calllmekali_'s review
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
co_co's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
discoveringdee's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The last like 20-ish percent of the book really kicked things into overdrive for me & I’m left with a lot of questions that needs answers but in a good way.
But overall this was a nice easy to follow story, can’t say that I care too much for any of the characters - I like them enough to want to know how this ends.
I really enjoyed the world building & it being a matriarchal society and actually showing it, in both the queendom, the head of the shadows, most of the shadows being women & having equal opportunity for advancement when applicable.
I personally didn’t care for the gods & how they treated their children like dirt but then claimed to love Freya….it was an ongoing contradiction that had me side eyeing them, especially Asair (he annoyed me the most).
But most importantly I really loved how easy to follow this book was, it didn’t sound elementary but it had a flow to it like you were explaining a movie to a friend - I enjoyed that. Also enjoyed listening to it on audio, I think that helped added an extra flare.
I mean overall, just know that the vibes were immaculate for this story & I’m looking forward to book 2 (hopefully Sarah gets more of a backbone 😭😭😭)
But overall this was a nice easy to follow story, can’t say that I care too much for any of the characters - I like them enough to want to know how this ends.
I really enjoyed the world building & it being a matriarchal society and actually showing it, in both the queendom, the head of the shadows, most of the shadows being women & having equal opportunity for advancement when applicable.
I personally didn’t care for the gods & how they treated their children like dirt but then claimed to love Freya….it was an ongoing contradiction that had me side eyeing them, especially Asair (he annoyed me the most).
But most importantly I really loved how easy to follow this book was, it didn’t sound elementary but it had a flow to it like you were explaining a movie to a friend - I enjoyed that. Also enjoyed listening to it on audio, I think that helped added an extra flare.
I mean overall, just know that the vibes were immaculate for this story & I’m looking forward to book 2 (hopefully Sarah gets more of a backbone 😭😭😭)
serena704's review
4.0
Shout out to Hoopla for getting this on audio! If not for them I would've probably finished this in 2024. It was a great story but it takes me FOREVER to read anything scifi'y.
BRANDI WAS THAT GIRL!!! She was sending everyone back to the Gods. The ending was incredible and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel which I hope Hoopla gets on audio as well.
BRANDI WAS THAT GIRL!!! She was sending everyone back to the Gods. The ending was incredible and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel which I hope Hoopla gets on audio as well.
bookswitheli's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.75
I was so aggressive not a fan of Sarah, her perspective and her potential romance plot that I dreaded reading those parts of the novel. While I understand that the author might have wanted us to experience things with the same amount of wonder as her, the fact that nobody else was amazed by these things in the slightest just made her feel like an annoying child not an uninformed adult. Other than my many issues with Sarah I loved this novel thoroughly and will be recommending it to literally everyone.
goatsinspace's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
C.M. Lockhart's "We Are the Origin" is an amazing exploration of resilience, difficult choices, and the pursuit of purpose in a world shaped by the gods. With colloquial charm, Lockhart beckons readers into a fusion of science fiction and fantasy. While the informal tone may resonate predominantly with fans of young adult fiction, it adds a layer of accessibility that engages readers across diverse tastes.
Set against a backdrop of queendom politics and enigmatic gods, Brandi emerges as a product of her circumstances—a weapon forged in the crucible of duty and death. Forced into a life of servitude, her destiny takes an unforeseen turn when Freya, the goddess of life, redirects her path. From an agent of destruction, she transforms into a guardian of hope, thrust into a realm of uncharted responsibilities and unforeseen adversaries.
Lockhart crafts a narrative that unfolds with deliberate precision, inviting readers to journey alongside Brandi as she navigates the labyrinthine complexities of her world. Within this rich tapestry, the interplay between gods and mortals injects an air of mystique and wonder, fueling the inexorable momentum of the plot. While Brandi's transformation echoes the book's profound message of resilience and destiny, all of the characters mirror the theme of making the best of difficult lives. While the novel boasts a cast as diverse as its world, some characters may feel overshadowed, struggling to find their unique place within the narrative's complexity.
One can't help but commend the author for diversifying the literary landscape with an indie offering that resonates so strongly. The introduction of BIPOC perspective breathes new life into a genre that often craves fresh voices. A strong debut and I can't wait to read more.
Set against a backdrop of queendom politics and enigmatic gods, Brandi emerges as a product of her circumstances—a weapon forged in the crucible of duty and death. Forced into a life of servitude, her destiny takes an unforeseen turn when Freya, the goddess of life, redirects her path. From an agent of destruction, she transforms into a guardian of hope, thrust into a realm of uncharted responsibilities and unforeseen adversaries.
Lockhart crafts a narrative that unfolds with deliberate precision, inviting readers to journey alongside Brandi as she navigates the labyrinthine complexities of her world. Within this rich tapestry, the interplay between gods and mortals injects an air of mystique and wonder, fueling the inexorable momentum of the plot. While Brandi's transformation echoes the book's profound message of resilience and destiny, all of the characters mirror the theme of making the best of difficult lives. While the novel boasts a cast as diverse as its world, some characters may feel overshadowed, struggling to find their unique place within the narrative's complexity.
One can't help but commend the author for diversifying the literary landscape with an indie offering that resonates so strongly. The introduction of BIPOC perspective breathes new life into a genre that often craves fresh voices. A strong debut and I can't wait to read more.
bookish_afrolatina's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
We are the Origin was a unique, creative, and increasingly addictive read! It begins and ends with drama which is just how I like Fantasy. It took me a little while to get into the story as I was listening to the audiobook which sometimes made it hard for me to grasp some of the world-building and relationships. The audiobook did a great job at creating the “gods’ voices.
I think this book was quite feminist and refreshing. Looking forward to the next book!!
Heads up, this is New Adult Fantasy! It includes multiple mentions of sexual relations.
I think this book was quite feminist and refreshing. Looking forward to the next book!!
Heads up, this is New Adult Fantasy! It includes multiple mentions of sexual relations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual content
kutsireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have read this book twice this year. I read it for the first time in back in February and it was my favorite book that month. Then I read it again July (this time via audiobook) and it was just as fantastic as the first time. The Narrator, Aure Nash, does an incredible job narrating this book. I loved the different voices and accents she did for the different characters. It was phenomenal!
_shauneereads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I cannot wait for book 2 to release. I loved reading about Brandi & her “friends”. If you want a black fantasy that has main characters that are not nice but will burn the entire world to the ground over the people they love, this is the book for you.
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Death, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent