Manna: of beasts and gods

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Her curse may be the world’s last hope.

Zoey Zikos was born with a power the world fears—manna so fierce it shattered her family.It killed her mother. It nearly destroyed her father.

For six long years, she’s buried it deep, terrified to let it surface again.But when monstrous beasts appear in her town and begin to devour all life across the land, that same power begins to awaken. Wild, hungry, unstoppable.

And in a world where gods walk among mortals, she’ll need every scrap of help she can get. One god does answer her call. Pawlo, a snow mongrel born a defect, yet loyal in ways no god should ever be.

With his help, Zoey must master the light that ruined her life before the beasts consume everyone she loves.

But can she control a force greater than herself... or will it claim her completely?

Each chapter dives deeper:• Epic, cinematic combat• A rich manna-and-beast systems• A slow-burn climb from cursed child → elemental legend

New chapters released weekly on Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 EST/17:00 UTC

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: rcjdost

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.2/ 5.0
Followers: 269
Views: 15,171

Chapters(43 total)

What readers say about Manna: of beasts and gods

“First off, it must've taken the writer forever coming up with this world... So we got mortals who use manna, some special energy that gives them transparent shields that wear down with damage and then they can also harness this manna to bend the elements to…”
readeriderRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“Honestly, one of the first things that hooked me early on in this book wasn’t just the beasts or the drama (though both are awesome) — it was the system. The whole idea that gods basically have a vault inside them (okay, another dimension technically) and c…”
mohawksteveRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

readeriderRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
First off, it must've taken the writer forever coming up with this world... So we got mortals who use manna, some special energy that gives them transparent shields that wear down with damage and then they can also harness this manna to bend the elements to their will. And then alongside them walk the gods... You awaken them from stone and they're basically like your pokemons that keep evolving. But it gets even cooler. They can always go back to stone and when they do, they awaken in another world called the second heaven... And they've got their own drama and politics going over there... I love layered worlds and realities like that. And wait, it doesn't end there... the craziest part is that these mortals and gods can come together and turn into these giant characters. Damn, right? Honestly, I love the story and the worldbuilding, but I just really wanna see how Zoey and Pawlo keep evolving. First off, it must've taken the writer a whole lot of time coming up with this world... So we got mortals with manna, some special force that gives them transparent shield that wears down wit damage and then they can also harness this manna to bend the elements to their will. And then alongside them walk the gods... You awaken them from stone and they're like your pokemons that keep evolving. But they can always go back to stone and when they do, they awaken in another world called the second heaven... And they have their own drama and politics goin' over there... I love layered worlds and realities. And then hold up, it doesn't end there... the highlight, these mortals and gods can come together and turn into these giant characters. Damn, right? Honestly, I love the story, the world, etc, but I just really wanna see how Zoey and Pawlo keep evolving. It’s like waiting to see what your favorite Pokémon will look like after it evolves. Anyway, haven’t read anything quite like this before. Awesome work!
mohawksteveRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Honestly, one of the first things that hooked me early on in this book wasn’t just the beasts or the drama (though both are awesome) — it was the system. The whole idea that gods basically have a vault inside them (okay, another dimension technically) and can just spit out weapons, tools, even frying pans on command? It’s brilliant. It feels like an RPG inventory mechanic, but written in a way that’s equal parts funny and epic.
I actually lost it when Gallus, the pompous rooster god, hacked up a cast-iron skillet so Mak could fry eggs. Or when he coughed up a full-on draycart to haul fish, like it was the most normal thing ever. Those moments make the gods feel practical and weirdly relatable at the same time. Just can’t wait to see what else these gods cough up!
That’s what sets this story apart for me — the balance. You get these huge, cinematic battles that feel like boss fights, but they’re layered with humor and imagination in the little details. The world has rules, but they’re wild, flexible, and always surprising.
If you’re into inventive magic systems, gods with actual personality, and fight scenes that hit like a game boss battle, this is so worth reading.
Arty1manpartyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Wonderful character development and keeps you on your toes wondering what is going on with the main protagonist. Most of all, this fantasy tale takes me back to my childhood a la some good ol fashioned RPG video games I used to play: Secret of Mana + Chrono Trigger. The introduction of magic and some super uncontrollable power keeps you wanting to find out more. The world is quite imaginative with even the characters speaking in some type of southern accent (their version). The pace is exciting and then pulls back to slow things down as you catch your breath. Very easy to and fun to read a fantasy tale to take you away from the weight of reality.
JungvelyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I really enjoyed this book. From the opening pages, it pulled me in with its cinematic scope. The first chapter doesn’t rush into action—it lingers in the heavens, where stars shimmer and secrets unfold. It sets a tone of mystery and wonder, painting the world in broad, beautiful strokes that immediately made me want to know more.
And then, by the time the action does arrive—around Chapter 4—the story shifts gears and absolutely delivers. Those fight scenes are blockbuster-worthy. Cinematic, fast-paced, and so vividly described that I felt like I was watching them play out on screen. Every swing of a blade, every surge of manna, every desperate move against beasts and gods is captured in gripping detail.
But the book isn’t just about spectacle. What really stuck with me is Zoey herself. She’s a character you can’t help but root for. Her love for her father, even though he’s become such a changed man, feels painfully real. She misses the dad he used to be, and you can feel that ache in every interaction. At the same time, you understand that he has his reasons, and that layered tension between them makes for a heartfelt and relatable core to the story.
Then there’s Pawlo—Zoey’s god, companion, and, honestly, one of the most endearing characters I’ve come across in YA fantasy recently. The pairing between them is wonderful. Zoey even says it herself in Chapter 4: “We’re both flawed, but beautifully so.” That line alone gave me chills. The moment where Zoey encourages Pawlo, reminding him that his way of digging a ditch—born out of necessity because he lacked the tails to fly like his siblings—was not weakness but ingenuity, was just perfect.
So, the highlights? Thrilling, descriptive action that keeps you hooked. A fascinating array of gods and beasts, each described with such vivid imagination that you can picture them instantly. And at the center, a father-daughter dynamic that hits with genuine emotional weight. My only hope is that it doesn’t lean too far into tra
Kobe24ForeverRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The author has clearly invested an impressive amount of imagination and effort into crafting this world. The concept of mortals wielding manna—a unique energy that forms transparent, degradable shields and enables elemental manipulation—is both engaging and well-developed. Complementing these mortals are the gods, beings who are awakened from stone and evolve over time, evoking a sense of dynamic partnership reminiscent of but far more intricate than familiar creature-evolution systems.
An especially fascinating aspect is the gods’ ability to return to their stone forms and reawaken within an entirely different realm known as the Second Heaven. This parallel world, complete with its own internal politics and conflicts, adds a rich layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. I’ve always been drawn to multi-layered realities, and this story delivers that in abundance.
Perhaps the most striking element, however, is the fusion between mortals and gods—allowing them to combine into colossal, powerful beings. It’s a bold and captivating idea that elevates the stakes of the story even further.
Overall, the worldbuilding is exceptional, and I’m particularly excited to see how Zoey and Pawlo continue to grow and transform as the series progresses. Their evolution is as suspenseful and rewarding as anticipating the next stage of a favorite character in a beloved franchise.
I haven’t encountered a world quite like this before—truly impressive work.
UncleJohnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From the very first page, this book has cast a spell on me. From the immersive world to the deep character development, I can't get enough. Was the child cursed, or was there perhaps a more nefarious character pulling the strings from the shadows? I have to know. It's apparent that the author has put a lot of thought the story with each chapter pulling me in deeper and deeper. I find myself looking forward to each new chapter released. Although the story is still ongoing, I can tell that this has the making of something special already.
YamagoatoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
So far so good, this story got my interest right away. I genuinely like the main character of the book, Zoey. She seems to be a bad ass but also firm in her virtues. An innocent young girl who has to grow up rather quickly due to a powerful ability she possesses. Pretty easy to read and has good style and pacing.
dodgerswschampRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This book hooked me from the very first chapter and never let go. Prologue is INTENSE... Chapter 1 is a bit of a breather but it's where you get to know Zoey, the MC... and then there's Pawlo, her guardian sidekick. I don't know, it's my type of fantasy... coming of age, weak to strong, team fights. I can actually see it going big or mainstream.
Highly recommended for readers who love immersive fantasy with heart, intensity, and cinematic actions sequences. Glad I found this book.
ElfrisaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Very promising! Starts dark and leaves you with a lot of questions as to what you just started, but quickly becomes a rich world with really cool magic and I am super excited to get more!
I feel like this is one that's going to be important to check out!
Idiot MuffinRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
It's an interesting story of mana, gods, and curse XD
It begins as a silent horror, enchanting you to continue reading, while introducing the anti-hero of the story, then it builds up the world, and gives flesh to its main characters who actually matter.
The action scenes are the best part of the novel, as they are well fleshed out and fluidly smooth. The characters have their own personalities and a per "god" with them XD
These Gods are like like pokemons, they fight alongside you, use abilities, and evolve with you, with a wel structured tier system. There's also special abilities like fusing with your God.
Overall, a very interesting novel ^^