Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sports-themed magical fantasy values teamwork, character.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
EPOCA: THE TREE OF ECROF tells the story of Pretia's and Rovi's first year at an elite sports academy. Pretia, who's 10, is the crown princess who will one day inherit the throne. But she's not interested in any of that; she just wants to train so she can participate in the kingdom's Epic Games held every four years. Rovi, also 10, is an orphan living on the streets and has to steal in order to eat. Each one is hiding a dark secret, but as mysterious and dangerous events unfold at the academy, their fears of being found out get worse. Can they learn to work as a team, and to trust and channel their inner magic for the good of the school and the kingdom?
Is It Any Good?
This track-and-field-themed magical fantasy series is off to an intriguing start and brimming with positive messages about the value of sports, teamwork, and trusting your inner strength. Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof alternates between Pretia's and Rovi's point of view, which keeps them relatable and helps us get to know them and the world they live in. Some of the parts between major events are slow and a bit long, but the deepening mysteries keep the pages turning. Kids will relate to Pretia and Rovi at a time when they're both eager to grow up and afraid of the changes and new powers inside themselves.
Readers who enjoyed Kobe Bryant's other sports-themed fantasies will find a lot more of the same here, but in a richly imagined, new setting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof shows Pretia and Rovi as role models. What are their character strengths? What are their weaknesses? Do you like them, or admire them?
We all know it's good to be physically active for your health. How do organized sports help you mentally, as well? What can they teach you about yourself, and about how to handle problems that come your way? How does teamwork help Pretia and Rovi?
What's your favorite sport? Which sports have you tried? Which ones would you like to try if you could?
Book Details
- Authors: Kobe Bryant , Ivy Claire
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Sports and Martial Arts , Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Granity Studios
- Publication date: November 12, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 7, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate