Origin

The Secret of the Golden Gods #1

by Pedro Urvi, Christy Cox (Translator), Peter Gauld (Translator)

A world ruled by merciless Gods. An enslaved people. A young slave-hunter at the service of the Gods. Will he be able to save his sister when they take her?

The Senoca, the People of the Sea, have been enslaved by the Golden Gods. They live within the limits of the Boundary for only one purpose: produce for the Gods or die. Kyra, a seventeen-year-old girl, is selected along with other young girls and taken to the Gods. Her brother Ikai, a slave-hunter, will move heaven and earth to find her.

They will fight for survival and confront a society constituted to serve the masters.

Will they escape with their lives? Will they find freedom? Will they discover the secret of the Gods?

If you like gods and dystopian worlds, swords and sorcery, powerful magic, mystery and intrigue, then you'll love Pedro Urvi's world-spanning tale.

Buy this series and join the fight for freedom today!

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2015

About the author

Pedro Urvi is a bestselling fantasy author who some years ago began to write as an experiment. Without any deliberate intention on his part, the experiment in writing turned into a novel which went on growing until eventually it evolved into a saga. He is also a technologist with many years of experience working in the world of computer systems and cyber security. He has lived in the US, UK and Spain and worked all over Europe.
He is the author of three epic fantasy sagas: The Secret of the Golden Gods, The Ilenian Enigma, Path of the Ranger. It is currently working on a fourth one: Path of Dragons.
His other passion is reading. He defines himself as a fan of epic fantasy, science fiction and thrillers.

You can find him at:
mail: pedrourvi@pedrourvi.com
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/PedroUrviAut...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PedroUrvi


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Pedro Urvi es un escritor de fantasía, que un día hace unos años comenzó a escribir como un experimento. Sin él quererlo, el experimento narrativo se convirtió en una novela, que finalmente ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en una trilogía. También es un tecnólogo de Bilbao con muchos años de experiencia trabajando en el mundo de los sistemas de información y de la seguridad informática. Ha vivido en diferentes países: Estados Unidos, Inglaterra, España, y trabajado por toda Europa.
Es autor de tres exitosaa sagas de fantasía épica: Los Dioses Áureos, El Enigma de los Ilenios, El Sendero del Guadabosques. Ahora está trabajando en una cuarta saga; La Senda de los Dragones.
Su otra pasión es la lectura, se define como fan acérrimo de la fantasía épica, la ciencia ficción y el thriller. Otra de las actividades que le apasionan es salir a correr por la ría cerca del Guggenheim Bilbao, para escapar de sus ideas, imaginación, y sobre todo relajarse.

Me puedes encontrar en:
mail:pedrourvi@pedrourvi.com
Web: https://pedrourvi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pedrourviautor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PedroUrvi

Reviews

[Ian Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantasy in which ordinary humans are effectively enslaved by "the Golden Gods". These Gods seem to look like humans, there seem to be about five groups of them, they are very much bigger than humans, and they have "powers" that are derived from the five "elements": earth, water, fire, air and ether. The origin of the power is unclear, but sometimes seems to be manifest through rings, gauntlets, etc. The story follows Ikai as he tries to rescue his sister Kyra who has been selected as a sacrifice for the Gods. The sacrifice is to obtain their life force, which can be used to prolong the Gods' lives.
The world building is excellent. Basically the world is ancient, with enormous numbers of slaves building stone monuments, and held in place by overseers with whips, and odd force fields. The characters are quite well drawn and the writing is clear. The background is gradually drawn and more of this world gradually becomes clearer. For me there is a problem of balance: the power is too asymmetric, and given the obsessiveness and cruelty of these "Gods" it is very difficult to resolve the conflict situations. The author does this quite skillfully in this book, but it appears this is the first in a series, and this trick cannot be repeated as is. However, that problem is for the author with the next books. Another problem with this book, for me, was that Kyra is taken in a party of twelve, there are other characters, all going to the central city, and their impressions lead to a bit of repetition. The book reads well, but I cannot give it five stars because it is really only an introduction to the later books.

[alexandra gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un libro interesante desde el principio la historia de Ikia y kary me gusta y me enseñó que querer es poder

Es una historia que cundo tú la lee no quiere dejar de léela y quiere termina el libro para sabe que va a suceder se lo recomiendo

[Javier Calle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soy seguidor de la saga de el sendero del guardabosques de este mismo autor y me ha gustado mucho poder leer el primero de esta nueva saga en un contexto diferente y abordando temas distintos. Un libro entretenido y fácil de leer.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orgin is the perfect book for those interested in fantasy / greek mythology. It reminds me a lot of the Percy Jackson books. It has everything for those fantasy lovers. There is a doomed village, kidnapped sister, group of unlikely heroes and one man to save them all. You follow the story of Kyra and Ikai. Kyra is the vocal girl who is kidnapped by the gods. Which leaves her brother Ikai with the self proclaimed duty of saving her.

The author does a great job of maintaining a theatrical tone throughout the entire book. His use of words does allow you to imagine this is an actual place and not an alternative reality where they use our modern day slang. Nothing is worse then a sci-fy world with a “YOLO” reference.

It was a good read but overall not for me. This is probably because I am a bit older than the targeted audience. I can really see teenagers enjoying the story. The only real issue I could see my younger self having with this book is the fact that Kyra and Ikai are siblings. Teenage me would of happily given up my younger brother to the gods…ok maybe not. But it would have been difficult to relate with. Fortunately, there are other great characters that add padding to the sibling story line.

[Karen Ceja · Rating 2 out of 5]

No está mal, pero...

El tema es tan recurrente que quedan pocos escritores con ideas realmente originales. El mundo creado aquí llama la atención pero en realidad no es lo que esperaba, además de que la lectura se vuelve fastidiosa al encontrar innumerables veces las mismas frases: "el corazón o el alma se le cayó hasta los pies", "una extraña runa", "el corazón se le salía por la boca", " malditos", "¿qué demonios?", por nombrar algunas.

Muchos adolescentes (lo digo así porque hay secciones en las librerías que se llaman "Literatura para jóvenes") probablemente piensen que es una historia muy buena, pero en mi opinión personal, no me parece muy diferente a la fiebre actual de este tipo de historias: Crepúsculo, The Maze Runner, Divergente, en donde hay un régimen establecido y alguien tiene que luchar en contra.

Perdón si no es la reseña que esperaban para quienes le dieron cinco estrellas, pero no disfruté esta historia salvo en breves pasajes.

[John Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will have to admit that I wasn't sure about this trilogy at first and hesitated to buy and read it. But will have to admit that it's started out not to be bad trilogy and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. Pedro Urvi has proven time and again what a great author he is.

[Mario Maradiaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesante

A mi me encanto ,mucha imaginación una saga bastante entretenida ya leí los dos libros y me gustaron ambos ,busqué un tercero pero no encontre

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es algo lento al principio. Cuesta prender.. Pero finalmente logra atraer y finalmente cautivar

[Marta Tandori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin is the first book in the Golden Gods fantasy series written by talented writer, Pedro Urvi.

For at least a thousand years, the Senoca people have been enslaved by the Golden Gods. Ikai, Kyra and their mother, Solma, live in a small village where they, and the other villagers, work the land from dawn to dusk in order to try and meet the unreasonable quotas imposed by the Gods. Those who do not make the quotas are hurt or more often than not, killed. Ikai was chosen by the Gods to be a Hunter and when he hasn’t been summoned by the Gods for a hunting mission, eighteen-year-old Ikai looks after his sister and mother. It’s something he’s done since his father was taken by the God’s enforcers shortly after Ikai’s tenth birthday. While many of the villagers believe Ikai has switched allegiances by becoming a Hunter for the Gods, he has chosen to do it as it lets him obtain coin to buy medicine for his sick mother, Solma.

Ikai is now being summoned by the Gods once again and he reluctantly leaves behind his mother and seventeen-year-old sister, Kyra, to meet up with his hunting party. They have been tasked with tracking down a half-dozen fugitives. Shortly after giving pursuit, Ikai and his hunting party are stunned to learn that their quarry has crossed the Boundary; a boundary imposed by the Golden Gods to prevent their slaves from escaping. To cross the Boundary means to die. Ikai’s hunt master, Sejof, gives the order for them to cross the Boundary, which they reluctantly do, anticipating death. Although Ikai and the others’ bodies are consumed by gut-wrenching pain, they survive the crossing and continue in pursuit of their quarry. Their party finds their bodies shortly afterward, having been slaughtered by unknown and vicious assailants who also attack them. Several of their hunting party is murdered and Ikai is gravely injured but is eventually saved by an old woman called Isam the Healer. By this time, Ikai has been gone from his village for four weeks and he’s ordered by his hunt master to go back home. When Ikai returns home, he’s told by his neighbor that Kyra had been Summoned by the Gods and his mother nearly beaten to death when she tried to stop the Gods’ enforcers from taking her. Ikai promises his dying mother that he won’t stop until he finds his sister and brings her back. The next morning, he begins his search…

Urvi spins a compelling tale in Origin. Although the story line in Origin appears to be steeped in well-known mythological themes; i.e. the gods against man/man serving the gods, the story is nevertheless fresh and well-written. Ikai is stalwart and driven by honor and tradition whereas his younger sister, Kyra, is fiery and impulsive, driven by her hate for the Golden Gods. She sees their existence as futile unless they all rise against their pre-ordained fate and take on the gods who rule their lives. Urvi has a talent for describing the world he’s created to his readers without making it look likes he’s trying to do so. There’s plenty of action but it’s tempered nicely by the emotionality of the protagonists, Ikai and Kyra, and this gives Origin its heart.

Not for those who are faint of stomach, Origin nevertheless gives its fantasy readers a solid ride for their money.

[Erika Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente

Otro excelente libro de Pedro Urbi, magnífico escritor, sus libros atrapan. Lo recomiendo ampliamente. Una historia magnífica y trepidante. Gracias

[Jinger Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that has been told a thousand times before. The Gods and men go to war. The Gods win, and they enslave the planet. Although fantasy isn't something I normally read because it usually requires learning a brand new universe each time, and every story is so deeply involved the reader can get bogged down in the details, I really enjoyed reading this book. The author offers a fresh approach and tells a great story with interesting characters and keeping the details to a minimum.

The author doesn't waste a lot of time pulling the reader into the story. There is a brief half page prolog. It explains the whole premise of the story line very succinctly. In the first chapter we're introduced to the main characters of the story, and they are easy to identify with. They have a hard life, and you want to sympathize with them. You also know something important will happen, and you won't want to quit reading until you get to the end.

The pace is somewhat fast for fantasy. It is a very action packed story, and the author keeps the pace going all the way to the end. It's not just a fantasy story, it is an action story too. Unlike a lot of fantasy novels, this one doesn't waste too much time on details. Although the story is really easy to visualize, the author leaves a lot of room for the reader to visualize what the characters in this story look like.

One word that the author uses to describe the people in the story is peasants, and that's an interesting word choice because you can almost see these people as medieval peasants carving out a poverty level living while their overlords live overly well. The "Gods" use their greed to keep the peasants in check by only allowing them a starvation level existence.

This is a story that is well worth reading. Thankfully, there is a second book, and I can't wait to read it.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a seamless combination of sci-fi and fantasy, the author weaves a tale of courage and heroism in the face of imminent danger. The story is set in a seemingly ancient world and plays on one of the most effective motifs in the genre of a dystopian future, where a “superior” race has managed to gain control of the masses, categorizing them by trade and condemning these slaves to a life of poverty while they live in utmost comfort. This is an eternally relevant plot device in humanity’s struggle for power amongst its own kind, and the main character in Ikai is easily relatable as the skilled and ambitious individual with the determination to make a difference, not only for himself and his family, but for all of the Golden Gods’ slaves.

Strong points of Pedro Urvi’s opening narrative to what will surely be a classic series are his ability to build a world from the ground up, and place very real characters into the setting. Through a deep knowledge of the human psyche, it is impossible for the reader not to empathize with the story’s main characters, and the expertly crafted mixture of action and introspection places us right in the thick of things, as if it was an adventure of our own. A thrilling story that will no doubt stand the test of time.

[Mariah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first Golden Gods series, it is based on a dystopian world. The people are forced to work for the Golden Gods, whose powers are derived from the five elements. Their lives are based on boundary; they either live, and serve the gods, or they will die trying to fight for freedom. A really drastic decision, right? Although the Gods are horrible to their people, there is plenty of astounding characters, along with plenty of magic.

The story is based on Ikai, a boy trying to rescue his sister from being sacrificed. The catch is, no one has ever actually seen the "Golden Gods." Overall, this story has a great plot; the characters are well developed, the story is suspenseful, yet hopeful at some points throughout the book. It has that great mysterious element of God powers and magic, which always helps a story to remain unpredictable. My favorite part of this book was sitting in my seat wondering if Kyra was going to be saved in time; a lovely mix of action and suspense! I congratulate this author for being able to pull together such an awesome book!

[Jimmy Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origin, the God series is a great book about the struggles of good and evil. The story forces you to decide if the gods are evil or just harsh. This is a story of family doing everything possible to protect each other. Ikai is a simple hunter from the peasant village. His sister Kyra is selected by the summoning to be sent to serve one of the five gods. Through the experience in the dark dungeon, she learns that she is very strong and defiant of the gods. Ikai sets out on a mission to save his sister from certain death at the hands of the gods.
Each step drags the reader deeper into the sinister twisted world of executors and gods forcing the peasants to do the bidding required just to stay alive.
I found this book to be addicting. The deeper I went into the story, the harder it was to put down the book. I was drawn to the struggle and wanted to see what happened next. Always rooting for good, I wanted to see Ikai save his sister and her new friends from the clutches of evil. This is a great read. I would reccomed this book. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pedro Urvi reminds us in his novel, Origin: (The Golden Gods Series), that a thousand years is a long time for groups of people to be bound in slavery to Gods who have no regard of their lives. As threads of hope weave itself through the oppressed people of Senoca, Ikai questions his job as a Hunter.
Although Ikai volunteered to train as a despised Hunter, he did this to protect his sister and buy medicine for his mother. He has never seen one of the Golden Gods, no one has. But he must obey the orders of the Oppressors and Eyes of the Gods who rein the people with fear. He makes a vow to his mother that he will rescue his sister from the Gods, even if he dies trying.
This fast pace book is hard to put down. Pedro’s creative story telling keep you guessing throughout the novel as to if Kyra will be saved in time, or will if Ikai’s death will prevent him from keeping his vow.

[Emma Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me immediately. The style of the graphics on the cover instantly reminded me of another novel The Oathbreaker’s Shadow. This book definitely has potential. The storyline was easy to follow. The characters were likable; they all had vibrant characteristics and strong qualities. This author is quite good at world building; I was able to envision everything. The story absorbed me in it; its world is something to get lost in. There were the occasion blips here and there, but nothing too serious to take away from the general flow of the story. If you are a fan of fantasy, adventure, or even science fiction this book is the one for you. It is captivating. Its family dynamics also create a deeper level of complexity, it adds to the general adventure of the story because it demonstrates the strong bonds that each of the characters has with each other.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Pedro Urvi is a creative piece of literature. Urvi writes a story of people, known in the story as the Senoca, who are trying to gain their freedom. The Senoca are restricted in practically everything they do. Where they live and what they do depends on what the gods want. Because they work for the gods, they must please them, or risk their wrath. Personally, I found this book to be very well-written. Urvi writes with great imagery and it’s easy to see and feel the pain and terror the Senoca people are experiencing. This novel falls in the genre of a dystopian fantasy. Even if you aren’t one who usually reads this genre, I would highly recommend you give this book a try. Its plot, imagery, and memorable characters will take you on a wild adventure. This book is a little long, it’s 473 pages, but it’s worth giving it a chance.

[Tom Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the story was vivid on the creation of an alternative world and the description of the gods. At the beginning I was hoping that the gods didn't actually exist, like a kind of conspiracy by the 'eyes' to control slaves, but maybe I just like conspiracy theories. In the end, though, I liked how the relationship between the characters grew, especially between Kyra and Adamis. Now I'm waiting for the sequel, to see how the rebellion goes. I'd sure love to see some tragedy too, don't like it when all the main characters survive.

[Nicole Karnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely exciting read - The story, using an ancient dystopian world, we meet the Senoca, the Sea people, who are enslaved for over a thousand years by the Golden Gods. Without giving too much away, we follow a young man, Ikai, throughout his journey to find his sister Kyra.

With excellent character development and in depth details of every aspect - "Origin" is a great read for anyone. Why, after only a few chapters I'd known that I'd found my newest favorite series!

[Guillermo Cengotitabengoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great dystopian adventure with interesting characters and lots of adventures. Quick read and fun

[Eli López · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro sienta las bases de lo que será la trilogía.
Es este mundo de dioses (áureos) seres que tiene poder elemental que han esclavizado al pueblo de los Senoca (el pueblo del mar) por ya mil años.
Nuestros protagonistas son Ikai el hermano mayor, el de hizo cazador para poder llevar algo de dinero extra a su casa y sustentar a su madre y hermana; y Kira la hermana menor de Ikai, ella es seleccionada por los dioses por ser una roja (no se sabe bien ni qué significa eso) ella tiene el cabello como los ojos de color rojo.
La travesía empieza así, con Ikai tratando de rescatar a su hermana y vi corriéndose en paria (persona que niega de su destino como esclavo) y tratando de encontrar a su hermana que fue llevada al ciudad de los dioses con otras 11 chicas que son de diferente color.
En la ciudad de los dioses están intentando encontrar algo y es el poder vivir eternamente sin que se vaya consumiendo su poder poco a poco.
Los dioses pueden ser longevos pero no eternos y ese es el propósito de ellos. En la ciudad de los dioses se dividen en 5 círculos cada uno perteneciente a una casa importante donde cada casa está por el momento liderado por un príncipe, Kira es enviada y seleccionada a pertenecer a la casa del 1er círculo la familia del Éter, ahí conoce a Adamis, el príncipe de esa casa y el y su científico están viendo que no hay solo una manera de permanecer vivos y encuentran anomalías en el poder de diferentes personas, como los mestizos que obtienen poder de sus amos de sus dioses.
Al final Kira que es una roja y de una esencia mucho mayor hacen que en un ritual ella de toda su esencia para despertar a los reyes que estaban durmiendo.
Ella es dada por muerta pero Adamis la resucita junto con otras 3 chicas seleccionadas que están dadas por muertas.

Es un libro entretenido, que hablan sobre poder derrocar al gobierno del momento.

[Belen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro tendría en realidad para mi 3,5*.
Todo el mundo que crea el autor, la valentía y fuerza de los personajes, pero sobretodo ese final...espectaculares. Sin duda recomiendo leer el libro y llegar a descubrir todo lo que hay oculto y conocer un mundo que, al menos yo, nunca había leído algo similar.

Mi único problema con el libro, el cual se repite bastante durante el nudo, es que describa constantemente lo espléndido y magnífico que es todo, una y otra ,y otra ,y otra vez....
Los personajes no hacen más que alucinar con lo que ven, y llega a hacerse pesado. A ti como lector dejan de sorprenderte las descripciones que estás leyendo , llega a cansar, necesitas más acción o la información que te da respecto lo que ven pero sin flipar🙄

Por lo tanto mi pega no es tanto la historia ,la cual para mi es un 5, si no esa parte del libro que a mi, personalmente, se me hizo pesada.

[Uriel Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

No mentiré. Venía de leer un libro buenísimo que me atrapó en menos de 5 páginas. En el caso de este libro eso pasó casi hasta la página 100. Tiene un comienzo bastante lento, exageradamente lento y me atrevería a decir que un poco torpe pero se nota la evolución que el mismo autor va teniendo en transcurso del libro. Desde que aparecen los dioses aureos, los que dan nombre al libro, el libro se vuelve una locura, mejora enormemente. Este libro es muy recomendable si estás dispuesto a tenerle paciencia los primeros capítulos.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Great book! As usual, Pedro has his characters endure hardships and loss,but they come out stronger in the end. I am curious about what happened to Adamis...maybe I'll find in the next book?
My only gripe with Pedro's writing style is that not every character has resolution...I guess it's a different way of creating a cliffhanger. Anyhow, I am ready for the next book!

[Karsten Stiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

You enjoyed the Ilenian Enigma and want to know more about the reasons, why only artefacts and ruins of the illenians are available during it's time? Read this book! It's the first of the trilogy who will answer your questions.
And - as usual, the author did his job perfectly. The book is gripping, breathtaking, thrilling, sometimes romantic ... in short: anything you want to have it. Enjoy it!

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was okay. Ikai was a fantastic male character. Kyra, his sister very vocal. Liriana and Albana also strong female characters. The rest is what bore me. The heroes journey with Ikai felt like it was drawn out. The potential with this book is the laying foundation rebellion against the gods and the experiments the gods were doing to slaves. I will continue to book 2.

[Deborah Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great First Instalment!

It was a great first book of the many about the Golden Gods. Once you have read all of those books, you can then read about dragons! Those books are set in a different world, but they also have a connection to this one about those Golden Gods! Without a doubt, they're all well worth the read!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impresionante.

No puedo decir otra cosa sobre este libro. Te atrapa de principio a fin.

Hay magia, amor fraternal, amistad, traición, aventura, acción...

Con muchas ganas de saber lo que ocurre con nuestros protagonistas con el siguiente libro...

Como siempre este autor no defrauda, y sabe como dejar al lector con la intriga.

[Vanessa Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitivamente Pedro Urvi es un autor de mundos, personajes y trama, super completo que hace que te enamores de sus libros.
Me gustó mas la historia de Kyria que la de Ikai pero a ambos los ame, estoy deseando saber que mas pasa con ellos.

[Angely Fernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me ha encantado

Me he leído casi todos los libros de este autor, y hasta el momento, ninguno me ha defraudado.
El libro me ha envuelto y solo pienso en saber que va a pasar en el próximo capitulo.