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(The S'orne Saga, #1) #1
The Great Migration: Book One of the S'orne Saga
Bellona has been taught to hate and fear the mysterious beings known as the s'orne since she was a girl. If she were ever infected with the fever they spread, she knows she would go insane within seconds and die within hours.
With attacks exploding across the country, an unlikely twist of fate reveals the true purpose of the s’orne to Bellona, challenging everything she has been taught about them. While she struggles to accept the unknowable secrets she has learned, the city’s bell towers begin tolling the alarm for lockdown, signaling that the s’orne have arrived.
As the local defenses mobilize to fight the s’orne invasion, Bellona scrambles to save her loved ones from the impending attack. Pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance, her group flees the s’orne, desperate to escape the city before a contagion of insanity erupts.
With attacks exploding across the country, an unlikely twist of fate reveals the true purpose of the s’orne to Bellona, challenging everything she has been taught about them. While she struggles to accept the unknowable secrets she has learned, the city’s bell towers begin tolling the alarm for lockdown, signaling that the s’orne have arrived.
As the local defenses mobilize to fight the s’orne invasion, Bellona scrambles to save her loved ones from the impending attack. Pushed to the limits of their strength and endurance, her group flees the s’orne, desperate to escape the city before a contagion of insanity erupts.
413 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2021
129 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 17, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Great Migration
Author: Steve Ramirez
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I´m a bit of a sci-fi and fantasy nut, so this was right up my street. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author is a strong writer who knows how to plot a compelling fantasy story.” Male reader, aged 55
“Although there´s strong character development and the setting is vividly described, there´s still plenty of pace to this adventure story. You can always tell when an author knows his/her fantasy world very, very well; this is the case here. Be prepared to get lost in the Kingdom´s wilderness and a struggle for survival. Thrilling stuff!” Male reader, aged 36
“I´m glad to see it´s the first of three books. I´m going to hunt out book two. If it´s as good as this, it´s going to be a wild ride!” Female reader, aged 19
“Reminded me a bit of Dune. Now that can´t be a bad thing.” Male reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly engaging fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Great Migration
Author: Steve Ramirez
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I´m a bit of a sci-fi and fantasy nut, so this was right up my street. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The author is a strong writer who knows how to plot a compelling fantasy story.” Male reader, aged 55
“Although there´s strong character development and the setting is vividly described, there´s still plenty of pace to this adventure story. You can always tell when an author knows his/her fantasy world very, very well; this is the case here. Be prepared to get lost in the Kingdom´s wilderness and a struggle for survival. Thrilling stuff!” Male reader, aged 36
“I´m glad to see it´s the first of three books. I´m going to hunt out book two. If it´s as good as this, it´s going to be a wild ride!” Female reader, aged 19
“Reminded me a bit of Dune. Now that can´t be a bad thing.” Male reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly engaging fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 6, 2024
I received this book from the author via OnlineBookClub.org in exchange for an honest review. Despite its slow build, I liked this book and recommend it to young adult adventure/science fiction fans. I immediately selected this book due to the cover. The beautiful scenery surrounded by warm colors reminded me of a hot savannah adventure; quiet feminine strength radiated through the mysteriously cloaked figure and the small girl facing a herd of large animals. Not sure what to expect, I dove in and expected to be instantly transported. Sadly, this was where I ran into my first block.
I did not warm up to the storytelling style; it needed to be more cohesive and varied. The first few chapters were packed with the promised adventure. And although there were almost too many personalities to track, I started to warm up to the narrative. All at once, the tale I thought I was investing in was ripped away, and I was presented with facts that made me question everything.
Usually, when reading the first book in a series, I expect chaos as characters are introduced and plotlines develop; however, I can only help but feel that there was too much going on. I was flooded with facts and characters, most of which only served to confuse me further. At about 33%, I almost put it down for good, but I didn't. I'm delighted that I chose to stick it through!
The main characters were collectively well-developed, and I felt a kinship with them. And while not all were pleasant, I was invested in their journeys. Several characters undergo many tough trials and are thoroughly transformed by the end of the book. I was pleasantly surprised to experience their personal growth, and it prompted me to up my rating from a 3 to a 4 out of 5. The story grew exciting and was filled with vivid descriptions. I could almost imagine walking through the beautiful cityscapes, and the explanations of the loud, joyous festivities reminded me of a 60's music festival. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and got swept up in the adventure again when my second stumbling block popped up.
In an epic shark-jumping section, I discovered this book was miscategorized as an adventure story. Once I understood what I was reading, I ate up the rest of the book. It took me almost a month to get 33% through the book and only one day to finish it once my expectations were clarified. As plotlines converged and the "true story" emerged, Ramirez created a dazzling world trapped in time and warped by good intentions and misconceptions. The twist wasn't unforeseen, but the plot is far from predictable. It was worth the read, but I'm still deciding if I'll read more from this series.
While I recommend this book to adventure fans, it has many science fiction elements. So, if you aren't into adventure/sci-fi, this one may be for someone else. One way or another, it's worth sticking through and deciding for yourself.
I did not warm up to the storytelling style; it needed to be more cohesive and varied. The first few chapters were packed with the promised adventure. And although there were almost too many personalities to track, I started to warm up to the narrative. All at once, the tale I thought I was investing in was ripped away, and I was presented with facts that made me question everything.
Usually, when reading the first book in a series, I expect chaos as characters are introduced and plotlines develop; however, I can only help but feel that there was too much going on. I was flooded with facts and characters, most of which only served to confuse me further. At about 33%, I almost put it down for good, but I didn't. I'm delighted that I chose to stick it through!
The main characters were collectively well-developed, and I felt a kinship with them. And while not all were pleasant, I was invested in their journeys. Several characters undergo many tough trials and are thoroughly transformed by the end of the book. I was pleasantly surprised to experience their personal growth, and it prompted me to up my rating from a 3 to a 4 out of 5. The story grew exciting and was filled with vivid descriptions. I could almost imagine walking through the beautiful cityscapes, and the explanations of the loud, joyous festivities reminded me of a 60's music festival. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and got swept up in the adventure again when my second stumbling block popped up.
In an epic shark-jumping section, I discovered this book was miscategorized as an adventure story. Once I understood what I was reading, I ate up the rest of the book. It took me almost a month to get 33% through the book and only one day to finish it once my expectations were clarified. As plotlines converged and the "true story" emerged, Ramirez created a dazzling world trapped in time and warped by good intentions and misconceptions. The twist wasn't unforeseen, but the plot is far from predictable. It was worth the read, but I'm still deciding if I'll read more from this series.
While I recommend this book to adventure fans, it has many science fiction elements. So, if you aren't into adventure/sci-fi, this one may be for someone else. One way or another, it's worth sticking through and deciding for yourself.
December 19, 2025
Bellona, a group member going to the Thunder Valley under the leadership of their lead guide and Zuni community man Luta, returns to the starting point of the trek, Hawikah Village, after facing numerous difficult and unavoidable obstacles while battling the Barongs and Brontotheres, which transformed her. After traversing the Thunder Valley for months, her friends decide to treat themselves to a fun-filled trip to Crystal City in honor of the Cabochon festival. Luta, as fate would have it, follows them to the city for several days away from his village out of embarrassment. Bellona, unaware of her and her friends' fate, arrives in the Crystal City only to discover a spreading epidemic that causes insanity and wreaks havoc on humanity after a century of peace. After spending months in the wilderness following the migration, discovering the truth about the s'orne's plan to attack the city tests her beliefs.
What was the epidemic that Bellona is about to face? What are s'ornes? What disease could cause a massacre in the city during the festival? After everything she and her friends have seen and experienced, what will happen to them? Will she be able to uncover the truths about the unnatural beings who have caused havoc in the city? Will she be able to save herself and others from the attack? What happens after the city falls? A number of questions keep the reader on edge throughout the story.
The author skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and chaos, delving into the collision of the supernatural and human realms. The festival's blind celebration, combined with the impending danger, adds a layer of tension. The revelation of s'orne secrets confronts Bellona, sparking an intense internal conflict. As the city falls under s'orne invasion, the story becomes more intense.
The novel excels at creating an atmospheric sense of dread, particularly when the city's bell towers sound the alarm. The pacing is effective, propelling the story forward. Steve Ramirez, the author, has done an excellent job of creating imaginative and interesting characters and settings for his story. Each character and detail serves a purpose, making it difficult to leave as a reader. The theme of fleeing the city before an outbreak of insanity adds a psychological dimension to the story. Furthermore, the description of the things introduced enhances a reader's imagination.
I appreciate how the author has captured the supernatural elements, suspenseful plot, and promise of a never-ending struggle for survival. There is nothing I dislike about this book. With its flawless editing, compelling plot, well-developed characters, and fast-paced suspense, it is a page-turning thriller that combines demonic encounters and human resilience. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars for all of the reasons listed above and recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
What was the epidemic that Bellona is about to face? What are s'ornes? What disease could cause a massacre in the city during the festival? After everything she and her friends have seen and experienced, what will happen to them? Will she be able to uncover the truths about the unnatural beings who have caused havoc in the city? Will she be able to save herself and others from the attack? What happens after the city falls? A number of questions keep the reader on edge throughout the story.
The author skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and chaos, delving into the collision of the supernatural and human realms. The festival's blind celebration, combined with the impending danger, adds a layer of tension. The revelation of s'orne secrets confronts Bellona, sparking an intense internal conflict. As the city falls under s'orne invasion, the story becomes more intense.
The novel excels at creating an atmospheric sense of dread, particularly when the city's bell towers sound the alarm. The pacing is effective, propelling the story forward. Steve Ramirez, the author, has done an excellent job of creating imaginative and interesting characters and settings for his story. Each character and detail serves a purpose, making it difficult to leave as a reader. The theme of fleeing the city before an outbreak of insanity adds a psychological dimension to the story. Furthermore, the description of the things introduced enhances a reader's imagination.
I appreciate how the author has captured the supernatural elements, suspenseful plot, and promise of a never-ending struggle for survival. There is nothing I dislike about this book. With its flawless editing, compelling plot, well-developed characters, and fast-paced suspense, it is a page-turning thriller that combines demonic encounters and human resilience. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars for all of the reasons listed above and recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
February 23, 2023
Very Good
The Great Migration by M.E. Vaughn is the first book in the S'orne Saga, and it is an epic fantasy adventure.
The story is set in a world called Breag, where two powerful races, the Feraah, and the Gristes, live side by side in a precarious balance of power. This balance is kept in check by a mysterious force called the Eye, which monitors and protects both peoples.
When the Feraah receives a prophecy that foretells the end of their reign, they summon a great migration of their people in an attempt to save their civilization. Led by their wise kings, the Feraah seek to find a new home, but they soon discover the peril that awaits them outside of the safety of Breag.
The story follows the journeys of the Feraah, as they endure great hardships and face terrifying enemies on their journey. Along the way, they must also confront the treacherous power struggles between the various factions of their race.
The characters are well-developed and the plot is gripping and engaging. The world-building is detailed and vivid, giving us a glimpse of the true darkness that awaits the Feraah in the world outside of their home.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Great Migration to fantasy fans. The story is enthralling and the characters are engaging, making the pacing of the novel a nice change from fans of more traditional fantasy stories. I can't wait to read the next installment of the S'orne saga!
The Great Migration by M.E. Vaughn is the first book in the S'orne Saga, and it is an epic fantasy adventure.
The story is set in a world called Breag, where two powerful races, the Feraah, and the Gristes, live side by side in a precarious balance of power. This balance is kept in check by a mysterious force called the Eye, which monitors and protects both peoples.
When the Feraah receives a prophecy that foretells the end of their reign, they summon a great migration of their people in an attempt to save their civilization. Led by their wise kings, the Feraah seek to find a new home, but they soon discover the peril that awaits them outside of the safety of Breag.
The story follows the journeys of the Feraah, as they endure great hardships and face terrifying enemies on their journey. Along the way, they must also confront the treacherous power struggles between the various factions of their race.
The characters are well-developed and the plot is gripping and engaging. The world-building is detailed and vivid, giving us a glimpse of the true darkness that awaits the Feraah in the world outside of their home.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Great Migration to fantasy fans. The story is enthralling and the characters are engaging, making the pacing of the novel a nice change from fans of more traditional fantasy stories. I can't wait to read the next installment of the S'orne saga!
February 2, 2024
"The Great Migration" by Steve Ramirez is an enthralling debut that seamlessly merges science fiction and fantasy in a Renaissance-like alternate reality. Ramirez's narrative mastery weaves together diverse perspectives, a rich array of characters, and intricate predicaments. With masterful pacing, the story unfolds as a high-stakes adventure drama, keeping readers on the edge with the looming threat of the mysterious s'orne. The novel's thought-provoking concepts, intelligent characters, and a perfect blend of action make it an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read. Despite occasional profanity, Ramirez's storytelling triumph earns a resounding 5 out of 5, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. Highly recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction and dystopian narratives.
June 21, 2025
This is speculative fiction that respects its roots. It doesn’t rush to explain itself. It trusts the reader to listen, absorb, and reflect.
Ramirez offers a fresh voice in Indigenous storytelling—one that blends cultural memory, decay, and poetic prose in equal measure.
“When a lack of information is combined with city‑wide fear, shocking revelations become an allegory for anti‑xenophobia: ‘Nothing fuels hate, as does fear.’”
🪶 Recommended For:
Fans of The Marrow Thieves, There There, or The Only Good Indians
Readers interested in Indigenous perspectives in speculative fiction
Those who love slow-burning narratives with spiritual weight and stunning imagery
Upper YA & adult readers looking for something thought-provoking and eerie without typical horror tropes
~Enjoy!
Ramirez offers a fresh voice in Indigenous storytelling—one that blends cultural memory, decay, and poetic prose in equal measure.
“When a lack of information is combined with city‑wide fear, shocking revelations become an allegory for anti‑xenophobia: ‘Nothing fuels hate, as does fear.’”
🪶 Recommended For:
Fans of The Marrow Thieves, There There, or The Only Good Indians
Readers interested in Indigenous perspectives in speculative fiction
Those who love slow-burning narratives with spiritual weight and stunning imagery
Upper YA & adult readers looking for something thought-provoking and eerie without typical horror tropes
~Enjoy!
May 21, 2024
An interesting and fast paced story of human like creatures from another deminsion colliding with another world of humans. The characters, although i sometimes found them a little annoying and whiny, were interesting and I kept wanting to know where their story was going and who they would become. Remniciant of Game of Thrones, no character is safe from death. And there is plenty of death and destruction in the story line.
The book introduced the s'orne and painted a fascinating glimpse into a world not too unlike our own. I was left wanting to know more of their story and how the two worlds were going to integrate.
The book introduced the s'orne and painted a fascinating glimpse into a world not too unlike our own. I was left wanting to know more of their story and how the two worlds were going to integrate.
December 30, 2024
Life Changing Adventure
The challenge of an adventure is to know yourself and test your metal. It is in facing challenges we grow and learn, stretch, and get stronger. Bellona chronicles her journey, love, losses, and reflections. She is just one life woven through many stories that reveals unknown strength in overwhelming adversity. The S'orne are a unique enemy and they bring a fear and dread that pierces another world. They walk with her in her vibrant journey. This story dwells at the cusp of fantasy and science fiction, but at it's core it is about perseverance and love in it's many beautiful facets. May the adventure ever continue!
The challenge of an adventure is to know yourself and test your metal. It is in facing challenges we grow and learn, stretch, and get stronger. Bellona chronicles her journey, love, losses, and reflections. She is just one life woven through many stories that reveals unknown strength in overwhelming adversity. The S'orne are a unique enemy and they bring a fear and dread that pierces another world. They walk with her in her vibrant journey. This story dwells at the cusp of fantasy and science fiction, but at it's core it is about perseverance and love in it's many beautiful facets. May the adventure ever continue!
October 8, 2022
The story and writing were a mixed bag. Great imagination for the setting (loved the gems references), intriguing political themes, it was exciting and kept the reader moving forward. These were on the positive side. I didn't love the dawn-of-the-dead sickness, the hardness of some of the characters that made it hard to relate to them or sympathize with them, the free use of the f-word, or the ending that didn't wrap anything up. Would I read the next book? I'm not sure it was that compelling for me, but I can see the intrigue of wanting to find out what happens eventually.
September 23, 2023
this book can piss right off
Boring monologues attempting to build this world, and by boring, I mean, I was like who freaking cares….waste of time. Do better, take a writing class or some such. I’m sick of this poorly written trash Amazon promotes. The worst part is, if you screw up and select a book like this, Amazon assumes you’re an idiot and pushes the same crap at you. Be careful, and do better.
Boring monologues attempting to build this world, and by boring, I mean, I was like who freaking cares….waste of time. Do better, take a writing class or some such. I’m sick of this poorly written trash Amazon promotes. The worst part is, if you screw up and select a book like this, Amazon assumes you’re an idiot and pushes the same crap at you. Be careful, and do better.
June 1, 2025
Bellona, a brave female Zuni warrior, is on a journey to the famous Crystal City alongside her former mentor and crush Luta Nightsong, and her fellow warrior members. Unknown to them, the Crystal City is on quarantine, upon news of an incoming invasion of monstrous beings called s'ornes. However, Bellona is in for a huge surprise concerning the superstition of the s'ornes and how they are linked to their very history and civilization. Find out in this epic book!
February 2, 2024
Set in the Kingdom of Genoa, "The Great Migration" tells an epic story of humans and Botai. It was indeed an adventure to see Bellona and her friends complete there trek through the Thunder Valley. The S'orne Attack was masterfully portrayed, and I am intrigued to know how to Kingdom will overcome it in the future. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy and adventure fans.
February 21, 2024
Creative and exciting
This novel starts off in chaos. Bellona and her team are fighting for their lives while trying to complete the great migration of Thunder Valley. Little do they know of all the secrets Thunder Valley hides. This author has created and exciting and suspenseful story. I loved it from beginning to end.
This novel starts off in chaos. Bellona and her team are fighting for their lives while trying to complete the great migration of Thunder Valley. Little do they know of all the secrets Thunder Valley hides. This author has created and exciting and suspenseful story. I loved it from beginning to end.
September 17, 2021
I am not usually a fan of the genre but the characters captured me in the beginning making it a pleasure to read and looking forward to the next book.
January 22, 2024
Intense Story
If you like the series The Walking Dead, this story will definitely be your cup of tea. The action is fast, and the characters are well developed.
If you like the series The Walking Dead, this story will definitely be your cup of tea. The action is fast, and the characters are well developed.
February 2, 2024
Great Book
This book had me intrigued since the first chapter.
The reason for the 4 star is because of the dog scout. I thought that at the end there was scout again.
This book had me intrigued since the first chapter.
The reason for the 4 star is because of the dog scout. I thought that at the end there was scout again.
July 12, 2024
A very good tale
It's a well told story. The storyline is intentionally confusing at times, but clarification comes as the tale develops. I'm looking forward to the next book.
It's a well told story. The storyline is intentionally confusing at times, but clarification comes as the tale develops. I'm looking forward to the next book.
February 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Steve Ramirez did an amazing job at bringing the reader into the story and helping us to fully understand what was going on.
The story follows different people and where they are as a group of people, the S'orne, infiltrate their cities. We get to see how they all tie together in the end in a very interesting and powerful way. I loved that there was romance, action, thrill, and some comic relief. Definitely a well-rounded book.
My biggest complaint would be the excessive amount of cursing. That is obviously a personal preference, but it is one of the main reasons I did not give the book a five star rating. My other reasoning is because I feel like Ramirez used too many bigger words that could really confuse someone if they were not an avid reader. Even I struggled and I've been reading since a very young age.
As far as things I enjoyed, there were quite a few. First off, he did an amazing job at putting you on the edge of your seat. During the action scenes, I remember holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen. And I was genuinely shocked with some of the outcomes. (I appreciate when an author doesn't keep the main characters "safe"). I also loved how Ramirez made the characters real people. They actually struggled with whether or not to be the hero or just save themselves. Another big thing is that there were no sex scenes. I can't stand reading books that go into detail about something that should be private. There was kissing and strong hints about what else was going on, but that was it.
I would classify this as an adult level fantasy novel. I definitely recommend giving this book a chance!
The story follows different people and where they are as a group of people, the S'orne, infiltrate their cities. We get to see how they all tie together in the end in a very interesting and powerful way. I loved that there was romance, action, thrill, and some comic relief. Definitely a well-rounded book.
My biggest complaint would be the excessive amount of cursing. That is obviously a personal preference, but it is one of the main reasons I did not give the book a five star rating. My other reasoning is because I feel like Ramirez used too many bigger words that could really confuse someone if they were not an avid reader. Even I struggled and I've been reading since a very young age.
As far as things I enjoyed, there were quite a few. First off, he did an amazing job at putting you on the edge of your seat. During the action scenes, I remember holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen. And I was genuinely shocked with some of the outcomes. (I appreciate when an author doesn't keep the main characters "safe"). I also loved how Ramirez made the characters real people. They actually struggled with whether or not to be the hero or just save themselves. Another big thing is that there were no sex scenes. I can't stand reading books that go into detail about something that should be private. There was kissing and strong hints about what else was going on, but that was it.
I would classify this as an adult level fantasy novel. I definitely recommend giving this book a chance!
March 9, 2024
I received a free copy from OnlineBookClub.org
Review will be published here once approved
Review will be published here once approved
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews