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RITA
(Previously titled The Gift Stone) When her village is threatened by the evil Takano Rynn, leader of the Ruling Order, Rita defeats him in battle and believes him to be dead. She leaves her temple life behind to join the masses of Central City, where she befriends members of the Opposition including Parrin, Star and the little robot Beeps. But is Takano Rynn really dead? Or will Rita find herself drawn back to him by a mystical power that connects them both, only to face the biggest battle of all, the one for her heart?
“...an exciting adventure and a journey of self- discovery with heart, humor, action, and an adorable robot you’ll wish was your friend.” - Liz Konkel via Readers’ Favorite
“...an exciting adventure and a journey of self- discovery with heart, humor, action, and an adorable robot you’ll wish was your friend.” - Liz Konkel via Readers’ Favorite
429 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2024
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Rowena
8 books22 followersBianca Rowena was born in Romania, Transylvania and has enjoyed writing from a young age. She now lives in Canada, which is the setting and inspiration for her novels. She studied Cinema/Television/Stage/Radio at the Southern Institute of Technology.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 25, 2017
AN EPIC FANTASY!! The Gift Stone, Book One of The Gifted Series, is a masterfully written, fast-paced and intense YA Fantasy that brings to mind great dystopian tales such as The Hunger Games and Divergent. By the end of Chapter Three I was completely enraptured by Rita, a simple Temple Girl whose fearless and determined nature continues to be challenged by the dark and mysterious Takano Rynn throughout the story. Young Rita has an appealing softness to her though, which becomes evident when she acquires a companion and confidante - the endearing wee robot, Beeps! Rowena has successfully created a dystopian society anyone can relate to; her clear voice quickly builds a very visual enthralling and imaginative world that immediately immerses the reader into Rita and Takano Rynn's life, and wondering what lies ahead for the two. The plot is riveting and suspenseful, guaranteed to keep you turning pages and sneaking extra reading time. I found this book difficult to put down . . . and that says a lot from someone who claims she isn't especially fond of fantasy! I'm addicted to the plot, eager to find out what is in store for Rita and Takano Rynn, and anxious for the next book in this marvellous series. In fact, I very much hope to see this series on the big screen one day! Congratulations Bianca Rowena - you have written a winner.
January 5, 2018
Bianca Rowena brings you a story which could be straight from Star Wars in The Gift Stone.
The Gift Stone is the first book in Bianca Rowena's The Gifted series. Rita was raised by the temple as a temple girl, but following an encounter with Takano Rynn, leader of the dark army she fed to the obscurity of Central City, where she could be lost to the crowds. Takano had been on a rampage, murdering anyone within the temples, and any who would dare oppose him, all in search of the Gift Stone. It was rumoured it could bring his evil reign to an end, he knew he had to find it before someone else can use it against him. When his path crosses with Rita's he sees something familiar in her, something he can use to make himself stronger. Fleeing to Central City Rita makes new friends and allies, but the threat is far from over. Both Takano and Dukath are now aware of her, and will stop at nothing to seize her. Women are rarely born with the Gift, and Rita herself does not believe she possesses it. But there are things occurring that even she cannot ignore.
Bianca Rowena has written an entertaining and fantastic fantasy/ science fiction book. I really liked Rita's character. For such a young woman she carries a lot of weight on her shoulders. From loneliness and knowing she is different, to being fearful of her actions and weaknesses. The Gift Stone will make an excellent addition to any fantasy lovers library. It starts with promise and builds up momentum the deeper you journey through the tale. From surprising allies and hidden secrets, to unlikely friends, betrayal, and danger. Rita makes some difficult decision which shape her character and growth, but also drive the readers attachment to the characters deeper. The Gift Stone has twists and surprises, and an element that will satisfy even the pickiest science fiction and fantasy fans.
The Gift Stone is the first book in Bianca Rowena's The Gifted series. Rita was raised by the temple as a temple girl, but following an encounter with Takano Rynn, leader of the dark army she fed to the obscurity of Central City, where she could be lost to the crowds. Takano had been on a rampage, murdering anyone within the temples, and any who would dare oppose him, all in search of the Gift Stone. It was rumoured it could bring his evil reign to an end, he knew he had to find it before someone else can use it against him. When his path crosses with Rita's he sees something familiar in her, something he can use to make himself stronger. Fleeing to Central City Rita makes new friends and allies, but the threat is far from over. Both Takano and Dukath are now aware of her, and will stop at nothing to seize her. Women are rarely born with the Gift, and Rita herself does not believe she possesses it. But there are things occurring that even she cannot ignore.
Bianca Rowena has written an entertaining and fantastic fantasy/ science fiction book. I really liked Rita's character. For such a young woman she carries a lot of weight on her shoulders. From loneliness and knowing she is different, to being fearful of her actions and weaknesses. The Gift Stone will make an excellent addition to any fantasy lovers library. It starts with promise and builds up momentum the deeper you journey through the tale. From surprising allies and hidden secrets, to unlikely friends, betrayal, and danger. Rita makes some difficult decision which shape her character and growth, but also drive the readers attachment to the characters deeper. The Gift Stone has twists and surprises, and an element that will satisfy even the pickiest science fiction and fantasy fans.
November 18, 2017
If you like Star Wars but want more females, more romance, and more than just fan fiction, check out this book.
September 3, 2017
This book is not my usual genre, but I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to read it - highly recommend, and looking forward to more in the series!
Linda Penner, author of, A Hitman Is Cheaper Than Divorce!
Linda Penner, author of, A Hitman Is Cheaper Than Divorce!
February 10, 2018
“The Gift Stone” Book One, by Bianca Rowena was a very enjoyable read. This fantasy had me hooked by the second chapter and it became harder to put the book down. Science fiction also prevails, leading you into the future when a galaxy of many planets were colonised leaving various planets to become hiding places. As a result, flying a spaceship was as common for everyone as driving a car. Each chapter is shadowed by a unique robot who is so compassionate that you can’t help but want to own a special little robot just like Beeps. This book contains good language content and is an excellent read for junior and high school students. As a parent I found this story enjoyable and a well written book that kept you in suspense wondering what would happen next.
February 2, 2018
This book was given to me as a gift and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading it. Rowena has crafted a very likeable character in Rita, which makes it easy to be immersed in her dilemmas. One of my favourite young adult reads to date and sure to be a favourite for many young readers. I can't wait for Book Two of the Gifted Series to be released.
December 4, 2017
Rita is running one morning when she sees soldiers of the Ruling Order headed for the Temple she calls home. She hides in the trees and does what she can to distract the soldiers, even fighting Takano Rynn himself. She defeats the leader of the Ruling Order and flees, leaving him to die. Central City becomes a refuge for Rita as she leaves the Temple behind. Murderers aren’t welcome in the Temples. A pair of kind strangers, Parrin and Star, helps Rita through her first day in the city but unexpected danger separates Rita and Beeps the robot from the others. The Ruling Order knows Rita is Gifted, even though she doesn’t, and is determined to capture her. The Opposition is just as determined to recruit her into their ranks. Only one of them can find her first.
My first impression of The Gift Stone is that it appears to be inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are several subtle similarities, enough to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, but the grander scale of the plot and characters is entirely Bianca Rowena. The Gift Stone is an engrossing adventure that was so much fun to read. Rita is a realistic, well-rounded character and Beeps is a charming sidekick. The affection between the two transforms this odd team up of convenience into an endearing friendship. Expect the unexpected with the plot of the Gift Stone as Rowena twists the classic hero’s journey to produce a unique tale of self-discovery and redemption.
(Reviewed for Reader's Favorite)
My first impression of The Gift Stone is that it appears to be inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens. There are several subtle similarities, enough to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, but the grander scale of the plot and characters is entirely Bianca Rowena. The Gift Stone is an engrossing adventure that was so much fun to read. Rita is a realistic, well-rounded character and Beeps is a charming sidekick. The affection between the two transforms this odd team up of convenience into an endearing friendship. Expect the unexpected with the plot of the Gift Stone as Rowena twists the classic hero’s journey to produce a unique tale of self-discovery and redemption.
(Reviewed for Reader's Favorite)
August 20, 2024
Rita by Bianca Rowena is a gripping and emotional tale that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the search for redemption. The story centers around Rita, a strong yet vulnerable protagonist who is navigating the challenges of her past while trying to find a new path forward.
Rowena’s writing is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into Rita’s world with ease. The book is a blend of heartfelt moments and suspenseful twists, making it hard to put down.
If you enjoy stories with deep emotional resonance, enemies to lovers and a touch of mystery, Rita is a compelling read that will stay with you long after the final page.
The ending definitely had me wanting to pick up the next book!
August 21, 2024
This was a really fun and entertaining read!! You'll love this one if you're a Reylo shipper. The scifi vibes are top notch, Beeps is the coolest little robot and Rita is an interesting and intriguing FMC. Takano is perfectly morally gray, and throughout the whole story you still can't tell if he's truly good or truly bad.
I loved the settings of the planets and mystery behind Rita's background. It was fun to learn more about her right along side her. I felt like I was there through every nightmare and battle.
Diving into book 2 asap!
I loved the settings of the planets and mystery behind Rita's background. It was fun to learn more about her right along side her. I felt like I was there through every nightmare and battle.
Diving into book 2 asap!
October 11, 2025
This was a very fun read for me. There is a Star Wars fan fiction connection to this book, but I'm more of a Star Trek guy, so for me, this was a wholly original story. It leans more to fantasy than science fiction, but it had enough sci-fi elements to keep me happy. The first person present POV and staccato-fire sentence structure gave it an immersive feel while holding a sense of urgency throughout.
It's a fun adventure story with nice pacing and characters to root for (or perhaps not root for?). Definitely recommended.
It's a fun adventure story with nice pacing and characters to root for (or perhaps not root for?). Definitely recommended.
November 21, 2018
I can’t say it was terrible. I got this book at a small town festival while up north visiting some family friends. I’d never read anything self published so I thought I would try it. I don’t think this book was my cup of tea at all. Not good. I feel bad rating it low because of that lack of reviews here but someone needs to give a heads up.
August 30, 2024
If you love Reylo then you’re gonna love Rita, the book is a fast paced story about Rita who discovers her power by battling the powerful Takano Rynn. The chapters are written smaller but I enjoyed the pace since I can keep going. It did keep you on your toes and wanting to keep reading to know what happens next!
March 24, 2018
Over all, it was a very good book. I loved the characters and the plot, but the one thing that I didn't really understand was how major plot points weren't narrated, and the characters are the one that let the reader know what happened in dialog. Other than that, it was a fantastic book.
September 5, 2017
"Hooded figures emerge from the fog, advancing with military-like precision. I recognize their cloaks.
It's the dark army of Takano Rynn."
This was a really great read and perfect for someone who wants an exciting page-turner with lots of romance.
In Rowena's "The Gift Stone", the young Rita defeats the evil Takano Rynn and then must flee her home as a result. As she explores places she's never been, she discovers that she has a strange gift.
I'd say this novel is equal parts science fiction and romance. The world-building is solid and I particularly like Central City, one of the places Rita goes to early in the novel. By the end of the novel, though, the world gets quite expansive so this book takes you to many cool places.
The romance is also well done and has just the right amount of push and pull between the two main characters. There is also a flavor of mystery in this romance which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I'm looking forward to the next one!
It's the dark army of Takano Rynn."
This was a really great read and perfect for someone who wants an exciting page-turner with lots of romance.
In Rowena's "The Gift Stone", the young Rita defeats the evil Takano Rynn and then must flee her home as a result. As she explores places she's never been, she discovers that she has a strange gift.
I'd say this novel is equal parts science fiction and romance. The world-building is solid and I particularly like Central City, one of the places Rita goes to early in the novel. By the end of the novel, though, the world gets quite expansive so this book takes you to many cool places.
The romance is also well done and has just the right amount of push and pull between the two main characters. There is also a flavor of mystery in this romance which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews