Embark on an enchanting journey with Makayla Wood, a 17-year-old prodigy destined for greatness in the human world. Makayla's life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her true identity—a rare and magical being with the power to change destinies. Faced with the challenge of embracing her heritage, Makayla delves into the whimsical realm of Garlandia, where she must battle the darkness that threatens her homeland.
As Makayla navigates her newfound powers and confronts the mysteries of Garlandia, she discovers an unlikely ally in Toby, the heir to the elven throne. Their forbidden connection, shrouded in intrigue and danger, adds a layer of complexity to Makayla's quest for justice. Unraveling the secrets of her past, Makayla confronts a malevolent force seeking dark magic at the cost of innocent lives.
In a riveting blend of fantasy and self-discovery, Makayla's journey transcends worlds, weaving a tale of love, courage, and the pursuit of justice. Will she overcome the challenges of her magical heritage and return to her ordinary life, or will Makayla choose to embrace her destiny and confront the ancient prophecy foretelling her extraordinary future?
Prepare to be spellbound by The Lost Erwain; a captivating novel that explores the depths of magic, love, and the enduring quest for justice in a world where destinies are written in the stars.
Mariah Stillbrook, originally from Iowa, is a pansexual, witchy author. She lives in Colorado with her German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. Though she's moving into multi-genre storytelling, she focuses her writing on urban fantasy and horror in both adult and young adult genres.
Author of In the Pines, The Erwain Trilogy, and Hall of Shadows.
Praise for In the Pines:
"Stillbrook penned an utterly mesmerizing tale full of magic spells and rituals, spirits and demons, and witches and their familiars." Readers' Favorite
Praise for The Lost Erwain:
"Mariah Stillbrook delivers a mesmerizing tale due to her stellar writing skills. It was like reading The Chronicles of Narnia all over again. Fantasy lovers will be pleased." Readers' Favorite
Praise for Hall of Shadows:
"This captivating tale contains family secrets, deception, mystery, adventure, paranormal elements, and drama. Mariah Stillbrook pulls her readers into a fully developed fantasy world brimming with enchantment and magic." Readers' Favorite
A fantastic, captivating read by a highly talented author, The Lost Erwain plunges us into a fully realized fantasy world full of magic and intrigue. From the beginning, it's clear that Makayla is no ordinary teen, having launched her own business empire at a precocious age and now prepping for a prestigious law degree at Harvard. But when her admissions interview goes bafflingly awry, her plans start to unravel, and her parents finally tell her the truth about her identity - a faerie from the mysterious realm of Garlandia who was adopted in our world at an early age.
Once she reaches the land of her origin, where she meets her chaotic but loving birth parents and a whole host of other bizarre and entertaining characters, she sets out to learn about her magic, but initially only with the idea of being able to get rid of her wings and return to her preplanned life. But it's not as straightforward as that. A malevolent power is at work threatening the denizens of Garlandia, and then there's Toby, a royal elf to whom Makayla feels an irresistible attraction - only, of course, that's forbidden between faeries and elves.
I was pulled in from the beginning of this book, with its lyrical writing and engaging cast of characters. Stillbrook does a great job of balancing the light and airy side of this fantasy world with the darker undertow that pulls Makayla in much further than she wanted to go. An excellent read and I can't wait for the next books in the series.
The Lost Erwain is an adorable, cozy story that feels like it's going to get dark in later books.
Makayla is a brilliant young woman who started her own business at 12 years old to get a jumpstart on going to Harvard to become a lawyer, like her parents. She is extremely focused, task-oriented, and more concerned about her goal to become a lawyer from Harvard than ever having fun. Or love.
So when wings suddenly appear on her back and she's thrust into a faery world full of mischief and mayhem, she is completely out of her element - a first for her.
What is within her wheelhouse is the puzzle of faeries going missing, statues of faeries and elves throughout the land, and an undercurrent of evil that she can't quite put her finger on. But she will because Makayla Wood is nothing if not persistent.
On her path to unravel the mysteries of her new home, she is blindsided yet again by a force new to her. Love. And not just any love, but one destined in legend. The catch? He's an elf. She's a faerie. And those two don't mix. Oh. And did I mention he's the heir to the throne of the corrupt King?
Will Makayla reveal the secrets of Garlandia and save the missing faeries? Can she learn to live in a world with no order and where she doesn't have control? Will she find her dust and magic? And, perhaps most important of all, is this really love?
I really enjoyed this book but I will say it didn't really catch me until 3/4 of the way in. There's a ton of worldbuilding and setting the characters and story up but it's worth it. Seeing a character who was always calm and in control get suddenly thrown into a setting that is not only unfamiliar, but also completely opposite of what she's used to, with zero control, then learn how to relax and have fun was a great journey. Tanker is probably one of my favorite characters because he's such a great person (faery) with a very unique fashion style that's comfortable for him. He's very happy with who he is and is probably the most compassionate character of them all.
This is a story that you're going to have to be in for the long haul. As stated before, most of it is setting up the conflict. The reader needs to understand Makayla, where she's come from, and who she is now. They need to understand Garlandia and its characters. That takes time. But things do get rolling by the final quarter of the book and I think the next book will continue with that momentum and I'm very excited to read it when it comes out.
Thank you to Mariah Stillbrook and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read the arc of this novel!
What a fun read to break up the thrillers I’ve been on lately. This isn’t your average fantasy novel, but it is an easy read and had my imagination working.
Are there faeries? ✅ Are there elves? ✅ Fated mates? ✅
Imagine if you will- you’re a normal teenage girl. Scratch that. Makayla is not an average teenage girl. She’s on track to start law school as a teenager, runs her own company, and has her days planned to a T.
Makayla’s world gets turned upside down when she finds out she’s a faery and there’s a whole other world out there. This book gives off a fun Alice in Wonderland vibe, but instead of following the white rabbit, you’re following Mort, the gnome into a magical land of Garlandia.
This is fantastic! Makayla Wood is a 17 year old girl who has deep aspirations of becoming a lawyer. Her dream is to go to Harvard Law School and be the best. She started a company when she was 12 and has been successful. During her Harvard interview, she blacks out and comes to not remembering what she has said. This leads her parents to make her take a break from her rigid scheduled life. She's arguing with her parents when butterfly wings appear at her back. She's then taken to the world of Garland and her birth parents who named her Lala. So much follows this drastic change in her life. She also starts to fall for an Elf that she was forbidden by law to fall in love with. She discovers herself and so much more on her adventures of discovering her true identity. This is a must read book!
This novel reminded me of the fantasy I loved as a child, filled with fairies that are quirky, silly, and chaotic, it surprised me how much I enjoyed the funny nature of these characters. I generally do not outwardly react when I read; often my feelings of humor or sadness brought on by a story are felt internally but I remain stoic outwardly. But this book caused me to literally chuckle out loud which is quite the feat. That is not to confuse any potential reader into thinking this is a comedy story, it isn't. There's a lot of serious subject matter within: what makes a family, what drives someone, and finding the strength to truly fight against the injustices of this world or others is constant in its pages.
The book has a solid ending while still leaving enough to make you want more and draw you into future tales. I look forward to the next book when it comes out.
It is a wonderful story that reminds me of a fairytale with a little dash of Grimm’s fairytales. I loved the lightness of it mixed with the hidden darkness. This is the beginnings of an amazing epic tale!!! I can’t wait to read the next volume in this tale. So many questions yet to be answered!
This book was so funny and whimsical. Makayla was delightful and relatable, and almost everyone we met in the land of Garlandia had me giggling at one point or another. But all the outlandish, magical trappings and residents of Garlandia are hiding a secret. There is a darkness in the land, and budding lawyer Makayla is determined to figure it out and deliver justice. There is a strong theme of family, and I loved watching Makayla figure out how to reconcile this new, quirky family with the straightforward and no-nonsense life she knew. I really enjoyed this book, and I’m eagerly awaiting reading what happens next. Thank you to the author and publisher for the Arc!
This one took a bit for me to get into, but I did like the story in the end. It is dialogue heavy with a lot of background information needed before you can really get invested. * The story starts out a little slow, and it is obvious that things are not what they seem. Although Makayla is a genius, she also has some struggles with anxiety and social norms. I did really appreciate the neurodivergent representation here. * Makayla is a teenage girl, so seeing things through her lens in the story was a bit much for me at times. She is very naive and reactive. Makayla has a singular focus at first, and that is to go to Harvard and become a lawyer. She is not concerned with socializing or relaxation, or relationships. * Things start to go haywire after Makayla’s Harvard interview, from making new friends to realizing that she has a hidden identity. Makayla has to navigate the new world that she is thrust into. Although Makayla struggles with the loss of control of her normal life, she learns to use her skills in different ways. * Makayla is good at following the clues. As Makayla explores the mysteries of the missing fairies and strange feelings of evil, she also finds family and friendship and learns that it is okay not to control everything. She also ends up on a collision course with a forbidden love! * There isn't really a cliffhanger ending, which I appreciated. However there are obvious plot points that will be explored in the future of the series. * I would recommend this book if you like urban fantasy stories with younger main characters on journeys of self discovery. You might also like this book if you like novels with hidden identity, secrets, forbidden love, prophecies, the chosen one, and evil kings
Book: The Lost Erwain Author: Mariah Stillbrook Genre: YA Fantasy Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rhonda Lynn Bobbitt Elaina Wall Marty
✨Blurb✨
Makayla Wood is not your typical 17 year old. She is super smart, started and runs her own world wide business, is interviewing for Havard Law and ... has magic? After a turn of events, Makayla finds herself in the realm of Garlandia. There she must discover her magic and takes it upon herself to battle the darkness that confronts her home. While she comes to terms with her heritage and makes friends with beings she never imagined, Makayla goes on a journey of self discovery.
✨Review✨
Magic ✅️ Fairies ✅️ Elves ✅️ Talking animals and plants ✅️ Teenage girl ready to save the world ✅️ Cute Elven Boy ✅️
The Lost Erwain has everything a YA Fantasy book needs. Not only that, but it builds a world so beautiful and a tale so intriguing, it is near impossible to put down. Garlandia is as magical as it sounds and Makayla, though she has her teenage moments, can't even argue that. I loved the character development of our main character throughout as well as all the characters around her. Their personalities and supporting roles makes the story what it is. The mystery of what is happening to the fairies along with the who and why are what kept me hooked. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens in Garlandia. (This book does end on a slight cliffhanger.)
THE LOST ERWAIN brings the fun back to fantasy. From the snappy dialogue to the colorful settings to some laugh-out-loud moments, this book is a blast from cover to cover!
Makayla Wood is a hard-charging, high-achieving teenager who is focused on building her resume for college. But she hits a small complication along the road to higher education—it turns out she is a fairy. Her parents have kept this secret from her since birth, and she’s got another family in the enchanted world.
At first, Makayla struggles to fit in with her fairy family—an interesting conflict, and one that comes with plenty of laughs. But the stakes get higher for Makayla. The world of the fairies is isn’t a democratic or just one, and she aims to change that. But her actions put her in conflict with mysterious enemies. Who can Makayla trust?
Author Mariah Stillbrook has a real voice for writing compelling characters. Makayla is the right combination of serious and sassy, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed early in the novel.
THE LOST ERWAIN is quirky enough to be fun and high-stakes enough to keep you in anticipation. In other words, it’s exactly what I want from a fantasy story! Highly recommended.
This book grabbed me straight away. Makayla is a 17 year old girl with a plan. She was a business owner at the age of 12, and when we first meet her, she is about to be interviewed for a place at Harvard Law School. This is where Makayla's perfectly ordered life begins to unravel, and before long, she discovers that she's actually a faery. Considering the fact that she is only 17 and has never been the same as other teenagers, Makayla reacts in a typically teenage, stroppy manner, which I loved. After all, having wings suddenly sprout from your back, can't be an easy thing to come to terms with. There are a host of supporting characters, but I didn't feel overwhelmed by them, and they all have very distinctive voices, characteristics, and roles. Some are great, some you dislike immediately, and some you just can't decide on. The world-building and character introductions are really strong and although the story starts off light, there are some darker bits here and there which I suspect will continue through the series, which i am very excited to get started on.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion
Faeries, elves, forbidden romance and fated mates. Throw in a little mystery and beautiful writing and this whimsical story will have you wanting more.
The story follows Makalya, a recent high school graduate at the age of 17 and running her own business with no time for matters of the heart. After a weird experience with a college interview, she finds out who she really is, the lost Erwain. Thrust into a wonderfully magical world and learning of her true fae lineage, she must learn to control her magic, and help stop the mysterious disappearances and chaos from causing havoc.
A beautiful combination of light and dark, modern-day life with a perfect complement of fae world. I was enamored from the very beginning and would not wait to get more.
The Lost Erwain has all the right ingredients for the perfect YA fantasy novel. With fairies, elves, talking animals, magic and of course the forbidden romance between two main characters.
Garlandia may seem childish and silly on the surface for Makayla Wood who just discovered she was actually a fairy born in a different world. However she quickly discovers that not is all that it seems, and there is something sinister happening within the realm that she feels compelled to help with.
There is a lot of world building in the beginning of this book which to me seemed a bit daunting, however it is definitely necessary for the understanding of the book. Overall I loved the way Mariah weaved a story of fantasy so whimsical and fun! Great read.
I loved this book, I am so thankful I was given a chance to be an arc reader for this one! What a talent author. This book was well written, and I had a hard time setting it down. It captivated me from the very beginning. There were so many twist and turns , and I feel like this book was a little cozy in most spots, whereas the next books might be a little more sinister. The growing relationship between Makayla and Toby is priceless, I can not wait to read the rest of the books, I am hooked and need them now. lol:) amazing , an amazing writer, amazing book! I am so glad she let me be a arc reader for her! It was a privilege
I honestly don’t even know how to put into words just how much I enjoyed this book!! It was captivating and so so fun from beginning to end! Our FMC is relatable on so many levels and I found myself audibly cheering for her at many moments throughout this read. The fantasy characters in this book are beyond original and some of my favorite characters I have ever met. So fun and different than what you would expect from a fantasy story. Mariah Stillbrook did a marvelous job at creating such different, in depth personalities for every single character you meet! And don’t get me started on the love story that begins to unfold! It’s a perfect mixture of young love meets fated mates. Slow burn meets love at first sight. One of my favorite reads so far this year and I CANNOT wait to read the rest of this story in the second book that I will ARC reading for!!
With a more youthful approach to Faeries this was something I wasn’t expecting, and I loved every minute of it!
What happens when a successful young entrepreneur decides to apply for Harvard, and says some weird shit during her interview? Well, just ask Makayla Wood! She fumbled hard, but learnt some interesting news as a result - she’s a faery; but not just any faery. No, one that went missing years ago - The Lost Erwain!
This book had great characters and world progression - can’t wait to see more!
This book was super cute and funny. I was laughing at quite a few parts. Definitely entertaining and enjoyable. Makayla finds out she is part of this whole other world and has to learn how to fit in. She eventually comes to accept this but she’s still left with more questions that she needs the answers to but she’s wanting to keep going to find out. I can’t wait to see how her character evolves even more.
I just finished reading the Lost Erwain by Mariah Stillbrook and I cannot say enough good things about this book! So many plot twists I never saw coming. Mikayla is a teen who has her whole life mapped out until something unexpected happens. This book is a journey about truly finding herself. The humor in this book to guide us throughout her journey is gold. If you're looking for a fun fantasy read I would highly recommend this book!
I loved the FMC! This book was very unique and I loved it more for that. I loved how the FMC was going to a well college until her whole life got turned upside down and she's thrown into faery world at full speed! This was a very entertaining read I loved every second of it! And yes I keep recommending it to my friends lol. I loved the world building and Makaylas journey through this new chapter of her life and how she navigates it.
The Lost Erwain is a cute YA fansty about a girl who lives in the human world only to find out she has wings. The FMC is 17, and her whole world is about to be flipped upside down. You will meet some interesting characters. There is a dark secret floating about. Watch or rather read as Makayla learns how to be a teenage brat, finding love, learning about being deceived, and empowerment.
I had to DNF this book because I just couldn’t like Makayla. I get she’s in a tough situation, but her attitude in just the first 10 chapters rubbed me the wrong way. She may get better later in the book, but I have too much on my TBR to keep reading in the hopes I’ll find her likeable at the end of the book.
I was sent this through Kindle to review from a giveaway.
I truly enjoyed this book. From the very beginning it drew me into the story and kept me wanting to learn more. I especially liked the mix of modern day life with that of the faery world. Mariah Stillbrook is an excellent storyteller and I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this series.
What a fabulous YA fantasy! It's one you'll want to stroll through, take your time and savor it. Yet also eagerly read. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!
Captivating. I have stayed up way too late every night reading this book, even while knowing my children will come to wake me up too early. It was an amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book.
Loved it. Started slowly, wasn’t a fan of Makayla, but as she matured, she became a much better character. Really enjoyed the story, definitely recommend to others
I have thoroughly loved reading this book and can't wait to read the next book. The characters are fab and I found myself totally immersed within the story.
This book has so much potential but the writing style just was not working. I know this book is a young adult book, but it reads more as if it's written for 10 year old. i would have liked to have seen more done with this.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Makalya Wood is not your typical 17 year old. She already graduated high school awhile ago and started her own company that she runs with her adoptive mother and has no time for love. Nothing will get in her way of her dream to go to Harvard. But after her college interview goes awry she’s starting to wonder if something a bit odd is going on.
That’s when she finds out she’s a faery, the lost Erwain in fact, and is led to a new world full of magic in Garlandia, including meeting her birth parents. But the place is not all rainbows and unicorns; faeries keep disappearing and there are these weird stone figurines all around.
In walks Sir Toby, the heir to the throne and an elf. Makalya is intrigued for the first time ever but unfortunately elves and faeries can’t be together in this land. They continue to see each other but without anyone knowing all while Makalya tries to learn her magic. Her old life seems so far away. But faeries keep going missing and Makalya needs to find her magic and purpose sooner than later to help stop anymore madness from ensuing…
This book was so fun and quirky; I absolutely loved it! There were so many times I laughed aloud and I didn’t want to put it down. Makalya is an absolute delight of a character and pansexual! There aren’t enough pansexual main characters in books especially in a f/m pairing. The details in this book are magnificent. It felt like I landed right in a fantasy world, complete with a talking snake in a top hat. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Highly recommend!