Book #1 in the Maya Rising series
A young woman's journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of two contrasting inter-dimensional worlds.
One is Dystopian—in which humans ignore the repercussions of industrialization on nature, and the other Utopian—where humans live in harmony with nature and each other.
At it's heart, "Maya of the Inbetween is the journey of a shy girl stepping boldly into her personal power as life chaotically unfolds around her." ~ Goodreads Review
Planet Earth has been depleted, and catastrophic weather events have eradicated human civilization in nature's final attempt to restore balance and survive. All remaining life is contained in one City—a fortress of iron and technology, providing safety at the cost of freedom.
Until recently, MAYA lived there in hiding, painting visions of a vibrant valley where nature still thrives. She's a Sëer, a Mystic, a Feeler... and a Rebel. When she meets the young, bright-eyed German officer, Björn, he tells her the world she's been painting is real. Determined to find it, they become unlikely allies.
Their race against the oppressive Control and quest for truth and freedom leads them to a sophisticated race that safeguards Earth's sacred mysteries. But will they be able to convince them that humanity is worth saving?
A devastating exploration into the expense of human ignorance.
A metaphysical fantasy adventure for sensitive, empathic teenagers seeking depth and meaning.
... And a slow-burn love story.
★★★★★ "A great gift for a young woman struggling in an often harsh world." - Inner Peace Foundation
Perfect for fans of AURORA (the musician) Avatar (the film) & Quiet; the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking.
★★★★★ "If you or someone you know, is quieter than most, intelligent, observational, a sensitive, this book is a dream find..."
— Prem Rohan
Reader Reviews
“★★★★★ "In Maya of the Inbetween, Bennet adds Tolkien-like world-building to a YA dystopia akin to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Elements of environmentalism and yoga philosophy are woven throughout. The fantasy and science fiction elements add interest and prove that Bennett isn’t too self-serious. Maya is also an unexpected heroine. She’s quiet, introverted, and empathetic. The only traditional heroic quality she embodies is tenacity. Overall, she’s sweet and relatable.
Maya of the Inbetween is interesting because it takes place in a dystopia then a utopia, taking Margaret Atwood’s ustopia idea to new levels, since both places are also utopias. It also serves its purpose as a warning about the environment and a reminder of how easily a society can slip into tyranny, especially when its citizens are afraid.
So, how do we heed the warnings of Bennett, Bradbury, Atwood, Orwell, Huxley, and others? By first remembering the words of Carl Sagan. In The Demon Haunted World he writes, “Part of the duty of citizenship is not to be intimidated into conformity.” This is what makes Maya such a great heroine; she never allows herself to be intimidated into conformity, whether she’s in the City or the Santosha Valley."
— Picking Books, Book Blog
★★★★★ “Absolutely in love with this book. If you’re someone who is very spiritual and passionate about the world we can’t see but can deeply feel then get this book!!!!!!"
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "Wow. It's rare that I find a dystopian novel that is equally a utopian one. And this one is the most spiritual one I can remember reading in a while.
This is especially poignant now with the situation around the world. I wonder if the author is aware of just how much truth there is in this novel; it relates pretty closely to other life experiences of mine, along with some of my shamanic journeys in this one.
If you only read one dystopian novel this year - please make it this one! You won't be disappointed."
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★ “Words truly do fall short in describing the profound way this book has impacted me. I was encapsulated from the very first page and completely fascinated at the unfolding story and all that lay beyond the words.
I have always found much value in books, particularly ones that hold deeper truer, meanings. And in these rarer cases books have served as a way to make sense of deeper truths that I have struggled to make sense of myself. Maya of the inbetween has been exactly that and more. It has been an invitation to explore myself, my experiences and the world around me in a unique way. I continue marveling at the beautiful essence & wisdom that has been weaved into the tale weeks after finishing.
The gratitude I feel to have a book of this caliber in my hands is truly immense. And I thank the writer, Sita, for the gift you have given all who are lucky enough to receive the stories, lessons and deep love held within this book. An invitation into deep love and trust.
I can’t help but wonder what I may have missed, and think I will have to simply read it again to find out.”
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★ “As one who is fascinated by exploring the deeper mysteries of our consciousness and existence, I really this resonated with book and the main character Maya. I was so moved, even to tears at times. I enjoyed the journey this took me on and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel."
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "This book had me going the WHOLE time, and I wish there were more books that captured the heart in this way. I can't recommend it enough to other readers who enjoy reading mystical novels and have a curiosity about what more there is to life other than the mundaneness we are all taught... beautiful. Bring on book two!"
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "From the moment I started reading Maya of the In-between I was totally captured by it and didn’t want to put it down ... The descriptive world and characters unfolding were so believable that I felt like I was in it.
Maya’s journey was incredibly profound, and her special energy that emanated from the story has stayed with me long after finishing the book. I thoroughly recommend you to read this book that will open your mind to different realms of possibility and reality.
I hope it makes it to the big screen, it would be a visual treat!""
— Goodreads Review
