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Oracle of Life
Six fallen lords. Three vengeful goddesses. And one mortal, damned to prophesy for them all.
An Exiled Oracle
Nariah, the Heiress of Ellonai, is dead. An exiled, desert-dwelling Doomsayer is all that remains within the shell of the powerful princess she once was.
A Heretic
She isn't sure which of her visions her people hate more: the one where the three benevolent goddesses they serve have decided to destroy the world, or the vision of six lords falling from the skies to save them.
The World's Only Hope
Stumbling across the very lords she's been seeing in her visions for years, only Nariah's accursed gift of Sight can aid the lords in their rebellion against the goddesses, and determine the fate of her world before it's turned to ash.
But does she even want to save those who've wronged her?
An Exiled Oracle
Nariah, the Heiress of Ellonai, is dead. An exiled, desert-dwelling Doomsayer is all that remains within the shell of the powerful princess she once was.
A Heretic
She isn't sure which of her visions her people hate more: the one where the three benevolent goddesses they serve have decided to destroy the world, or the vision of six lords falling from the skies to save them.
The World's Only Hope
Stumbling across the very lords she's been seeing in her visions for years, only Nariah's accursed gift of Sight can aid the lords in their rebellion against the goddesses, and determine the fate of her world before it's turned to ash.
But does she even want to save those who've wronged her?
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2023
About the author
Katherine D. Graham
22 books574 followersMy name is Katherine D. Graham, and I am a USA Today Bestselling fantasy author from Tennessee in the USA.
While most of my works are dark fantasy in some capacity (often in epic/mythological veins), some have romantic or steampunk side-plots.
My debut indie Epic Fantasy novel, The Vow That Twisted Fate, is an Amazon bestselling New Adult Fantasy novel, as well as a Fantasy finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and a five-star Readers' Favorite and IndieReader-approved novel.
In October 2022, the first full-length volume in my Splitting Worlds series (Splitting Dawn) was included in the "Realm of Darkness" box set, which made the USAToday Bestseller list.
Looking around my Goodreads, you may see a couple of older books that I wrote back in college which are now unpublished. I leave those books here and continue under this pen name purposefully.
Even as I now write 4/5-star books, these older books remind me of where I started. I hope my journey encourages others that everyone has the potential to grow if you just keep trying.
As a reviewer, all of my reviews are spoiler-free and honest. They are based on the Reedsy rating scale, which is:
1-Star: Skip It
2-Star: Not For Me
3-Star: Worth Reading
4-Star Loved It
5-Star: Must-Read
I am happily married to my high-school sweetheart and Hero. We have two awesome sons and three adorable cats.
When my head's not stuck in a book, I love reading, writing, traveling, grilling out, and playing video games. Disney World is my happy place, primarily with cheeseburger spring rolls and a Dole Whip in hand.
While most of my works are dark fantasy in some capacity (often in epic/mythological veins), some have romantic or steampunk side-plots.
My debut indie Epic Fantasy novel, The Vow That Twisted Fate, is an Amazon bestselling New Adult Fantasy novel, as well as a Fantasy finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and a five-star Readers' Favorite and IndieReader-approved novel.
In October 2022, the first full-length volume in my Splitting Worlds series (Splitting Dawn) was included in the "Realm of Darkness" box set, which made the USAToday Bestseller list.
Looking around my Goodreads, you may see a couple of older books that I wrote back in college which are now unpublished. I leave those books here and continue under this pen name purposefully.
Even as I now write 4/5-star books, these older books remind me of where I started. I hope my journey encourages others that everyone has the potential to grow if you just keep trying.
As a reviewer, all of my reviews are spoiler-free and honest. They are based on the Reedsy rating scale, which is:
1-Star: Skip It
2-Star: Not For Me
3-Star: Worth Reading
4-Star Loved It
5-Star: Must-Read
I am happily married to my high-school sweetheart and Hero. We have two awesome sons and three adorable cats.
When my head's not stuck in a book, I love reading, writing, traveling, grilling out, and playing video games. Disney World is my happy place, primarily with cheeseburger spring rolls and a Dole Whip in hand.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 23, 2023
This was a new author for me but I will be adding this series to my must-read list
as well as looking into some of her previous works
The author sort of dumps the reader into a completely chaotic mess
that leaves us asking all kinds of questions.
Don't worry though it does slowly begin to make sense.
Each page turn introduces us to a new character or supporting events
that slowly bring the story into focus.
I will admit I fought my inner child multiple times to keep her from peeking ahead -
It is worth the wait for the surprises and revelations
From beginning to end this was fast-paced nonstop action
with unique characters and vivid world-building that brought the tale to life
A solid plot line that kept me engaged and wanting more
And the end? I did not see that twist coming
Looking forward to the next in series
as well as looking into some of her previous works
The author sort of dumps the reader into a completely chaotic mess
that leaves us asking all kinds of questions.
Don't worry though it does slowly begin to make sense.
Each page turn introduces us to a new character or supporting events
that slowly bring the story into focus.
I will admit I fought my inner child multiple times to keep her from peeking ahead -
It is worth the wait for the surprises and revelations
From beginning to end this was fast-paced nonstop action
with unique characters and vivid world-building that brought the tale to life
A solid plot line that kept me engaged and wanting more
And the end? I did not see that twist coming
Looking forward to the next in series
January 15, 2023
Note: I received an ARC copy of Oracle of Life as part of both the ARC and Street Teams for Katherine.
What a start to this series!
Katherine has written such an amazing book to introduce us to this world and these characters.
We are introduced to Nariah, a princess in exile due to her gifts.
Nariah is an oracle, the first of her kind. And as such Nariah has grown to hate her talent. As it is what causes her family to turn their backs on her.
So what happens when Nariah meets the 7 lords? Will they help her or will she turn to the goddesses who claim her as one of their own?
The relationship between the Lords, mainly Life and Death, intrigued me
Rowen(Lord of life) seemed to bring out the joyous side of Nariah whereas (Raiyer (Lord of Death) seemed to bring out the darkness in Nariah.
The first interaction between The Lords and The Goddesses was so intense. There was so much tension which just added to the feelings I got while reading.
I loved watching the growing relationship between Rowen and Nariah. I thought it was really interesting.
I do wish we had seen more of a relationship with the other lords and Nariah but hopefully, there will be more of the lords in the next 4 books!
Nearing the end of the book I began to wish I could change teams.
I was team goddess and suddenly wished I was in any other team but the goddesses.
The ending of this book blew me away!
The plot twists in this book we’re amazing and I didn’t see them coming.
I absolutely loved it.
Katherine wrote some amazing characters who just brought the story to life. I found myself experiencing things that Nariah was going through.
Her story was so well written that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I can’t wait for Monk of Death.
What a start to this series!
Katherine has written such an amazing book to introduce us to this world and these characters.
We are introduced to Nariah, a princess in exile due to her gifts.
Nariah is an oracle, the first of her kind. And as such Nariah has grown to hate her talent. As it is what causes her family to turn their backs on her.
So what happens when Nariah meets the 7 lords? Will they help her or will she turn to the goddesses who claim her as one of their own?
The relationship between the Lords, mainly Life and Death, intrigued me
Rowen(Lord of life) seemed to bring out the joyous side of Nariah whereas (Raiyer (Lord of Death) seemed to bring out the darkness in Nariah.
The first interaction between The Lords and The Goddesses was so intense. There was so much tension which just added to the feelings I got while reading.
I loved watching the growing relationship between Rowen and Nariah. I thought it was really interesting.
I do wish we had seen more of a relationship with the other lords and Nariah but hopefully, there will be more of the lords in the next 4 books!
Nearing the end of the book I began to wish I could change teams.
I was team goddess and suddenly wished I was in any other team but the goddesses.
The ending of this book blew me away!
The plot twists in this book we’re amazing and I didn’t see them coming.
I absolutely loved it.
Katherine wrote some amazing characters who just brought the story to life. I found myself experiencing things that Nariah was going through.
Her story was so well written that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I can’t wait for Monk of Death.
January 15, 2023
This was a fantastic debut to a new series from Katherine D. Graham, and probably one of the more lighthearted (when compared to her many dark fantasy books) endings from a story I've enjoyed from her.
From the very start, we're introduced to a power struggle between classes, lords and goddesses, where magic is both feared and revered, and perception is so often misplaced.
I was intrigued almost immediately and barrelled my way alongside Nariah in her journey to save her people. This was a highly entertaining read, and I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of this rapid-release series.
From the very start, we're introduced to a power struggle between classes, lords and goddesses, where magic is both feared and revered, and perception is so often misplaced.
I was intrigued almost immediately and barrelled my way alongside Nariah in her journey to save her people. This was a highly entertaining read, and I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of this rapid-release series.
January 15, 2023
‘Many fates are worse than death’
Being an Oracle isn’t all what it’s cracked up to be. Nariah has been exiled as a “Doomsayer” and she’s treated almost as poorly as the legendary Cassandra of Troy.
‘If you see so much…why can’t you see you’re not welcome here?’
The deities and other higher beings are just as petty as the humans, if not more so. I’d also not want anything to do with them.
‘None of the goddesses or lords had turned out to be as altruistic as she’d hoped the divine beings would be.’
‘She would not be a pawn in a goddess’s game.’
‘Can mortals and fallen lords work together to save the world?’ Let’s find out in ‘Monk of Death’ mid-Feb then ‘Vanguard of Justice’ mid-March.
I’ve enjoyed other works by this author and will continue to do so.
Being an Oracle isn’t all what it’s cracked up to be. Nariah has been exiled as a “Doomsayer” and she’s treated almost as poorly as the legendary Cassandra of Troy.
‘If you see so much…why can’t you see you’re not welcome here?’
The deities and other higher beings are just as petty as the humans, if not more so. I’d also not want anything to do with them.
‘None of the goddesses or lords had turned out to be as altruistic as she’d hoped the divine beings would be.’
‘She would not be a pawn in a goddess’s game.’
‘Can mortals and fallen lords work together to save the world?’ Let’s find out in ‘Monk of Death’ mid-Feb then ‘Vanguard of Justice’ mid-March.
I’ve enjoyed other works by this author and will continue to do so.
January 19, 2023
Great start to this new series. I love the new world created with the Lords and Goddesses. And Death rides an Emu. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 2, 2023
My Review: The author brings in a whole new world and the various characters , that include gods and goddesses. The world building is great , despite being a bit confusing it becomes clear as the plot thickens. Nariah is an amazing character and Rowan deserves special mention. It is an epic mythological action entertainer. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the twists are the highlights.
My Recommendation: Wanting for some action , this book is perfect. For the fans of Madeline Miller, Christopher C. Doyle , Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi and Dan Brown fans as well this will be entertaining.
My Rating: 4.5/5
My Recommendation: Wanting for some action , this book is perfect. For the fans of Madeline Miller, Christopher C. Doyle , Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi and Dan Brown fans as well this will be entertaining.
My Rating: 4.5/5
January 27, 2023
What a great debut novel to a series that will surely become a favourite of readers. Excellent world-building and character development. A story of struggle between classes in a time and place where magic is equally feared and loved at the same time. The main character faces struggles once she is deemed a "doomsayer" and is ostracized by many.
Thank you for the review copy.
Thank you for the review copy.
February 12, 2023
An intriguing start to a new series that was somewhat confusing at the beginning. As the key background points are revealed, the story starts to clear and the plot rockets along with plenty of action. My only gripe is that the main characters all have real names and nicknames which are used interchangeably and it took longer to get the hang of who was who. I'll be looking out for where this series is heading in book 2
July 21, 2025
Would make a good movie due to a unique fun pantheon, but epic’s not just my cuppa
I can see this epic book being made into a movie. Having said that, epic is my least fave genre, I read the book for a summer reading challenge adventurer wheel, so take whatevs comes next with that pinch of salt.
6 male gods, 3 female goddesses, all at each others’ throats and the estranged and tainted humans paying the price of this divine battle. Who do you pray to when all the gods are warring and the destruction of a kingdom hangs in the balance? Enter a Seer, who, much like Cassandra, is cast out for her ability to see doom, which turns out to be not just seeing the future but the world as it really is - all possible futures. Hello, multiverses. I quite liked the idea of gods coming from another world to form new worlds, as well as the author’s choice of Life being the most reasonable pf the gods and willing to listen to a mortal. And that gods, too, can die.
Epic, descriptioney, metaphysical and riches to rags underdog - that about sums it up. I loved that gods - 2 unique pantheons - had not just jobs (Death, Dark, Light, Karma), but also names. I also loved that the underdog oracle was able to stand up to and flirt with some of those gods, on occasion. I didn’t care for the trials & tribulations the author put the FMC through nor her wallowing self-doubts. For the most part, I was confused why everyone of the gods was after her. Liked Irony and Mercy being elevated to goddesses. Did not like all the people being cruel to the poor girl. Sniggered snarkily about the meta warning of letting Irony invade your mind.
Do not read this if you are dead set on a specific faith and belief in afterlife is part of it, coz you won’t like this book as it has a pantheon of deities and an alternative take on what comes next.
Recommended for lovers of NA metaphysical tales with warring deities, underdog FMCs and epic destruction of doomed human worlds.
I can see this epic book being made into a movie. Having said that, epic is my least fave genre, I read the book for a summer reading challenge adventurer wheel, so take whatevs comes next with that pinch of salt.
6 male gods, 3 female goddesses, all at each others’ throats and the estranged and tainted humans paying the price of this divine battle. Who do you pray to when all the gods are warring and the destruction of a kingdom hangs in the balance? Enter a Seer, who, much like Cassandra, is cast out for her ability to see doom, which turns out to be not just seeing the future but the world as it really is - all possible futures. Hello, multiverses. I quite liked the idea of gods coming from another world to form new worlds, as well as the author’s choice of Life being the most reasonable pf the gods and willing to listen to a mortal. And that gods, too, can die.
Epic, descriptioney, metaphysical and riches to rags underdog - that about sums it up. I loved that gods - 2 unique pantheons - had not just jobs (Death, Dark, Light, Karma), but also names. I also loved that the underdog oracle was able to stand up to and flirt with some of those gods, on occasion. I didn’t care for the trials & tribulations the author put the FMC through nor her wallowing self-doubts. For the most part, I was confused why everyone of the gods was after her. Liked Irony and Mercy being elevated to goddesses. Did not like all the people being cruel to the poor girl. Sniggered snarkily about the meta warning of letting Irony invade your mind.
Do not read this if you are dead set on a specific faith and belief in afterlife is part of it, coz you won’t like this book as it has a pantheon of deities and an alternative take on what comes next.
Recommended for lovers of NA metaphysical tales with warring deities, underdog FMCs and epic destruction of doomed human worlds.
April 2, 2023
I really likedthe way everyone cam
e to life for me. The story is full and exciting right form the get go. I can see it in my mind and that only happens when it's a good book. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series(I will be starting that after I get everything else done today) it's gonna be so good......squeeeek
e to life for me. The story is full and exciting right form the get go. I can see it in my mind and that only happens when it's a good book. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series(I will be starting that after I get everything else done today) it's gonna be so good......squeeeek
April 12, 2023
entertaining and action packed
Oracle of Life had great world building, a hero you want to root for, and a big cast of ne'er-do-well characters (both the antagonists AND the supporting non-mortals!) with plenty of momentum to keep the book rollicking along. Fun read!
Oracle of Life had great world building, a hero you want to root for, and a big cast of ne'er-do-well characters (both the antagonists AND the supporting non-mortals!) with plenty of momentum to keep the book rollicking along. Fun read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews