What do you think?
Rate this book
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy
Gabriella is no ordinary fairy. With iridescent wings, bells at the tips of her toes, and an impression of a wand coloring her forehead, her appearance alone sets her apart. Intrigued, the fairies welcome her with open arms, but as she grows up, some of her behavior disturbs the residents of the Lore Valley. Queen Pasha, in particular, worries that Gabriella may not have arrived in the valley accidentally. Could she be part of the Dream Master's plan to destroy the fairies?
Full of quirky characters living in a whimsical world that the maniacal Dream Master seeks to destroy, this novel takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions as Gabriella explores the Lore Valley and then the greater world beyond it when she takes it upon herself to confront the world's most formidable creature. From oddball bats to ghost cats, trolls to polka-dotted hens, Sirens to rouge eagles, you will find characters both lovable and treacherous within the pages of this book. Many of the characters have tidbits of wisdom to impart while others will amuse you with unique approach to the world.
Full of quirky characters living in a whimsical world that the maniacal Dream Master seeks to destroy, this novel takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions as Gabriella explores the Lore Valley and then the greater world beyond it when she takes it upon herself to confront the world's most formidable creature. From oddball bats to ghost cats, trolls to polka-dotted hens, Sirens to rouge eagles, you will find characters both lovable and treacherous within the pages of this book. Many of the characters have tidbits of wisdom to impart while others will amuse you with unique approach to the world.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Hill
36 books10 followersOne of 10 children from an Irish family, Nancy Hill (born Nancy Murphy), learned from an early age that stories are almost always far more interesting than reality. Her father was a teller of tall tales, her mother read bedtime stories faithfully, and her older brothers (twins) never told her the truth about anything. And so her love of all things that may or may not be what they seemed to be blossomed when she was quite young....as did her need to escape.
She recalls beginning her first unfinished novel at 10 with her best friend. A cemetery separated Nancy's house from her best friend's house, and so it was only natural that their book was a murder mystery. They soon became convinced they were onto something and that Nancy's next door neighbor - a man who sold gravestones - was indeed involved in all sorts of nefarious things and would have them kidnapped before they could reveal the truth about him. Fearing for their lives, they never finished their book.
Over the years, Nancy has written all kinds of things, including rather boring business documents - annual reports, white papers, limericks when she was stuck in pointless meetings. She claims the excuses she wrote for her two children when they missed school were among her best pieces of writing. She's also ghostwritten books for clients, screenplays that Hollywood ignorantly ignores, feature articles, and other things that strike her as worth writing.
After compiling a very impressive collection of rejection slips from publishers who foolishly overlooked her ability to spin yarns, she decided to reject the publishing world in return and is now self-publishing some of the books she's written over the years. She is also a photographer and often illustrates her children's stories with her photographs.
Credentials? A master's in writing, an insatiable curiosity, an appreciation of the absurd, and the strong suspicion that there's way more going on than meets the eye - including fairies of all kinds and massive political cover ups.
She recalls beginning her first unfinished novel at 10 with her best friend. A cemetery separated Nancy's house from her best friend's house, and so it was only natural that their book was a murder mystery. They soon became convinced they were onto something and that Nancy's next door neighbor - a man who sold gravestones - was indeed involved in all sorts of nefarious things and would have them kidnapped before they could reveal the truth about him. Fearing for their lives, they never finished their book.
Over the years, Nancy has written all kinds of things, including rather boring business documents - annual reports, white papers, limericks when she was stuck in pointless meetings. She claims the excuses she wrote for her two children when they missed school were among her best pieces of writing. She's also ghostwritten books for clients, screenplays that Hollywood ignorantly ignores, feature articles, and other things that strike her as worth writing.
After compiling a very impressive collection of rejection slips from publishers who foolishly overlooked her ability to spin yarns, she decided to reject the publishing world in return and is now self-publishing some of the books she's written over the years. She is also a photographer and often illustrates her children's stories with her photographs.
Credentials? A master's in writing, an insatiable curiosity, an appreciation of the absurd, and the strong suspicion that there's way more going on than meets the eye - including fairies of all kinds and massive political cover ups.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 9, 2013
By the title, this was not my normal choice in books. I was in a mood for something different and took a chance. I was glad I took that chance. There is an old saying not to judge a book by it’s cover. A book should not be judged by it’s title either. Besides having a compelling plot and surprises with the turn of a page, this story was gripping and extremely interesting. Though the plot and characters were wonderful, the world that Nancy Hill invented and painted was the true highlight of my experience. I usually tend towards action, adventure, and mystery books. This book changed my view of fantasy novels. After finishing this whimsical adventure, I now find myself looking at the world differently. On a quiet morning or just around dusk, I find myself looking at nature straining and hoping to catch a glimpse of a mythical creature. I know they aren’t there, but I still look closely to try and find a fairy hiding in their own secret world.
Books are the theater of the mind, this is a story that takes your mind and imagination and an entertaining journey. I loved the story and was completely engrossed and entertained by this new world. I challenge anyone to look at the world the same after reading this story. You to will be looking for that faintest glimpse of a magical creature looking back from behind a small flower or from the leaf on a tree.
Books are the theater of the mind, this is a story that takes your mind and imagination and an entertaining journey. I loved the story and was completely engrossed and entertained by this new world. I challenge anyone to look at the world the same after reading this story. You to will be looking for that faintest glimpse of a magical creature looking back from behind a small flower or from the leaf on a tree.
August 8, 2022
4 And 1/2 Stars
I genuinely experienced great delight in reading this book. Furthermore, I loved the fact it was a stand alone.
Although I don't fit into the intended
target-age demographics, I feel as if this book could easily appeal to pretty much every age group out there. Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? That being said, I could see the largest group being captivated by the middle grade YA's.
Excellent introduction into the world of Fantasy/SciFi, without being over the top and too much to originally digest, and comprehend.
All the characters are extremely fleshed out, and I was able to effortlessly and capably visualize in my mind what each looked like, from the smallest fairy, including our main character Gabriella, to the various bats, including her body guard Pierre, to vampire bats, the ghost cats, and the evil Dream Master.
The world it takes place in is described in such prolific and expressively fantastical details. Such enthralling and charismatic depictions of all the places involved, including Lore Valley, which is home to the fairies, the treacherous waters they travel through, Ghost Cat Island, and the mysterious scary forests overrun with ferocious beasts, and predatory monsters.
I noticed quite a few moments in the book that were unquestionably allegorical lessons, and envisioned this book being turned into a magnificent family nightly reading session. It would work quite suitably in a home-schooling environment as well.
It is rather lengthy though, and would definitely require dedication for either of those ideas to work.
Someone else mentioned turning it into a two part series, possibly with some expansion to the last third of the book. PLEASE don't!
The ebook world with indie writers is already so inundated with multiple series as it now stands. Trilogies used to be the norm, but now it seems every writer out there aspires to be the next J.K. Rowling with the never ending series, or with "multiple" spin-offs attached.
This works flawlessly and competently the way it is!
I genuinely experienced great delight in reading this book. Furthermore, I loved the fact it was a stand alone.
Although I don't fit into the intended
target-age demographics, I feel as if this book could easily appeal to pretty much every age group out there. Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? That being said, I could see the largest group being captivated by the middle grade YA's.
Excellent introduction into the world of Fantasy/SciFi, without being over the top and too much to originally digest, and comprehend.
All the characters are extremely fleshed out, and I was able to effortlessly and capably visualize in my mind what each looked like, from the smallest fairy, including our main character Gabriella, to the various bats, including her body guard Pierre, to vampire bats, the ghost cats, and the evil Dream Master.
The world it takes place in is described in such prolific and expressively fantastical details. Such enthralling and charismatic depictions of all the places involved, including Lore Valley, which is home to the fairies, the treacherous waters they travel through, Ghost Cat Island, and the mysterious scary forests overrun with ferocious beasts, and predatory monsters.
I noticed quite a few moments in the book that were unquestionably allegorical lessons, and envisioned this book being turned into a magnificent family nightly reading session. It would work quite suitably in a home-schooling environment as well.
It is rather lengthy though, and would definitely require dedication for either of those ideas to work.
Someone else mentioned turning it into a two part series, possibly with some expansion to the last third of the book. PLEASE don't!
The ebook world with indie writers is already so inundated with multiple series as it now stands. Trilogies used to be the norm, but now it seems every writer out there aspires to be the next J.K. Rowling with the never ending series, or with "multiple" spin-offs attached.
This works flawlessly and competently the way it is!
October 29, 2013
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy by Nancy Hill
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy by Nancy Hilltells us about the carefree, adventurous fairy, Gabriella who was dropped accidentally from the Dream Master’s bag into Lore Valley, home of the fairies. The Dream Master was not happy and wanted Gabriella back but Queen Pasha refused to let him have Gabriella.
The Queen chooses Violet to raise Gabriella. Violet also has another baby around Gabriella’s age named Costin who appears to have a special bond with Gabriella. As Gabriella grows, it becomes quite apparent the differences between her and Costin. Costin is very shy and reserved, content just to stay at home where as Gabriella is curious about everything. She is bold and wants to explore everything and go everywhere. Later, you find out that the connection Costin and Gabriella have allows Costin to see things through Gabriella’s eyes.
When Gabriella gets older she sets out to find the Dream Master so he won’t threaten or hurt the people she loves in Lore Valley. Gabriella, with some help, is able to trap the Dream Master in his dreamscope on the Garden of Ghost Cats. After the Dream Master was captured, Pierre and Gabriella have the arduous task of now taking the dreamscope back to Lore Valley so they could lock it in the vault of Prince Hamperdash’s underground castle.
An unfortunate consequence to putting the Dream Master in his dreamscope is all monsters, trolls, three-headed snakes, evil wizards, and all kinds of demons are now roaming freely causing problems because they know there is no one to stop them. Queen Pasha sends a note to Gabriella and Pierre that she now realizes the importance of the Dream Master and he needs to be released.
After the Dream Master is released, he takes Gabriella and takes off. He tells her she is going to do his bidding and help him recapture these evil creatures. Gabriella refuses to help him and after she helps the trolls and the Dream Master gets hurt, the Dream Master returns Gabriella to Lore Valley.
The author has written a beautiful, captivating fantasy. The reader is drawn in from the very beginning. The author describes the Lore Valley as a vibrant, colorful, ideal place. The vivid imagery makes the story come alive. The characters are so fun and unique. The author brilliantly bestows words of wisdom through the characters in a way that is fun and in a way you can easily learn from. Hill makes you want some of these characters as your friends.
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy by Nancy Hillis one of those stories that you will go back to and re read because you enjoyed it so much the first time. The story flows with ease and there is never a dull moment. The story is for all ages and a must read. A definite must read for any fairy lover.
4.7 Stars
Disclaimer:- This book was provided free by the Author in exchange for an honest review
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy by Nancy Hilltells us about the carefree, adventurous fairy, Gabriella who was dropped accidentally from the Dream Master’s bag into Lore Valley, home of the fairies. The Dream Master was not happy and wanted Gabriella back but Queen Pasha refused to let him have Gabriella.
The Queen chooses Violet to raise Gabriella. Violet also has another baby around Gabriella’s age named Costin who appears to have a special bond with Gabriella. As Gabriella grows, it becomes quite apparent the differences between her and Costin. Costin is very shy and reserved, content just to stay at home where as Gabriella is curious about everything. She is bold and wants to explore everything and go everywhere. Later, you find out that the connection Costin and Gabriella have allows Costin to see things through Gabriella’s eyes.
When Gabriella gets older she sets out to find the Dream Master so he won’t threaten or hurt the people she loves in Lore Valley. Gabriella, with some help, is able to trap the Dream Master in his dreamscope on the Garden of Ghost Cats. After the Dream Master was captured, Pierre and Gabriella have the arduous task of now taking the dreamscope back to Lore Valley so they could lock it in the vault of Prince Hamperdash’s underground castle.
An unfortunate consequence to putting the Dream Master in his dreamscope is all monsters, trolls, three-headed snakes, evil wizards, and all kinds of demons are now roaming freely causing problems because they know there is no one to stop them. Queen Pasha sends a note to Gabriella and Pierre that she now realizes the importance of the Dream Master and he needs to be released.
After the Dream Master is released, he takes Gabriella and takes off. He tells her she is going to do his bidding and help him recapture these evil creatures. Gabriella refuses to help him and after she helps the trolls and the Dream Master gets hurt, the Dream Master returns Gabriella to Lore Valley.
The author has written a beautiful, captivating fantasy. The reader is drawn in from the very beginning. The author describes the Lore Valley as a vibrant, colorful, ideal place. The vivid imagery makes the story come alive. The characters are so fun and unique. The author brilliantly bestows words of wisdom through the characters in a way that is fun and in a way you can easily learn from. Hill makes you want some of these characters as your friends.
Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy by Nancy Hillis one of those stories that you will go back to and re read because you enjoyed it so much the first time. The story flows with ease and there is never a dull moment. The story is for all ages and a must read. A definite must read for any fairy lover.
4.7 Stars
Disclaimer:- This book was provided free by the Author in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
Disclaimer: The author gave me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
"Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy" is the story about a fairy who eventually learns the truth about who she is, and discovers that she isn’t like her fairy friends at all. When the Dream Master (or, as I imagined him, the Grim Reaper of children’s nightmares) threatens to destroy Gabriella’s peaceful homeland of Lore Valley and all those within it, it is up to the little fairy to persuade him to stay away—even if that means exchanging her safety and her own life for the peace of her homeland.
First off, I would like to point out how relieved I was to read an indie book that was actually well-written. Ms. Hill is a wonderful storyteller who writes very professionally. Sometimes, we take a leap of faith on indie books, knowing that they’re usually not well-written and are riddled with typos and grammatical errors, but that was fortunately not the case with this book.
What kept my attention most was the vivid imagery and scenery in the book. The story took place in so many different colorful locations. I could actually SEE the forest, the colorful flowers, and the fairies. My favorite place in the story was the Island of the Ghost Cats. The entire story reminded me of the cartoon movie, Ferngully, in that the movie was also very vivid and lively.
I particularly loved Gabriella the most—she was just so fun and spunky, and had a bit of a feisty spirit to her. There really is nothing worse than reading a book with an unlikeable protagonist, but I adored Gabriella. The author communicated well that she was a troublemaker with a good heart. I also loved the Dream Master—I’m a sucker for villains, and his dark, down-to-the-core evil-ness was what made him such a good villain. Although it is clear that he is innately evil, he (along with some of the other characters) acknowledges that his dark personality is what keeps the world balanced. I really liked that this concept was brought into the story.
While I definitely enjoyed this story and believe others my age will, too, I think it would really be enjoyed by an upper middle grade audience. Older children will appreciate the colorful scenery and the loveable characters. After all, who doesn’t love a fantastical story about fairies?
"Gabriella, The Tale of a Misfit Fairy" is the story about a fairy who eventually learns the truth about who she is, and discovers that she isn’t like her fairy friends at all. When the Dream Master (or, as I imagined him, the Grim Reaper of children’s nightmares) threatens to destroy Gabriella’s peaceful homeland of Lore Valley and all those within it, it is up to the little fairy to persuade him to stay away—even if that means exchanging her safety and her own life for the peace of her homeland.
First off, I would like to point out how relieved I was to read an indie book that was actually well-written. Ms. Hill is a wonderful storyteller who writes very professionally. Sometimes, we take a leap of faith on indie books, knowing that they’re usually not well-written and are riddled with typos and grammatical errors, but that was fortunately not the case with this book.
What kept my attention most was the vivid imagery and scenery in the book. The story took place in so many different colorful locations. I could actually SEE the forest, the colorful flowers, and the fairies. My favorite place in the story was the Island of the Ghost Cats. The entire story reminded me of the cartoon movie, Ferngully, in that the movie was also very vivid and lively.
I particularly loved Gabriella the most—she was just so fun and spunky, and had a bit of a feisty spirit to her. There really is nothing worse than reading a book with an unlikeable protagonist, but I adored Gabriella. The author communicated well that she was a troublemaker with a good heart. I also loved the Dream Master—I’m a sucker for villains, and his dark, down-to-the-core evil-ness was what made him such a good villain. Although it is clear that he is innately evil, he (along with some of the other characters) acknowledges that his dark personality is what keeps the world balanced. I really liked that this concept was brought into the story.
While I definitely enjoyed this story and believe others my age will, too, I think it would really be enjoyed by an upper middle grade audience. Older children will appreciate the colorful scenery and the loveable characters. After all, who doesn’t love a fantastical story about fairies?
October 24, 2013
3.5 out of 5
I loved the first two sections of the book. Aside from a few instances where it felt like a professional editor could have worked with some of your phraseology, I enjoyed the conflict and build up of rising action to the resolution of the Dream Weaver being captured. You did a great job pulling me into the story and keeping me interested. In fact, I found myself needing to find out what happened.
That said, part 3 was not what part 1 & 2 were. After the Dream Weaver was captured, I was ready to be done with the adventure. But the book wasn't yet done. My pace through part 3 was considerably slower and more arduous as it just felt like this was a way too long denouement. Please take it in the manner I intend as constructive, but I almost wonder if part 3 might be made into a 2nd book in a two part series. Add more conflict and engaging rising action and I think you could produce a much more compelling 2nd half to this adventure. As it is, the end of the 3rd part felt rushed and unbelievable as it resolved too quickly. If you broke part 1 & 2 from part 3 and added more, I think you could engage readers like you did me in the first half.
I loved the first two sections of the book. Aside from a few instances where it felt like a professional editor could have worked with some of your phraseology, I enjoyed the conflict and build up of rising action to the resolution of the Dream Weaver being captured. You did a great job pulling me into the story and keeping me interested. In fact, I found myself needing to find out what happened.
That said, part 3 was not what part 1 & 2 were. After the Dream Weaver was captured, I was ready to be done with the adventure. But the book wasn't yet done. My pace through part 3 was considerably slower and more arduous as it just felt like this was a way too long denouement. Please take it in the manner I intend as constructive, but I almost wonder if part 3 might be made into a 2nd book in a two part series. Add more conflict and engaging rising action and I think you could produce a much more compelling 2nd half to this adventure. As it is, the end of the 3rd part felt rushed and unbelievable as it resolved too quickly. If you broke part 1 & 2 from part 3 and added more, I think you could engage readers like you did me in the first half.
March 17, 2016
This was definitely a step away from my normal choice of reading matter, and I wasn't really certain what to expect. Having said that I found myself quite pleasantly surprised by it. I'm still not sure who the book was aimed at, but this is possibly something that I could read to my Grandchildren.
The story is split in to three sections, with the first two sections seeming to have a faster pace than the final one. There is plenty to stir the imaginations of younger children, and hopefully get them hooked on the joys of reading. The fairy world that the writer describes is well crafted and will give many hours of enjoyment to the young at heart, as well as the younger minds.
The story is split in to three sections, with the first two sections seeming to have a faster pace than the final one. There is plenty to stir the imaginations of younger children, and hopefully get them hooked on the joys of reading. The fairy world that the writer describes is well crafted and will give many hours of enjoyment to the young at heart, as well as the younger minds.
November 5, 2013
This is a great story.
It is one of those stories that the young at heart and the young can enjoy. It is a story that a mother or father can use as a bedtime story for their youngest and yet an older child can read on their own and it is still appropriate. While still being a story that an adult can read before handing over to their child.
♥
It is one of those stories that the young at heart and the young can enjoy. It is a story that a mother or father can use as a bedtime story for their youngest and yet an older child can read on their own and it is still appropriate. While still being a story that an adult can read before handing over to their child.
♥
November 29, 2013
this was definitely a hard book to put down. really enjoyed it. would definitely enjoy it if there was a sequel to this book. it definitely left it open for it.
March 6, 2014
I'm still trying to figure out how a one-winged bat could fly.
October 16, 2013
I enjoyed it very much. It had a good story and great characters!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews