A dying kingdom. A galaxy in peril. And only the reincarnation of an ancient god can save them.Prophesied to become the messiah of his kingdom, Ayn is charged with saving his people from disease and war. But when an unknown enemy threatens everyone he loves, the destiny he thought was his spins out of control.His sheltered existence torn asunder, Ayn finds himself on an epic journey where he … asunder, Ayn finds himself on an epic journey where he meets new friends, foes, and a mysterious cat creature that no one but Ayn can see.
Is the supposed reincarnation of “The Great Adin” losing his sanity? Or is everything guided by Fate? Ayn must decide before the entire galaxy is destroyed!
*Adult themes, intended for mature teens and up.
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Otherworldly Sci-Fi!
Transported to the Galaxy of Un by the author’s lyrical storytelling, her words plucked at my heartstrings, conjuring Zin playing the elenon to accompany Lady Raven’s singing at Luc’s Lounge.
While Ayn steals the show—the male protagonist groomed by Deiusian priests to become the “Bodanya” or messiah of his dying galaxy, he is loath to accept this burdensome responsibility due to naivety and lack of self-confidence. From my perspective Book 1 is also a Coming-of-Age/Coming-of-Rage story, whereby a despicable act taps into Ayn’s power source so he can defend himself and diffuse a violent situation.
There are intriguing plot twists. Each well-defined character is complex, complicated, and entangled in relationships. Their backstories provide just enough raison d’etre, while whetting the reader’s appetite for standalone character shorts.
Book 1 delves into “The Great Paradox” or “Polarity Syndrome” which refers to the dire straits Ayn’s home planet Deius finds itself due to planet rivalry for control of “plasma,” and also religious differences.
Henceforth, separate and apart from the settings of Planets Deius, Kri, Ohr, or Xen—I find this epic Sci-Fi series otherworldly for its controversial, paradoxical themes interwoven throughout the story:
Conformity vs. Self-Expression
Exploitation vs. Conservation
Religion vs. Science
Then there’s Ayn’s intersexuality and the same-sex attraction between him and Zin.
I highly recommend ‘Shiva XIV’ (Book 1) which soars high above the clouds in its otherworldly flight.
‘Shiva XIV’ Book 1 is a wonderful sci-fi/fantasy blend with some beautifully crafted magical elements. Or a blend of fantasy and magical realism with sci-fi elements. Or… never mind. Suffice to say, it’s fantastic.
There is so much that is original in this story. Shanti has really proven herself a master of world-building in the variety and the incredible richness of the settings and unique planets she has created in ‘Shiva XIV’.
Ancient philosophies and vastly different world views characterise the different planets and their populations. These, in turn, infuse the lead characters with the qualities and complexities that drive them and keep the reader engaged in the story as it unfolds. Not only are there the universal themes of love vs hate and good vs evil, we see the characters struggling with the same opposing forces in their own loyalties and ideologies.
The first book of three already published in what promises to be an absolutely brilliant series, it’s no exaggeration to say that ‘Shiva XIV’ could easily become the next space epic series. It would easily fill the void that Star Wars fans will experience after the final episode is released, given that it deals with many similar themes in new and entirely original ways.
Shanti’s narrative flows easily, carrying the reader on Ayn’s journey of discovery and destiny. This book ends on a cliffhanger, but the reader is satisfied enough by the partial resolutions and revelations given in the final chapters of ‘Shiva XIV’ to not feel cheated or short-changed, yet Shanti successfully piques their curiosity enough to leave them wanting more. There’s so much more that Is yet to be revealed!
‘Shiva XIV’ gets five well-deserved stars from me. I will be moving on to the next Shiva XIV book, ‘The Veil of Truth’ very soon!
Shiva XIV by Lyra Shanti is an interesting mix of science fiction and fantasy that blends both genres without an overly complicated plot. This unique tale begins with the birth of Queen Amya’s son (Ayn) who is proclaimed by the High Priest of Deius as the Neya Bodanya. This is a messiah, of sorts, and the second coming of The Great Adin.
Immediate conflict arises from not only within the holy order ruling Deius, but also the factions against the religious aspects and implications of such a proclamation. Whereas Deius has been ruled by The Council of The Holy Dei, many of its denizens reject the council and prefer science to that of religion and prophecy.
Regardless of this opposition, Ayn is groomed as the Neya Bodanya, and sheltered within the confines of the temple. During this time, his interaction with his mother is minimal, while the High Priest, Meddhi-Lan, raises him as more of a son than a student.
The Uh-Ahm galaxy was in turmoil due to the draining of plasmic energy, which is their power supply. After the decimation of one world (Hun), many people turned to their spiritual leaders for guidance as others sought a scientific explanation, thusly fracturing the already brittle filament in which peace and cooperation had been tethered throughout the galaxy.
Ayn is extremely conflicted and apprehensive regarding his importance to the Un as a whole, and his ability to shoulder the responsibilities of his position. His dubiety and confusion is amplified by his inability to accept an abnormality from his birth.
After reaching his fourteenth year, a devastating event separates Ayn from not merely his home, but also his planet. The way this event takes place, had me re-reading a few sections to see if I’d missed anything. I hadn’t. The subsequent events introduce Ayn and his new companion, Zin, to a new world and the struggles that come with it.
Although this is science fantasy, most of the elements appear more a futuristic version of Earth. This is especially so once we experience Xen. With the pawnshops, trains, vending machines, lounges, hotels, etc, it’s like two teens escaping to New York in hopes of becoming stars. However, there are a few species mentioned, hover cars, and the like that keep you in the sci fi element.
Shiva XIV was an enjoyable read with a few interesting characters. Many questions and hints are woven into the plot to cause the reader to wonder what might happen next, and what some characters true relation might be.
Although I love male characters that can also be sensitive, there was quite a bit of crying and pouting. Some of it is understandable, given Ayn’s age, naivety, and inner struggles. However, it started losing its effectiveness when the tears were so prevalent. In addition, the overuse of exclamation points was a bit jarring. It took a bit of getting used to, but didn’t take away from my reading experience. I’d like to see how Ayn’s story unfolds and where some of the treacheries, alliances, and instant love romances lead.
The story focuses on the birth, growth and development of the new prince Ayn or Shiva XIV. Nevertheless, he is not a common person like all the others; the high priests believe he is the reincarnation of the messiah, the new Bodanya, he who is destined to save the future of the whole kingdom.
For this reason he is taken away from his mother and his education is put in the hands of the high priest Meddhi-Lan. Despite the care and love received during his educational path, Ayn’s life is anything but happy and his destiny remains unclear and confusing to him. Nevertheless, as his coronation day arrives, after the death of his mother, he meets the one who can save him from a destiny that frightens him; the free spirited prince Zin-Ra. During the coronation ceremony, a terrorist attack brings chaos in the kingdom, killing Meddhi-Lan and exploding a bomb inside the palace. Taking advantage of the commotion, Zin convinces Ayn to flee with him, to a planet where nobody knows them, and where they will be both free to be whoever they want. However, Ayn has a destiny to be fulfilled and that destiny will bring him to the decision to return to his planet. I loved the extremely well crafted reality with its kingdoms and planets, it was like images were coming to life as I was reading the book, and I could almost believe their existence. I loved the development of the characters and the clash between science, spirituality, and blind faith. It is not just a simple sci-fi story, it has a lot more, there is an invitation in reconsidering our points of view, the way we look at the other people; an invitation to take control over our lives and do with them what makes us happy, rather than what makes other people’s happy. The intensity of the feelings involved will keep you reading until the end, making you hungry for the other books of the series. Author Shanti, did an excellent job in this first book, and even I am a very slow reader, I can’t see the time to read all the others. Highly recommended!