AnnaMariah, Author Books
When twelve-year-old Zelia agrees to spend the summer with her Aunt Joy, she hopes for a peaceful, not-too-boring summer. The moment she sees her aunt dancing up the road in her kaleidoscopic dress, Zelia realizes she’s in for an adventure.
Zelia soon abandons everything she thought she knew about herself and the “real world” as she dives into a magical book and embarks on the dual path to discover her surprising powers.
Encountering mythical creatures, talking animals, and trees, they discover a dark force determined to destroy creativity. She travels from the Earth to the stars with a joyful, wisecracking band of light warriors determined to save the world.
Available in Paperback, eBook, and Audio Book

“Sometimes all it takes to believe in yourself is to see that you aren’t the only one who feels there’s something more.”
- Author "AnnaMariah Nau"
AnnaMariah Nau is a visionary who believes in the magic that comes from the soul of the Universe into your heart. She says, “Sometimes all it takes to believe in yourself is to see that you aren’t the only one.” As an empath, AnnaMariah infuses her writing with sensitivity, mysticism, wonder, love, and offbeat humor, shedding light for others to see themselves and the world in a new way, opening possibilities and pathways. AnnaMariah’s adventurous spirit will take her and her readers from the Earth to the stars.
Dedication from my Heart to Yours
The Dual Path is dedicated you, the misfits, optimists, and dreamers who’ve sometimes given up because it seems the world you seek to live is not the world that exists today.
Do you often feel on the verge of giving up because you can’t see the point of being the only one holding this dream? Don't give up, there are others like you, more than you can imagine. Do you stay silent because you fear you may be the only one who feels this way? Are you tired of non-believers looking down on you, doubting what you know to be true? You're not alone...
I write to light the things we can’t name, the dreams, ideas, and knowing in your heart clambering to be realized, seen, and acknowledged as true.
Do you recognize yourself in my words?
Have you been touched by that sense of magic and wonder that lifts your soul and draws you to search past what you’ve been told is real? Do you know, sense, feel there is something more...other...deeper....that eludes your ability to describe or articulate? You wish you could wave your hands and draw it into reality so all can see. It hides in the shadows of your heart. As you peek into dark places, you bring out the light, brilliance, and joy that you and the world desperately need.
Have you struggled to fit in and felt something is missing? Have you ever wondered and worried that perhaps you lack a vital piece, and something is wrong with you?
You've ached and searched for that elusive something that brings meaning, depth, and an undefinable something. You can't describe what it is, what it looks or feels like, but you're sure it exists, and it's essential to live a life that is more than just struggle and survival.
When the goddess/angel/fairy/aunt opens the way in and invites you to “live the world,” and you feel an itch or a longing deep inside, you don’t need to know what it means, just that there’s something in you that responds deeply with a whispered "Yes," followed by an "Oh Yes, Please!"
Read with the eyes of your heart, allowing in the possibilities, the magic, and the love. Feel your inner knowing come alive, shimmering and pulsating with energy, vitality, and joy. Learn to “live the world,” and as you do, you’ll discover that you’re not the only one who feels these things.
May you discover small awakenings that speak to your heart’s knowing and allow you to realize that you can live the world of the dual path, walking both in this reality and in the realms of spirit, magic, love, the Universe, that which speaks to your joyous heart.
May You Live the World with love and joy in your heart,
Yes, I said, Live the World, instead of live in the world. Read my novel to discover the difference.
AnnaMariah
Winner - Readers' Award Honorable Mention in Visionary Fiction
I was thrilled to win this award for my first published novel. I'm using this as inspiration to keep writing, visioning, and creating.
Reviews - What Readers Have to Say!
Wow, "The Dual Path" is quite the adventure! As an adult reader of this young adult novel, I was deeply moved by Zelia's discovery and transformation. Hers is a riveting journey from everyday mundane life through every twist and turn of opportunity which opens not only her mind and her heart, but also opens her soul to the beautiful magic and its community all around her! Zelia's bravery is a shining light!
Terri S
__________________________
As an adult fan of YA novels, I enjoyed this book; I feel certain the kids who like YA and children's fantasy adventures will, too. Other reviews above make the story very clear -- I wanted to add that "The Dual Path's" thoughtful and sometimes surprising adventures are very engaging, even though Nau isn't exploring the dystopian themes that are so popular in YA.
Carol B, PH.D.
__________________________
This book is a wonderful, magical journey that I have loved reading to my kids. We have had so much fun discussing the infinite imagery as we got swept into this magical realm. The discussions about Zemma and Aunt Joy's characterization are very profound, as there is a great deal of depth to the story.
Michele D
__________________________
Zemma's adventures seem to teach her (and the reader) that the more she's able to open
herself up to Life without judgements, the more magic will come her way. How delightful!
LNK Creative
__________________________
This book is an adventure story where the most outrageous and startling things become ordinary. Guided by a seriously unlikely aunt, a 12-year-old girl's experiences range from disquieting encounters to profound insight into the nature of our world. Whether you are pushing 90 or a teen like the reluctant heroine, her captivating quest might induce binge reading."
Y. Kelly, Essences of Wholeness
__________________________
An extraordinarily well-written tale, a soothing cup of tea, and balm for your spirit! AnnaMariah lifted this story from your childhood dreams - the one that you, as a sensitive soul, had wished for. Follow along as our plucky young explorer journeys into the mystical realms with talking trees, fairies, magical gardens, the power of Gaia, the Spirit world, and all of life's incredible wonders. Written with taught precision, if you love Harry Potter, you'll love this just as much, if not more."
Michael R. Smith, PH.D - Author of Complete Empath Toolkit
__________________________
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure is a powerful book that shows readers the possibility of a world that exists alongside ours. It is entertaining and utterly inspiring.
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure by AnnaMariah Nau is a wonderful and delightful tale for fans of young adult fantasy, offering strong lessons for young readers. For twelve-year-old Zelia, a summer with her Aunt Joy is supposed to be a break from her parents, but she is pulled into a magical world that will take her on an exciting and transformative adventure of a lifetime. With a new name, Zemma, she is plunged into a world teeming with magical creatures, talking animals and trees, and a cast of inspiring travelers on a journey that takes her to the stars.
While Zelia and her Aunt Joy are helping people, discovering their new gifts, and connecting with powerful friends, they are troubled because an evil invades the earth, and its spell on people is strong. The dead-eyed ones are intoxicating people and replacing their sense of joy and passion with fatigue and mental labor, keeping them trapped in an empty existence. Can they help?
This is a story for young adult readers, but one that will teach older readers the secrets of life that are so often forgotten. The characters are exuberant, and, believe me, you will want to live your life as purely as Zelia comes to experience it, filled with a sense of wonder and a sacred joy no one can steal from you. This is an exhilarating adventure that I read to my son and daughter. And yes, it was a good experience for them. AnnaMariah Nau teaches readers to find delight in simple things, to treasure their gifts, and to have the courage to be who they are. It is filled with adventure, and as the reader begins to understand the paths to self-discovery through embracing new experiences and challenges, they also gain the wisdom that their minds, unfettered, can take them to surprising and exciting places. AnnaMariah Nau writes in a voice that is mellow and filled with charm, evoking a world that we all occasionally encounter in our dreams, a world that we can create.
The Dual Path: An Earth-to-Stars Adventure is a powerful book that shows readers the possibility of a world that exists alongside our own. It is entertaining and utterly inspiring.
5-Star by Jose Cornelio for Reader’s Favorites
__________________________
A highly engaging fantasy novel that delves deep into a colorful and interesting magical land where trouble brews just beneath the surface.
The Dual Path: An Earth-to-Stars Adventure is a work of fiction in the fantasy genre. It is aimed at young adults and was penned by author AnnaMariah Nau. The book follows Zelia, a twelve-year-old who is spending the summer with her Aunt Joy.
Encouraged by her aunt to discard her worldview in favor of accepting magic and whimsy into her heart, so the adventure begins for this impressionable young person. Exploring this new world and learning the truth about the world she lives in awakens Zelia to a dangerous threat that suppresses people’s ability to experience joy in their lives.
Author AnnaMariah Nau delivers a highly engaging fantasy novel that delves deep into a colorful and interesting magical land where trouble brews just beneath the surface. One of the most enjoyable things about this novel is the relationships between the characters, especially that between Zelia and Aunt Joy.
Despite the fantasy setting, this relationship felt genuine and true, and is one we can all connect with in our own way. The attention to detail in this novel is second to none, and the author does a fantastic job of describing the world in a way that makes the reader feel like they are right there, meeting all the magical creatures beside Zelia.
The Dual Path is an engaging and well-polished story set in a well-developed and fun fantasy world. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys entertaining fantasy books and unique and quirky characters.
5-Star review by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorites
__________________________
AnnaMariah Nau’s feel-good tale showcases the importance and value of dreams and the need to maintain a childlike curiosity to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure is a fantasy adventure novel written by AnnaMariah Nau. When her parents take a trip to the Amazon, twelve-year-old Zelia Allen is sent to spend the summer with her Aunt Joan. Feeling at home with his aunt’s eccentricities, Zelia starts calling her Joy while taking the name of Zemma for herself.
Joy quickly takes Zemma under her wing, teaching her the secrets of the Universe and introducing her to a hidden world full of magic and wonder. As the duo undertakes a backpacking trip through the countryside, they encounter magical fairies, talking trees, vampires who feed on people’s energies, flying swans, and unicorns. Meanwhile, a juggler reveals to Zemma that a being called the Unmaker is taking away people’s dreams and desires, making this an existential threat to humanity.
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure is a heartwarming and fun-filled adventure story that takes you to a world of magic and fills you with a sense of awe. Author AnnaMariah Nau’s feel-good tale showcases the importance and value of dreams and the need to maintain a childlike curiosity to lead a happy and fulfilling life. The characters are colorful and compelling. Zemma’s relationship with Joy felt endearing, and Joy’s eccentricities never miss a chance
to entertain the reader. The story felt wonderfully uplifting and highly immersive. Overall, I enjoyed The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure stories.
4-Star Review by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorites
__________________________
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure by AnnaMariah Nau has everything you need for an enjoyable and refreshing read.
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure is the first novel in a new series by AnnaMariah Nau. Twelve-year-old Zelia is ready to have a fun, adventure-filled summer with her Aunt Joy, but is not expecting what happens next. Joy claims Zelia has been living a half-life, and it is now time for her to live in the real world. And so, Zelia becomes Zemma. She is not a normal girl, and Aunt Joy shows her all the ways she is special. She has special powers that allow her to see mythical creatures, travel to the stars, and even talk to the animals.
Together, they embark on a journey where Zemma explores the real world where she is meant to be. With Aunt Joy as her guide, Zemma realizes she never really fit into the world where magic doesn’t exist. When the time comes, will she decide to stay or go back?
Zemma’s journey is magical yet so very powerful. Readers are invited into a world of magic and acceptance as Zelia, also known as Zemma, discovers her truth and accepts it with open arms. This novel is the perfect example of the fantasy genre. It is magical yet not unrealistic; something is that is very hard to come by these days. Zemma’s character is open to new experiences; she accepts the change and gives everything a chance. Joy’s character embodies her name. She never pushes Zemma, never urges her to do something she is unwilling to do, and always supports her in whatever decision she makes. Joy is her guiding angel, and the two rely heavily on each other as they go through their adventures. The pace is not too fast or too slow. Zemma gets enough page space to develop without being rushed, and the narrative flows exceptionally
well. The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure by AnnaMariah Nau has everything you need for an enjoyable and refreshing read.
4-Star Review by Rabia Tanveer for Reader’s Favorites
__________________________
The Dual Path by AnnaMariah Nau is An Earth to Stars Adventure. Zelia has decided to stay with her Aunt Joy over the summer, and all she wants is some peace and quiet. That was never going to happen, though, as she is dragged straight into a magical world through a book. She sets off on a dual path to discover not just herself but powers she never knew she had. The magical creatures are one thing, but Zelia didn’t expect to reach the stars, and she didn’t expect to learn that pretend creatures from her childhood were actually based on real creatures. Exploring the depths of her mind, she begins to see there is nothing she can’t do, but all her new powers are tested to the limits as she and her aunt battle to save the new world from a curse – the dead-eyed ones. Zelia needs to make a decision – stay where she is or return to her old life. Which path will she take?
The Dual Path: An Earth to Stars Adventure by AnnaMariah Nau is an exciting story, a wonderful tale for young adults (and older ones) to lose themselves in. A well-written tale, the story flows well and shows great imagination. The way it is written will entice readers to use their own imaginations as they travel to a magical world that may just exist in parallel to our own – how would we know it didn’t? But this is more than just a tale of magic and mystery. It is a story of self-discovery, a lesson in facing new challenges and experiences as they arise and taking them in our stride, facing them head-on. An engaging story with wonderful characters, this is a magical adventure no reader can fail to enjoy.
5-Star Review By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorites
__________________________