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The Weight of Dreams: An Ancient Saga of Myth and Magic
In a time lost to memory, Etana is born with the Sight and a rare gift whispered down through her she can speak with elephants. When her father promises her in marriage to an older man, Etana chooses the unthinkable--she flees. Escaping the ritual that broke her sister, she slips into the wilderness under the watchful eyes of the Beastgod.
Alone but guided by ancestral spirits and a bond with a mysterious elephant, Etana journeys into the realm of myth. A powerful ruler summons her to tame a ferocious elephant meant for war. But to claim her future, she must master more than beasts--she must face enemies, survive betrayal, and confront a court that thrives on secrets and blood.
As kingdoms clash and gods murmur in dreams, Etana rises from fugitive to warrioress, from outcast to commander. In a world where loyalty is eternal and power demands sacrifice, who will she become when everything she loves is threatened?
Told through the rhythms of oral tradition and infused with magic, myth, and cultural memory, The Weight of Dreams is a luminous tale of spiritual resilience, feminine power, and the living bond between human and nature.
For readers of magical realism and literary historical fiction who believe the past still speaks-and sometimes, it sings.
Alone but guided by ancestral spirits and a bond with a mysterious elephant, Etana journeys into the realm of myth. A powerful ruler summons her to tame a ferocious elephant meant for war. But to claim her future, she must master more than beasts--she must face enemies, survive betrayal, and confront a court that thrives on secrets and blood.
As kingdoms clash and gods murmur in dreams, Etana rises from fugitive to warrioress, from outcast to commander. In a world where loyalty is eternal and power demands sacrifice, who will she become when everything she loves is threatened?
Told through the rhythms of oral tradition and infused with magic, myth, and cultural memory, The Weight of Dreams is a luminous tale of spiritual resilience, feminine power, and the living bond between human and nature.
For readers of magical realism and literary historical fiction who believe the past still speaks-and sometimes, it sings.
- GenresFantasy
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Sorrell
8 books34 followersNovelist Nicole Sorrell’s love of literary fiction and magical realism was born while reading the works of Latin American writers during her university studies which culminated in a B.A. in Hispanic Literature.
She says she writes literary fiction and magical realism while splitting her time between Texas and the rural Midwest, “observing various species of wildlife and dodging alien cows.” An annoying cat with the highly original name of Kitty and a four-pound Yorkie named GiGi keep her company.
She says she writes literary fiction and magical realism while splitting her time between Texas and the rural Midwest, “observing various species of wildlife and dodging alien cows.” An annoying cat with the highly original name of Kitty and a four-pound Yorkie named GiGi keep her company.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 29, 2025
What a magnificent novel! Nicole Sorrell’s prose created a regal tone to this novel, instantly capturing my attention. The novel’s structure, weaving the tradition of oral storytelling and events from Etana’s past, mirrored and impacted events she experienced in her present, was a brilliant way to provide context and character development.
I enjoyed the feminist themes of the novel and Etana’s fight for equality and autonomy for women, always using her privilege as a way to not only think of herself but others as well, even when it was challenging for her.
The way Sorrell built this world, infusing historical suppositions regarding information regarding the dynasty of Nubia with their culture, customs, beliefs, and societal structure, gave this story such epic scope. And while this did impact the pacing, I felt it was a worthy tradeoff as you come away with a deep appreciation for this world. As for the plotting, it followed a decent rhythm where something climactic would happen, followed by a lull, then spiked again. This didn’t bother me much, as I prefer this type of plot and pace when reading a fantasy to better appreciate the worldbuilding and characters.
Also, I loved how the battle scenes were written with such detail. I usually find battle scenes so lackluster or confusing, but these scenes were so visceral that it was like I was there standing beside Etana! I also appreciated that she showed the mental and emotional toll that war and violence can take on a person. This is often overlooked in many fantasy novels, but I appreciated seeing Etana navigate her feelings, complicity, and morals regarding war, violence, and how we so quickly justify it.
Emotionally, this novel caused the highest of joys and the deepest sorrows. This was due to how well the characters were developed; they felt so real and palpable. Despite this novel being written in first person, Sorrell did an excellent job of showing and not telling you who these characters were at their core.
And the ending was bittersweet but remained true to the story and Etana’s purpose and heart.
This is perfect for fans of historical fiction that infuses elements of East African ancient history regarding the Nubian dynasty, has strong feminist themes, and a powerful female lead, enjoys adventure-based fantasy, with a fresh take on the chosen-one trope, and loves animals, especially elephants.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the feminist themes of the novel and Etana’s fight for equality and autonomy for women, always using her privilege as a way to not only think of herself but others as well, even when it was challenging for her.
The way Sorrell built this world, infusing historical suppositions regarding information regarding the dynasty of Nubia with their culture, customs, beliefs, and societal structure, gave this story such epic scope. And while this did impact the pacing, I felt it was a worthy tradeoff as you come away with a deep appreciation for this world. As for the plotting, it followed a decent rhythm where something climactic would happen, followed by a lull, then spiked again. This didn’t bother me much, as I prefer this type of plot and pace when reading a fantasy to better appreciate the worldbuilding and characters.
Also, I loved how the battle scenes were written with such detail. I usually find battle scenes so lackluster or confusing, but these scenes were so visceral that it was like I was there standing beside Etana! I also appreciated that she showed the mental and emotional toll that war and violence can take on a person. This is often overlooked in many fantasy novels, but I appreciated seeing Etana navigate her feelings, complicity, and morals regarding war, violence, and how we so quickly justify it.
Emotionally, this novel caused the highest of joys and the deepest sorrows. This was due to how well the characters were developed; they felt so real and palpable. Despite this novel being written in first person, Sorrell did an excellent job of showing and not telling you who these characters were at their core.
And the ending was bittersweet but remained true to the story and Etana’s purpose and heart.
This is perfect for fans of historical fiction that infuses elements of East African ancient history regarding the Nubian dynasty, has strong feminist themes, and a powerful female lead, enjoys adventure-based fantasy, with a fresh take on the chosen-one trope, and loves animals, especially elephants.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2025
The Weight of Dreams is one of the best books that I've read this year!
Born in ancient Nubia with the gift of Sight and blessed with the ability to communicate with animals, Etana is an unusual young woman who chafes against the patriarchal society and traditions of her people. Her determination to escape these social norms propels her to take refuge among a herd of elephants, ultimately leading Etana on a journey towards found family, empowerment, and independence.
From the very first page I was transported to a fertile African savanna teeming with life and magic. Nicole Sorrell weaves a vivid picture of the prehistoric landscape as well as the people and animals who call it home. Although her writing is well informed by research, it never comes across as dryly academic.
A once beloved and celebrated ancestor whose name has been lost to the sands of time, Etana's story is told from a first person point of view that is poignant and lyrical. The author's intention was to craft a narrative "written with the tone and rhythms of oral tradition to sound like an ancient voice infused with magic, myth, and cultural memory." I can happily say that Sorrell has absolutely achieved this! The story flowed seamlessly between Etana's memories of her childhood and the events currently unfolding in her journey.
Etana is an incredibly inspiring, resilient, and lovable character, not unlike Ayla in Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear. I was moved by her compassion, her deep kinship with animals and nature, and her fierce protection of those she loves.
There were many compelling secondary characters, not only people, but also animals, ancestral spirits, and gods. The author did a great job of bringing them to life and developing their personalities.
Ultimately this is a deeply engaging and heartfelt story of personal growth, feminine power, and the deep connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It does touch on distributing subjects such as violence against women, female genital cutting, and war, which might be difficult for some readers.
If you enjoy resilient female characters, prehistory, and magical realism, then you will love reading Etana's story!
Born in ancient Nubia with the gift of Sight and blessed with the ability to communicate with animals, Etana is an unusual young woman who chafes against the patriarchal society and traditions of her people. Her determination to escape these social norms propels her to take refuge among a herd of elephants, ultimately leading Etana on a journey towards found family, empowerment, and independence.
From the very first page I was transported to a fertile African savanna teeming with life and magic. Nicole Sorrell weaves a vivid picture of the prehistoric landscape as well as the people and animals who call it home. Although her writing is well informed by research, it never comes across as dryly academic.
A once beloved and celebrated ancestor whose name has been lost to the sands of time, Etana's story is told from a first person point of view that is poignant and lyrical. The author's intention was to craft a narrative "written with the tone and rhythms of oral tradition to sound like an ancient voice infused with magic, myth, and cultural memory." I can happily say that Sorrell has absolutely achieved this! The story flowed seamlessly between Etana's memories of her childhood and the events currently unfolding in her journey.
Etana is an incredibly inspiring, resilient, and lovable character, not unlike Ayla in Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear. I was moved by her compassion, her deep kinship with animals and nature, and her fierce protection of those she loves.
There were many compelling secondary characters, not only people, but also animals, ancestral spirits, and gods. The author did a great job of bringing them to life and developing their personalities.
Ultimately this is a deeply engaging and heartfelt story of personal growth, feminine power, and the deep connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It does touch on distributing subjects such as violence against women, female genital cutting, and war, which might be difficult for some readers.
If you enjoy resilient female characters, prehistory, and magical realism, then you will love reading Etana's story!
December 16, 2025
I received an advance reader copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a tricky review to write, so I’m going to attempt to approach with nuance.
First off, the story telling and language in this novel are beautiful. From the first page I was captivated by the prose and the way this written story feels like oral story telling all the way through. Etana is a lovely, flawed, brave, thoughtful, kind, deep, and complex main character and I loved following her story. The inclusion of the animals—specifically the elephants—was something that really spoke to me and added so much to the story.
Where I’m struggling is the fact that there are some very delicate topics in this story that I’m not sure are best covered by a white woman. While I am not one to say that white women shouldn’t write non-white characters, I think that in this case, it feels like there is maybe some white savior complex happening here, and perhaps a bit of condescension as a result, and I don’t think that having this in the book actually adds anything other than to make the author feel as if they are speaking out.
This is a tricky review to write, so I’m going to attempt to approach with nuance.
First off, the story telling and language in this novel are beautiful. From the first page I was captivated by the prose and the way this written story feels like oral story telling all the way through. Etana is a lovely, flawed, brave, thoughtful, kind, deep, and complex main character and I loved following her story. The inclusion of the animals—specifically the elephants—was something that really spoke to me and added so much to the story.
Where I’m struggling is the fact that there are some very delicate topics in this story that I’m not sure are best covered by a white woman. While I am not one to say that white women shouldn’t write non-white characters, I think that in this case, it feels like there is maybe some white savior complex happening here, and perhaps a bit of condescension as a result, and I don’t think that having this in the book actually adds anything other than to make the author feel as if they are speaking out.
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November 7, 2025I absolutely enjoyed reading this book it was a beautiful read. Though there are hard subjects throughout the novel lit being a fantasy it was still fantastic. I was transported and enjoyed going back and fourth to Etanas childhood. This novel is written so well I was hooked and loved it. Etana’s story was magical and I’m glad to have read this novel. If you like mythology and old tales you’ll love it as well. The writer is extremely talented.
Thankful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I TRULY enjoyed reading it.
Thankful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I TRULY enjoyed reading it.
November 7, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book it was a beautiful read. Though there are hard subjects throughout the novel lit being a fantasy it was still fantastic. I was transported and enjoyed going back and fourth to Etanas childhood. This novel is written so well I was hooked and loved it. Etana’s story was magical and I’m glad to have read this novel. If you like mythology and old tales you’ll love it as well. The writer is extremely talented.
Thankful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I TRULY enjoyed reading it.
Thankful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily because I TRULY enjoyed reading it.
December 10, 2025
Dreams and choices
This book left me thinking about how, many times, we carry dreams that are not really ours, but expectations that others place on our lives. The story shows how difficult it can be to listen to your own voice when the world insists on deciding for you. What stayed with me the most was the idea that strength does not always come from violence, but from the connection to our roots, to nature, and to what makes us feel alive.
As I kept reading the book, I felt that it spoke about our own struggles, learning to say “no,” running away from what limits us, and trusting what we feel, even when it feels scary. It reminded me that growing is not only about achieving goals, but about daring to choose your own path, even when that path seems uncertain, leaving me with a feeling of calm and gentle hope.
This book left me thinking about how, many times, we carry dreams that are not really ours, but expectations that others place on our lives. The story shows how difficult it can be to listen to your own voice when the world insists on deciding for you. What stayed with me the most was the idea that strength does not always come from violence, but from the connection to our roots, to nature, and to what makes us feel alive.
As I kept reading the book, I felt that it spoke about our own struggles, learning to say “no,” running away from what limits us, and trusting what we feel, even when it feels scary. It reminded me that growing is not only about achieving goals, but about daring to choose your own path, even when that path seems uncertain, leaving me with a feeling of calm and gentle hope.
December 12, 2025
To be honest, the main reason I chose this book was its cover. I am always captivated by good design, and I think this one is very well done.
I found the story fascinating and if I could, I would rate it more than 5 stars. Beyond being well narrated, with strong and resilient characters, which is no small detail, it focuses on a very controversial topic such as arranged marriage.
The value and role of women has always been questioned throughout human history, so the book is also a way of reflecting on certain cultures.
The African savannah is the perfect setting for the development of this story, which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end.
I found the story fascinating and if I could, I would rate it more than 5 stars. Beyond being well narrated, with strong and resilient characters, which is no small detail, it focuses on a very controversial topic such as arranged marriage.
The value and role of women has always been questioned throughout human history, so the book is also a way of reflecting on certain cultures.
The African savannah is the perfect setting for the development of this story, which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end.
December 12, 2025
I loved this story, not only because of the protagonist Etana, but what captivated me most was the setting: Africa. Throughout the entire book, you can appreciate the beauty of this place. Author Sorrell, in my opinion, did a fantastic job with the descriptions of the locations. Furthermore, the plot is incredibly engaging and original. In all my years as a reader, I've never read a book like this.
Etana has a gift, a very special one: she can talk to elephants. After running away from home because she didn't want to marry a man her father had chosen for her, Etana embarks on an unparalleled adventure. Will her gift save her? Or will it be her downfall?
Etana has a gift, a very special one: she can talk to elephants. After running away from home because she didn't want to marry a man her father had chosen for her, Etana embarks on an unparalleled adventure. Will her gift save her? Or will it be her downfall?
December 11, 2025
I went back to my teenage years.
At school, I read many books like this one, purely for the pleasure of these fantastical stories that have so much power.
The book has a mixture of magic and culture that makes it very interesting. I loved the idea that there is such a strong relationship between humans and animals and that, in fact, it is this strong relationship that leads to overcoming the great obstacles of the real world. The character of Etana is fantastic, endowed with strength and great courage to face not only challenges but also to find her destiny. I loved the author, and I must say that I will follow his work very closely.
At school, I read many books like this one, purely for the pleasure of these fantastical stories that have so much power.
The book has a mixture of magic and culture that makes it very interesting. I loved the idea that there is such a strong relationship between humans and animals and that, in fact, it is this strong relationship that leads to overcoming the great obstacles of the real world. The character of Etana is fantastic, endowed with strength and great courage to face not only challenges but also to find her destiny. I loved the author, and I must say that I will follow his work very closely.
November 29, 2025
This is a must read. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I hope the author writes another one like it.
February 11, 2026
*A fearless journey of resilience and courage, reminding us that dreams are worth every risk.*
The Weight of Dreams is a beautifully written and deeply inspiring novel that celebrates resilience and the pursuit of one’s true path. With lyrical prose and a richly imagined world, it captures the emotional intensity of daring to chase dreams against all odds.
I absolutely fell in love with Etana's character whose actions and choices throughout the story made me rethink my own choices in life. She is a character who inspires to follow the heart, be kind to all, and stay firm and true to your commitments.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Weight of Dreams is a beautifully written and deeply inspiring novel that celebrates resilience and the pursuit of one’s true path. With lyrical prose and a richly imagined world, it captures the emotional intensity of daring to chase dreams against all odds.
I absolutely fell in love with Etana's character whose actions and choices throughout the story made me rethink my own choices in life. She is a character who inspires to follow the heart, be kind to all, and stay firm and true to your commitments.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
Weight of Dreams has to be one of the most beautiful and unique stories. The writing is absolutely exquisite! I felt transported to the African savanna in all of its dangerous and beautiful glory. Etana as a character is amazing. Human, graceful, intelligent, and resilient. Her journey is something I could read about for ages to come. I love the whispers she hears and the relationship she has with animals throughout. Its a quiet yet powerful story. Not only are the details beautifully written but the flow of the story is well done. Etana's childhood memories blend seamlessly with her present. The legends and myths told by her village elders are also well done. Im not at all versed in those but this book makes me want to dive into those stories. Etana's story is quiet and pensive. There are hard truths spread throughout but the story is about more than that. I can't belive I only just came across this book! I cant wait to see what else this author will come up with whether its more about Etana or something different.
December 6, 2025
Etana has a gift called The Sight. It allows her to communicate with elephants, who are among the wisest of all creatures. When she is promised to an older man who she doesn’t love, she chooses to defy her father and leave her home and all she has ever known. She is frightened, but she also has the favor of the Beastgod on her side.
With the spirits of her ancestors guiding her, Etana finds herself in a hidden realm of mystery and enchantment. But there are many tests awaiting her there, and it will take everything she has to come out on top and figure out the best place for herself. This is a story that espouses the belief that women can solve their own problems. It also makes clear that the best way to enlightenment is to forge an unbreakable bond with the natural world to which we all belong.
With the spirits of her ancestors guiding her, Etana finds herself in a hidden realm of mystery and enchantment. But there are many tests awaiting her there, and it will take everything she has to come out on top and figure out the best place for herself. This is a story that espouses the belief that women can solve their own problems. It also makes clear that the best way to enlightenment is to forge an unbreakable bond with the natural world to which we all belong.
December 18, 2025
The Weight of Dreams feels less like reading a novel and more like being swept into an ancient fireside tale whispered across generations. Nicole Sorrell brings myth to life with a depth and tenderness that makes Etana’s journey urgently alive. The bond between Etana and the elephant is stunning... intimate, spiritual, and unlike anything I’ve read in fantasy or historical fiction.
What truly elevates this book is its heartbeat: themes of feminine strength, ancestral guidance, resistance against oppression, and the cost of becoming who you’re meant to be. The worldbuilding is lush yet grounded in the cadence of oral storytelling, giving the entire novel the feeling of a sacred memory rediscovered.
If you crave a story that blends magic with meaning, and heroes who are shaped by spirit as much as struggle, this is a treasure.
What truly elevates this book is its heartbeat: themes of feminine strength, ancestral guidance, resistance against oppression, and the cost of becoming who you’re meant to be. The worldbuilding is lush yet grounded in the cadence of oral storytelling, giving the entire novel the feeling of a sacred memory rediscovered.
If you crave a story that blends magic with meaning, and heroes who are shaped by spirit as much as struggle, this is a treasure.
December 11, 2025
The Weight of Dreams surprised me more than I expected. The story of Etana, a young woman with the ability to communicate with elephants, blends pain and courage in a truly original way. It all begins with her escape to avoid an imposed destiny, and from there the narrative becomes an intense journey through a world full of sacred creatures, rituals, and real threats. What I loved most is how the book shows Etana's growth: she goes from being a frightened fugitive to a woman capable of confronting powers that seek to control her. The author manages to give powerful messages about freedom, resilience, and connection with nature. It's a story that entertains and moves you. I highly recommend it.
December 12, 2025
The Weight of Dreams is a breathtaking tale that fuses myth, magic, and ancient tradition into a story that lingers long after the last page. Readers will be drawn into Etana’s world (a young woman gifted with the Sight and an extraordinary bond with elephants) where danger and destiny intertwine. The prose is lyrical, almost musical, capturing the feel of oral storytelling while exploring powerful themes: female agency, ancestral wisdom, and nature’s voice.
Etana’s journey from runaway to warrior is raw and empowering. The spiritual and political stakes feel real, and the magic is grounded in emotion rather than spectacle.
It’s the kind of read that makes you pause, reflect, and carry a piece of it with you. Utterly unforgettable.
Etana’s journey from runaway to warrior is raw and empowering. The spiritual and political stakes feel real, and the magic is grounded in emotion rather than spectacle.
It’s the kind of read that makes you pause, reflect, and carry a piece of it with you. Utterly unforgettable.
January 28, 2026
I absolutely fell in love with these characters and the friendship they developed.
My most favorite type of read is an unwind of complex characters, their journey in discovering themselves and where their paths lead them.
A beautiful book. So full of warmth, hope and humanity. The descriptions of the The Weight of Dreams are so vivid and glorious.
I don't always need a pretty bow at the end of a story, I need to know their story is continuing when the book is closed. I can 100% feel these characters living on without me and that is wonderful, but I'm sad not to be included!
My most favorite type of read is an unwind of complex characters, their journey in discovering themselves and where their paths lead them.
A beautiful book. So full of warmth, hope and humanity. The descriptions of the The Weight of Dreams are so vivid and glorious.
I don't always need a pretty bow at the end of a story, I need to know their story is continuing when the book is closed. I can 100% feel these characters living on without me and that is wonderful, but I'm sad not to be included!
March 2, 2026
Atmosphere is the real draw here, and the novel splendidly evokes imagination.
There is something about the way Nicole Sorrell weaves her story that makes you believe you are there watching the story unfold. The characters are believable - their banter is natural - and the story was so compelling that you just want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
There is something about the way Nicole Sorrell weaves her story that makes you believe you are there watching the story unfold. The characters are believable - their banter is natural - and the story was so compelling that you just want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
January 27, 2026
I enjoyed this. It was a fast-paced, whirlwind adventure with well thought out world building and it makes you think on a deeper level.
December 5, 2025
What impressed me about this book is that it really does feel like you’re listening to a person who lived thousands of years ago tell her story. If you're into adventure or history, this book will resonate with you. I loved the friendship she had with her elephants and the strength she showed being a woman in a man’s world. The end was both heartbreaking and encouraging. Anyone who likes adventure or history would like this book. A Must Read. Wonderfully Written.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews