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Gargoyle
Elizabeta's secrets will kill her, but the devotion of a gargoyle can save her. In 1891, seventeen year old Elizabeta Riemma pulls the clothes from her dead twin's body and assumes his identity. To avoid her murderous uncle, she attends her brother’s school on Marettimo island, which is forbidden to women. Elizabeta takes solace in sculpting and one night, she awakens her gargoyle. Gorgeous and fiercely loyal, Aelius uses his abilities to aid Elizabeta in keeping her secret. He only asks one thing in return- a kiss. As Elizabeta learns confidence from her creation, suspicions rise and the island’s bloody history threaten to bury them. Elizabeta must hide her gender. Aelius must hide his existence. But both of them dream of the impossible- to be together.
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- GenresFantasyParanormalEbooks
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
103 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Martin
10 books13 followersAuthor of paranormal romance, where unearthly is enticing. I believe in Happily Ever After's and the invisible spirits that steal my socks at night.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 10, 2013
Review originally featured on Bookluvrs Haven
'Gargoyle' was a wonderful, romantic tale that offered a quick escape from my zombie reads marathon. :) The author did not waste any time getting into the storyline, and our gargoyle comes to life almost immediately within its first pages.
I don't believe that I have read a romance involving a gargoyle before, so this was a very interesting read. So for me, this novel was original, with elements of the gargoyles origins that were completely new and fresh. His devotion to Elizabeta is an interesting element of the magic between them, and yet you do understand that it goes beyond the suggested slavery element, and is genuine.
Elizabeta is an interesting character in her own right. A gifted sculptor, she feels forced to pretend to be her twin brother Erro, who had passed away from an illness that also took her parents, in order to protect the family assets from her uncle. Her elaborate lie is beginning to catch up with her as there is more suspicion that all is not as it seems with Erro. However, the powers that her gargoyle holds are convenient in these circumstances, and he helps her maintain her elaborate lies during the day by sculpting her into a man for all to see. But by sunset, the spell fades, and Erro becomes Elizabeta again.
I simply could not imagine how the author was going to conclude this story to give these characters a good ending. I could not fathom how it would all work out in the end, considering the elaborate tales that had been put into place in order to sustain the lies that she was her brother. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by how it all worked out in the end.
From the moment I read the book blurb for this novel for the book tour, I was excited to read this story. And I was not disappointed in the least. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.
*I received a eBook copy of this book for free to review from the author; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.*
'Gargoyle' was a wonderful, romantic tale that offered a quick escape from my zombie reads marathon. :) The author did not waste any time getting into the storyline, and our gargoyle comes to life almost immediately within its first pages.
I don't believe that I have read a romance involving a gargoyle before, so this was a very interesting read. So for me, this novel was original, with elements of the gargoyles origins that were completely new and fresh. His devotion to Elizabeta is an interesting element of the magic between them, and yet you do understand that it goes beyond the suggested slavery element, and is genuine.
Elizabeta is an interesting character in her own right. A gifted sculptor, she feels forced to pretend to be her twin brother Erro, who had passed away from an illness that also took her parents, in order to protect the family assets from her uncle. Her elaborate lie is beginning to catch up with her as there is more suspicion that all is not as it seems with Erro. However, the powers that her gargoyle holds are convenient in these circumstances, and he helps her maintain her elaborate lies during the day by sculpting her into a man for all to see. But by sunset, the spell fades, and Erro becomes Elizabeta again.
I simply could not imagine how the author was going to conclude this story to give these characters a good ending. I could not fathom how it would all work out in the end, considering the elaborate tales that had been put into place in order to sustain the lies that she was her brother. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by how it all worked out in the end.
From the moment I read the book blurb for this novel for the book tour, I was excited to read this story. And I was not disappointed in the least. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.
*I received a eBook copy of this book for free to review from the author; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.*
December 26, 2012
It took me several tries to get in the right mood to read this. It is one of those books that drops you right in the middle of someone's life, in this case Elizabeta's life, and you have to run with it. No introduction. I have to be in the right mood to jump into one of those, especially after finishing a series. But that is neither here nor there.
Once I was able to get into the story, all I could do was hold on for the ride. You keep expecting things to go one way, then BAM, something else totally unrelated happens.I was pretty sure how the story would wind up, but had no clue how it was going to get there.
Aelius, as a lead male, drove me banana-sandwich for a while. He was just too ... well, you will see. It did get better, or I got used to it. Either way, by the end I was eating out of his ... hand. Yup. That is totally what I meant to say.
I panicked for Elizabeta almost the whole time. I mean pretending to be your dead twin brother on an island where no girls are allowed in a time where you can be killed for such an offense? Yeah. I was nervous.
All in all, a good solid story, with what feels like an ENDING. NO CLIFFHANGER to be seen for miles! What a relief!
Once I was able to get into the story, all I could do was hold on for the ride. You keep expecting things to go one way, then BAM, something else totally unrelated happens.I was pretty sure how the story would wind up, but had no clue how it was going to get there.
Aelius, as a lead male, drove me banana-sandwich for a while. He was just too ... well, you will see. It did get better, or I got used to it. Either way, by the end I was eating out of his ... hand. Yup. That is totally what I meant to say.
I panicked for Elizabeta almost the whole time. I mean pretending to be your dead twin brother on an island where no girls are allowed in a time where you can be killed for such an offense? Yeah. I was nervous.
All in all, a good solid story, with what feels like an ENDING. NO CLIFFHANGER to be seen for miles! What a relief!
December 10, 2012
Gargoyle is a must read. I honestly could not put this amazing story down.
Elizabeta Riemma lives in the year 1891 at a school for boys. She's been living as her twin brother for the past couple years lonely, afraid, and picked on. Elizabeta or Erro being small in size is bullied around most of the day at school. Being stuffed into places, art works destroyed, and things constantly being thrown at her for being small and not taking showers with the other boys.
One day while Elizabeta is finishing up her sculpting of the gargoyle on top of her building she kisses the gargoyle expecting cold hard marble. Instead she gets the shock of her life when she feels flesh against flesh. The gargoyle Aelius tells her that her kiss has awakened him from his slumber and that she is his Master and he is hers to serve for as long as she lives. However, every time she asks for something she must repay him, with a kiss.
After a couple months of getting used to Aelius she begins to feel more and more comfortable and happier than she ever remembered feeling since her families untimely death. Too bad it seems happiness never seems to stay long for the man she has been running away from has sent word that Erro is actually dead and his sister is pretending to be him. Afraid what will happen if she gets caught she is forced to ask Aelius to mold her into a boy. Aelius complies and she is a boy by day and girl by night, just as Aelius is sculpture by day and man by night.
Soon Elizabeta finds herself drawn to Aelius her gargoyle guardian. Soon though as always danger finds them both and they will do anything to keep each other safe. But the long deadly history of the gargoyles may prevent them from ever being able to do what they truly want; to be together.
Elizabeta was an amazing character to read. She was easily relatable, especially when she was feeling all flustered when she was around Aelius. Elizabeta had a lot to learn about herself throughout the novel and I liked that she wasn't perfect. She also liked scheming a lot which was awesome, one of the best scenes in the book!
Aelius was hot is every sense of the word. He had the perfect body and was quite humorous himself at times, even though I don't think he meant to be. He had a great sense of justice when it came to protecting Elizabeta and bringing justice to those who would seek to harm her. The honestly made a perfect couple!
Overall, Gargoyle is an amazing read. It is extremely original like none I've ever read. The lengths Elizabeta and Aelius were willing to go through to be together was amazing. They both grew as characters throughout the book which was awesome. There was always something going on in the story and I was always left guessing what would happen next. I hope you pick up a copy of this amazing book ASAP!
Favorite Quote:
“My uncle started that little lie. It’s amazing you believed him.”
“Oh, I didn’t believe him. The Headmaster ordered me, and your other teachers,
to keep an eye out for definitive proof. And now we have it, and this whole stupid thing is
over. That’s all.”
“I hope so, Mr. Chevalier. Because, if you wanted to see something other than
what I possess, I’d say you need to leave this island immediately and find yourself a wife.”
Did I really just say that?! First I fall on him, crack his skull a good one, now I’m
insulting him? What’s wrong with me?
He burst out laughing. He bent forward and slapped the water. “That’s more like
it, Erro. That’s the spirit! Why aren’t you like that with the boys in class?”
My brow drew together. I insult him, and he thinks it’s funny? There’s a lot more I
need to learn about men, it seems.
Elizabeta Riemma lives in the year 1891 at a school for boys. She's been living as her twin brother for the past couple years lonely, afraid, and picked on. Elizabeta or Erro being small in size is bullied around most of the day at school. Being stuffed into places, art works destroyed, and things constantly being thrown at her for being small and not taking showers with the other boys.
One day while Elizabeta is finishing up her sculpting of the gargoyle on top of her building she kisses the gargoyle expecting cold hard marble. Instead she gets the shock of her life when she feels flesh against flesh. The gargoyle Aelius tells her that her kiss has awakened him from his slumber and that she is his Master and he is hers to serve for as long as she lives. However, every time she asks for something she must repay him, with a kiss.
After a couple months of getting used to Aelius she begins to feel more and more comfortable and happier than she ever remembered feeling since her families untimely death. Too bad it seems happiness never seems to stay long for the man she has been running away from has sent word that Erro is actually dead and his sister is pretending to be him. Afraid what will happen if she gets caught she is forced to ask Aelius to mold her into a boy. Aelius complies and she is a boy by day and girl by night, just as Aelius is sculpture by day and man by night.
Soon Elizabeta finds herself drawn to Aelius her gargoyle guardian. Soon though as always danger finds them both and they will do anything to keep each other safe. But the long deadly history of the gargoyles may prevent them from ever being able to do what they truly want; to be together.
Elizabeta was an amazing character to read. She was easily relatable, especially when she was feeling all flustered when she was around Aelius. Elizabeta had a lot to learn about herself throughout the novel and I liked that she wasn't perfect. She also liked scheming a lot which was awesome, one of the best scenes in the book!
Aelius was hot is every sense of the word. He had the perfect body and was quite humorous himself at times, even though I don't think he meant to be. He had a great sense of justice when it came to protecting Elizabeta and bringing justice to those who would seek to harm her. The honestly made a perfect couple!
Overall, Gargoyle is an amazing read. It is extremely original like none I've ever read. The lengths Elizabeta and Aelius were willing to go through to be together was amazing. They both grew as characters throughout the book which was awesome. There was always something going on in the story and I was always left guessing what would happen next. I hope you pick up a copy of this amazing book ASAP!
Favorite Quote:
“My uncle started that little lie. It’s amazing you believed him.”
“Oh, I didn’t believe him. The Headmaster ordered me, and your other teachers,
to keep an eye out for definitive proof. And now we have it, and this whole stupid thing is
over. That’s all.”
“I hope so, Mr. Chevalier. Because, if you wanted to see something other than
what I possess, I’d say you need to leave this island immediately and find yourself a wife.”
Did I really just say that?! First I fall on him, crack his skull a good one, now I’m
insulting him? What’s wrong with me?
He burst out laughing. He bent forward and slapped the water. “That’s more like
it, Erro. That’s the spirit! Why aren’t you like that with the boys in class?”
My brow drew together. I insult him, and he thinks it’s funny? There’s a lot more I
need to learn about men, it seems.
December 13, 2012
Elizabeta has a secret she has to keep or her life and her family inheritance is gone. The secret is she is a girl. She has been living her life passing as her dead twin brother Erro. Living at an all boys school it is extremely important for her to keep it a secret.As she is picked on daily she only has one thing helping her cope. That is working on the Gargoyle outside her room. She kisses it one night bringing it to life. Aelius now calls her master and every night he helps her become a boy and pass as one. It isn't free she must give him kisses as payment ever night. Life is easier with Aelius. He is helping her at the school but the only problem is she seems to be thinking more of herself as a girl instead of the boy she is supposed to be disguised as. Then things really change as her evil uncle lets it be known she may be a girl after all. There is also a deeper secret to the school and Elizabeta finds herself in the middle of it.
Elizabeta is a unique character. I have read books where a character hides themselves as a different gender for many reasons. Elizabeta manages to do this for years to keep her uncle from getting what should have been hers if she wasn't a girl that is. She really grows as a girl in this book. You can see her from being like a boy to realizing she is a girl with growing feelings for Aelius. Aelius is a hotty. Yes he has horns and wings but hello he is still great. He does everything he can to protect Elizabeta.
I really enjoyed this book. I really don't think I have ever read a book were one of the main characters is a gargoyle. It was a nice change. I like the plot of the book very much. My only downside to it is I wanted more and that is not a bad thing. You have love, fighting and secrets all wrapped in this book. It was a quick read for me but I am sure you will enjoy it. It is new and refreshing to read about a different creature and there is a turn in the book I never seen coming. Be sure to check it out.
Elizabeta is a unique character. I have read books where a character hides themselves as a different gender for many reasons. Elizabeta manages to do this for years to keep her uncle from getting what should have been hers if she wasn't a girl that is. She really grows as a girl in this book. You can see her from being like a boy to realizing she is a girl with growing feelings for Aelius. Aelius is a hotty. Yes he has horns and wings but hello he is still great. He does everything he can to protect Elizabeta.
I really enjoyed this book. I really don't think I have ever read a book were one of the main characters is a gargoyle. It was a nice change. I like the plot of the book very much. My only downside to it is I wanted more and that is not a bad thing. You have love, fighting and secrets all wrapped in this book. It was a quick read for me but I am sure you will enjoy it. It is new and refreshing to read about a different creature and there is a turn in the book I never seen coming. Be sure to check it out.
December 23, 2012
This was my first experience with a gargoyle book. I thought it was really good. I loved that it was set in the past and I loved the whole pretending to be a boy thing, kind of like the movie She's the Man. Plus there was the whole lore and mystery surrounding the gargoyles. And the story wraps up neatly at the end. (I am starting to see the appeal of a good standalone)
Erro or Elizabeta had to pretend to be her brother to get away from her awful uncle. She took his place at an all boys school. Elizabeta's gargoyle comes alive at night, and because of this I enjoyed the parts of the book that were at night the most. I caught myself reading the bits that took place in the day faster so I could get to sunset and hangout with Aelius some more. I got a kick out of his "payment" requests and I thought his powers were beyond cool. I got such a kick out of the pranks the two of them played. I thought they were hilarious.
The storyline of Gargoyle kept surprising me. I thought it was going in one direction and then it would change. The story kind of morphed into something bigger and better without me even realizing it. I loved how it all turned out.
I felt kind of bad for Elizabeta. She was so used to hiding her true self and pretending to be her brother that I think she almost lost sight of herself. She thought she was just her lies and I think she thought the only thing she was good at was lying. And that just made me feel so bad for her. Aelius really helped her come out of her shell. That was really rewarding to see.
If you are like me and you haven't had the pleasure of reading a gargoyle book, start with Gargoyle. The magic and lore wrapped around a really nice love story will warm your heart. (if you have read a gargoyle book, please give me some reccomendations. I want to read more!)
Erro or Elizabeta had to pretend to be her brother to get away from her awful uncle. She took his place at an all boys school. Elizabeta's gargoyle comes alive at night, and because of this I enjoyed the parts of the book that were at night the most. I caught myself reading the bits that took place in the day faster so I could get to sunset and hangout with Aelius some more. I got a kick out of his "payment" requests and I thought his powers were beyond cool. I got such a kick out of the pranks the two of them played. I thought they were hilarious.
The storyline of Gargoyle kept surprising me. I thought it was going in one direction and then it would change. The story kind of morphed into something bigger and better without me even realizing it. I loved how it all turned out.
I felt kind of bad for Elizabeta. She was so used to hiding her true self and pretending to be her brother that I think she almost lost sight of herself. She thought she was just her lies and I think she thought the only thing she was good at was lying. And that just made me feel so bad for her. Aelius really helped her come out of her shell. That was really rewarding to see.
If you are like me and you haven't had the pleasure of reading a gargoyle book, start with Gargoyle. The magic and lore wrapped around a really nice love story will warm your heart. (if you have read a gargoyle book, please give me some reccomendations. I want to read more!)
February 4, 2013
An amazing book. Twists and turns at every page, and you cannot put it down. I loved it.
March 15, 2013
Wonderful! A breath of fresh air. Ms. Martin offers readers something completely new.
January 24, 2021
Gargoyle by Shelley Martin (December 2012 batch)
This story is captivating from the very first page. Set in 1891 Europe, a time of superstition and repression. At 17 her family has died (parents and twin brother). Elizabeta Riemma enrolls at a school for males as her brother Erro to hide from her uncle, who wants her dead, so he can inherit. At school she learns sculpting. There is a damaged Gargoyle on her balcony. She repairs and re-sculpts. Names it Aelius, she kisses the statue and he comes to life. They become friends and share many adventures hiding her gender, and his being alive. 5 ***** ( )
This story is captivating from the very first page. Set in 1891 Europe, a time of superstition and repression. At 17 her family has died (parents and twin brother). Elizabeta Riemma enrolls at a school for males as her brother Erro to hide from her uncle, who wants her dead, so he can inherit. At school she learns sculpting. There is a damaged Gargoyle on her balcony. She repairs and re-sculpts. Names it Aelius, she kisses the statue and he comes to life. They become friends and share many adventures hiding her gender, and his being alive. 5 ***** ( )
June 2, 2013
AUTHOR: SHELLEY MARTIN is a Romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction & Fantasy writer. If you, as an Adult, need a break from the typical adult romance, this is a book for you. From the very beginning I would have given “Gargoyle” a 5++++ rating but something happened. Please read further.
GENRE: Romance, Fantasy, YA and Adults. (Paranormal: a sub-genre of fantasy. It usually takes place in our own world and involves some element or creature that would be considered supernatural or paranormal).
SETTING: Marettimo Isle, Sicily 1894
CENTRAL CHARACTERS: Erro Riemma aka Elizabeta Riemma attends an all boys school for reasons necessary to that era. Not a story about transgender issues as we know them today. Aelius, name given to a crumbling, hideous relic.
SYNOPSIS: Erro’s greatest artistic talent is sculpting, even more so than any other boy at the school. A crumbled pile of marble is restored and found to be the best work this student has ever done. Being so proud of the completed work, a kiss is placed upon the face of the sculpted creature.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: “I want to kiss you”.
WHAT I LIKED: So much tenderness, innocence, gentleness is what gave this book a 5+++. Ahhh…yes, I sighed.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Enter Thomas, a really sweet and well meaning character. However things started getting complicated. Relationship of cave history, bad guy, sister etc is confusing.
I give this book 4+/5 stars because a change in the TONE of the story (not good)BUT…I definitely will be rereading. I am convinced that the author will make up the tone change in book 2.
GENRE: Romance, Fantasy, YA and Adults. (Paranormal: a sub-genre of fantasy. It usually takes place in our own world and involves some element or creature that would be considered supernatural or paranormal).
SETTING: Marettimo Isle, Sicily 1894
CENTRAL CHARACTERS: Erro Riemma aka Elizabeta Riemma attends an all boys school for reasons necessary to that era. Not a story about transgender issues as we know them today. Aelius, name given to a crumbling, hideous relic.
SYNOPSIS: Erro’s greatest artistic talent is sculpting, even more so than any other boy at the school. A crumbled pile of marble is restored and found to be the best work this student has ever done. Being so proud of the completed work, a kiss is placed upon the face of the sculpted creature.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: “I want to kiss you”.
WHAT I LIKED: So much tenderness, innocence, gentleness is what gave this book a 5+++. Ahhh…yes, I sighed.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Enter Thomas, a really sweet and well meaning character. However things started getting complicated. Relationship of cave history, bad guy, sister etc is confusing.
I give this book 4+/5 stars because a change in the TONE of the story (not good)BUT…I definitely will be rereading. I am convinced that the author will make up the tone change in book 2.
January 24, 2021
Gargoyle by Shelley Martin (December 2012 batch)
This story is captivating from the very first page. Set in 1891 Europe, a time of superstition and repression. At 17 her family has died (parents and twin brother). Elizabeta Riemma enrolls at a school for males as her brother Erro to hide from her uncle, who wants her dead, so he can inherit. At school she learns sculpting. There is a damaged Gargoyle on her balcony. She repairs and re-sculpts. Names it Aelius, she kisses the statue and he comes to life. They become friends and share many adventures hiding her gender, and his being alive. 5 ***** ( )
This story is captivating from the very first page. Set in 1891 Europe, a time of superstition and repression. At 17 her family has died (parents and twin brother). Elizabeta Riemma enrolls at a school for males as her brother Erro to hide from her uncle, who wants her dead, so he can inherit. At school she learns sculpting. There is a damaged Gargoyle on her balcony. She repairs and re-sculpts. Names it Aelius, she kisses the statue and he comes to life. They become friends and share many adventures hiding her gender, and his being alive. 5 ***** ( )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2013
Absolutely fabulous world building! I love how Shelley pulls her character through embarrassing and empowering situations while still keeping her real. It was one of the funnest reads I have had in a while.
December 24, 2012
I loved this story. So fantastic! Great world building. This author has talent with a formal setting and dialogue that feels natural. I enjoyed the beginning of this series. Can't wait for more.
May 28, 2013
Amazing book! Couldn't put it down. Very well written and suspenseful. A very different kind of love story with a happy ending! A must read!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews