The Rest to the Gods

The Song of the Sleepers #0.5

by Joshua Walker

On the peak of the Mountain Pass, the Four-Front War takes its final breaths.

The walls are closing in.

The allies are dwindling.

The last front is on its knees.

The Rest to the Gods is a prequel novella in The Song of the Sleepers, an epic fantasy series by Australian fantasy author Joshua Walker.

Genres: Fantasy

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Joshua Walker is a fantasy author currently living in Sydney, Australia. He works as a primary school English teacher, and likes to read, brew beer, and hang out with his wife and BFD (Big Fluffy Dog) in his free time.

Reviews

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Before We Go Blog

Pitched as “The Wheel of Time meets Redwall”, The Rest to the Gods is an incredibly intriguing and captivating prequel novella that provides a tantalising glimpse into Joshua Walker’s upcoming The Song of the Sleepers series.

Told through two alternating timelines, about a hundred years apart, we intimately get to know the (totally badass) Sleeper Nischia as she learns to grapple with her powers and fights to find her place in a war-torn world. On the surface, this is a thrilling and action-packed fantasy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But if you dig just a little deeper, you’ll find a soul-stirring tale of bravery, sacrifice, duty, overcoming fears, and powerful self-discovery.

I’ll admit that the first chapter of The Rest to the Gods can feel a bit overwhelming, as Walker just throws you into the deep end and doesn’t hold back on the in-world terminology. However, this is one of those stories where that feeling of slight bewilderment and confusion only works to its benefit.

And what’s more, just being patient and trusting the author more than pays off in The Rest to the Gods. Within just a couple of gripping chapters, Walker is able to establish a rich and intriguing world, a positively entrancing atmosphere, and a cast of vibrant and dynamic characters with beautifully complex relationships.

I did personally prefer the past timeline digging into Nischia’s troubled youth over the present war-focused timeline, but only because I generally enjoy a more character/emotion-driven narrative rather than one driven by action, battle, and adventure. Yet the way that these two storylines complimented each other was quite impressive, and resulted in one of the more satisfying and powerful journeys of character growth that I have ever read, especially in a novella.

There is simply so much packed into The Rest to the Gods, and it is truly beyond me how Walker managed to tell a fantasy story that feels both familiar and comfortable yet also completely unique and bewildering. From the vivid and immersive scenery in the Aobian forests, to the fascinating symbiotic relationship that the Sleepers have with the Great Tree in which they live, to the culture of the non-human, anthropomorphized Nestlers, and to the cinematic Luminosity/Orb magic system itself; these are just a few of the wholly original concepts that filled me with wonder and left me hungering for more in the best way possible.

Whether you are a true fantasy veteran or a newbie to the genre, I think The Rest to the Gods is an excellent way to get a taste of the exciting creativity and beauty that the modern fantasy genre has to offer. I will personally be counting down the days until book 1 in The Song of the Sleepers series, An Exile of Water & Gold, hits the shelves. Walker is without a doubt an author to watch!

The Rest to the Gods can be downloaded for free by subscribing to the author’s newsletter.

[Alex Scheuermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). This review is my personal opinion and does not solely determine if this story will move onto the next phase of the competition.
A Sleeper named Nischia navigates the battlefield as an elite spellcaster, doing what she can to tilt the battle in her side's favor. At the same time, we experience Nischia's past when she was plucked from her home and trained to become a Sleeper to begin with.
Walker's world feels fresh and unique with anthropomorphic animals taking center stage. They live in the Great Tree and can feel it's presence. The magic too feels special with Luminosity and Orbs, Sleepers and cism. Though very little of how the magic works was explained in this prequel novella, most likely saved for the main series.
I enjoyed the past timeline and learning what happened to cause the great war of the present. Without going into spoilers, the pivotal scene was evocative and terrifying.
Unfortunately there were many places in the story I found confusing. Between the prose and the quantity of magic terms and other names, it was difficult to orient myself to the setting and characters. Aside from that, I felt that Nischia lacked agency in this story. Everything seemed to just happen and I felt that she didn't end up making enough decisions for herself.
If you are a fan of unique worlds and fresh magic systems, give The Rest to the Gods a read.

[K.D. Marchesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible little novella told in two time lines! Incredibly detailed, filled to the brim of intrigue, magic and life. If this is a taste of what Joshua Walker can do, I cannot wait to see what the world of Q'ara has in store for us next.

More detailed review to come!

[Louise Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gods forbid a queen have ambition

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent novella. It does everything I want a short prequel to do – give me a good insight into the author’s writing style, the world, and the characters, and have good story to showcase it all. As is the case with many prequel novellas, we’re thrown into the world a little bit, and it’s a world at war. Here though, you get dual timelines giving some history and how the war ultimately started, as well as a “present day” look at how it’s currently going.

I like the characters we’re introduced to here, and I particularly like the inclusion of the Nestlers, who offer something a little different. The magic is interesting, and although we’re not even given much of a crash course in it, it’s enough to carry us through the hundred or so pages of story. I’m definitely interested in reading An Exile of Water & Gold soon, which means The Rest to the Gods has done its job well!

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

my rating is 4.25
An epic war, a desperate attempt to thwart the enemy and a look back at the beginning of everything. 
This novella is fast paced, with dual timelines and a race against time. The author is savage with his characters and not everyone is left standing in the end. 
I love this world, the history and lore, and the characters who worm their way into your heart with every page turned. 

[Jamedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic and powerful story with a character full of nuances, all wrapped by strong prose and a really intriguing worldbuilding - Jamedi, Jamreads

Longer review soon

[Joshua Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this damn book twenty times (oh, and I wrote it)!

I think it’s pretty good, and I hope you all enjoy it!

Here's your series update, if you liked this novella:

- An Exile of Water & Gold (The Song of the Sleepers, Book 1) coming September 2024
- The Child of the Greenwood (Book 1.5) coming January 2025 (also known as "The One with More Weasels")
- The Book of Songs & Stewards (Book 2) coming 2025 (date TBC)

[Dave Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun novella: really enjoyed the present action. Nestlers are my favorite and I need more of them. Full review to come.

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant little novella that I really enjoyed. Walker tells this over two timelines, each intriguing in their own way but both benefitting each other.

The magic system itself with orbs and Sleep is unique and I’m left wanting to know more. The plot itself can be mysterious and I was left wanting to know each timelines end result.

The setting was a highlight and I was eager to learn more about the world and its characters.

This is just a taste of what Walker has to offer and if this is what can be done from a novella then I can’t wait to see what is in store for book one.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely debut novella centering around the majestic Great Tree. Certain dwellers are imbued with the special magic called Luminosity, which is a blessing from the Tree. The world created around this Tree is imaginative and fascinating. There are weasel type characters as well, which seem friendly and endearing. I hope they will be more front and center in forthcoming books.
We are given a good background into this whimsical world of nature magic. Things are left with different races of beings that have a moment of peace after a difficult war. But we know this won’t last long!

[Miggins (Hobbit Hole Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A debut full of promising and unique worldbuilding. Josh sets this ambitious novella in both a wide and intimate scope. As such i wasn't as emotionally invested as i would've been had a larger page count been apportioned, and i would've liked to have understood the conflict a little better. Nevertheless the novella was brisk and breezy, keeping me enticed through its Redwall- esque worldbuilding. I will certainly be picking up Josh's full debut when the time comes!

Full review to come on FBC

[Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really hard to believe this is book .5. This was an amazing story and hooks you right in. I can not wait to see where this series takes us. The world building and characters are on point. I wish there was more to this story, now we have to sit and wait.

I have a feeling this series is going to EPIC!

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rest to the Gods by Joshua Walker - a prequel 0.5 in The Song of the Sleepers series

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful
inspiring mysterious reflective sad.

Fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

4.0 Stars

This prequel is an introduction to the world, the magic, and the characters that inhabit this world. You learn about the politics, the political scheming happening at the top of the "totem pole" and the aggressers and those who are defending themselves.

There are two timelines that run throughout the story, the NOW, which is 2055 AS (after settlement) in this world, and the THEN, which is 1057 and 1058 AS, 

The main character that we follow in both timelines is Nischia. She is a special person within this world, but she comes from humble beginnings, which you experience in the "then" portions of the timeline.

Within the "now" portions, you see what she's become...in the meantime, and it's pretty cool to see the transformation and impact that she has.

I don't know how this will effect Book One of the series, The Exile of Water and Gold, which is my next read. I'm hoping that the knowledge that I "now" have, will make the re-entrance into Q'ara easy and smooth. I really enjoyed this novella, and feel that a lot of the "heavy lifting" of worldbuilding has been done, so the transition should be easier.

[David Neumaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, a general summary of my rating: I liked it!

The Rest to the Gods by Joshua Walker is an engaging novella that, while filled with mysterious powers and dangerous excursions, is simple enough to follow yet demands personal reflection.

It tells the story of two events that could stand to be connected a little bit more but, as it is right now, it is enough to show the main character’s present time in the midst of a battle for a contested “checkpoint” of sorts and her history of learning her powers and developing herself as a user of these powers.

It took me a while to make the connection, but while certainly not the same in most respects, I almost got the feeling of some connection to an anime called “Shin Sekai Yori” which I also enjoyed. But trust me, if you have seen that, you won’t know why I made that connection either, but somehow it feels right. And you’ll probably agree.

I’d say fans of Redwall and Narnia will like this book.

My one major criticism (and this is really small if you think about it) is that he just thrusts us into the new world with a lot of new terms, but after a while, you get used to them and understand what he is talking about, but that is common for fantasy these days.

[Shane Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you love the Redwall series when you were younger? If so, you're going to like The Rest to the Gods. Joshua Walker deftly switches between two timelines and does a great job of building up the world of Q'ara - especially in the length of a novella.

This is much more than just a modern, adult Redwall, though. The Rest to the Gods does a wonderful job of piquing interest for the full series and Joshua has something really cool here. I'll definitely be diving into An Exile of Water & Gold soon.

7.0/10
4/5 ⭐️

[Manda Simas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nischia faces an opportunity to thwart the advance of an enemy gaining the upper hand in the continental war, she must dig deep to find the heart from long ago that survived the trials life as a Sleeper were bound to come with.
But can she make it out alive?

What an amazing welcome into such an intriguing world that Walker has created. The duel timelines served the story well, I was totally invested in the intertwining stories. I think we are left with quite the options for where these characters can go. I don’t think we’re done here, and I for one am all ears!

The Plot unfolded nicely, the moderate pace left room for development that’s not always invested in a novella. I loved the duel timelines and getting the origin story along with the battle. The political plot that unfolded in the background was a treat and you really felt the life of a Sleeper by the end.

The Characters were a mixed batch for me. Nischia was a great MC and you really felt for her as her layers were peeled back. It took a bit to understand where all the motivations lay in the side characters, but didn’t feel missing but rather unknown to her POV, and by the end you’re drawn into their collective story. I think it’s purposeful and we’ll get more of them in the future.

The World Building had me from the start. I loved the unique magic system, not really understood even by its wielders. The different species, worlds and cultures that came together were quite cool and I can't wait to explore more of this world with future books.

The Prose felt seasoned for a debut, I was in it from the beginning. The perspectives between timelines felt separate, as though the unique maturity level of the time was voiced, which was really smart.

[Anie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book, but it's a novella so it's short but packed with action. I really liked the format and I'll try and get into it all more below:

Let's go:
Content Rating: Mature Audiences

Characters: 8/10
This mostly focuses on Nischia in a dual-time format, flashbacks I you could say, into how she got to where she is when we are introduced to her in the first pages. She's a badass and I like that we get to see the tough, rugged side to her but also her younger more vulnerable self. Nice duality.

Atmosphere: 8/10

Writing Style: 8/10
Some interesting choices of words but engaging and easy to read. It's a short book so this impression is a harder one to get right since the author has so few pages to convey their story. To accomplish that is a feat in itself and I think Walker does this well.

Plot: 9/10
Really cool plot/subplot and overall idea and sets up for what I think is going to be a really awesome series.

Intrigue: 10/10
It's an absolute page-tuner! And such a gripping tale from two sides of the same coin. Very cool, I love this concept in books.

Logic/Relationships: 10/10
Again, while the focus is Nischia, there is an interesting cast of characters, and as I've said, I especially like the way the story is set up to show us who Nischia is.

Enjoyment/Vibes: 10/10
Def recommend it and am eager for the rest of this series!





CAWPILE Rating: 63/70
Star Rating: 5

[Lilith Mühlberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw posts sharing the cover reveal for An Exile of Water & Gold and got curious, so I looked into it, added the book on my TBR, joined the newsletter... and discovered this lovely free novella. I dived right in to get a sense for the upcoming book and its world.

The novella covers two timelines, the then and the now, revolving around Sleeper Nischia. In the now, there is a war going on, and Nischia, along with a group of allies, departs for a mission they hope could turn the tide at the last front. In the then, we see how a young Nischia becomes a Sleeper and what her culture in the Great Tree of Aobia looks like.

The world in this was fascinating. In addition to the Aobians, there are also regular old humans and the weasel-like Hidden Ones populating this world. The magic of the Sleepers was also an interesting one, along with how they were perceived by the different Aobian classes.

But it's a novella and I don't want to give too much away. I've been reading a lot of romantasy recently, so it was a nice change of pace to read fantasy that wasn't focused on romance. I enjoyed The Rest to the Gods a lot and am looking forward to reading An Exile of Water & Gold soon!

[Carina_inkdrinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating novella serves as the perfect prequel to An Exile of Water and Gold , diving deep into Nischia's past and present. Both timelines are masterfully woven together, drawing readers into a rich and immersive story that’s hard to put down.

Novellas often face the challenge of delivering depth in a limited space, but this one surpasses all expectations. In just 120 pages, Walker masterfully weaves together rich details and constant momentum, creating a story that feels as expansive and engaging as a full-length novel.

Reading his books feels like wrapping yourself in the coziest blanket—comforting, and impossible to leave behind. This novella is no exception, delivering all the emotion and adventure fans have come to expect.

A must read for both longtime followers of An Exile of Water and Gold and new readers looking to be swept into an extraordinary world

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novella as a giveaway not knowing what it was about before starting it. I was pleasantly surprised by the world and magic system that Joshua Walker was able to create in just over 100 pages.

The story is told from two separate timelines which is helpful in understanding the main character’s history and some of the details surrounding the magic system in place. I thought this format was well executed, and while I would have wanted more details and character development, I understand that is difficult with a low word count. All in all, this is a solid story and I’m excited for the upcoming novel! I can’t wait to return to Q’ara and The Song of the Sleepers series!

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rest of the Gods by Joshua Walker is a prequel novella to the world of Q'ara. I loved this world and how we were introduced to its history! I think the magic system is extremely unique and interesting.

This was the perfect setup for the world. It was told at two different times in the same person's life. I loved how the timelines connected and what was accomplished in such a short amount of time! There were also some unique species involved that added depth and my investment in the risks. High stakes, high action, and high reward for me as a reader 😁

I am looking forward to reading An Exile of Water and Gold out in September!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well-written story, with some creative and well-thought ideas. Some ideas such as cism, the Orb, Luminosity at first seemed like they might take a while to figure out, but his explanations, gentle introductions and progressive world-building were not at all overwhelming.
I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of 'Then', and most especially the tensions between some characters. Origin stories are always delightful.

I found it engaging, quick paced and easy to read, with some incredibly visceral language. I'm not one to finish books rapidly but this was definitely a book I couldn't put down.

Can't wait to read more!

[Scott Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Walker's debut work, The Rest To The Gods, was an excellent novella. This story was testament to what the author is capable of with fewer words---he can make them meaningful. The story never lags for a second. It drives you smoothly to the destination and leaves you satisfied when you arrive. The magic system is incredibly unique, and the new fantasy races that Walker has introduced are wholly fascinating. I can't wait to see what Joshua Wallker has in store for the larger scale of this series. As of now he has absolutely nailed the micro.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read. I loved the authors writing style. The characters within the book had challenges that they had to go through, and the characters developed throughout the book nicely. I am so happy to be reading this novella as it has made me definitely want to continue with the series once I can get my hands on them.

[Adam Bassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rest to the Gods is a fascinating introduction to Joshua Walker’s epic fantasy series. This is a story about a period of political unrest, but also about Nischia’s journey to self acceptance—all in a stunning and original setting. Read the full review on FanFiAddict.

[Matt Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rest to the Gods is a novella by Joshua Walker which is the first instalment in his upcoming series ‘Songs of the Sleepers’.

The book moves between two stories, one set in present ‘now’, and the other set in the past ‘then’ both following the same protagonist.

Within the ‘now’ narrative there were some truly epic scenes, although I personally found the pace a little slow for my liking.

The ‘then’ narrative however was very engaging, beautifully written with some truly emotive and heartbreaking moments.

Both narratives were a little rushed as we approached their respective climaxes, and then finished rather abruptly I felt.

That being said, overall I enjoyed this book, the magic system is interesting, and the lore and world building have some real potential.

I would absolutely recommend this book, it’s a quick read and free when you sign up to Joshua’s newsletter.

Keen to see what comes next!

[Isabelle]

Cool glimpse into this world and magic system. Loved the dual timelines and how they converged and that we got to see an important part of history.

[Ante Jelić · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this short work as an appetizer for the first book and i got to say i really liked what i found in it. Now just to wait for the first book to arrive

[manwhodoberead · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing novella. So amazing in fact that I read it I. 1 day - which is shocking for me, even with its small page count.

Highly recommend people try this out, it’s free if you sign up to the authors mailing list so what’s the harm in trying it?