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Earth's New Children #1
Maya of the In-between
A young woman's journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of two contrasting inter-dimensional worlds.
One is Dystopian—a future in which humans ignore the repercussions of excessive industrialization on nature, and the other is Utopian—where humans live in harmony with nature and each other.
Planet Earth has been depleted, and catastrophic weather events have eradicated human civilization in nature's final attempt to restore balance and survive. All remaining life is contained in one City—a fortress of iron and technology, providing safety at the cost of freedom.
Until recently, MAYA lived there in hiding, painting visions of a vibrant valley where nature still thrives. When she meets the young, bright-eyed officer, Björn, he tells her the world she's been painting is real. Determined to find it, they become unlikely allies.
Their race against the oppressive Control and quest for truth and freedom leads them to a sophisticated race that safeguards Earth's buried history. But can they be convinced that humanity is worth saving?
One is Dystopian—a future in which humans ignore the repercussions of excessive industrialization on nature, and the other is Utopian—where humans live in harmony with nature and each other.
Planet Earth has been depleted, and catastrophic weather events have eradicated human civilization in nature's final attempt to restore balance and survive. All remaining life is contained in one City—a fortress of iron and technology, providing safety at the cost of freedom.
Until recently, MAYA lived there in hiding, painting visions of a vibrant valley where nature still thrives. When she meets the young, bright-eyed officer, Björn, he tells her the world she's been painting is real. Determined to find it, they become unlikely allies.
Their race against the oppressive Control and quest for truth and freedom leads them to a sophisticated race that safeguards Earth's buried history. But can they be convinced that humanity is worth saving?
Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
1843 people want to read
About the author
Sita Bennett
4 books46 followersSita Rose Bennett is an Australian author known for writing young adult fantasy books that follow misfits on quests for truth and freedom in fractured worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 9, 2024
This book was a special read for me and it remains close to my heart in a rare way. The main character, Maya, embodied a sense of quiet intelligence and vulnerability, and I loved the way the writer showed her inner strength as a bi-product of her extreme sensitivity.
Her journey from a dystopian society to a utopian haven was a beautiful, magical, and confronting adventure that explores both humankind's most destructive and divine potentials.
As a young woman, I also resonated with her internal journey as she began to accept the responsibilities of womanhood.
I loved it - one of those books i'll always keep on my shelf where i can see and remember it :)
Her journey from a dystopian society to a utopian haven was a beautiful, magical, and confronting adventure that explores both humankind's most destructive and divine potentials.
As a young woman, I also resonated with her internal journey as she began to accept the responsibilities of womanhood.
I loved it - one of those books i'll always keep on my shelf where i can see and remember it :)
June 2, 2025
This is a review from Laura Sandonato's Book Blog Picking Books titled; "A New YA Dystopia"
"In Maya of the Inbetween, Bennet adds Tolkien-like world-building to a YA dystopia akin to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Elements of evironmenalism and philosophy are woven throughout. The fantasy and science fiction elements add interest and prove that Bennett isn’t too self-serious. Maya is also an unexpected heroine. She’s quiet, introverted, and empathetic. The only traditional heroic quality she embodies is tenancity. Overall, she’s sweet and relatable.
Maya of the Inbetween is interesting because it takes place in a dystopia then a utopia, taking to new levels, since both places are also ustopias. It also serves its purpose as a warning about the environment and a reminder of how easily a society can slip into tyranny, especially when its citizens are afraid.
So, how do we heed the warnings of Bennett, Bradbury, Atwood, Orwell, Huxley, and others? By first remembering the words of Carl Sagan. In The Demon Haunted World he writes, “Part of the duty of citizenship is not to be intimidated into conformity.” This is what makes Maya such a great heroine; she never allows herself to be intimidated into conformity, whether she’s in the City or the Santosha Valley."
Read the full review on the Picking Books blog here;
https://pickingbooks.com/blog/a-new-y...
"In Maya of the Inbetween, Bennet adds Tolkien-like world-building to a YA dystopia akin to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Elements of evironmenalism and philosophy are woven throughout. The fantasy and science fiction elements add interest and prove that Bennett isn’t too self-serious. Maya is also an unexpected heroine. She’s quiet, introverted, and empathetic. The only traditional heroic quality she embodies is tenancity. Overall, she’s sweet and relatable.
Maya of the Inbetween is interesting because it takes place in a dystopia then a utopia, taking to new levels, since both places are also ustopias. It also serves its purpose as a warning about the environment and a reminder of how easily a society can slip into tyranny, especially when its citizens are afraid.
So, how do we heed the warnings of Bennett, Bradbury, Atwood, Orwell, Huxley, and others? By first remembering the words of Carl Sagan. In The Demon Haunted World he writes, “Part of the duty of citizenship is not to be intimidated into conformity.” This is what makes Maya such a great heroine; she never allows herself to be intimidated into conformity, whether she’s in the City or the Santosha Valley."
Read the full review on the Picking Books blog here;
https://pickingbooks.com/blog/a-new-y...
October 18, 2020
This book had me going the WHOLE time, and I wish there were more books that captured the heart in this way. I can't recommend it enough to other readers who enjoy reading mystical novels and have a curiosity about what more there is to life other than the mundaneness we are all taught... beautiful. I have a little bit left to go and don't want to finish it because that means there will be mone left to read... bring on book two!
April 8, 2020
If you or someone you know, is quieter than most, intelligent, observational, a sensitive, this book is a dream find.
This amazing story, clearly shows the TRUE POWER WITHIN of such beings, that the world we live in, rarely honours or nurtures & that inner power that is much more important & valuable than outwardly forceful ways.
Maya of the Inbetween is about the journey of a shy girl stepping boldly into their personal power as life chaotically unfolds around her.
Beyond a magical story, Maya of the Inbetween is a mystically educational book IF you read it closely with an open mind!
I am a biased reviewer... albeit, I think I am an honest one....
I have read one of the first drafts and know Sita personally & this is how I am able to say that this book is not a clumsy reach mystically or from the research of such topics, it is her direct experience, I successfully teach freedom from an ancient mystic tradition & is how I can qualify such a bold, perhaps outlandish statement.
Sita has a very rare depth of mystical understanding and a truly infectious laugh, a joyous & courageous nature that comes out in her writing. (As I write this she is awaiting a Corona Virus test after 10 days of unwellness... without a loss of joy or laughter! This book is incredibly timely.)
She writes with a free-flowing clarity of vision & writing style that as an observer, seems more like a channelling from higher consciousness (like the lead character Maya), than the thoughts and ideas of a writer. Here, I will not go into the amazing synchronicities that occurred during and after the writing of this book as you will think it another story.
She allows this incredible & beautiful story to pour through her via her direct understanding of "the In-Between" which could be also called Non-Duality or Oneness.
This is the first of many great books and will, in my opinion, be a collector's item in time to come.
This amazing story, clearly shows the TRUE POWER WITHIN of such beings, that the world we live in, rarely honours or nurtures & that inner power that is much more important & valuable than outwardly forceful ways.
Maya of the Inbetween is about the journey of a shy girl stepping boldly into their personal power as life chaotically unfolds around her.
Beyond a magical story, Maya of the Inbetween is a mystically educational book IF you read it closely with an open mind!
I am a biased reviewer... albeit, I think I am an honest one....
I have read one of the first drafts and know Sita personally & this is how I am able to say that this book is not a clumsy reach mystically or from the research of such topics, it is her direct experience, I successfully teach freedom from an ancient mystic tradition & is how I can qualify such a bold, perhaps outlandish statement.
Sita has a very rare depth of mystical understanding and a truly infectious laugh, a joyous & courageous nature that comes out in her writing. (As I write this she is awaiting a Corona Virus test after 10 days of unwellness... without a loss of joy or laughter! This book is incredibly timely.)
She writes with a free-flowing clarity of vision & writing style that as an observer, seems more like a channelling from higher consciousness (like the lead character Maya), than the thoughts and ideas of a writer. Here, I will not go into the amazing synchronicities that occurred during and after the writing of this book as you will think it another story.
She allows this incredible & beautiful story to pour through her via her direct understanding of "the In-Between" which could be also called Non-Duality or Oneness.
This is the first of many great books and will, in my opinion, be a collector's item in time to come.
January 28, 2021
Wow. It's rare that I find a dystopian novel that is equally a utopian one. And this one is the most spiritual one I can remember reading in a while. This is especially poignant now with the situation around the world. I wonder if the author is aware of just how much truth there is in this novel; it relates pretty closely to other life experiences of mine, along with some of my shamanic journeys in this one.
Another good thing of note, is that the love scenes are not overtly sexual, but rather sensual, so they are appropriate for teens. This is unfortunately something that is rare in teen novels.
If you only read one dystopian novel this year - please make it this one! You won't be disappointed.
Another good thing of note, is that the love scenes are not overtly sexual, but rather sensual, so they are appropriate for teens. This is unfortunately something that is rare in teen novels.
If you only read one dystopian novel this year - please make it this one! You won't be disappointed.
Your people chose their destiny by not stepping up to their true potential. Unfortunately, unrealized to your species, the Mother created you with the unlimited power to inform and create your own reality through the manifestation of your intention. The mind is a powerful tool when used with clear, true intent, but a destructive force when ruled by negative thinking. When one individual embodies a high enough awareness to set positive manifestations in motion, they have the power to not only raise their own consciousness, but the collective human consciousness, for the nature of reality is that one is, and has never been, truly separate. When , the collective human consciousness began creating a collective reality under their influence of suffering and destruction, in service of their intent to transform earth into . Out of harmony with nature you fell, and so, into your own kind of hell. You mustn't feel guilty for surviving while . They were too heavily manipulated. They no longer had a place in the game of consciousness. But you, you're different.
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May 11, 2021Where do I start with this beautifully written book! It entered my world in perfect timing and has brought me more than any book has before. Sita Bennett takes you on a journey in a beautifully written story that if you allow it, will completely encapsulate you and shift your reality forever. It’s hard to put down but I found myself savoring every page so that I could escape to the mystical worlds of the in-between more and more. Whilst reading this book, I became transfixed in the imagery and visuals that are so well painted. It meant I was able to step inside the book and fully immerse myself in the sometimes heart-wrenching painful or purest of experiences of Maya’s. I felt more sadness, despair, joy, and peace than I thought I could feel from a book because of this.
I related so much to Maya’s character and her journey. Her sensitivity to the world, suffering, and the inner turmoil of growing up in a society that lives in extremely outwards ways of which we grow up with such a disconnect to our internal worlds. I personally have experienced a very similar feeling of isolation to those around me and reading this book gave me a sense of support, invaluable insight into what being ‘sensitive’ really means, and allowed me to see the raw beauty in the way that I am. After reading this book I can now say I see my sensitivity as a strength, something to nurture and honour rather than suppress and see as a weakness. For that, I am so grateful.
I didn’t expect to receive all this from a book but because of this I could not recommend it enough. I am so excited to read the second and all of the authors future works..
I related so much to Maya’s character and her journey. Her sensitivity to the world, suffering, and the inner turmoil of growing up in a society that lives in extremely outwards ways of which we grow up with such a disconnect to our internal worlds. I personally have experienced a very similar feeling of isolation to those around me and reading this book gave me a sense of support, invaluable insight into what being ‘sensitive’ really means, and allowed me to see the raw beauty in the way that I am. After reading this book I can now say I see my sensitivity as a strength, something to nurture and honour rather than suppress and see as a weakness. For that, I am so grateful.
I didn’t expect to receive all this from a book but because of this I could not recommend it enough. I am so excited to read the second and all of the authors future works..
November 16, 2022
I have never connected so much with a character. Her introspective, intuitive nature, sensitivity to the world around her and femininity is what gives her power, which resonated with me so much, because in mainstream society these qualities are generally dismissed as weaknesses.
This book was so refreshing in so many ways for a YA Fantasy. Her spirit and heart is so strong, but she is far from the stereotypical 'strong female protagonist'. She's a warrior, but not of battle. A warrior of truth and of the heart. She's a rebel - but it's because she has the strength to honour her truth and not bend who she is to match the dystopian society around her - who are clearly under tight control.
It felt rooted in so much truth - some beautiful and some frightening. The Dystopian world can definitely be read as a cautionary representation of what could happen if we continue to ignore climate change and political control. The utopian world is so beautiful, and to me, represents the kind of interconnectivity and peace between humans and nature that is far more natural and true to our core.
It's a book that made me reflect on what kind of future I want to serve and be a part of creating, and made me feel empowered in that choice, even though it goes against mainstream society... For any readers who are on a path of awakening - both spiritually and to the reality of our social/ political/ and environmental situation on earth, I recommend this book so highly.
Also, the romance between Bjorn and Maya was so honest and loving even though it took a while for them to admit it! #relationshipgoals
This book was so refreshing in so many ways for a YA Fantasy. Her spirit and heart is so strong, but she is far from the stereotypical 'strong female protagonist'. She's a warrior, but not of battle. A warrior of truth and of the heart. She's a rebel - but it's because she has the strength to honour her truth and not bend who she is to match the dystopian society around her - who are clearly under tight control.
It felt rooted in so much truth - some beautiful and some frightening. The Dystopian world can definitely be read as a cautionary representation of what could happen if we continue to ignore climate change and political control. The utopian world is so beautiful, and to me, represents the kind of interconnectivity and peace between humans and nature that is far more natural and true to our core.
It's a book that made me reflect on what kind of future I want to serve and be a part of creating, and made me feel empowered in that choice, even though it goes against mainstream society... For any readers who are on a path of awakening - both spiritually and to the reality of our social/ political/ and environmental situation on earth, I recommend this book so highly.
Also, the romance between Bjorn and Maya was so honest and loving even though it took a while for them to admit it! #relationshipgoals
October 29, 2022
A Love Letter to our Natural World.
Poetic. Enchanting. Thoughtful. Bennett's quiet wisdom seeps into this vivid fantasy that had me hooked from page one!
For any parent looking for an uplifting novel full of twists and turns for their teenagers, this is a treasure! It is not just entertaining trash, everything about the story honours the intelligence of young people and innate wisdom within all beings.
The epic world-building and magic felt alive, I can still see it all playing out as if I've watched a movie.
The characters, especially Maya and Bjorn also felt alive to me. Over their adventure from the dystopian City to the utopian Valley, they both go on journeys of internal transformation as they break free from the System. The slow build up of their care for one another also felt authentic and sweet.
Maya is a unique and inspiring heroine because while she's sensitive and quiet, her inner strength is unshakable, and the way she has the self-respect to stay true to her heart in a world where the stakes are high for non-conformers, has left me feeling more empowered to honour and express more of who I am more fearlessly...
It is also a cautionary tale that addresses potent issues in our society and world today, and speaks to the power of the heart, and the power of both humans and nature when united in harmony.
A truly beautiful book.
Poetic. Enchanting. Thoughtful. Bennett's quiet wisdom seeps into this vivid fantasy that had me hooked from page one!
For any parent looking for an uplifting novel full of twists and turns for their teenagers, this is a treasure! It is not just entertaining trash, everything about the story honours the intelligence of young people and innate wisdom within all beings.
The epic world-building and magic felt alive, I can still see it all playing out as if I've watched a movie.
The characters, especially Maya and Bjorn also felt alive to me. Over their adventure from the dystopian City to the utopian Valley, they both go on journeys of internal transformation as they break free from the System. The slow build up of their care for one another also felt authentic and sweet.
Maya is a unique and inspiring heroine because while she's sensitive and quiet, her inner strength is unshakable, and the way she has the self-respect to stay true to her heart in a world where the stakes are high for non-conformers, has left me feeling more empowered to honour and express more of who I am more fearlessly...
It is also a cautionary tale that addresses potent issues in our society and world today, and speaks to the power of the heart, and the power of both humans and nature when united in harmony.
A truly beautiful book.
October 1, 2021
Words truly do fall short in describing the profound way this book has impacted me. I was encapsulated from the very first page and completely fascinated at the unfolding story and all that lay beyond the words. I have always found much value in books, particularly ones that hold deeper truer, meanings. And in these rarer cases books have served as a way to make sense of deeper truths that I have struggled to make sense of myself. Maya of the inbetween has been exactly that and more. It has been an invitation to explore myself, my experiences and the world around me in a unique way. I continue marvelling at the beautiful essence & wisdom that has been weaved into the tale weeks after finishing.
The gratitude I feel to have a book of this caliber in my hands is truly immense. And I thank the writer, Sita, for the gift you have given all who are lucky enough to receive the stories, lessons and deep love held within this book. An invitation into deep love and trust.
I can’t help but wonder what I may have missed, and think I will have to simply read it again to find out.
And as a side note, as I write this today, book 2 has just arrived in the mail. And I simply cannot wait to read it!!!!
The gratitude I feel to have a book of this caliber in my hands is truly immense. And I thank the writer, Sita, for the gift you have given all who are lucky enough to receive the stories, lessons and deep love held within this book. An invitation into deep love and trust.
I can’t help but wonder what I may have missed, and think I will have to simply read it again to find out.
And as a side note, as I write this today, book 2 has just arrived in the mail. And I simply cannot wait to read it!!!!
April 8, 2021
An absolute must-read! Such a journey it was to read and experience the wonders of this book. Sita writes in a such a profound, beautifully detailed way that makes you feel like you truly are part of the story, leaving you with a sense of awe and curiosity. There is something so fine and so real about this story. Diving into deeper realms of existence, it left me feeling so much more connected to the Divine. A beautiful intriguing story, and I can't wait to get lost and found in the second book!
November 17, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book, right up my street and gave me all the feels. Full of adventure and journeys of self discovery in this esoteric novel that follows Maya who sets out to go against all the odds to find the universe she has been painting.
Definitely a book that will stay with me for personal reasons.
I absolutely adored this book, right up my street and gave me all the feels. Full of adventure and journeys of self discovery in this esoteric novel that follows Maya who sets out to go against all the odds to find the universe she has been painting.
Definitely a book that will stay with me for personal reasons.
November 5, 2023
At first I was confused, but the world of Maya totally drew me in and I was gripped by this mystical, powerful story until the end (and then immediately bought the second book, because I need to know what happens next). I wish the characters’ inner emotional worlds were more fleshed out - their dealing with grief and profound loss falls flat. But the premise and world in which it’s set is very interesting. I hope in the second one we get to know the characters on a deeper level.
April 28, 2024
One of those books that you pick up and in a way it feels like you're home. The vulnerability and closeness to the character along with the weaving of truths that lay within us all had me mesmerised and so moved. Can't stop telling people I love to read it and experience the adventure for themselves!
April 29, 2022
This book was a pleasant surprise; I really wasn't expecting where the story went.
I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, the romance was sweet. The magic system is really cool and the world building was neat.
I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, the romance was sweet. The magic system is really cool and the world building was neat.
August 7, 2022
As one who is fascinated by exploring the deeper mysteries of our consciousness and existence, I really this resonated with book and the main character Maya. I was so moved, even to tears at times. I enjoyed the journey this took me on and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
December 8, 2020
Wow... the way Sita writes is so beautiful. I couldn’t put it down! The inner world so pure and inspiring, I felt it touch a place deep in me that longs for the world to exists in this way of innocence beauty and love... a lot of moment of this is a fantasy novel... or is it?
July 14, 2020
I have been looking forward to reading this book, and can't wait for my copy to arrive!! I follow this authors blog and love the way she writes. It feels so sincere <3
July 7, 2020
From the moment I started reading Maya of the Inbetween I was totally captured by it and didn’t want to put it down ... The descriptive world and characters unfolding were so believable that I felt like I was in it.
Maya’s journey was incredibly profound, and her special energy that emanated from the story has stayed with me long after finishing the book.
I thoroughly recommend you to read this book that will open your mind to different realms of possibility and reality.
I hope it makes it to the big screen, it would be a visual treat!
Maya’s journey was incredibly profound, and her special energy that emanated from the story has stayed with me long after finishing the book.
I thoroughly recommend you to read this book that will open your mind to different realms of possibility and reality.
I hope it makes it to the big screen, it would be a visual treat!
December 22, 2023
"Maya of the In-Between" is a captivating novel that stands out in the dystopian genre with its fresh and unique concept. The story unfolds in a world that is both hauntingly familiar and eerily different, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian reality. The narrative weaves seamlessly through the in-between, creating an atmospheric blend of suspense and curiosity. The protagonist, Maya, is a compelling character navigating a world that challenges the boundaries of the known and unknown. The novel successfully captures the reader's attention with its originality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a dystopian experience that breaks away from the conventional tropes, offering a refreshing and engaging journey.
February 7, 2021
I really really loved this book and how it’s not only an outward adventure but an inward journey too. Maya shows the reader to be courageous when it comes to your inners and facing the truth. There is so much heart and vulnerability in this novel and I wish this book existed back when I was a teenager as it has so many pearls of wisdom weaved throughout. What I loved most about Maya of the In-between was the integration of higher consciousness teachings into the story that regularly made me go “wow ...” and question my beliefs in a way soooo different to the regular dystopian young adult book.
Also Maya is an absolute badass.
Can’t wait for book two!
Also Maya is an absolute badass.
Can’t wait for book two!
December 1, 2022
This book is very much targeted towards hyper-sensitive teens and young adults struggling to find their place in the word. There is an innocence about it that I think is only really appreciated by a certain type of person. But it is for this reason that it resonated with me in an intense way. I felt very seen through this character and it served as a reminder that softness is not a weakness. It can be a power when we wear it with full acceptance.
April 1, 2020
Wonderful read. I enjoyed the unique and poetic style. The writer seems to have a deep understanding of the experience of the mystical. Themes of higher consciousness woven into a delightful and engaging story which seem to speak to something beyond the conscious mind.
I’d recommend it for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure story and who is drawn to the deeper mysteries.
I’d recommend it for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure story and who is drawn to the deeper mysteries.
April 6, 2020
The world-building is mesmerizing! The world is made believable through the many intricate details that flow together very poetically. I truly enjoyed the story and I cannot wait to continue reading it in book 2!
October 30, 2023
Absolutely in love with this book. If you’re someone who is very spiritual and passionate about the world we can’t see but can deeply feel then get this book!!!!!! I love all of the little spiritual nudges Sita gets (“ in contrast to the fire accumulated within, a rush of icy cold swept through my body”, “my ears rung”) so many relatable breadcrumbs like that. I’m nearly a third of the way through the book and it resonates so deeply. As it says in the book’s description the main character is a seer, a mystic, a feeler and a rebel. If you embody that yourself, READ THIS BOOK! It really hits the heart where it matters. Oh man I’m just excited to continue reading. Thank you Sita for being you and having the vision to give this book to the world because we needed it. Much love to all
June 16, 2020
Such a beautiful story that I couldn't put down. The light & depth of the characters is astonishing and the whole book is littered with metaphors & imagery that brings a deep, honest sense of wonder. What an incredible story this would be for young people to read. I certainly wish I read something like this when I was a young adult
April 22, 2023
I enjoyed aspects of this book, such as the philosophical and religious symbols of gods, magic, worship etc. I also enjoyed the idea of an inner world and other realms existing, it was very “Plato’s theory of the forms” style.
I feel like this book could’ve done more. From the many 5 star ratings I was expecting much more description of the inner world, I thought it was appeal to all the senses and build a really beautiful picture in my head, but I thought the descriptions were just okay.
Overall, I generally enjoyed the read. I’m not sure dystopian/utopian books are my thing though 🤷♀️
I feel like this book could’ve done more. From the many 5 star ratings I was expecting much more description of the inner world, I thought it was appeal to all the senses and build a really beautiful picture in my head, but I thought the descriptions were just okay.
Overall, I generally enjoyed the read. I’m not sure dystopian/utopian books are my thing though 🤷♀️
April 26, 2022
I'm so incredibly disappointed. GR had me fooled with all the 5 star reviews. 4.7? In what world? Was I not reading the same book? Besides the MANY grammatical errors I found (see the first page where it says "Earth'a New Children"...was this book even edited?), it had suicide cult overtones, some questionable uses of the words "pure," "clean," and "cleanse," and did I miss where the reader is given a description of the main character?
I wanted to love this book. The cover is GORGEOUS. But have genuinely never been more disappointed with a book.
I wanted to love this book. The cover is GORGEOUS. But have genuinely never been more disappointed with a book.
May 12, 2025
I loved this book & I'm 48! I'm hooked on the series mostly because I recognize that I'm a multidimensional being & I see myself reflected in the story. It feels like home when reading what you experience as real life through a book. It's also hard to remember where the book & reality are separate. Or are they?
September 26, 2024
Oh boy, I truly don't want to write this review, as much as I didn't want to read this book at some points.
First of all, I hate to be mean and I'm sorry in advance, but I was quite frustrated with this book. It started really well, with a Dystopian world and the main characters having visions about another reality.
But then, after around 25%, I just started feeling it wasn't for me.
First of all, I feel like the main character was quite frustrating with how she changed her opinions in an instant, just because of a vision or suddenly understanding some metaphysical thing. She also totally forgot sometimes that she wanted to rescue her family, because she was having a good time dancing and drinking cocoa. Truly.
I've sensed trouble when there was a mention of Bermuda Triangle, and the hunch was right. The place Maya ended up in because of altering her consciousness had very culty vibes and she was basically treated in a patronizing way and scolded for not just believing in the things they say (mind that she was previously in a dystopian, brutal world). Yoga and eating vegetables was an answer to everything, and as much as I know that our current world isn't doing well, I feel like praising extremes, like no technology at all, just doesn't buy me. All of this was packed in some fancy words (like metaphysical) that honestly made no sense at times. ('I could feel the density of thinking matter brewing inside his mind like a cloud.' Huh?)
And then the star of the show arrived, the line that enraged me, said by one of the characters in a matter of fact way. 'It's hard to feel fully initiated into womanhood when you haven't experienced a man, you know?'. And I don't know, maybe I'm overly sensitive, but it was just truly lacking taste.
Overall, I feel like the idea was there in the beginning, but the further we went into the story, the more nonsensical and irritating it got.
First of all, I hate to be mean and I'm sorry in advance, but I was quite frustrated with this book. It started really well, with a Dystopian world and the main characters having visions about another reality.
But then, after around 25%, I just started feeling it wasn't for me.
First of all, I feel like the main character was quite frustrating with how she changed her opinions in an instant, just because of a vision or suddenly understanding some metaphysical thing. She also totally forgot sometimes that she wanted to rescue her family, because she was having a good time dancing and drinking cocoa. Truly.
I've sensed trouble when there was a mention of Bermuda Triangle, and the hunch was right. The place Maya ended up in because of altering her consciousness had very culty vibes and she was basically treated in a patronizing way and scolded for not just believing in the things they say (mind that she was previously in a dystopian, brutal world). Yoga and eating vegetables was an answer to everything, and as much as I know that our current world isn't doing well, I feel like praising extremes, like no technology at all, just doesn't buy me. All of this was packed in some fancy words (like metaphysical) that honestly made no sense at times. ('I could feel the density of thinking matter brewing inside his mind like a cloud.' Huh?)
And then the star of the show arrived, the line that enraged me, said by one of the characters in a matter of fact way. 'It's hard to feel fully initiated into womanhood when you haven't experienced a man, you know?'. And I don't know, maybe I'm overly sensitive, but it was just truly lacking taste.
Overall, I feel like the idea was there in the beginning, but the further we went into the story, the more nonsensical and irritating it got.
May 10, 2021
Well it is pretty good, but there are some things I take issue with, such as the denigration of the "sky people" and technological life forms, so I had to take off a star.
Otherwise it was pretty good and relatable, even if it had some uh, "suicide cult" feel to how they go from one world to another.
I would not recommend this book to others for the above listed reasons. Though I still give it a 4 stars for the depiction of a peaceful place where nature and hominid life forms get along, even if it is rather fantastical.
Otherwise it was pretty good and relatable, even if it had some uh, "suicide cult" feel to how they go from one world to another.
I would not recommend this book to others for the above listed reasons. Though I still give it a 4 stars for the depiction of a peaceful place where nature and hominid life forms get along, even if it is rather fantastical.
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