Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof
Created by Kobe Bryant
Written by Ivy Claire
Two Rivers Distribution, 2019. 353 p.
The Kingdom of Epoca is ruled by Dreamers and Realists. Which class rules is based upon which side wins a series of games similar to the Olympics every few years. Princess Pretia Praxis-Onera is both. Her father is a dreamer and her mother is a realist. As of this story, no matter who wins the games her parents will rule together (though the mixed-race marriage caused a huge scandal in Epoca). The athletes that compete to have their clan rule are graced with grana, their divinely given talents that supposedly come from the gods and help them to excel in all things sports. Pretia isn’t sure that she likes her grana—the first time she used it there was an accident so she believes it is cursed. Pretia’s story intertwines with the story of Ravi. Ravi is the son of an exiled Visualization trainer at the elite school Ecrof Academy (the place where all those with grana train in various sports). Ravi is sure there was more to the story of what happened when his father was disgraced and sent away from Ecrof, but he has no idea what. Now Pretia and Ravi must work together to figure out what is really going on and to save the school as well as their kingdom.
This is an intricate world built on what seems like a nod to Greek gods and goddesses as well as the Greek Olympiads with a touch of fantasy (that grana and the magic and power that comes with it) and a whole dash of sports—especially track and field. Readers who love fast-paced world building, strong characters, adventure, and sports (and Kobe Bryant) will enjoy reading this tale of adventure and comradery.
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