MAYA: Seed Takes Root might be the debut novel of co-authors Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon, but this dynamic duo are titans of creativity. From game design to popular films, these two know how to tell a story.
Perfect for fans of Children of Time and Dune, their first entry into speculative literature follows the Divya Trials, an enormous battle royale to determine who will ascend to godhood. Yachay, a nineteen-year-old boy who has managed to keep himself invisible from the ever-watchful eye of his planet's guardians, has no intention of sacrificing his freedom for some tournament, regardless of the prize. But when the death of his ailing grandfather reveals long-buried secrets, Yachay might just dare to tear the whole, intergalactic infrastructure apart from the inside.
The Portalist has partnered with Authors Equity to offer ten lucky winners a hardcover edition of MAYA, along with a code to acquire the audiobook, which is read by fantasy legend Hugo Weaving. You can even pick This giveaway ends on July 27, so enter now to make sure you have a chance to win!
MAYA: Seed Takes Root
Blending science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, MAYA: Seed Takes Root is a new mythology for the 21st century—not of gods and monsters, but of us. For readers of Children of Time, Dune, and An Immense World.
The Divya Trials have been announced. Billions will compete. One will ascend to godhood.
On the planet Neh, the living forest called Maya is the planet’s neural network. Each citizen tethers daily to Maya, entering shared dreamscapes for work, play, and learning. The immortal Divyas harvest the data. Every thought and memory; predicting futures and bending reality itself. Everyone is connected. Everyone is tracked. Everyone is controlled.
Everyone except Yachay. An ordinary nineteen-year-old manushya raised in isolation by his ailing grandfather, Daddu, Yachay has never tethered to Maya—making him invisible to the gods of data. Daddu urges him to enter the upcoming Divya Trials, a once-in-a-lifetime competition where billions compete for immortality and omnipotence. Yachay wants no part of it—until his grandfather’s death uncovers an ancient resistance and a lifetime of secret training.
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Note: The sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, DC who are 18 years of age and older by July 27, 2026.
