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Epoca: The River of Sand
The next book in the #1 New York Times best-selling Epoca series from Kobe Bryant and Ivy Claire.
As Pretia, the Princess of Epoca, prepares to return to Ecrof, the elite magical sports academy, she is focused on the most important part of her upcoming the Junior Epic Games. She knows that her destiny is to rule Epoca, but right now, all she wants is to be selected for the Junior Epic team so that she can compete against the best young athletes in Epoca and bring honor to her people. But as rumors begin to swirl about unrest surrounding the Games, Pretia realizes that winning might not be as simple as being the best athlete she can be. She might have to decide which is more being an athlete or being a leader.
Pretia‘s best friend, Rovi, is ecstatic when he hears that the Junior Epic Games will be held in Phoenis, where he lived before attending Ecrof. True, his time in Phoenis wasn‘t ideal―he‘d lived on the streets as a Star Stealer, part of a gang of kids who stole what they needed to survive―but he‘d found a home there. He‘s excited to return as a Dreamer, an athlete at the top of his game. But all is not well with the Star Stealers. Rovi‘s old friends are being blamed for the unrest surrounding the Games, even though he‘s sure they have nothing to do with it. Now that he‘s back in Phoenis, Rovi is faced with a difficult Is he a Dreamer or a Star Stealer? Can he be both?
As tensions mount, Pretia and Rovi, along with their friend Vera, find themselves in a race to save the Star Stealers. And they begin to understand that if anyone is going to make a new future for Epoca, it just might be them.
As Pretia, the Princess of Epoca, prepares to return to Ecrof, the elite magical sports academy, she is focused on the most important part of her upcoming the Junior Epic Games. She knows that her destiny is to rule Epoca, but right now, all she wants is to be selected for the Junior Epic team so that she can compete against the best young athletes in Epoca and bring honor to her people. But as rumors begin to swirl about unrest surrounding the Games, Pretia realizes that winning might not be as simple as being the best athlete she can be. She might have to decide which is more being an athlete or being a leader.
Pretia‘s best friend, Rovi, is ecstatic when he hears that the Junior Epic Games will be held in Phoenis, where he lived before attending Ecrof. True, his time in Phoenis wasn‘t ideal―he‘d lived on the streets as a Star Stealer, part of a gang of kids who stole what they needed to survive―but he‘d found a home there. He‘s excited to return as a Dreamer, an athlete at the top of his game. But all is not well with the Star Stealers. Rovi‘s old friends are being blamed for the unrest surrounding the Games, even though he‘s sure they have nothing to do with it. Now that he‘s back in Phoenis, Rovi is faced with a difficult Is he a Dreamer or a Star Stealer? Can he be both?
As tensions mount, Pretia and Rovi, along with their friend Vera, find themselves in a race to save the Star Stealers. And they begin to understand that if anyone is going to make a new future for Epoca, it just might be them.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published December 15, 2020
31 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 18, 2021
Ivy Claire reveals at the end of the book that she would not be continuing this series without Kobe Bryant. I was sad to read that, but I understand completely why she had to make that choice. The series could have been as long as eight books, and she reveals to the reader exactly what would have happened had the series continued as Kobe intended. I really like the subtle clues that we got throughout the first two books that foreshadow the events that would have come later, but it sounds a LOT darker than I would expect this series to go!
Even though it felt very much like I was reading a made-for-tv Disney movie, I was pleasantly surprised by this series and shocked that it doesn't have very many reviews on Goodreads. I would easily recommend it to any kid who likes sports or mythology. I think it would be a great pick for a reluctant reader-- there's tons of action to keep the reader engaged.
The books themselves are gorgeous in their design, too. My heart just soared over the rainbow gradient pages!
Even though it felt very much like I was reading a made-for-tv Disney movie, I was pleasantly surprised by this series and shocked that it doesn't have very many reviews on Goodreads. I would easily recommend it to any kid who likes sports or mythology. I think it would be a great pick for a reluctant reader-- there's tons of action to keep the reader engaged.
The books themselves are gorgeous in their design, too. My heart just soared over the rainbow gradient pages!
March 10, 2021
This book was so interesting and it caught your attention very easily. The book was written about a girl who was a princes of a king and queen from two kingdoms. She was the child of hope. Although she was so great, she didn't care at all about this. She wanted sports. But will she get her way? Who knows! The book was written very well but the only thing wrong with it is that it was pretty easy to read. I would recommend this book to younger people.
September 9, 2021
I tried to enjoy this book. I really, really did.
Unfortunately, it just could not capture my attention. The story started with *a lot* of worldbuilding and terminology, such that it became difficult to keep up until later when concepts were fleshed out better.
The characters never came across as distinctly different - especially towards the beginning, it was hard to a real difference between some of them.
I really wanted to like this book, partly because it had Kobe's name on it, but sadly could not.
Unfortunately, it just could not capture my attention. The story started with *a lot* of worldbuilding and terminology, such that it became difficult to keep up until later when concepts were fleshed out better.
The characters never came across as distinctly different - especially towards the beginning, it was hard to a real difference between some of them.
I really wanted to like this book, partly because it had Kobe's name on it, but sadly could not.
December 30, 2020
Dizem que é para crianças e adolescentes, mas adultos também podem aprender muito com a história. Kobe com certeza era uma mente brilhante e deixou muitos ensinamentos para as próximas gerações.
Impressionante a visão dele de atleta, pai e mentor.
Impressionante a visão dele de atleta, pai e mentor.
June 3, 2022
The note in the back of this one is just heartbreaking. Because of Kobe Bryant's untimely death, this is the last Epoca book, when they had planned eight (8). At the very least, they outline the path they'd planned for Pretia, the main character, so you know what's up with her and the god Hurrel and her Uncle. But they're not going to publish them, which is a true shame.
Knowing this, the author, Ivy Claire (Pochoda -- that's how my library cataloged it) did a great job of leaving it with an uplifting message and final image of Pretia royally spanning the rift between the two ruling tribes and a third, Rovi's adopted and much-discriminated-against Star Stealers.
Pretia's parents forbid her from participating in the Junior Epic Games and going to Ecrof Academy. This year and for the rest of her life. Sports are over for her. She needs to start behaving like a princess, the Child of Hope.
Her Uncle urges her to consult her book of grana, or magic, to see what path it lays out for her. And there she sees herself, a bright light spanning twin mountains (her parents) at the end of a long and windy road.
With a little prompting from her Uncle, she stows away in his van taking this year's recruits and returning students to Ecrof and goes to school anyway. She's determined to place in the Junior Epic Games, and she does. So too does Rovi and super-competitive Vera, who's obsessed with finding out more about the all-time Junior Epic Games record holder who's mysteriously been wiped from all the history books.
During the qualifying trials, Pretia's ability to split herself on the sports field comes under fire, and there's even a campaign to keep her from using it.
She figures it will all go away, until they get to the games, and she's almost immediately put on trial for using it in competition (even though she hasn't used it in the Junior Epic Games at all and still placed!).
At the same time, Rovi discovers his Star Stealer brothers are being rounded up and kept in a shadowy prison underground, one surrounded by a mysterious "river of sand." They've been left to die.
He can't stand idly by and do nothing, and neither will Pretia -- but saving them may push her to the limit.
I won't spoil the ending, it's a super good one.
I'm very sad that the unique world of sports fantasies featuring grana has come to an end, even if I logically understand why. Kobe Bryant will be missed by many, for many reasons, and we will feel his loss keenly in the years to come.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Knowing this, the author, Ivy Claire (Pochoda -- that's how my library cataloged it) did a great job of leaving it with an uplifting message and final image of Pretia royally spanning the rift between the two ruling tribes and a third, Rovi's adopted and much-discriminated-against Star Stealers.
Pretia's parents forbid her from participating in the Junior Epic Games and going to Ecrof Academy. This year and for the rest of her life. Sports are over for her. She needs to start behaving like a princess, the Child of Hope.
Her Uncle urges her to consult her book of grana, or magic, to see what path it lays out for her. And there she sees herself, a bright light spanning twin mountains (her parents) at the end of a long and windy road.
With a little prompting from her Uncle, she stows away in his van taking this year's recruits and returning students to Ecrof and goes to school anyway. She's determined to place in the Junior Epic Games, and she does. So too does Rovi and super-competitive Vera, who's obsessed with finding out more about the all-time Junior Epic Games record holder who's mysteriously been wiped from all the history books.
During the qualifying trials, Pretia's ability to split herself on the sports field comes under fire, and there's even a campaign to keep her from using it.
She figures it will all go away, until they get to the games, and she's almost immediately put on trial for using it in competition (even though she hasn't used it in the Junior Epic Games at all and still placed!).
At the same time, Rovi discovers his Star Stealer brothers are being rounded up and kept in a shadowy prison underground, one surrounded by a mysterious "river of sand." They've been left to die.
He can't stand idly by and do nothing, and neither will Pretia -- but saving them may push her to the limit.
I won't spoil the ending, it's a super good one.
I'm very sad that the unique world of sports fantasies featuring grana has come to an end, even if I logically understand why. Kobe Bryant will be missed by many, for many reasons, and we will feel his loss keenly in the years to come.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
December 5, 2021
🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛THE RIVER OF SAND🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛
The Junior Epic Championship has begun, with the Star Stealers being more and more bold Phoenis isn't safe anymore. Pretia is being restrained to go to school this year, but when she manages to sneak out and make it to the Chapionship-she must prove to her parents and the world that she is capable. Rovi must find were his loyalty lies-with Epoca law, or with his fellow Star Stealers.
I enjoyed this book better then the 1st one! My good friend ( and fellow book nerd Lots_to_do) lent me the book. River of Sand has great world building! I did find Pretia a lot more annoying, but Rovi had a great personality. I did find some key points in the plot where unnecessary, and unneeded. The ending was climatic and it is a shame that we won't get any more books in the series. Rovi and both Pretia were tested in this book and had some character growth. The world-building is great and vast. I love how supportive Vera is though I find her annoying too and did't understand the point of Eshe. Rovi was tested big time and he chose the right thing, the end scene was so interesting! I speed through this book! I loved the beautiful pages. One thing I would like to mention is that the plot twists are very OBVIOIUS, other then that this is a cool tale with sports that are made into magic.
✅PLOT
🛑PLOT TWISTS
🆗CHARACTERS
🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛CHARACTERS🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛
🆗PRETIA
🆗VERA
✅VERA
🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛CONCLUSION🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛
Beautiful illustrations and colours.
The Junior Epic Championship has begun, with the Star Stealers being more and more bold Phoenis isn't safe anymore. Pretia is being restrained to go to school this year, but when she manages to sneak out and make it to the Chapionship-she must prove to her parents and the world that she is capable. Rovi must find were his loyalty lies-with Epoca law, or with his fellow Star Stealers.
I enjoyed this book better then the 1st one! My good friend ( and fellow book nerd Lots_to_do) lent me the book. River of Sand has great world building! I did find Pretia a lot more annoying, but Rovi had a great personality. I did find some key points in the plot where unnecessary, and unneeded. The ending was climatic and it is a shame that we won't get any more books in the series. Rovi and both Pretia were tested in this book and had some character growth. The world-building is great and vast. I love how supportive Vera is though I find her annoying too and did't understand the point of Eshe. Rovi was tested big time and he chose the right thing, the end scene was so interesting! I speed through this book! I loved the beautiful pages. One thing I would like to mention is that the plot twists are very OBVIOIUS, other then that this is a cool tale with sports that are made into magic.
✅PLOT
🛑PLOT TWISTS
🆗CHARACTERS
🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛CHARACTERS🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛
🆗PRETIA
🆗VERA
✅VERA
🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛CONCLUSION🌌🏐🤽🏻♂️🏅⌛
Beautiful illustrations and colours.
May 26, 2023
Even better than book 1!
Okay, now this one had way more to do with Sports than book 1 did. Vera, Rovi and Pretia were all training hard for the upcoming Junior Epic Games, which seems like a Jr. Olympics kind of thing in the world of Epoca.
Suddenly Pretia gets the bad news from her over protective parents that she wouldn't even be returning to school due to some issues in a foreign city where the games would be hosted.
Of course, Pretia (with a few nudges) decides to sneak off back to school anyway and qualifies for the games!
She meets Rovi's old friends there and realizes everything she'd heard may be wrong. She learns that maybe the position of power she holds could actually be used for good and really become the Child of Hope for ALL the people of her kingdom!
There are trust issues to deal with, lots of narrow escapes, doing the right thing, and of course races and meets that go on through this book. It was all so good. Love the world building and character development.
I just really hated Pretia's parents. They are pretty bad rulers and....technically child abusers 🙊
Alas, the series will not continue because of Kobe's death, which is side but I respect that. Glad Ivy let us into the plans for the future of the series! Was really cool to see where the series was supposed to go and Pretia's mother is even WORSE than I imagined 😱
Okay, now this one had way more to do with Sports than book 1 did. Vera, Rovi and Pretia were all training hard for the upcoming Junior Epic Games, which seems like a Jr. Olympics kind of thing in the world of Epoca.
Suddenly Pretia gets the bad news from her over protective parents that she wouldn't even be returning to school due to some issues in a foreign city where the games would be hosted.
Of course, Pretia (with a few nudges) decides to sneak off back to school anyway and qualifies for the games!
She meets Rovi's old friends there and realizes everything she'd heard may be wrong. She learns that maybe the position of power she holds could actually be used for good and really become the Child of Hope for ALL the people of her kingdom!
There are trust issues to deal with, lots of narrow escapes, doing the right thing, and of course races and meets that go on through this book. It was all so good. Love the world building and character development.
I just really hated Pretia's parents. They are pretty bad rulers and....technically child abusers 🙊
Alas, the series will not continue because of Kobe's death, which is side but I respect that. Glad Ivy let us into the plans for the future of the series! Was really cool to see where the series was supposed to go and Pretia's mother is even WORSE than I imagined 😱
October 1, 2021
This book yet again grabbed my attention and kept it throughout the whole story. I respect Ivy Claire for not continuing without Kobe's input being available (Rest in Power). Kobe is definitely one of a kind and honestly the only reason I started reading these books, but now I'm in love with their messages, their characters, their stories, and everything in between. Kobe had a unique mindset when it came to sports, training, and teams which is heavily reflected in these works and I think they would lose some of that determination without his influence.
After reading the Afterword, I couldn't help but be upset about where the series was going because it sounded like it was going to be an AMAZING series. The adventures of Pretia, Rovi, and Vera are wonderful to read and their friendship is heartwarming.
Here's to dreams that never die!
After reading the Afterword, I couldn't help but be upset about where the series was going because it sounded like it was going to be an AMAZING series. The adventures of Pretia, Rovi, and Vera are wonderful to read and their friendship is heartwarming.
Here's to dreams that never die!
September 3, 2021
I have never cried because I finished a book and will never know the rest of the story. Sadly since Kobe Bryant passed, they will not finish it without him. I truly feel that that is the most honorable decision they could make, and that is why I cried. I cried because a man so inspiring and motivational has been taken from this world so soon. I cry for what we have lost because of that. Both of his books really hit a lot of things that this world needs. The story was magical and inspiring and I just didn't want it to end. I hate not knowing what was going to happen next. A lot of people could take something from this novel and the first one. Struggles lead to hope! I will never forget this story!
September 9, 2022
4.5
This book was absolutely beautiful and full of suspense. I was so shocked by so much that was revealed and the adventures that this trio continues to make is beyond real and exciting. I’m happy I got to read such and amazing series. I was crying when Rovi said goodbye to Issa 😭
The afterword was more of a shock. Pretia was with her birth father the entire time she was in the river of sand. WHAAAT!!!! but the after word was perfect because it put some closure to the books. I’m sad we don’t get anymore books to enjoy but Kobe’s imagination was beautiful and could not be replicated.
To the creator of the books - Kobe Bryant- Thank you for the suspenseful and emotional books that you have created not just this one but all of them.
R. I. P Kobe and Gigi 💔
This book was absolutely beautiful and full of suspense. I was so shocked by so much that was revealed and the adventures that this trio continues to make is beyond real and exciting. I’m happy I got to read such and amazing series. I was crying when Rovi said goodbye to Issa 😭
The afterword was more of a shock. Pretia was with her birth father the entire time she was in the river of sand. WHAAAT!!!! but the after word was perfect because it put some closure to the books. I’m sad we don’t get anymore books to enjoy but Kobe’s imagination was beautiful and could not be replicated.
To the creator of the books - Kobe Bryant- Thank you for the suspenseful and emotional books that you have created not just this one but all of them.
R. I. P Kobe and Gigi 💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2021
This is a wonderful series. It is such a shame it ends with the second book due to the tragic, untimely death of Kobe Bryant. He wove a beautiful story together with on point, relevant life idealogies with a sports theme. Timely themes such as discrimination and inclusion are illuminated in a thought-provoking way for the reader. This is a book that all pre teens and teens, especially, should read.
January 12, 2022
This was an absolutely amazing story about hope, overcoming fear and doing the right thing despite what others expect or ask of you. I’m so sorry to see the series end since Kobe is no longer with us to complete it.
March 20, 2023
yeah so basically this entire duology is perfect. the writing gets me everytime. it is so well written that sometimes i forgot middle grade can have this good of writing. especially with the themes of these books. they’re really deep sometimes and that’s really important to acknowledge in any book. sometimes their not just happy stories and rather about people struggling with personal issues.
March 15, 2021
it very NOICE
Read
August 20, 2021This is a great book for a young reader. It is the last book created by KOBE BRYANT and the information of what could have been by Ivy Claire would have made this a wonderful series.
January 2, 2024
This was one of the best books I've ever read. Amazing characters, exciting plot and a brilliant sequel to Epoca and the tree of ecrof, this book has everything a good book needs.
February 1, 2024
4.5/5
Not as beautiful as the first but still beautiful in the writing and pages, seeing how the live blossomed between the characters was great.
Not as beautiful as the first but still beautiful in the writing and pages, seeing how the live blossomed between the characters was great.
February 8, 2024
A very good number 2, hate that a lot of questions weren't answered due to the series being cut short because Kobe's death. Still a very nice continuation
November 20, 2025
Wasn't as good as the first, some parts confused me, but overall it was a pretty solid series and its worth finishing.
September 9, 2022
4.5
This book was absolutely beautiful and full of suspense. I was so shocked by so much that was revealed and the adventures that this trio continues to make is beyond real and exciting. I’m happy I got to read such and amazing series. I was crying when Rovi said goodbye to Issa 😭
The afterword was more of a shock. Pretia was with her birth father the entire time she was in the river of sand. WHAAAT!!!! but the after word was perfect because it put some closure to the books. I’m sad we don’t get anymore books to enjoy but Kobe’s imagination was beautiful and could not be replicated.
To the creator of the books - Kobe Bryant- Thank you for the suspenseful and emotional books that you have created not just this one but all of them.
R. I. P Kobe and Gigi 💔
This book was absolutely beautiful and full of suspense. I was so shocked by so much that was revealed and the adventures that this trio continues to make is beyond real and exciting. I’m happy I got to read such and amazing series. I was crying when Rovi said goodbye to Issa 😭
The afterword was more of a shock. Pretia was with her birth father the entire time she was in the river of sand. WHAAAT!!!! but the after word was perfect because it put some closure to the books. I’m sad we don’t get anymore books to enjoy but Kobe’s imagination was beautiful and could not be replicated.
To the creator of the books - Kobe Bryant- Thank you for the suspenseful and emotional books that you have created not just this one but all of them.
R. I. P Kobe and Gigi 💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews