Truthful roots is a dystopian fantasy novel and the groundwork of the Seeds of Ascension series. We are taken to Araktéa, where corruption, deception and sorcery are lurking right under the surface. Truths about the realm and its sinister agendas are about to be revealed, but its citizens will first need to face their own shadows and pay the heavy debts of their souls and ancestors.In book one, we follow eighteen-year-old Isaiah, the son of Ares Aronin (one of Araktéa's lost heroes). After four years as a captive in the Huxley fortress, his pursuit is a simple one. All he wants is to regain his freedom and return home to his grandfather. Presented with an unexpected exit, he is about to undertake a much longer journey than he anticipated and to discover dark truths about the world, himself and his origins.
Truthful Roots is an excellent book for anyone who’s into fantasy, spirituality or just wants to embark on a surprising and emotionally-felt adventure.
You could eally feel the depth of the darker underlying themes of the book, but at the same time it’s witty, humorous and has some really good plot twists.
Isaiah is the kind of protagonist that is (deliberately) annoying but that you also feel for. A little childish, innocent - at least initially - oblivious about most things and ever so slightly arrogant. Despite if this, his heart is in the right place and he just wants to feel safe. You really feel for him with all the obstacles he stumbles upon, and the descriptions of his anxiety and emotional sensitivity are spot on.
The other characters that are introduced are extremely fun and diverse and you get the sense that there is sooo much going on in this universe that you want to know more about.
Truthful Roots really lays the seeds for an exciting series ahead and I can’t wait for the sequel!
A dystopian fantasy, slow-paced, character-driven novel and the 1st book in the Seeds of Ascension series.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 🌱 I love that the women here are brave and well-opinionated. They are in high-ranking positions and have a say in the society.
🌱 My fave in the story is Devus Donovan, a friend of Isaiah (MC). He loves books (& reading) and is glad to meet the MC because he finally have someone to share his thoughts about the books he read. He said that " holding on to all these ideas and knowledge feels a little maddening sometimes." (which we bookworms can really relate haha) I commend him for seeking knowledge even if he's risking his own ears.
🌱 I like the idea that plants hold answers. In the story, the MC plants a seed and ask a question. After one year, he will know the answer by how the plant grow. Any plantita here? Haha you might be interested to read this book
🌱 I can relate to Isaiah in a sense that his family's name overshadowed him. I grew up being called "anak ni konsehal" which translates to "the brgy. counselor's daughter" up until now. Good thing the people around me sees me as who I am.
🌱 I always root for simple acts of kindness. What you've given will not come back empty-handed💛
🌱 It explores themes about finding oneself, friendship and family.
𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 🌱 There are characters (e.g. Kadoshi, Zura) who are introduced in the story with not enough descriptions on what part they play so I was really confused at first. They are explained later on. And I would have like it better if their roles are explained right after they're introduced so that I might able to visualize them more.
🌱 I was expecting that the MC might experience some kind of trial or challenge in entering a place everyone feared but I was quite disappointed with how everything played out in his favor.
🌱 As much as I want to, I was not that invested to the story. Hopefully the plot and the characters are explored more in the next installment.
✨ And my key takeaway would be: As we navigate our way in life, may we able to find not the answers we wanted but the answers we needed.
~ Thank you Ms Victoria for giving me the opportunity of reading your debut novel in exchange for an honest review💛
This novel revolves around Isaiah, who is an eighteenth year old boy and son of Ares Aronin, a legendary legend of Araktea. He was imprisoned for many years and wanted to go back home but he wasn’t able to.
One fine day, he escaped the prison and went back to his grandfather who was not in a good condition health wise. After seeing his grandfather’s condition, he called a doctor to assist him but when he went home, grandfather was missing. Where did he go ? What will he do now ? Will he be able to find his grandfather ?
He later reveals the dark truths of life. What were the realities ? Will he be able to face them ? Read this novel to discover them.
The characterisation is nice and the story reveals end number of secrets. The language is simple and easy to understand. I would recommend this fantasy novel to everyone who is from literature background and likes reading such books.
Thank you to Victoria M. Steinsoy for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
In this book, we follow Isaiah as he finds his freedom from a fortress where he has been held. We see him as he goes on a journey to find his grandfather after returning home. His life turns upside down as he learns more and more about his family and their secrets while meeting some unique people along the way.
I went into this book not knowing much about it but I thought the story idea was very interesting. The setting was very well done and I liked how his surroundings were described in such detail. I also really connected with Isaiah and sympathized alongside him as he was going through hard times on his adventure.
However, I thought there were too many things going on as the story progressed and Isaiah had gone on a very complicated journey. For example, near the end of the book when some parts from the story earlier were brought up, I had completely forgotten that those events had occurred. Some storylines could've also been explored in more detail. Some items or characters were brought up and then not overly discussed after that. I believe that the author is planning on writing more books so these things could be explored later.
The writing itself was very well done and I enjoyed that aspect of it. However, sometimes the viewpoint would change abruptly and briefly which was confusing at times as I didn't know whose perspective I was reading from. I am however eager to see how the story continues and I am looking forward to the next books!
•We know relatively little about things until we dive deep into them. Everything appears normal from above, but as soon as we sense the depth, it changes. Always be prepared for the worst and comprehend the system's criticality, since each secret has its consequence and flow. Introducing VICTORIA M. STEINSOY's TRUTHFUL ROOTS. The cover page is incredibly fascinating and unique, and it goes perfectly with the title.
•This novel is about Isaiah, an eighteen-year-old who was the son of Ares Aronin, a legendary legend of Araktea. Isaiah had been imprisoned in Huxley Fortress for many years and all he wanted was to return home. But because there were so many security officers at the stronghold, he was unable to do so. However, after several efforts, he escaped that location and returned home. He visited his grandfather Theodore, who was very sick, at home. He was distraught after seeing his grandfather at this point, and he attempted to get a doctor to assist him. But when he went home, he discovered that Theodore had gone missing. The real quest for his grandfather began at this point.
Will he be able to track him down? What are his ancestors' secrets? Who will assist him with this mission? Read and learn all of the answers.
•The narrative has a spiritual as well as an emotional underpinning. Even though the plot begins slowly, things changed after a while, making it more engaging. There are so many appealing characters interspersed throughout this story. The author began his journey in the same location as he concluded this section. It will be fascinating to watch how the tale progresses in the next installment of the series.
Thank you to the author who provided me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. In this quirky novel that I believe will be a series, Isaiah finds freedom from his captors by journeying with an even worse man. It’s this journey that sets off many events and revelations for Isaiah who simply wants to return to his grandfather and the way things had been before he was taken captive. But things may never be the same again, not as Isaiah learns truths of his country, his family, and himself.
The descriptions and writing style of this book are beautiful. Combined with the amazing worldbuilding that included warring countries, oppressed races, and different languages, I felt like I was truly there on Isaiah’s journey. I also love how many characters come to be important in what clearly is a complex story. I did think Isaiah was very innocent in a way that made him naïve about the world and how it works, which could be frustrating when he was in certain situations. However, this ain’t a flaw as he stayed true to his character and we can see his growth. I did think there were some dialogue that was a bit too on the nose, and sometimes the perspective switched from Isaiah to another character rather abruptly. This is my reason for docking a couple stars. However, it is a brilliant story and I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.
Isaiah, a young teenager, is a captive of the Huxley fortress. Being at the prime age of eighteen, adulthood and the pursuit of regaining freedom make him undertake courses of action that help unveil the truths of his "roots".
The Captive Cave as the prison is called here almost reminds of Plato's cave, of which Isaiah has to escape to know what is real. The pursuit of healing his grandad Theodore, his adventures with Tzelem Huxley and his encounter with the Zura escort Cyra provide interesting episodes for the readers. Despite the skepticism of this world of omens, spells and beasts, Isaiah finds compassion and warmth that keeps him going.
This fantastical sphere is set against a pastoral backdrop, with the countryside lifestyle of farming playing a major role in the plot. It starts with Isaiah planting a seed and ends with the same Tree of Truth ushering Isaiah, the seeder, into a chamber of truth and knowledge. Thus, this novel serves as a preliminary introduction to the world of Dabar, Duroya, Nagar and Delta and prepares the readers for the upcoming sequels. This classic mode of storytelling keeps the episodes as real as possible albeit missing an element of suspense which will probably be built up as the series progresses. The narration is polished and the plot framework carefully thought-out. Looking forward to the sequels.
I can honestly say, I am so pleased, I found this author. His descriptions are detailed to the finest points. Even in your minds eye, you feel as if you are present with the characters, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear and the most difficult for most writers, is making you feel, what they feel.
This fantastical sphere is set against a pastoral backdrop, with the countryside lifestyle of farming playing a major role in the plot. It starts with Isaiah planting a seed and ends with the same Tree of Truth ushering him into a chamber of truth and knowledge.
It does a great job of introducing many interesting characters, tying them in unique ways to the main throughline of the story whilst interweaving many interesting side stories as well. It's rich in very well fleshed-out characters, very relatable notes, and story elements. The pacing of the story is well balanced and it does a great job of keeping you hooked, allowing you to realize things on your own and creating intrigue and interest throughout the whole book.
The story flows through the perspective of the MC 'Isaiah' who you start with feeling 'in my case' annoyed with his point of view and inner dialogues, but then, understand why they are as they are, and then you start to even relate to how he is and how he is perceiving the world and how the world is perceiving him.
The story and the world have many beads of spiritual, political, reflective elements that are so well balanced.
So here are the pros and cons to simplifying what I feel
👍 Pros ⚪ Characters are so much fun, really well defined and interesting to meet and discover ⚪ The world is expansive, detailed full of mystery and juxtaposing elements to our own world, which builds room for reflectiveness ⚪ The writing style is simple, fun, beautiful, quite witty and will make you laugh many times ⚪ The story is introduced with a healthy dose of exposition and with a balanced dose of ' i trust you -the reader- can connect the dots and figure this your own ' which keeps you hooked in even more
👎 Cons ⚫ Because of how interesting some of the characters, tribes, and different factions introduced in the book, I feel they didn't get enough of a spotlight or inclusion in the book, I do understand however that it's the first book and we're just kicking things off simply and slowly, but I am very looking forward to book 2 and maybe beyond to get to meet them more and discover more about them and especially more into the arts and culture of the various cities/tribes and communities of Araktea. ⚫ If you consider this is as a con even, the ending, was such a surprise and it was so unexpected especially with how well it was done, but it ended with such a powerful cliff hanger and book 2 is not out yet and I can't wait to know what happens next
Overall, a beautiful read, I never finish books quickly, but this book was special, and I couldn't stop reading until I finished it and I was very happy I have done so and discovered the beautiful, haunting, fantasy world of Araktea. Can't wait for the future installments.
Personally i believe that nature is the truth, so when the story started with Isaiah's ritual of getting answers from a seed, i wanted to go outside myself to start communicating with plants.
Reason for this, was the great way of describing Isaiah's surroundings, thought and - emotional processes, in combination with well chosen words. I could picture it all.
I didn't end up outside with the plants though, because the well described beginning sets the tone for the rest of the story. A story that captured my attention and kept me focussed on reading and turning the pages :)
Where the beginning of the story was slow enough to engage the reader, the rest of the story develops faster. I enjoyed that faster pace, since i was very curious about what would happen next.
Besides the great way of putting words together to tell the story, there was a good amount of moments the author showed some playful word tricks. Those moments i chuckled and even laughed out loud. Other moments i did re-read some lines, because i noticed symbolism or a metaphor. Words i wanted to let sink in, because they felt like a secret message hidden between other lines. Those parts were like magic to me, because i love it when words have the power to trigger my imagination and perspective.
The last pages brought me in lower spirits, but that's only because because the words ended, but not the story... When i closed the book, i really wished that the next book was waiting for me. As i know i would have kept on reading. What an exciting open end of the interesting, fascinating journey of Isaiah. I truly look forward to how the story continues.
Thank you Victoria, for writing such a beautiful and magical story! You are a word wizzard, and an inspiration with an imagination beyond this world(s).
I found this novel interesting. As the foundation of the series, it introduced its world, Araktea, and the main character, Isaiah. Additionally, it opened the mystery that left me hungry for what would happen next.
The novel used the concept of seeds/plants as part of the growth of the story. I never read any book with something like it, and even though I found it unusual, I loved the technique.
The introduction was not my cup of tea since it lacked action. However, the plot became more engaging when there was something wrong with Isaiah’s grandfather, Theodore. Theodore was a nice man but I also found him strange, and I love the mystery which was developed through Isaiah's journey towards Theodore's cure.
Unfortunately, the thrill I had while reading the climax was cut off since the story turned into a cliff-hanger. I could still understand since this is a part of a series.
There were lots of other cliff-hangers, but my mind mostly wondered about what would happen with Theodore. Truthful Roots had been an immense read, and I could not wait to find answers to my questions in the next book. I am looking forward to it.
Loved it! Didn’t want to put it down. Outstanding passages in the book. Every person Isaiah meets and speaks with truly comes to life. Can’t wait for the next part.