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Xonarye
Unlike most adventures, quests, or journeys that started a long time ago — or the old catchphrase “Once upon a time” — this story starts now, in the modern world 2019.
If you want to know something, you have technology at your fingertips, ready to spit out any information that you desire. However, what if something isn’t available on a search engine? I am not talking about some small detail like what a random celebrity’s budgie’s name was — something much larger, far more important, and unique. Your brain is churning over wondering what on earth this mysterious information might be. This secret has a lot to do with the earth. In fact, the earth is hiding it and not many people know of this existence. You want to know more? Well, read on.
If you want to know something, you have technology at your fingertips, ready to spit out any information that you desire. However, what if something isn’t available on a search engine? I am not talking about some small detail like what a random celebrity’s budgie’s name was — something much larger, far more important, and unique. Your brain is churning over wondering what on earth this mysterious information might be. This secret has a lot to do with the earth. In fact, the earth is hiding it and not many people know of this existence. You want to know more? Well, read on.
104 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2020
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 27, 2021
Xonarye by S.H.S was a really funky experience for me. I have not read anything like it before. It reminded of the National Treasure and Black Panther movie. It was essentially a very elaborate treasure hunt. But the treasure was not gold. It was a powerful lost civilization, Xonarye which was home to an indestructible element, Xzed. Sounds really exciting right?
The writing was articulate. The language used was lucid. The narration was in third person. The pace of the book was fast. It was a really short, quick read. It was set in Naracoorte, Australia. It was centred around Leaf (tradie), Summo(salesman) and Spence (farmer). The book really showed the bond between the three friends which was beautiful to see.
Leaf found a mysterious box in the wall of his house which lead to more discoveries. He and his friends were now in charge of getting the lost country of Xonarye to rise again. Though initially, they were hesitant to go on this journey, they soon discovered the truth behind the words.
So they banded together against the evil corporation called Reblick which wanted Xzed for themselves. It was a really cool journey. I wanted to read more about them and the book didn't give me enough. I am looking forward to read the next installment of this series.
- Afreen
November 9, 2025
This was a great adventure/mystery, perfect for teens, young adults or older! (Says me, the 29 year old reading adventure packed teen books for the vibes. 😎)
Was a quick read, not too fast but full of quest vibes, adventure, a lost city, and a mystery that needs solving.
It's giving Atlantis mixed with Indiana Jones for some reason, which I love. 💁🏻♀️
Great work on your first book Scott! Love seeing a fellow Aussie out there in the wild and I'm excited to see what you do with the rest of the series! 🫶🏻
Was a quick read, not too fast but full of quest vibes, adventure, a lost city, and a mystery that needs solving.
It's giving Atlantis mixed with Indiana Jones for some reason, which I love. 💁🏻♀️
Great work on your first book Scott! Love seeing a fellow Aussie out there in the wild and I'm excited to see what you do with the rest of the series! 🫶🏻
August 12, 2021
Xonarye by Scott Shepard.
It's was the debut book of this author.
It's also the first book of the Onarye series. This story is about finding the underground city called Xonarye.
The protagonist leaf found one mysterious diary. That tells about the city called Xonarye. No one was aware that exists of the city. That diary also got the hint about finding that city that's under the water. What happens then?
Do they found that city? What are the struggles they have gone through? How the city can survive under the water? How it goes under the water? Who are all help leaf to found that city? Read it and find out.
While reading this story I felt like watching a treasure hunt movie. Its decoding of the riddle was so good. Twists and turns were unpredictable. It was my first read that related to treasure hunt. It was amazing to read. It kept us guessing till the end.
The language used in this was lucid. This story ends in a cliffhanger. I'm very eager to read the sequels of this book.
I highly recommend this to those who like to read something about the treasure hunt.
Happy reading.
It's was the debut book of this author.
It's also the first book of the Onarye series. This story is about finding the underground city called Xonarye.
The protagonist leaf found one mysterious diary. That tells about the city called Xonarye. No one was aware that exists of the city. That diary also got the hint about finding that city that's under the water. What happens then?
Do they found that city? What are the struggles they have gone through? How the city can survive under the water? How it goes under the water? Who are all help leaf to found that city? Read it and find out.
While reading this story I felt like watching a treasure hunt movie. Its decoding of the riddle was so good. Twists and turns were unpredictable. It was my first read that related to treasure hunt. It was amazing to read. It kept us guessing till the end.
The language used in this was lucid. This story ends in a cliffhanger. I'm very eager to read the sequels of this book.
I highly recommend this to those who like to read something about the treasure hunt.
Happy reading.
July 28, 2021
I recommend this book to everyone to read it.
I consider it a great adventure in a not too fast-paced and not boring at all reading, it is sort of a short read, fun read, and written in the most perfect way.
I really wanted to be there and live all the events.
This is my first-time t read for Scott Shepherd I would really love to read more, I like how the way the story is toldز
It is the lovely friendship that led to all of that, you'd really like to see a series of that book.
I liked how he drew the characters in detail and their image and built each individual his own charisma.
I liked the wonderful events and their sequence and the mysterious events and that you have to pay attention to everything so that you can understand them.
I consider it a great adventure in a not too fast-paced and not boring at all reading, it is sort of a short read, fun read, and written in the most perfect way.
I really wanted to be there and live all the events.
This is my first-time t read for Scott Shepherd I would really love to read more, I like how the way the story is toldز
It is the lovely friendship that led to all of that, you'd really like to see a series of that book.
I liked how he drew the characters in detail and their image and built each individual his own charisma.
I liked the wonderful events and their sequence and the mysterious events and that you have to pay attention to everything so that you can understand them.
August 23, 2021
This is a very interesting book. And it is a fast paced read. The plot is straight to the point and it give you a treasure hunting series/ movie vibes.
From a discovery of a rusted box in a workplace. It turn out to be a full blown adventure to Leaf Brodie after his curiosity arose when he read the book that belong in a box he found.
Xonarye, a country that he never knew exist and he cannot find in any sources including internet. Somehow, all the things that being mentioned in the books and document he found is legit.
The ending is such a cliffhanger. But, I guess this is a great introduction to a great series. Cannot wait what is ahead for leaf, Spence and Selina. Now the stakes is high as they now being followed by someone from Reblick.
From a discovery of a rusted box in a workplace. It turn out to be a full blown adventure to Leaf Brodie after his curiosity arose when he read the book that belong in a box he found.
Xonarye, a country that he never knew exist and he cannot find in any sources including internet. Somehow, all the things that being mentioned in the books and document he found is legit.
The ending is such a cliffhanger. But, I guess this is a great introduction to a great series. Cannot wait what is ahead for leaf, Spence and Selina. Now the stakes is high as they now being followed by someone from Reblick.
August 26, 2021
Have you ever come across conspiracy theories that you’ve read and dwell over it for the rest of your life? Do you also feel that there are so many things that are under the wraps or hidden in plain sight? Scientists and the government have hidden a lot of discoveries from normal citizens. No wonder why.
For starters, a group of friends are on a journey to hunt down a lost civilization, Xonarye. It was the only home of a powerful element. Now, they have to build it up from the ground up and make it prosper again. The journey goes to a pretty deep end and becomes a mystery waiting to unravel.
The author excellently digs right into the mystery of lost civilization. This is a short but amazing read. The thrill of this book will keep you on the edge of the seat and may tempt you to quickly finish it. Fantastic read, a great plot with the right amount of thrill. I’m deep into Xonarye already. I highly recommend this. MUST BUY.
For starters, a group of friends are on a journey to hunt down a lost civilization, Xonarye. It was the only home of a powerful element. Now, they have to build it up from the ground up and make it prosper again. The journey goes to a pretty deep end and becomes a mystery waiting to unravel.
The author excellently digs right into the mystery of lost civilization. This is a short but amazing read. The thrill of this book will keep you on the edge of the seat and may tempt you to quickly finish it. Fantastic read, a great plot with the right amount of thrill. I’m deep into Xonarye already. I highly recommend this. MUST BUY.
July 20, 2021
His quest starts now. Looking for a lost city, will Leaf be able to revive it?
The story is short, adventurous and mysterious that ends with a cliff hanger making the readers eager to read the next part. This book mostly includes introductions and character building. The concept is unusual and intriguing with a symbolic meaning behind it which will keep its readers engaged. A recommended book for readers who like this genre.
Personal Take:
I thought I was in the Marvel Universe while reading this book. The story was a little slow at first but kept me engrossed. The concept was peculiar and I really enjoyed reading this one. I am waiting for the next book of this series now.
The story is short, adventurous and mysterious that ends with a cliff hanger making the readers eager to read the next part. This book mostly includes introductions and character building. The concept is unusual and intriguing with a symbolic meaning behind it which will keep its readers engaged. A recommended book for readers who like this genre.
Personal Take:
I thought I was in the Marvel Universe while reading this book. The story was a little slow at first but kept me engrossed. The concept was peculiar and I really enjoyed reading this one. I am waiting for the next book of this series now.
August 25, 2021
I'm here from Booktasters, thank you so much for recommending this book to me.
Are you fond of adventures and excitement? this book is for you.
I love exciting fun adventures when you look for treasures and imagine yourself living inside the scenes.
The writing is great, It was a smooth short amazing read, very engaging, and very light.
Being a quick read, you will never feel there's a missing scene, you'll not feel it was missing anything at all.
Genuinely described.
I'm very thankful I read it along with other books. Also, my son was beside me most of the time and asked me what was going on and he was also excited.
Thank you for this lovely experience. You should write another one soon...
Are you fond of adventures and excitement? this book is for you.
I love exciting fun adventures when you look for treasures and imagine yourself living inside the scenes.
The writing is great, It was a smooth short amazing read, very engaging, and very light.
Being a quick read, you will never feel there's a missing scene, you'll not feel it was missing anything at all.
Genuinely described.
I'm very thankful I read it along with other books. Also, my son was beside me most of the time and asked me what was going on and he was also excited.
Thank you for this lovely experience. You should write another one soon...
July 9, 2021
There were mixed reviews on this and the description does little to give you clue of story but I really enjoyed this book. Slow paced as I see the author really develop the characters so early on you care what happens.
Leaf is a young man who finds a box hidden in the wall of a house he is working on..Have you ever wished to find such a box? A mystery unfolds and im hooked. May the clues keep us hooked on the adventure that awaits Leaf and his friends.
Leaf is a young man who finds a box hidden in the wall of a house he is working on..Have you ever wished to find such a box? A mystery unfolds and im hooked. May the clues keep us hooked on the adventure that awaits Leaf and his friends.
June 22, 2021
Although this book is just the right length and pace of the plot for its story, it is not so much my cup of tea. I liked the mystery concept, it gives a symbolic meaning beyond the story itself. The Unique title adds to the mystery element and symbolism. Nothing ever in the Universe can have all answers.
Read
March 24, 2021Thank you to Booktasters and the author for sending me this copy!
I enjoyed the premise of the book. The pacing of the book was just right for the genre of the book and the length of the chapters and how they were divided made the book very accessible and easy to read.
I loved the chapters where the friendship that's between Leaf, Frank, Spenc, and Summo shined. I thought it was so cute and wholesome. And the friendship was well written.
Selina was my favorite character because she is witty and protective of the boys and quite dynamic.
I loved that book had an open ending, it added to the sense of mystery and adventure of the book.
Overall the book is packed with so many adventures for such a short book in the best way possible and the characters were very interesting.
I enjoyed the premise of the book. The pacing of the book was just right for the genre of the book and the length of the chapters and how they were divided made the book very accessible and easy to read.
I loved the chapters where the friendship that's between Leaf, Frank, Spenc, and Summo shined. I thought it was so cute and wholesome. And the friendship was well written.
Selina was my favorite character because she is witty and protective of the boys and quite dynamic.
I loved that book had an open ending, it added to the sense of mystery and adventure of the book.
Overall the book is packed with so many adventures for such a short book in the best way possible and the characters were very interesting.
October 1, 2025
Book Review: Xonarye: Australia by S.H.S
Xonarye: Australia by S.H.S is a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the adventure and mystery genre. Unlike the familiar tales that begin in some distant past or with the traditional “once upon a time,” this story is firmly rooted in the present world of 2019, where technology and instant access to information dominate daily life. However, at the heart of this novel lies the idea that not everything can be found with a simple search. Some truths are far greater, hidden from public knowledge, and deliberately kept from the world. This central theme gives the story a modern yet timeless resonance.
The narrative introduces a group of friends who embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and suspense. Their mission is to track down the lost civilization of Xonarye, a place that once held a powerful and rare element of immense importance. As they uncover fragments of this hidden world, they are drawn deeper into a complex mystery that challenges everything they thought they knew. What begins as an adventurous search soon grows into an exploration of suppressed truths, ancient secrets, and the daunting responsibility of rebuilding something long forgotten.
The author handles this theme with skill, weaving together elements of conspiracy, lost history, and the thrill of exploration. The pacing is tight and engaging, ensuring that the reader never feels detached from the unfolding events. Each chapter propels the story forward with enough intrigue to keep the suspense alive. Despite being a relatively short read, the impact is strong, with a balance of tension, curiosity, and imagination that makes the novel highly compelling.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to blur the line between fiction and reality. By referencing the idea of hidden discoveries and knowledge kept away from ordinary citizens, S.H.S taps into a universal fascination with mysteries and secrets that lie just beyond our reach. This connection makes the journey of the characters not only exciting but also relatable to readers who have ever questioned what lies beneath the surface of recorded history.
Xonarye: Australia is more than just a story of adventure. It is a reflection on curiosity, the human drive to uncover hidden truths, and the possibility that the earth itself still holds mysteries waiting to be revealed. With its imaginative plot, fast pace, and engaging narrative style, it is a book that captures the mind as much as it entertains.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about lost civilizations, the uncovering of forgotten knowledge, and the thrill of discovering something extraordinary. It is a reminder that even in a world dominated by technology and information, there are still secrets worth chasing and mysteries that inspire us to look deeper.
Xonarye: Australia by S.H.S is a refreshing and thought-provoking take on the adventure and mystery genre. Unlike the familiar tales that begin in some distant past or with the traditional “once upon a time,” this story is firmly rooted in the present world of 2019, where technology and instant access to information dominate daily life. However, at the heart of this novel lies the idea that not everything can be found with a simple search. Some truths are far greater, hidden from public knowledge, and deliberately kept from the world. This central theme gives the story a modern yet timeless resonance.
The narrative introduces a group of friends who embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and suspense. Their mission is to track down the lost civilization of Xonarye, a place that once held a powerful and rare element of immense importance. As they uncover fragments of this hidden world, they are drawn deeper into a complex mystery that challenges everything they thought they knew. What begins as an adventurous search soon grows into an exploration of suppressed truths, ancient secrets, and the daunting responsibility of rebuilding something long forgotten.
The author handles this theme with skill, weaving together elements of conspiracy, lost history, and the thrill of exploration. The pacing is tight and engaging, ensuring that the reader never feels detached from the unfolding events. Each chapter propels the story forward with enough intrigue to keep the suspense alive. Despite being a relatively short read, the impact is strong, with a balance of tension, curiosity, and imagination that makes the novel highly compelling.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to blur the line between fiction and reality. By referencing the idea of hidden discoveries and knowledge kept away from ordinary citizens, S.H.S taps into a universal fascination with mysteries and secrets that lie just beyond our reach. This connection makes the journey of the characters not only exciting but also relatable to readers who have ever questioned what lies beneath the surface of recorded history.
Xonarye: Australia is more than just a story of adventure. It is a reflection on curiosity, the human drive to uncover hidden truths, and the possibility that the earth itself still holds mysteries waiting to be revealed. With its imaginative plot, fast pace, and engaging narrative style, it is a book that captures the mind as much as it entertains.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about lost civilizations, the uncovering of forgotten knowledge, and the thrill of discovering something extraordinary. It is a reminder that even in a world dominated by technology and information, there are still secrets worth chasing and mysteries that inspire us to look deeper.
December 9, 2025
Interesting enough. I don’t think I was the target audience for this book, but I could see how it would be great for like- a 14 year old.
December 11, 2025
Again, not my typical book choice, so giving this a neutral rating. Needed an X book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews