Reviews for:
The Weight of Dreams, An Ancient Saga of Myth and Magic
Alone but guided by ancestral spirits and a bond with a mysterious elephant, Etana journeys into the realm of myth. A powerful ruler summons her to tame a ferocious elephant meant for war. But to claim her future, she must master more than beasts – she must face enemies, survive betrayal, and confront a court that thrives on secrets and blood.
As kingdoms clash and gods murmur in dreams, Etana rises from fugitive to warrioress, from outcast to commander. In a world where loyalty is eternal and power demands sacrifice, who will she become when everything she loves is threatened?
Told through the rhythms of oral tradition and infused with magic, myth, and cultural memory, this is a luminous tale of spiritual resilience, feminine power, and the living bond between human and nature.
Readers of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, The Famished Road by Ben Okri, or Babylonia by Costanza Casati will be enchanted by the magical realism and lyricism of The Weight of Dreams. Because the past still speaks – and sometimes, it sings.
Review 01
Paul A.
5 out of 5 stars. The Weight of Dreams: Like reading Homer, only better.
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
My reader verified score is 98%. Nicole Sorrell’s novel, The Weight of Dreams, is the mythic story of a young woman’s rebellion against the misogynistic traditions of her culture and her heroic journey towards achieving independence, respect, and fame. The setting is pre-Ice Age North Africa, when the desert was savannah and jungle before the desert took over the land. Sorrell’s poetic prose and magical characters create a new mythology. One that takes its roots from the classic tales of the earth’s most ancient civilizations. Read this book and tell your friends to read it. It is a moving and beautiful reading experience. My only disappointment is when it ended.
Review 02
Dave Melde
5 out of 5 stars. Beautifully written, myth-rich coming-of-age story
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
My ReaderVerified score: 96%. The Weight of Dreams is a beautifully written, myth‑rich coming‑of‑age story that completely drew me in. Etana is a remarkable protagonist. Courageous, intuitive, and deeply connected to the natural world. Her ability to communicate with elephants gives the novel a sense of wonder, but it’s her inner strength and self‑determination that make the story unforgettable.
I loved how the author blends African folklore, ancestral memory, and spiritual symbolism into a narrative that feels both ancient and alive. The worldbuilding is vivid, the prose lyrical, and the emotional stakes real. Etana’s journey, from fleeing a fate she refuses to accept to confronting danger, betrayal, and destiny, unfolds with the weight of legend.
This is a powerful, immersive novel filled with heart, magic, and cultural depth. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy mythic storytelling, strong female heroes, and stories where the bond between humans and nature is central.
Review 03
LPReader
5 out of 5 stars, Powerful and captivating story
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
My reader's verified review is 95%.
Written in a lyrical style with the weight of myth, this story captures the imagination through its rich cultural settings and profound insights into human nature. The bold, intrepid young heroine, Etana, possesses a fascinating bond with elephants and an instinctual ability to survive both the rigors of the wild and the schemes of dangerous enemies. The prose is beautiful, the narrative compelling; I found the rites of passage for the village's young women to be particularly moving and insightful.
Review 04
5 out of 5 stars: A Wonderful Coming of Age Journey in the Savana
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified Purchase
My ReaderVerified score is 96%. The Weight of Dreams: An Ancient Saga of Myth and Magic, by author Nicole Sorrell, is a poetically beautiful story of a young girl named Etana coming of age in the African Savana. Her journey from young adulthood to womanhood is full of difficult choices she alone must face.
I thoroughly enjoyed the intertwining of folklore, ancient customs, and the coming-of-age of the protagonist. Who, among other things, can converse with the animals of the Savana. Her convictions and self-awareness are the driving force of this novel.
I can't recommend this novel enough, a real joy to read. Bravo!
Nicole, if you send me a picture of the spine of your book, I will add it to the stack of books on the landing page.
Additionally, you can send a portrait with a blurb about working with ReaderVerified, and I will add it to the other testimonials.
Hi Nicole, this is where we can chat.
I think you would enjoy 'Arising.'
Hi Nicole,
This is where we can chat. I really loved your novel, very inspiring.
John