The New Novel Marks Department of Lore’s Bold Entry into a Genre-Defining New Universe
Department of Lore, multidisciplinary storytelling pioneers of neo-mythologies, announced the Kickstarter campaign for MAYA: Seed Takes Root, the first novel launching the vast sci-fi fantasy universe of MAYA. Created by acclaimed filmmaker Anand Gandhi (Ship of Theseus, Tumbbad) and award-winning game designer Zain Memon (Shasn), the upcoming novel is a fresh entry point into a richly imagined universe — one that’s both alien and eerily familiar for readers of all types of fandoms.
In the world of Maya, the ‘haves and the ‘haves not’ labor in a world not under their control. Connected and controlled by a shared dreamscape, one person finds himself free from this control. What he chooses to do with this gift (or curse) will change the fate of the entire world.
Backers of the now-live Kickstarter campaign will be the first to experience MAYA: Seed Takes Root, with the book officially releasing on August 19, 2025. The campaign also offers early access to exclusive art, lore, and updates from the evolving MAYA universe.
“The worldbuilding we did for Ship of Theseus was just the beginning,” said Gandhi. “With MAYA, we’re creating a storytelling universe that spans mediums and ideas — and Seed Takes Root is where it all begins.”
In MAYA, immortality is a commodity, and minds are shaped, choices nudged, and futures manufactured – invisibly, systemically. Far beyond traditional science fiction, It’s a sweeping story of chaos and control, agency and prediction, the powerful and the expendable.
“Designing games taught me how systems shape choices,” added Memon. “With MAYA, we’ve built a world where most of the characters don’t realize they’re pieces in a larger game out of their control.”
MAYA: Seed Takes Root is the first of many storylines branching out across the interconnected MAYA universe, which will include future releases in various forms, such as films, games, graphic novels, toys, and immersive experiences.
MAYA: Seed Takes Root is now live on Kickstarter: https://go.entermaya.com. For more updates on the ever-expanding universe of MAYA visit https://departmentoflore.com/
About Department of Lore
Department of Lore is a next-generation storytelling studio redefining how stories are built and experienced. We pioneer the creation of neo-mythologies—interconnected, multi-format, large-scale universes designed to resonate with global audiences. Our flagship property, MAYA, was conceived from the outset for transmedia expansion, offering a narrative framework to span books, film, games, and beyond. We specialize in narrative technology, harnessing storytelling as humanity’s most influential yet underutilized technology with the means of leveraging mythology-scale narratives to help humanity navigate complex global challenges, transforming collective human experience into civilizational wisdom.
