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Before the Origin
Much has changed. Climate change has inspired a new generation of discrimination - one where the mutation of a hereditary gene has become the greatest crime. The others - a minority kept silent for years are now up to something sinister.
Agent Amy Taff has moved through the world unnoticed until the recent disturbances in an otherwise perfect utopia require her expertise. Desperate to make her mark, Amy is hurled into a world of mystery and magic, deeply rooted in ancient African folklore. Discoveries that threaten her life and could not only change her reality but hold far-reaching implications for everyone on the face of a lone continent. Follow her into an epic tale that begins with accepting a new job at Scythe. Where it ends could swing the scales of balance toward life or death.
Agent Amy Taff has moved through the world unnoticed until the recent disturbances in an otherwise perfect utopia require her expertise. Desperate to make her mark, Amy is hurled into a world of mystery and magic, deeply rooted in ancient African folklore. Discoveries that threaten her life and could not only change her reality but hold far-reaching implications for everyone on the face of a lone continent. Follow her into an epic tale that begins with accepting a new job at Scythe. Where it ends could swing the scales of balance toward life or death.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2020
8 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Fatima Bala
3 books642 followersFatima Bala is a lecturer, poet, and writer who lives in Canada with her family and a pet fish named Fishy. Her books have received starred reviews from The Los Angeles Tribune, London Post, and New York Weekly. She graduated from Algonquin College, Vancouver Island University, and Stanford, where she studied Tourism, Business Management, and International Women's Rights. She loves traveling, playing board games, and watching movies with unanticipated twists.
Her Instagram account is @aka.fatima.bala
Her Instagram account is @aka.fatima.bala
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 12, 2020
Before the Origin is a highly-enjoyable fantasy read! It was full of action and adventure and I liked how mythology was blended into the story. It reminded me of a blend of X-men meets Black Panther meets His Dark Materials, all of which I love. I was intrigued throughout the story as to what was happening, both past and present - and what would happen in the future - and I plan to read the 2nd book so I can continue to follow this interesting story. The author takes what I felt was a complicated story and made it understandable, readable and highly enjoyable.
October 10, 2020
As soon as you finish this book, there is an overwhelming desire to read it again. To catch the little clues you might have missed, the foreshadowing is expertly done. Hard to believe it is the authors debut novel.
The genre is hard to classify, the book does not try to fit into the typical magic systems of YA or fantasy novels - it is the shortest fantasy book I have read, but the story holds weight. Diverse characters even though it is set on the African continent, and the reveal at the end just makes every sentence in the book clearer. The blurb only talks about one character but there are a few and they are all very different with their own motivations that keeps moving the story forward. I finished the book in one sitting, the end of every chapter compelled me to turn the page. If you are looking for an easy to read book that delivers. A book that shows a different part of Africa, shows magic in a new light, then this book is for you. I cannot believe that I am saying this, but I am now impatiently waiting for the second book
The genre is hard to classify, the book does not try to fit into the typical magic systems of YA or fantasy novels - it is the shortest fantasy book I have read, but the story holds weight. Diverse characters even though it is set on the African continent, and the reveal at the end just makes every sentence in the book clearer. The blurb only talks about one character but there are a few and they are all very different with their own motivations that keeps moving the story forward. I finished the book in one sitting, the end of every chapter compelled me to turn the page. If you are looking for an easy to read book that delivers. A book that shows a different part of Africa, shows magic in a new light, then this book is for you. I cannot believe that I am saying this, but I am now impatiently waiting for the second book
January 1, 2021
Have you ever been in a maze that keeps shifting again and again when you tried to escape? No? This story will give you the same experience. It will give you a feeling of unending mysteries.
All sci-fi thrillers have the same beginning. They will transport us to a new world. A world which that can only build through our creative capabilities. Then we start to solve the puzzles. The puzzles are twisted, to keep it interesting to play. In the end, the puzzle is solved. But this is not that typical sci-fi thriller.
The story keeps twisting again and again. There is no end in this maze. We will keep traveling back and forth, future and past. In the end, an entirely new dimension of the story is uncovered.
I’m truly mesmerized by the beautiful writing style. How easily the author has carried a complex story without creating any loopholes but creating suspense and confusion at times. It was so exciting for me to turn each page. Because I was eager to know what happens next.
At first, I thought that the author is narrating some parallel storylines, just like others. But it was not parallel storylines. It is all a part of one story. It was quite thrilling for me to come across each piece of that story and how it is connected to each other. The climax gave me a feeling that the best part is yet to be released. The cliffhanger is enough to keep the curiosity high till the next part. A must-read for all sci-fi lovers.
All sci-fi thrillers have the same beginning. They will transport us to a new world. A world which that can only build through our creative capabilities. Then we start to solve the puzzles. The puzzles are twisted, to keep it interesting to play. In the end, the puzzle is solved. But this is not that typical sci-fi thriller.
The story keeps twisting again and again. There is no end in this maze. We will keep traveling back and forth, future and past. In the end, an entirely new dimension of the story is uncovered.
I’m truly mesmerized by the beautiful writing style. How easily the author has carried a complex story without creating any loopholes but creating suspense and confusion at times. It was so exciting for me to turn each page. Because I was eager to know what happens next.
At first, I thought that the author is narrating some parallel storylines, just like others. But it was not parallel storylines. It is all a part of one story. It was quite thrilling for me to come across each piece of that story and how it is connected to each other. The climax gave me a feeling that the best part is yet to be released. The cliffhanger is enough to keep the curiosity high till the next part. A must-read for all sci-fi lovers.
November 30, 2020
***Actual Rating 3.5***
Characters
There are an assortment of characters. Two primary ones are Ash and Amy. Amy is “deaf” to the mind control of mutants and Ash is hiding in plain sight. Although both characters were interested for some reason I couldn’t really get invested in either of them. There is also a host of supporting characters. A times it was difficult to tell whose point of view we were in as it felt there was some head hoping.
Plot
This plot was really well done. This book as an interesting plot, but it is really important to pay attention because most times each chapter jumps around from character to character and time to time. What makes it even more complicated is the introduction of a mythological aspect.The plot and wanting to see the story through to the end was the main reason I kept reading. I just had to know – only to find out this appears to be the first book in a series.
Overall
Although there were interesting characters and the plot was a maze of complexity that I normally enjoy, it was difficult to orient myself because of the lack of descriptive settings. I would have greatly enjoyed the book more if as much care that had been taken with the interesting plot was applied to the world building. There is a clear divide between the technological advances of the different groups. The version I received had a map at the end of the book (I didn’t see one in the beginning), which would have helped with this.
The author had a lot of imagination and I could see the potential in the storytelling style. The way they blended the different genres while also touching on African folklore was engaging. I do not know if I would read the second book in the series but I would be willing to read a second book by this author. They have a clever way of delivering plots that are shifting and dynamic.
Rating
3.5 stars (rounded down)
Follow the clues, piece the prophecy together, and discover the truth behind the myth. A fascinating plot that makes one keep reading!
Where did I get a copy?
From the author. This is a voluntary and honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
Characters
There are an assortment of characters. Two primary ones are Ash and Amy. Amy is “deaf” to the mind control of mutants and Ash is hiding in plain sight. Although both characters were interested for some reason I couldn’t really get invested in either of them. There is also a host of supporting characters. A times it was difficult to tell whose point of view we were in as it felt there was some head hoping.
Plot
This plot was really well done. This book as an interesting plot, but it is really important to pay attention because most times each chapter jumps around from character to character and time to time. What makes it even more complicated is the introduction of a mythological aspect.The plot and wanting to see the story through to the end was the main reason I kept reading. I just had to know – only to find out this appears to be the first book in a series.
Overall
Although there were interesting characters and the plot was a maze of complexity that I normally enjoy, it was difficult to orient myself because of the lack of descriptive settings. I would have greatly enjoyed the book more if as much care that had been taken with the interesting plot was applied to the world building. There is a clear divide between the technological advances of the different groups. The version I received had a map at the end of the book (I didn’t see one in the beginning), which would have helped with this.
The author had a lot of imagination and I could see the potential in the storytelling style. The way they blended the different genres while also touching on African folklore was engaging. I do not know if I would read the second book in the series but I would be willing to read a second book by this author. They have a clever way of delivering plots that are shifting and dynamic.
Rating
3.5 stars (rounded down)
Follow the clues, piece the prophecy together, and discover the truth behind the myth. A fascinating plot that makes one keep reading!
Where did I get a copy?
From the author. This is a voluntary and honest review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
October 4, 2020
I am a huge lover of YA fantasy – it is my comfort genre, and they are the books that I return to time and time again when I want to switch off and get suck into some good old-fashioned escapism for a few hours (isn’t that what we’re all in need of this year?!). As a result, I am quite familiar with the general themes and tropes you often find in YA fiction, and after a while it can be difficult to find something original that hasn’t been done many times before in multiple different ways. That is, I think, one of the greatest things about Before the Origin – in a packed and often over-saturated market, F. S. Bala has managed to create, in just a few short pages, a magical fantasy novel that certainly stands out amongst the other YA fantasy books out there.
I loved the inclusion of African folklore that was woven so expertly through this book, and how it was used to create such a fantastic magic system. In this way it reminded me a little of Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, but with the utopian society providing the fascinating backdrop and setting there were echoes of the Scythe series by Neil Shusterman throw in, too. This made for a really unique reading experience, which was all the more impressive considering the short length of the novel – most fantasy novels I have read require a vast number of pages to really craft a believable world and magic system, but Bala achieves this in just over 100 pages. Its short length makes it the perfect read to curl up with and devour in one sitting, and I was so impressed with how much plot the author managed to squeeze in without making the book feel too rushed or lacking in any way. It packs a real punch, and deals with some weighty topics that don’t ever feel skimmed or glossed over.
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut novel, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from F. S. Bala. Certainly an author to keep your eye on if you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend you add this one to the top of your reading list!
I loved the inclusion of African folklore that was woven so expertly through this book, and how it was used to create such a fantastic magic system. In this way it reminded me a little of Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale, but with the utopian society providing the fascinating backdrop and setting there were echoes of the Scythe series by Neil Shusterman throw in, too. This made for a really unique reading experience, which was all the more impressive considering the short length of the novel – most fantasy novels I have read require a vast number of pages to really craft a believable world and magic system, but Bala achieves this in just over 100 pages. Its short length makes it the perfect read to curl up with and devour in one sitting, and I was so impressed with how much plot the author managed to squeeze in without making the book feel too rushed or lacking in any way. It packs a real punch, and deals with some weighty topics that don’t ever feel skimmed or glossed over.
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut novel, and I’m already looking forward to reading more from F. S. Bala. Certainly an author to keep your eye on if you enjoy YA fantasy, I highly recommend you add this one to the top of your reading list!
October 29, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A short but highly enjoyable read with a range of fascinating characters with their own set of complexities!
The ending is certainly my favourite part of the book, and I was amazed at how everything was drawn together. The author seems to tell stories that are separate, but the ending is expertly written and makes for an incredible cliffhanger.
I read this in one sitting, especially as I was compelled to find out more about each character and their motivations. I would definitely highly recommend this, and I can’t wait to check out the sequel at some point in the future!
A short but highly enjoyable read with a range of fascinating characters with their own set of complexities!
The ending is certainly my favourite part of the book, and I was amazed at how everything was drawn together. The author seems to tell stories that are separate, but the ending is expertly written and makes for an incredible cliffhanger.
I read this in one sitting, especially as I was compelled to find out more about each character and their motivations. I would definitely highly recommend this, and I can’t wait to check out the sequel at some point in the future!
October 7, 2020
The book has an excellent plot that is woven interestingly around ancient African folklore. Mythology has always been my choice of genre, and this story holds true to its promising summary. Practically every chapter ends with a cliff hanger and you just can’t wait to start a new one. I spent sleepless nights wanting to know what happened next!
You can’t help but admire all the characters, especially with the sacrifices made by Amy and Haske; and the simplicity of Ash.
I loved the way the story progresses with an equal part division of past and present, which helps the readers remain abreast with the fast-moving plot. The writer has also taken the required efforts to explain the folklore and how it is assimilated into the story.
I can’t wait for the second part to release!
You can’t help but admire all the characters, especially with the sacrifices made by Amy and Haske; and the simplicity of Ash.
I loved the way the story progresses with an equal part division of past and present, which helps the readers remain abreast with the fast-moving plot. The writer has also taken the required efforts to explain the folklore and how it is assimilated into the story.
I can’t wait for the second part to release!
October 5, 2020
I took a break from reading as there was just too much teenage angst, unnecessary love triangles in almost every book. I saw a promotion for this book and it said African folklore... hmm.. the synopsis also sounded like dystopian future, so I thought WHY NOT? It is set in Africa, but not Africa like you know it, sorry it cant be explained without spoilers, three main characters, Amy, Ash and Xari, again I cannot say anything or else, spoilers. This book is divided into 2 (I dont know why the author decided to put a bridge but it works, the second half has a different tone) THIS STORY BLEW ME AWAY! The complexity of it, the detail in the planning. Again I cant say much because spoilers. I hope the curse of the second book doesnt fail these series, most times authors cannot beat their first books, but I guess time will tell
October 6, 2020
I liked the hausa legends in an old fashioned way, the origin story was told with the nuances of an elder, giving it weight and value. pacing is excellent. solid foundation for second book, delivered the scenes with vibrant visuals, and immediately immersed me, getting me engaged.I love this, beautifully delivered. It has me further connecting and wanting to know more. Author's style is crisp delivery, Little to no prose, but still drives tension with content and the story drives the reader without fluff.
October 10, 2020
Well, this was a surprising read, one of my favourites this year. We have a protagonist who feels like she shouldn't be where she is, she feels like a fraud, Then we have the history or the story of the 'beginning of humankind', which I enjoyed very much, then you have the magic and powers woven in. It almost feels like a mystery. I should take one star away because of how short the book is but we have a gender-neutral character so for inclusiveness that will be forgiven
October 10, 2020
This is good. I'm split between 4 and 5 stars but I have no significant complaints so I will leave it as 5. The world was different, introduced slowly, little clues here and there showing that global warming or climate change had done a number on earth but it was not a save the earth campaign, it wasn't in your face. The dialogue flowed easily, the magic was subtle and explained.
October 10, 2020
Reading this book was like taking a breath of fresh air. A fresh look at African fantasy, A powerful new entry into the Black girl magic catalogue. Fun journey, characters were fantastic and easy to read. I was skeptical when I saw the size but in the end it did not matter. Highly recommend
July 9, 2025
Very interesting and educational
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews