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Soraya: A Wielders of Arantha Prequel
On the planet Elystra, the all-female Ixtrayu tribe have thrived, hidden from their world's male-dominated societies for eight centuries. Thirty-five generations of Protectresses have safeguarded their sisters from the men who would destroy them for the Elemental power they wield. But how did it all begin?
Seeking riches and power, a band of vicious slavers steal twenty girls from their homes, as well as the Agrusian Stone, long fabled for its beauty and pricelessness. Among the abducted is Sahria, an eighteen-year-old novice, determined to free herself and return home. When the Stone unexpectedly imbues her with her god's divine power, she realizes freedom for herself and her sisters is within her grasp ... but to save them all would mean leaving behind everything she's ever known.
With a slaver's market looming, Sahria must make a choice: escape and return to the safety of her Order, or embark on a far more dangerous path, one where mere survival is only the beginning.
Seeking riches and power, a band of vicious slavers steal twenty girls from their homes, as well as the Agrusian Stone, long fabled for its beauty and pricelessness. Among the abducted is Sahria, an eighteen-year-old novice, determined to free herself and return home. When the Stone unexpectedly imbues her with her god's divine power, she realizes freedom for herself and her sisters is within her grasp ... but to save them all would mean leaving behind everything she's ever known.
With a slaver's market looming, Sahria must make a choice: escape and return to the safety of her Order, or embark on a far more dangerous path, one where mere survival is only the beginning.
146 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2018
5 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Hodges
48 books122 followersI guess I am the classic "late bloomer." I had to sit in the front row of the class picture every year in elementary school; I didn't reach my present, permanent height until the year I got my driver's license. It took me a long time to "grow up" mentally, too; I was probably the least goal-oriented person you could ever meet.
I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I'd already seen.
And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn't hold it in any more. I'm sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn't wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.
Better a "late bloomer" than a "never bloomer," I guess.
What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I'll let you figure out which is which).
I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I'd already seen.
And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn't hold it in any more. I'm sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn't wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.
Better a "late bloomer" than a "never bloomer," I guess.
What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I'll let you figure out which is which).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 14, 2018
This novel tells the story of how the first Protectresses managed to come to be within their male-dominated societies on the Planet Elystra.
A group of vicious slavers kidnapped twenty girls from all walks of life from their homes and forced them to go on a dangerous journey to the market. They also stole the Agrusian Stone, which was fabled for its beauty and pricelessness. Among the stolen was 18-year-old Sahria, a faithful girl who was in the middle of religious training for her god Arantha. She creates bonds with several of the girls on the wagon train and in her cart, and she is determined to save some of them if she can.
This story was one of the best prequels that I have ever read. Usually, when I read a prequel, it is very short and only focuses on one aspect of the series. This time, I haven't even started the Wielders of Arantha series before reading this. I had absolutely no idea about anything in the series or anything in the universe of this book. The first thing that I noticed was that the book was 215 e-pages, which is quite long compared to the other e-novellas that I tend to read. Then I got started to read the story.
The worldbuilding of this novel was incredible. Soon, I was transported to a world where women were in danger of having their lives turned upside down simply by these slavers kidnapping them. Some were in the middle of what was supposed to be the best day of their lives but were simply ripped away. These women formed bonds as they tried to do what they could to stay alive during in the horrible conditions.
Every single girl had their own personality. I can remember each one that Sahria sat beside in the wagon by name, which is difficult for me to do normally. I won't say too much about them, as the most fun in this novel comes from finding out the stories of each individual one.
This novel has a fast pace, but it isn't fast enough for any details to be missed. It simply keeps the readers engaged all the way through. I can't wait to start with Pawns and the rest of this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing New Adult fantasy read.
I received a copy of this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
A group of vicious slavers kidnapped twenty girls from all walks of life from their homes and forced them to go on a dangerous journey to the market. They also stole the Agrusian Stone, which was fabled for its beauty and pricelessness. Among the stolen was 18-year-old Sahria, a faithful girl who was in the middle of religious training for her god Arantha. She creates bonds with several of the girls on the wagon train and in her cart, and she is determined to save some of them if she can.
This story was one of the best prequels that I have ever read. Usually, when I read a prequel, it is very short and only focuses on one aspect of the series. This time, I haven't even started the Wielders of Arantha series before reading this. I had absolutely no idea about anything in the series or anything in the universe of this book. The first thing that I noticed was that the book was 215 e-pages, which is quite long compared to the other e-novellas that I tend to read. Then I got started to read the story.
The worldbuilding of this novel was incredible. Soon, I was transported to a world where women were in danger of having their lives turned upside down simply by these slavers kidnapping them. Some were in the middle of what was supposed to be the best day of their lives but were simply ripped away. These women formed bonds as they tried to do what they could to stay alive during in the horrible conditions.
Every single girl had their own personality. I can remember each one that Sahria sat beside in the wagon by name, which is difficult for me to do normally. I won't say too much about them, as the most fun in this novel comes from finding out the stories of each individual one.
This novel has a fast pace, but it isn't fast enough for any details to be missed. It simply keeps the readers engaged all the way through. I can't wait to start with Pawns and the rest of this series.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing New Adult fantasy read.
I received a copy of this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
January 13, 2018
Soraya is a magnificent prequel to the Wielders of Arantha series by Patrick Hodges. This story reveals the origin of the Ixtrayu on the world of Elystra, and tells a fantastic tale of survival. The author tells a compelling tale of women bound for slavery and how they deal with their captors. There is plenty of emotion and brutal savagery, but also the compassion shared among the captives and how they bond together to survive.
This is a must read, in my opinion, for those who have read, or plan to read, the Wielders of Arantha series. Patrick Hodges is a master story teller, and he brings these characters to life with great skill. A very enjoyable story.
This is a must read, in my opinion, for those who have read, or plan to read, the Wielders of Arantha series. Patrick Hodges is a master story teller, and he brings these characters to life with great skill. A very enjoyable story.
March 6, 2018
I don't typically read fantasy, but Hodges' world-building pulled me right in and I loved getting to know Sahria. Forced into captivity alongside other women, she realizes her powers may be the only chance for escape—even though they may not be able to return to the lives they once knew.
The characters are well-developed and the introduction to Elystra, the Ixtrayu tribe, and the magic they wield will leave readers begging for more.
The characters are well-developed and the introduction to Elystra, the Ixtrayu tribe, and the magic they wield will leave readers begging for more.
April 12, 2018
Every time I read another of the Arantha books, I find myself sucked back into the world of Elystra. It feels like coming home, a familiar place with magic, brave women, and the sort of fantasy twists and turns I love. I blasted through this book in one sitting, and though it's shorter than the other Arantha novels, it was the perfect length to give me a glimpse at Soraya, the first Wielder of Arantha. 5/5!
January 14, 2018
A glimpse into the origins of the Ixtrayu tribe and a masterful foreshadowing of the Wielders of Arantha trilogy, Soraya is a gripping and captivating tale. Soraya, a young captive bound for slavery, is also destined to help form the Ixtrayu tribe and save her fellow captives through her empathy, understanding, and kindness. A story full of emotion, magic, and fate, Soraya establishes a strong foundation for the Wielders of Arantha trilogy and sets the stage for the main themes introduced in Pawns. Many of the customs and beliefs of the Ixtrayu tribe introduced in Pawns are explained throughout Soraya's journey and offer a deeper understanding into the Ixtrayu position in WOA. Regardless of if you have already read the series, Soraya is a must-read that is as compelling as it is entertaining!
January 14, 2018
When I first read Pawns, I was all "All female tribe?" - Wonder Woman, anyone? Sign me the hell up!
And the series has yet to disappoint. Now, we get the origin story of said tribe. Woman who basically decide they've been persecuted enough and remove themselves from the world of men.
One of my favorite things about Mr. Hodges' writing is his handling of female relationships. There is a delicate balance because of the way society thinks of lesbianism. But in this series, it isn't done for gratuitous effect. It's treated equal to any other relationship with sweetness and care.
The trials the Ixtrayu creators go through to travel across land as basically nothing more than slaves are heartbreaking, but their strength is inspiring. Out of the struggles came something great - a Tribe that just might save the world in the coming books.
And the series has yet to disappoint. Now, we get the origin story of said tribe. Woman who basically decide they've been persecuted enough and remove themselves from the world of men.
One of my favorite things about Mr. Hodges' writing is his handling of female relationships. There is a delicate balance because of the way society thinks of lesbianism. But in this series, it isn't done for gratuitous effect. It's treated equal to any other relationship with sweetness and care.
The trials the Ixtrayu creators go through to travel across land as basically nothing more than slaves are heartbreaking, but their strength is inspiring. Out of the struggles came something great - a Tribe that just might save the world in the coming books.
January 16, 2018
When I heard Patrick Hodges had written a Prequel to the Wielders of Arantha series I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and it didn’t disappoint.
Soraya tells the story of how the all-female Ixtrayu tribe began. Captured by a group of slavers along with other girls, Sahria endures trials and tribulations as she builds relationships with the other women and tries to formulate a way to escape. As they journey across the land they endure terrible conditions and treatment, but the strength of the women is what propels the book forward and I couldn’t help but invest in the characters and their fates.
This story sucked me in from the first paragraph and I enjoyed every moment of the ride. Full of love, sadness, strength and magic, Soraya is a must-read for fans of the Wielders of Arantha series.
Soraya tells the story of how the all-female Ixtrayu tribe began. Captured by a group of slavers along with other girls, Sahria endures trials and tribulations as she builds relationships with the other women and tries to formulate a way to escape. As they journey across the land they endure terrible conditions and treatment, but the strength of the women is what propels the book forward and I couldn’t help but invest in the characters and their fates.
This story sucked me in from the first paragraph and I enjoyed every moment of the ride. Full of love, sadness, strength and magic, Soraya is a must-read for fans of the Wielders of Arantha series.
May 31, 2018
Having already read and loved the first two books in the Wielders of Arantha series, I had to read the prequel novella. As always, the author weaves an intricate tale that sucks you right in from the start. The Ixtrayu people were so cool and it was really interesting to see their origins. They had a rough start! These poor women were kidnapped from their homes by horrible slavers and thrown into cages to trek along a merciless land. It's during this trek the women bond and become family. With the help of the Agrusian Stone and the strength of Arantha, the women discover incredible abilities. If you loved the first two books, don't miss out on this one! It has action, adventure and even a hint of romance.
January 13, 2018
A fabulous prequel for the Wielders of Arantha series! As someone who loves both Pawns and Queens, I was beyond excited at the prospect of seeing how it all began and learning how the Ixtrayu tribe came to be what it is in the main books in the series. Soraya is quite a ride for the reader, and my feels were pretty much all over the place as I took in the story, but it was well worth the emotional journey. The story will grab you from the first page, and it won't let you go. A must-read for all fans of the series!
April 18, 2018
This story starts with Sahria and several other girls captured to be sold as slaves. Sahria becomes like a mentor to them, watches over them, and tries to keep their hopes up as they try to survive the trip with the slavers. I really liked watching Sahria grow into her role and how all of the girls came together during one of their worst events that could happen in someone’s life. The side characters were great also, I liked the glimpses we got into each of their lives before they were captured. I especially liked Kithya and how her and Sahria were there for each other and cared for each other when the other was weak. The way that Arantha and her powers were woven into the story and the girls lives was great.
I liked everything about this book. I’m not usually much of a prequel reader, but the writing was so good that I was completely drawn into the story, and I was absolutely invested in the plot and characters.
This is a great introduction to this series and the characters, and how their tribe got started. If you like stories of overcoming great odds and stories of friendship and love, you will love this book.
I liked everything about this book. I’m not usually much of a prequel reader, but the writing was so good that I was completely drawn into the story, and I was absolutely invested in the plot and characters.
This is a great introduction to this series and the characters, and how their tribe got started. If you like stories of overcoming great odds and stories of friendship and love, you will love this book.
April 3, 2018
SORAYA is a prequel that introduces the reader to how the all-female Ixtrayu tribe came to be. After reading PAWNS, this was very eye-opening and made me understand the Ixtrayu better. It made me respect them more and it was nice to know the detailed reason why they went into hiding in the first place.
We learn about Soraya, the originator of the Ixtrayu clan, and how she was kidnapped along with other women to be sold as slaves. But they aren't going down that easily. Soraya is strong-minded and strong-willed and gives the other women hope. She's a character that anyone can look up to and her story draws out so many different emotions.
If you're a fan of Patrick and his WIELDERS OF ARANTHA series, then this is one you can't miss out on. It expands even more on the world-building and makes me enjoy this series that much more. This series is perfect for fans of action, adventure, sci-fi, and strong women.
We learn about Soraya, the originator of the Ixtrayu clan, and how she was kidnapped along with other women to be sold as slaves. But they aren't going down that easily. Soraya is strong-minded and strong-willed and gives the other women hope. She's a character that anyone can look up to and her story draws out so many different emotions.
If you're a fan of Patrick and his WIELDERS OF ARANTHA series, then this is one you can't miss out on. It expands even more on the world-building and makes me enjoy this series that much more. This series is perfect for fans of action, adventure, sci-fi, and strong women.
January 14, 2018
Having already read and loved both Pawns and Queens in Patrick Hodges’ Wielders of Arantha series, I was super excited to be able to read the prequel novella Soraya to see how it all began. In the prequel we get to learn how the Ixtrayu tribe came to be and believe me when I say it’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. They have to endure so much, and fight so hard to become the Tribe we see in Pawns and Queens. And through it all they never lose faith in one another or in something better, and that is one of the main things I loved about this book. If you love the other books in this series, as well as tales about strength of character and fighting for the injustice of others, then you will love this book too. Definitely don’t let this one pass you by.
January 14, 2018
When I got this book from Patrick Hodges I did not know anything about it. He did not tell me at all what it was about.
Soraya is a prequel to Wielders of Arantha. As I did not read the books yet I had a fresh and unbiased opinion about the story.
I loved it. It sucked me in and I felt the journey of the characters in my bones. You are transported to the world and it’s so well written I could see it all in my minds eye.
You feel the despair, love, anger, sadness and happiness.
It makes me want to read the complete series and pester Patrick for more books.
Soraya is a prequel to Wielders of Arantha. As I did not read the books yet I had a fresh and unbiased opinion about the story.
I loved it. It sucked me in and I felt the journey of the characters in my bones. You are transported to the world and it’s so well written I could see it all in my minds eye.
You feel the despair, love, anger, sadness and happiness.
It makes me want to read the complete series and pester Patrick for more books.
August 14, 2018
The beginnings
This KU library selection and series prequel answers some of my questions about the beginnings of the Ixtrayu tribe of women and how they have evolved in their eight hundred year history. I read it after reading book two, (waiting on book three) and found it fits well there, though it is a departure from the overarching storyline. I recommend it for those who are steeped in the series and are curious about the reasons why the tribe chose the path they did.
This KU library selection and series prequel answers some of my questions about the beginnings of the Ixtrayu tribe of women and how they have evolved in their eight hundred year history. I read it after reading book two, (waiting on book three) and found it fits well there, though it is a departure from the overarching storyline. I recommend it for those who are steeped in the series and are curious about the reasons why the tribe chose the path they did.
January 8, 2020
Great introduction to the series
I only planned to read a chapter or two before getting to my errands, but in that short time I was pulled into the world and involved in the storyline... So I skipped the errands and just read the book. The characters are engaging and a tight plot keeps the story moving. A quick read and good lead-in to the Wielders of Arantha series!
I only planned to read a chapter or two before getting to my errands, but in that short time I was pulled into the world and involved in the storyline... So I skipped the errands and just read the book. The characters are engaging and a tight plot keeps the story moving. A quick read and good lead-in to the Wielders of Arantha series!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews