposition to it), love (between a human and a merman), nature (an emphasis on ecology), the spiritual (both the professional leaders and a common-sense lay woman), and the goodness of three people (the king, the princess, and the merman). It's entitled "The Quest of All Ages" by Maha Devi Li Ra La.
December 28, 2015
This is a Goodreads win and review. This book is a spiritual fantasy novel. It is about a Princess and her Merman prince lover. They decide to go against who to marry and set out on their own path. It is a beautiful book and I loved it.
June 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY…it is an ancient underwater fantasy world..the mixture of Gods and love is eternal…
January 7, 2016
Goodreads win.
I picked this book up not expecting too much. I quite enjoyed this spiritual fantasy, quite madness.. A brilliant book that I am happy to have received and read.
I picked this book up not expecting too much. I quite enjoyed this spiritual fantasy, quite madness.. A brilliant book that I am happy to have received and read.
October 20, 2016
I recommend!!!!
May 7, 2018
I received this book through Giveaway lottery and it's hard to write a review on it. Because it's not as much a book but expression of spiritual beliefs of the author thus you can't judge it in the same terms.
My notion of spirituality significantly differs from it - so I just leave it.
My notion of spirituality significantly differs from it - so I just leave it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews