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Lost Garden #1
An Island Strange and Wild
Live for today, before the island eats you alive…
When her fellow climate activist and secret crush dies unexpectedly, 18-year-old science prodigy Rosalie Gatell ditches her prestigious summer program for the remote, uncharted island where he was born. There, she discovers shocking secrets about her own past—and an island that defies the laws of nature, complete with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant, and an unknown aunt trapped in a tree. But nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb.
Falling for Liam is the worst idea imaginable, especially since he’s under a diabolical curse—but Rosalie can’t help herself. The closer she gets to unraveling his secrets and the island’s mysteries, the more she discovers that she possesses unexpected abilities of her own. But there’s no time to revel in her newfound magic. An ancient evil is stalking Salttain Island. And Rosalie will have to rely on her powers, instead of logic or science, to free Liam from his curse while keeping the corrosive threat from consuming her and everyone she’s ever loved.
Dive into this lush, haunting, romantic fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden, where no one is what they seem, and one wrong move can cost you your life.
When her fellow climate activist and secret crush dies unexpectedly, 18-year-old science prodigy Rosalie Gatell ditches her prestigious summer program for the remote, uncharted island where he was born. There, she discovers shocking secrets about her own past—and an island that defies the laws of nature, complete with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant, and an unknown aunt trapped in a tree. But nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb.
Falling for Liam is the worst idea imaginable, especially since he’s under a diabolical curse—but Rosalie can’t help herself. The closer she gets to unraveling his secrets and the island’s mysteries, the more she discovers that she possesses unexpected abilities of her own. But there’s no time to revel in her newfound magic. An ancient evil is stalking Salttain Island. And Rosalie will have to rely on her powers, instead of logic or science, to free Liam from his curse while keeping the corrosive threat from consuming her and everyone she’s ever loved.
Dive into this lush, haunting, romantic fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden, where no one is what they seem, and one wrong move can cost you your life.
432 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2024
26 people are currently reading
4390 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Amowitz
11 books241 followersLisa Amowitz is an artist and graphic designer by trade, but writing
has always been a deep and abiding passion.
Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage releases November 12, 2024,
visit her online at lisaamowitz.com
Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author
has always been a deep and abiding passion.
Her lastest release is the LOST GARDEN series, with the first book, An Island Strange and Wild, and the prequel, A Promise Bright and Fragile, available now. The second book in the series, A Secret Deep and Savage releases November 12, 2024,
visit her online at lisaamowitz.com
Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 8, 2025
Often, when a book isn’t really my cup of tea, or the execution is not what I hoped for, I feel that my opinion of it must be taken with a grain of salt. That’s because I understand that such a book may appeal to others, as I might have seen a few good things in it, and that the reasons why I didn't like it fall in the category of highly subjective.
That’s what happened with An Island Strange and Wild. There was nothing there to make me love it or hate it, it was just meh…
The writing is okay. Not abismo enough to deserve a detailed mention of its faults, but not good enough to be praised. It’s just very run of the mill YA fast-written for market, perfectly pleasant to read, but it won’t engage you with fantastic turns of phrase or ingenious narrative devices.
The plot, described as a retelling of The Secret Garden, feels more like a loose spin-off of it. Some elements of the story it’s supposed to retell are there, but the plot doesn't actually follow the original narrative from a new perspective.
Romance-wise, the plot moves slowly, but that fits the several mentions of “slow-burn” found in the back cover, so it wasn’t a bad surprise.
There are a few twists along the story. Some involving the main character, Rosalie, and a few others about side characters who, I suppose, will become more important as the series continues (ah! because this is the first book of a series, let’s keep that in mind). At least two of the twists come very early on, which led me to believe they were there to shock the reader into thinking “nothing is what it seems.” Instead, the reveals left me with the feeling of a muddled narrative, where things that must be clear for the reader to enjoy the story, were kept hidden in a misguided attempt at heightening the intriguing factor.
My biggest dislike was the awful way in which people who do and love science are portrayed. Why create a character who is described as “brilliant climate scientist” to then give her zero traits that reflect that description? As someone who does exactly that for a living, and who is surrounded by other people working on that, or studying to become that, the way in which “brilliant climate scientists” were portrayed here was deeply disappointing. Blame my rating on this one fact if you want.
Final word: If you have no issues with how literature often portrays scientists, and you like slow-burn YA romances with a dash of action and some mystery, you may like this book more than I did.
That’s what happened with An Island Strange and Wild. There was nothing there to make me love it or hate it, it was just meh…
The writing is okay. Not abismo enough to deserve a detailed mention of its faults, but not good enough to be praised. It’s just very run of the mill YA fast-written for market, perfectly pleasant to read, but it won’t engage you with fantastic turns of phrase or ingenious narrative devices.
The plot, described as a retelling of The Secret Garden, feels more like a loose spin-off of it. Some elements of the story it’s supposed to retell are there, but the plot doesn't actually follow the original narrative from a new perspective.
Romance-wise, the plot moves slowly, but that fits the several mentions of “slow-burn” found in the back cover, so it wasn’t a bad surprise.
There are a few twists along the story. Some involving the main character, Rosalie, and a few others about side characters who, I suppose, will become more important as the series continues (ah! because this is the first book of a series, let’s keep that in mind). At least two of the twists come very early on, which led me to believe they were there to shock the reader into thinking “nothing is what it seems.” Instead, the reveals left me with the feeling of a muddled narrative, where things that must be clear for the reader to enjoy the story, were kept hidden in a misguided attempt at heightening the intriguing factor.
My biggest dislike was the awful way in which people who do and love science are portrayed. Why create a character who is described as “brilliant climate scientist” to then give her zero traits that reflect that description? As someone who does exactly that for a living, and who is surrounded by other people working on that, or studying to become that, the way in which “brilliant climate scientists” were portrayed here was deeply disappointing. Blame my rating on this one fact if you want.
Final word: If you have no issues with how literature often portrays scientists, and you like slow-burn YA romances with a dash of action and some mystery, you may like this book more than I did.
January 22, 2024
I was chosen as an ARC reader and being my first time I'm so glad I went for it!
I genuinely loved this book from start to finish!! Kept me on my toes, everything I had guessed was not what I had in mind so I loved all the twists and turns and the chaos and love that was shown in this book! Loved the characters and their role in the whole grand scheme of things! Rose and Liam are my 2024 couple this far! Can't wait to see where else this story goes!
I genuinely loved this book from start to finish!! Kept me on my toes, everything I had guessed was not what I had in mind so I loved all the twists and turns and the chaos and love that was shown in this book! Loved the characters and their role in the whole grand scheme of things! Rose and Liam are my 2024 couple this far! Can't wait to see where else this story goes!
February 2, 2024
What a wild ride!
This book follows Rosalie, an overachieving student (thanks to her mother) who'd lost her father some years back. A second tragedy rocks Rosalie's world, which results in her defying her mother (a first!) and ending up on an uncharted island off the coast of Maine. The locals aren't friendly to outsiders but they seem to like Rosalie well enough, especially a slippery fellow named Liam. Rosalie goes on to learn that not everything is as it seems, and science doesn't have all the answers.
This story did not go the way I thought it would! The plot twists come fast and furious as long- held family secrets are finally unearthed and dragged into the light of day. A must read.
This book follows Rosalie, an overachieving student (thanks to her mother) who'd lost her father some years back. A second tragedy rocks Rosalie's world, which results in her defying her mother (a first!) and ending up on an uncharted island off the coast of Maine. The locals aren't friendly to outsiders but they seem to like Rosalie well enough, especially a slippery fellow named Liam. Rosalie goes on to learn that not everything is as it seems, and science doesn't have all the answers.
This story did not go the way I thought it would! The plot twists come fast and furious as long- held family secrets are finally unearthed and dragged into the light of day. A must read.
February 19, 2024
“Maybe plants really are better companions than people” 🌿
This Secret Garden retelling with creepy intertwinings like The Stand is spooky, magical, heartbreaking and inspiring all together. Toe tipping twists, a 🌿wild🌿 magical system, characters that clutch your heart and never let go, I’m already missing the Island.
This Secret Garden retelling with creepy intertwinings like The Stand is spooky, magical, heartbreaking and inspiring all together. Toe tipping twists, a 🌿wild🌿 magical system, characters that clutch your heart and never let go, I’m already missing the Island.
April 6, 2024
Truly captivating from start to end! This book has a twist at almost every turn keeping you engrossed throughout this magical and dangerous secret garden retelling. Rosalie is stubborn, curious and ambitious. Liam is mysterious, charming, and intuitive. Early on Rosalie experiences the loss of her best friend/first love Tyler - she copes with his loss by bringing him "home" to fulfill his dying wish - to have her with him on this island. Once there, she sets out to catalogue the island and figure out why Tyler felt the island needed saving. She learns quickly that this place isn't as it seems, beautiful and majestic, but dangerous and nonsensical, as are the people! There is something going on and surely magic isn't real. In her time there she feels Liam and his family deserve so much more, but so do many others and Rosalie must get to the root of the problem so things can change for the better. Well written with amazing world-building, steady pace, single pov, realistic scenarios, mystery, magic, forbidden love and so much more; I could not put this down!
January 28, 2024
When I heard this was a Secret Garden retelling, I was quick to sign up to read it. And that cover? It’s gorgeous. Even if I hated this book, I’d want a copy to put on my shelves, but that was definitely not the case. This book was great. Not at all what I was expecting, but so much more.
This upper YA fantasy book is so well done. I loved the world building, you can envision the scenery as you’re reading it, it is so descriptive. While this is a loose retelling of the Secret Garden, it does have some dark undertones, which keep you in suspense as to what exactly is going on. And once you find out, it’s definitely not what you expected.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Rosalie’s story progresses.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This upper YA fantasy book is so well done. I loved the world building, you can envision the scenery as you’re reading it, it is so descriptive. While this is a loose retelling of the Secret Garden, it does have some dark undertones, which keep you in suspense as to what exactly is going on. And once you find out, it’s definitely not what you expected.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how Rosalie’s story progresses.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2024
Oh my gosh!! This book! Every free minute I had was so immersed into this book! It is so well written and explained so perfectly you can literally picture, feel and, even smell everything from the island!
There are so many twists and turns that I never saw coming! It keeps you on the edge of your seat and waiting for more. I can’t not wait to see how Rosalie’s life unfolds after this one! And that ending is not helping! 😩😂 I need to know what happens next!
A very good YA secret garden telling, with so much more in store! 🌱💚
There are so many twists and turns that I never saw coming! It keeps you on the edge of your seat and waiting for more. I can’t not wait to see how Rosalie’s life unfolds after this one! And that ending is not helping! 😩😂 I need to know what happens next!
A very good YA secret garden telling, with so much more in store! 🌱💚
January 29, 2024
Wow!
An Island Strange and Wild has a lot of great layers to appeal to many different book lovers. There is fantasy, mystery, action and forbidden romance. While it is a YA book I truly believe this can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The conclusion of the book was definite, but left me wanting more. I think the whole series will be one that I call a familiar favorite and enjoy more with each rereading.
An Island Strange and Wild has a lot of great layers to appeal to many different book lovers. There is fantasy, mystery, action and forbidden romance. While it is a YA book I truly believe this can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The conclusion of the book was definite, but left me wanting more. I think the whole series will be one that I call a familiar favorite and enjoy more with each rereading.
February 2, 2024
I was fortunate enough to be chosen to recieve an advanced reader copy of An Island Strange and Wild: Book One by Lisa Amowitz and I cannot wait for book two! This is Lisa's 4th full-length novel. Her amazing writing style will make you feel like you are transported to the Island right alongside her characters and keep you wanting to come back for more! The story revolves around Rosalie, a science minded, botany lover, who tends to think in black and white. Can a mysterious Island and its inhabitance change how she sees the world? Will she ever find peace in her stressful life? If a fantasy story on a mystic island with some romance woven in sounds good to you then grab your copy now on preorder! An Island Strange and Wild: Book One is set to release on February 20, 2024.
January 29, 2024
I was lucky to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
The imagery in this book was fabulous! Lisa handles all of the emotional turmoil - and there is a lot of it - amazingly.
In this loose retelling of The Secret Garden, Rosalie is a new graduate with university on the horizon. But in the blink of an eye her entire course is changed. She embarks on a quest to close a chapter after a painful loss, and instead finds herself on an island where nothing and no one are as they seem.
This is a perfect read for those want a forbidden love story, but don’t require spice, who love a book-smart/science loving heroine, who enjoy magic, and mystery, and beautiful story telling.
The imagery in this book was fabulous! Lisa handles all of the emotional turmoil - and there is a lot of it - amazingly.
In this loose retelling of The Secret Garden, Rosalie is a new graduate with university on the horizon. But in the blink of an eye her entire course is changed. She embarks on a quest to close a chapter after a painful loss, and instead finds herself on an island where nothing and no one are as they seem.
This is a perfect read for those want a forbidden love story, but don’t require spice, who love a book-smart/science loving heroine, who enjoy magic, and mystery, and beautiful story telling.
February 23, 2024
In An Island Strange and Wild we follow eighteen-year-old Rosalie to an uncharted island off the coast of Maine, where she encounters myth, magic, and the heartbreak of complicated relationships.
On a positive note, I found the premise compelling and many of the descriptive passages were truly beautiful. For example:
"Twilight descends in a cloak of ultramarine and shadow. I lie down on my back and stare up at the sky. I'm a petal on the breeze. If I let go, I might float away…"
"Diffused light falls across the springy moss that carpets the ground. Gnarled trees sprout from tangles of twisted roots, outrageously plumed birds cawing in their branches. Clouds float across the cavern's ceiling as if it has its own ecosystem."
The author obviously has some talent. However, despite occasional moments of stunning prose, this novel fell flat for me when it came to characterization, pacing, and consistency. This novel is, from beginning to end, a study in telling-not-showing, particularly when it comes to Rosalie, the first-person narrator. She repeatedly insists that she is "by nature, a scientist," but other than her frequent declarations and the fact that she was initially headed off to an elite STEM study abroad program, there is very little evidence of this. Ditto when it comes to her emotions and how her parents are characterized. The fact that she is angry actually starts to feel like some kind of mantra in the narrative--I'm angry. I'm so angry. Yes, I'm angry. My thoughts are fuming. My mind is spinning with anger.--but we get next to nothing when it comes to how this anger feels in her body or manifests in her behavior.
The same is true when it comes to Rose's parents. We are told that her mother is paranoid and overprotective and that her father is not the man she remembers. When it comes down to it, readers honestly don't know enough about either of them to agree or disagree with her assertions. It took me nearly half the book to realize why that was--
This novel has no flashbacks.
I mean, I'd have to reread it in its entirety to be sure, but from the time that this realization hit me at about the 40% mark until the end there were… none. Other than a few instances when one character gave a sort of recap or info dump to another character, there was absolutely no retrospection. I thing this is also what made the pacing feel off to me. We are not given any true glimpses into Rosalie's past, which robs us of natural opportunities to witness growth in and between the characters, but it also robs us of those moments of breathing room in a very plot-driven narrative.
There were several other (lesser) aspects that made this book a miss for me--the missed opportunity for Aunt Millie's journals to serve as a sort of mentor-by-proxy for Rosalie; the abrupt introduction of a prophecy in the final third of the book; the Act Three arrival of modern assault technology into a setting of ancient magic.
In the end, this book simply didn't deliver on its potential. It could have been excellent. Instead, it was just deeply ok.
[I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
On a positive note, I found the premise compelling and many of the descriptive passages were truly beautiful. For example:
"Twilight descends in a cloak of ultramarine and shadow. I lie down on my back and stare up at the sky. I'm a petal on the breeze. If I let go, I might float away…"
"Diffused light falls across the springy moss that carpets the ground. Gnarled trees sprout from tangles of twisted roots, outrageously plumed birds cawing in their branches. Clouds float across the cavern's ceiling as if it has its own ecosystem."
The author obviously has some talent. However, despite occasional moments of stunning prose, this novel fell flat for me when it came to characterization, pacing, and consistency. This novel is, from beginning to end, a study in telling-not-showing, particularly when it comes to Rosalie, the first-person narrator. She repeatedly insists that she is "by nature, a scientist," but other than her frequent declarations and the fact that she was initially headed off to an elite STEM study abroad program, there is very little evidence of this. Ditto when it comes to her emotions and how her parents are characterized. The fact that she is angry actually starts to feel like some kind of mantra in the narrative--I'm angry. I'm so angry. Yes, I'm angry. My thoughts are fuming. My mind is spinning with anger.--but we get next to nothing when it comes to how this anger feels in her body or manifests in her behavior.
The same is true when it comes to Rose's parents. We are told that her mother is paranoid and overprotective and that her father is not the man she remembers. When it comes down to it, readers honestly don't know enough about either of them to agree or disagree with her assertions. It took me nearly half the book to realize why that was--
This novel has no flashbacks.
I mean, I'd have to reread it in its entirety to be sure, but from the time that this realization hit me at about the 40% mark until the end there were… none. Other than a few instances when one character gave a sort of recap or info dump to another character, there was absolutely no retrospection. I thing this is also what made the pacing feel off to me. We are not given any true glimpses into Rosalie's past, which robs us of natural opportunities to witness growth in and between the characters, but it also robs us of those moments of breathing room in a very plot-driven narrative.
There were several other (lesser) aspects that made this book a miss for me--the missed opportunity for Aunt Millie's journals to serve as a sort of mentor-by-proxy for Rosalie; the abrupt introduction of a prophecy in the final third of the book; the Act Three arrival of modern assault technology into a setting of ancient magic.
In the end, this book simply didn't deliver on its potential. It could have been excellent. Instead, it was just deeply ok.
[I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
January 25, 2024
4.5 stars
This retelling of Secret Garden includes chosen one and hidden legacy tropes, a mysterious and moody gardener boy, and elemental magic.
Rosalie is in her summer before college when her world gets turned upside down. The twists and turns of her story kept me reading page after page. The imagery and description in this book is amazing, and the magic is described in a way that helped me visualize and understand it. There is more focus on the plot than romance, and it balances out well.
I have only small critiques: There was a bit of difficulty in the grammar for me due to many places with short choppy sentences. While I realize this does have a place in writing and the author's style, it feels a bit overused. There were also a few conversations between the characters that didn't seem to propell the story much.
This book is a great read for teens and young adults, as the author recommends. It was an easy read, an interesting story, and overall enjoyable. I will still be reading the whole series as it comes available.
This retelling of Secret Garden includes chosen one and hidden legacy tropes, a mysterious and moody gardener boy, and elemental magic.
Rosalie is in her summer before college when her world gets turned upside down. The twists and turns of her story kept me reading page after page. The imagery and description in this book is amazing, and the magic is described in a way that helped me visualize and understand it. There is more focus on the plot than romance, and it balances out well.
I have only small critiques: There was a bit of difficulty in the grammar for me due to many places with short choppy sentences. While I realize this does have a place in writing and the author's style, it feels a bit overused. There were also a few conversations between the characters that didn't seem to propell the story much.
This book is a great read for teens and young adults, as the author recommends. It was an easy read, an interesting story, and overall enjoyable. I will still be reading the whole series as it comes available.
January 29, 2024
This is a secret garden ya retelling. It has some great world building, very descriptive. You never know where the page is going to take you. You may believe you're going over direction, and you're really going another. I had to start and stop a few times to really understand and digest what I read. I even reread a few lines to believe it happened. It's all super fast-paced.
January 29, 2024
ARC. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I enjoy the concept and I'm excited to see where this series ends up going. There is a lot going on in the story. May ends to weave together. I wish there was maybe a little more emphasis on her scientific portion at the beginning. But overall I enjoyed the story.
I enjoy the concept and I'm excited to see where this series ends up going. There is a lot going on in the story. May ends to weave together. I wish there was maybe a little more emphasis on her scientific portion at the beginning. But overall I enjoyed the story.
February 18, 2024
I have been provided with a copy of An Island Strange and Wild from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. This is the first book in the brand-new Lost Garden series and your emotions are immediately engaged in this story due to the tragic accident that takes place. This story was just really engaging and you just felt so much Rosalie and all that she is going through. Her journey into this new world and environment were just so worth the read and left me immediately wanting more. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Lisa in this series.
January 23, 2024
What can I say, this book was easy to get into and kept me on my toes the entire read. So many twists and turns and a magic system that had me in absolute awe. The world the author paints for you is beyond words and makes you wish you were there to experience it in real life.
I got this as an ARC, and for that I am so grateful! I will 100% be purchasing it when it comes out to put in my library.
Until then, I'll be patiently waiting for more on this magical universe and Rose and Liam!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I got this as an ARC, and for that I am so grateful! I will 100% be purchasing it when it comes out to put in my library.
Until then, I'll be patiently waiting for more on this magical universe and Rose and Liam!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
January 21, 2024
Very captivating and suspenseful by the first chapter. So many shocking twists. A great romance and fast paced story. I enjoyed every second of every page of this book. It’s very well written. If you enjoy a magical mystery island romance story, then this book is for you!
February 10, 2024
***ARC review without soilers***
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Spice level: sloooowwww burn
This book was a whirlwind! (You’ll have to read it to get inside that joke😉)
I was desperate for answers from start to finish. The moment a puzzle piece would lock into place, I was both enthralled and racing to figure out the next piece. And that happens MANY times throughout the book. This book has a familiar vibe, something like a combination of The Secret Garden, Lost, and Bridge to Terabithia. Even so, it’s a completely unique story that you won’t be able to predict.
Some small details that I loved:
✨world that is contemporary yet so fun, magical, and definitely whimsical
✨sassy & stubborn female main character; Rosalie is fierce, smart, and sarcastic in the best ways.
✨not your average “brooding hero” male main character; Liam is the overly mature, responsible book boyfriend we all want deep down.
✨interesting magic system that incorporates a science-based edge
✨no perfect fairy-tale ending
✨truly well-done story of healing through grief and loss
Depth notes for my bookish peeps:
If you have a boundless imagination and want a break from the hundreds of fae/vampire/werewolf books with similar plots, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. It was truly such a unique experience. I absolutely loved that at no point in the entire book did I know who to trust. 😅 it’s a slow burn with no spice scenes. The subtle, yet not predictable plot hints had me reading all night just finally reach those big reveal moments. The ending was a great transition into the next book in the series and you’ll be impatiently waiting for the next one with me!
Overall rating: 8.5/10
Spice level: sloooowwww burn
This book was a whirlwind! (You’ll have to read it to get inside that joke😉)
I was desperate for answers from start to finish. The moment a puzzle piece would lock into place, I was both enthralled and racing to figure out the next piece. And that happens MANY times throughout the book. This book has a familiar vibe, something like a combination of The Secret Garden, Lost, and Bridge to Terabithia. Even so, it’s a completely unique story that you won’t be able to predict.
Some small details that I loved:
✨world that is contemporary yet so fun, magical, and definitely whimsical
✨sassy & stubborn female main character; Rosalie is fierce, smart, and sarcastic in the best ways.
✨not your average “brooding hero” male main character; Liam is the overly mature, responsible book boyfriend we all want deep down.
✨interesting magic system that incorporates a science-based edge
✨no perfect fairy-tale ending
✨truly well-done story of healing through grief and loss
Depth notes for my bookish peeps:
If you have a boundless imagination and want a break from the hundreds of fae/vampire/werewolf books with similar plots, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. It was truly such a unique experience. I absolutely loved that at no point in the entire book did I know who to trust. 😅 it’s a slow burn with no spice scenes. The subtle, yet not predictable plot hints had me reading all night just finally reach those big reveal moments. The ending was a great transition into the next book in the series and you’ll be impatiently waiting for the next one with me!
January 29, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up: This book was an incredibly pleasant surprise, with a memorable cast of characters, a beautifully detailed setting, and plenty of mystery and secrets to keep me turning the pages.
Rosalie Gatell finds herself drawn to a mysterious, uncharted island on the other side of the country after the sudden death of her best friend, Tyler. Within hours of arriving it is clear that both the island and its residents are more than meets the eye, and it's going to take more than questioning the locals to figure out what's really going on.
There is something for everyone in this book; with a mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery - so even as someone that isn't personally very big on romance, I still had a lot of fun with all of the other aspects of the story. I'd highly recommend if you are somebody that is a very visual reader, as the descriptions of the island and its magic are plentiful and well-done. I did get a bit lost in the last 3/4 of the book trying to understand all of the cool magical things that were all happening at once, but this didn't take away much from my enjoyment of the overall story.
One thing I was disappointed by is that while protagonist Rosalie is described as a 'science geek', with a passion for botany and the climate, I wasn't really sold on this aspect of her character. She frequently reminds herself throughout the book that she's a scientist and wants to use her scientific mind to uncover the secrets of the island she is stuck on, but I would have loved to have seen this shown more, rather than just stated.
Overall, I had a fun time with this story and I'm excited to see more in the remaining books of the trilogy, when they release. I received a free ARC of this book (thank you!) - all thoughts and comments are my own.
Rosalie Gatell finds herself drawn to a mysterious, uncharted island on the other side of the country after the sudden death of her best friend, Tyler. Within hours of arriving it is clear that both the island and its residents are more than meets the eye, and it's going to take more than questioning the locals to figure out what's really going on.
There is something for everyone in this book; with a mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery - so even as someone that isn't personally very big on romance, I still had a lot of fun with all of the other aspects of the story. I'd highly recommend if you are somebody that is a very visual reader, as the descriptions of the island and its magic are plentiful and well-done. I did get a bit lost in the last 3/4 of the book trying to understand all of the cool magical things that were all happening at once, but this didn't take away much from my enjoyment of the overall story.
One thing I was disappointed by is that while protagonist Rosalie is described as a 'science geek', with a passion for botany and the climate, I wasn't really sold on this aspect of her character. She frequently reminds herself throughout the book that she's a scientist and wants to use her scientific mind to uncover the secrets of the island she is stuck on, but I would have loved to have seen this shown more, rather than just stated.
Overall, I had a fun time with this story and I'm excited to see more in the remaining books of the trilogy, when they release. I received a free ARC of this book (thank you!) - all thoughts and comments are my own.
February 12, 2024
* I received an Advanced Copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Come with me to An Island Strange and Wild, I promise you won't regret it.
How do I describe this Romantasy YA story? Compelling? Mysterious?Heartwarming? Frustrating?Infuriating? Delightful? It's all of these and more.
The story of Rosalie is as mysterious as the island she finds herself upon. I can't delve too much into the plot of this book for fear of giving away one of the myriad twists, turns, layers and slants that you have waiting for you in the pages of this marvellous world that Lisa Amowitz has dreamed up.
The world building is enticing and tantalising and will have you almost imagining the salt tainted breeze and flower scented air. The plot is as delectable and perplexing as our enigmatic male lead.
There is so much to explore here, and the result is a satisfyingly frustrating piece of writing that will leave you waiting on tenterhooks for book 2.
Take a chance on Rosalie and Liam, I promise, it will be worth it.
Come with me to An Island Strange and Wild, I promise you won't regret it.
How do I describe this Romantasy YA story? Compelling? Mysterious?Heartwarming? Frustrating?Infuriating? Delightful? It's all of these and more.
The story of Rosalie is as mysterious as the island she finds herself upon. I can't delve too much into the plot of this book for fear of giving away one of the myriad twists, turns, layers and slants that you have waiting for you in the pages of this marvellous world that Lisa Amowitz has dreamed up.
The world building is enticing and tantalising and will have you almost imagining the salt tainted breeze and flower scented air. The plot is as delectable and perplexing as our enigmatic male lead.
There is so much to explore here, and the result is a satisfyingly frustrating piece of writing that will leave you waiting on tenterhooks for book 2.
Take a chance on Rosalie and Liam, I promise, it will be worth it.
January 30, 2024
The artwork on this book is what drew me in at first. Seeing it was a Secret Garden retelling, I was not going to pass the story up.
Our main girl Rosalie is having a hard time the summer before college. Does she confess her love for Tyler? Does she support him completely changing his plans for the future? Is she ok with living the dream her mom has set out for her?
When her world is spun after a tragic accident Rosalie finds herself down a different path. On the island she’s find nothing is what it seems and parts of her life has been hidden from her. The science she knows and loves can’t help but magic can. Rosalie needs to embrace it to help save the island and the boy she is now falling for.
This book drew me in chapter one. It’s an easy read and I didn’t feel like things weren’t explained. The world building of the island is absolutely beautiful and I find myself wishing I was there. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Our main girl Rosalie is having a hard time the summer before college. Does she confess her love for Tyler? Does she support him completely changing his plans for the future? Is she ok with living the dream her mom has set out for her?
When her world is spun after a tragic accident Rosalie finds herself down a different path. On the island she’s find nothing is what it seems and parts of her life has been hidden from her. The science she knows and loves can’t help but magic can. Rosalie needs to embrace it to help save the island and the boy she is now falling for.
This book drew me in chapter one. It’s an easy read and I didn’t feel like things weren’t explained. The world building of the island is absolutely beautiful and I find myself wishing I was there. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
February 3, 2024
"This place is like the Land that Time Forgot, steeped in superstition with a side dish of terrible secrets."
When I heard that Lisa Amowitz's next book was going to be a retelling of The Secret Garden, I was instantly intrigued and cautiously excited. I was intrigued and excited because I have always loved The Secret Garden. It is one of those books that helped me to fall in love with reading and reading fantasy, in particular. I was cautiously excited because retellings don't always live up to the original. Fortunately, Lisa was able to take the story and create her own spin, giving her unique perspective. I loved every moment of this thrilling, twisting emotional roller coaster of a story. There were so many secrets revealed and so many twists that there was no point at which I could guess what was going to happen next. The villain was absolute perfection how he could exist right in front of everyone and either people didn't see what he was or were too afraid to say anything against him. He was the ultimate blend of Randall from The Stand and a James Bond villain. This story was so full of imagination and beautiful imagery. I loved most of the characters, though wasn't completely overly fond of Rosalie's parents. Rosalie turned out amazing considering who she was raised by. If you enjoy fantasy and enjoyed The Secret Garden this book should definitely be on your TBR and I absolutely can't wait to read more from this series.
Thank you, Lisa Amowitz for gifting me with an ARC of this book. This has not affected the contents of my review in any way.
When I heard that Lisa Amowitz's next book was going to be a retelling of The Secret Garden, I was instantly intrigued and cautiously excited. I was intrigued and excited because I have always loved The Secret Garden. It is one of those books that helped me to fall in love with reading and reading fantasy, in particular. I was cautiously excited because retellings don't always live up to the original. Fortunately, Lisa was able to take the story and create her own spin, giving her unique perspective. I loved every moment of this thrilling, twisting emotional roller coaster of a story. There were so many secrets revealed and so many twists that there was no point at which I could guess what was going to happen next. The villain was absolute perfection how he could exist right in front of everyone and either people didn't see what he was or were too afraid to say anything against him. He was the ultimate blend of Randall from The Stand and a James Bond villain. This story was so full of imagination and beautiful imagery. I loved most of the characters, though wasn't completely overly fond of Rosalie's parents. Rosalie turned out amazing considering who she was raised by. If you enjoy fantasy and enjoyed The Secret Garden this book should definitely be on your TBR and I absolutely can't wait to read more from this series.
Thank you, Lisa Amowitz for gifting me with an ARC of this book. This has not affected the contents of my review in any way.
March 9, 2024
Happy Release Day! Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
An Island Strange and Wild follows Rosalie, who finds herself on the mysterious island of Salttain after a tragic accident. Within a few days, Rosalie is faced with ages-old secrets, curses, powerful magic, and a varied cast of interesting characters. 👀 Nobody seems to want to tell her the truth, but there is definitely something odd going on on Salttain, and with the boy she is starting to fall in love with... and she is determined to find out what!
I have to say that I changed my mind about this (and added a full star) about halfway through. The first half felt a bit confusing and the use of lots of short sentences interrupted the flow a bit too much. However, the second half of the story had me glued to the pages, as the action really picked up, the mystery started to slowly be unravelled and I got to know the characters more 😍
The world-building is excellent, the island beautifully described and its wild nature enchanting to imagine 🌿🌺 I loved learning details about the magic system and the rich history of the mysterious island people. The Garden itself sounds incredible and I wish I could visit it!
As for characters, I had a soft spot for Aurora, with her charming nature and great development, and (unsurprisingly 😂) for Liam. Reading all about their family's situation, their strength and their determination to protect those they love endeared them to me so much 💜
What to expect?
🌿 novel Secret Garden retelling
✨️ creative magic system
❤️ storbidden romance
🔮 curses & self-centered villains
👩🔬 sciency, badass heroine
🔎 mysteries
Had the first half of the book felt smoother, Rosalie's opinions/choices changing a little less quickly or the overall story occurred over a slightly longer period of time (I was so surprised to read only a week had gone by, after some seriously major events), I would have probably added another half star!
I'd still recommend this to fantasy lovers - The story was really intriguing, the characters interesting and the island a truly magical setting 😄
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
An Island Strange and Wild follows Rosalie, who finds herself on the mysterious island of Salttain after a tragic accident. Within a few days, Rosalie is faced with ages-old secrets, curses, powerful magic, and a varied cast of interesting characters. 👀 Nobody seems to want to tell her the truth, but there is definitely something odd going on on Salttain, and with the boy she is starting to fall in love with... and she is determined to find out what!
I have to say that I changed my mind about this (and added a full star) about halfway through. The first half felt a bit confusing and the use of lots of short sentences interrupted the flow a bit too much. However, the second half of the story had me glued to the pages, as the action really picked up, the mystery started to slowly be unravelled and I got to know the characters more 😍
The world-building is excellent, the island beautifully described and its wild nature enchanting to imagine 🌿🌺 I loved learning details about the magic system and the rich history of the mysterious island people. The Garden itself sounds incredible and I wish I could visit it!
As for characters, I had a soft spot for Aurora, with her charming nature and great development, and (unsurprisingly 😂) for Liam. Reading all about their family's situation, their strength and their determination to protect those they love endeared them to me so much 💜
What to expect?
🌿 novel Secret Garden retelling
✨️ creative magic system
❤️ storbidden romance
🔮 curses & self-centered villains
👩🔬 sciency, badass heroine
🔎 mysteries
Had the first half of the book felt smoother, Rosalie's opinions/choices changing a little less quickly or the overall story occurred over a slightly longer period of time (I was so surprised to read only a week had gone by, after some seriously major events), I would have probably added another half star!
I'd still recommend this to fantasy lovers - The story was really intriguing, the characters interesting and the island a truly magical setting 😄
May 4, 2025
omg. the twists. the turns. the "do we trust them?" constantly in the back of my head. 😍
February 8, 2024
Beautiful story that broke my heart and yet equally filled it with wonder. Rosalie is a relatable heroine who views the world with a scientific mind. With loss around every corner, Rosalie goes against her mother’s wishes to attend college, and finds herself reunited with a past she believed long gone. On an island that holds incredible beauty and a multitude of secrets, it’s up to Rosalie to piece together the true reason she’s been summoned to the Maine coast. Filled with gorgeous imagery, love, and secrets, AN ISLAND STRANGE AND WILD is a fabulous novel that should be added to your TBR!
January 27, 2024
I’m so grateful to have been able to receive an advance review copy of this book for free!! I’m giving this book five stars because everything about this book was perfect. I liked that it gave us a good mix of background characters too, some you love and some you’ll definitely hate, and some that’ll probably just confuse you. Overall if you love an easy read with incredible plot, a little bit of forbidden romance , and a vilain that you would personally like to punch in the face , then this book is perfect for you . Can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with.
January 29, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive this book as my very first ARC, and boy am I glad I did!
This book was stressful in a great way! There are a lot of twists and secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat. The book’s imagery builds a beautiful place, making one wish they can spend the summer there!
I truly enjoyed this book!
This book was stressful in a great way! There are a lot of twists and secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat. The book’s imagery builds a beautiful place, making one wish they can spend the summer there!
I truly enjoyed this book!
Read
January 29, 2024This book is like climbing that first hill of a rollercoaster before the big drop. A lot of world building and history. Filled with mysteries! Good array of characters without being overwhelming.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2024
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review…
And to be perfectly honest, this book just wasn’t for me.
I found the sentence structure to be rather halting. It was difficult to get into a smooth reading flow due to the excessive use of periods where commas should have been used, or where the sentence could be revised to get the same point across, all while using less periods.
Here is an example directly from the book:
“The charm feels warm against my chest. I know I should give it to Randy. That I have no right to it. It belongs to his family. But I can’t let go of it. Not yet.”
It was like this throughout the entire book.
Being a person who likes reading at a more leisurely pace in order to enjoy the cadence of the writing, I found each page a bit difficult to get through due to this sentence structure.
I found that while some events happened way too quickly, in doing so losing their heaviness or significance, other segments took too long to develop and often lingered on conversations that had little to do with story development. I never found myself fully immersed in the story, or swept away by the fantastical elements—overall it fell a bit flat for me.
The writing style and characters felt better suited for the teen genre, aside from some language. I’ve not read a full book of hers, but the overall vibes of this novel remind me of a Colleen Hoover book, but with magic.
I’m thankful for having been given a copy, and I really wanted to love this book, but I felt it would be unfair to give a dishonest review.
And to be perfectly honest, this book just wasn’t for me.
I found the sentence structure to be rather halting. It was difficult to get into a smooth reading flow due to the excessive use of periods where commas should have been used, or where the sentence could be revised to get the same point across, all while using less periods.
Here is an example directly from the book:
“The charm feels warm against my chest. I know I should give it to Randy. That I have no right to it. It belongs to his family. But I can’t let go of it. Not yet.”
It was like this throughout the entire book.
Being a person who likes reading at a more leisurely pace in order to enjoy the cadence of the writing, I found each page a bit difficult to get through due to this sentence structure.
I found that while some events happened way too quickly, in doing so losing their heaviness or significance, other segments took too long to develop and often lingered on conversations that had little to do with story development. I never found myself fully immersed in the story, or swept away by the fantastical elements—overall it fell a bit flat for me.
The writing style and characters felt better suited for the teen genre, aside from some language. I’ve not read a full book of hers, but the overall vibes of this novel remind me of a Colleen Hoover book, but with magic.
I’m thankful for having been given a copy, and I really wanted to love this book, but I felt it would be unfair to give a dishonest review.
January 17, 2025
WOW!!! 5+ STARS
This book took me for a wonderful ride and I can't wait to read more in the second book, A Secret Deep and Savage, as well as the novella, A Promise Bright and Fragile. This book took me right out of the reading slump I was previously in. I loved how connected I felt to the FMC Rosalie; I felt like I was experiencing everything as if I were in her shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and descriptive elements of this book. My imagination was fueled by this great storytelling. I can't wait to get my hands on physical copies of these books to put on my bookshelves. This book was magical, to say the least (iykyk). Personally, I don't consider this book to be fully YA as it has some new adult qualities that I enjoyed. This book has it all; action, fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, and more. I am excited to read more in this Lost Garden series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review. And to Lisa Amowitz, this book is a work of art:)
This book took me for a wonderful ride and I can't wait to read more in the second book, A Secret Deep and Savage, as well as the novella, A Promise Bright and Fragile. This book took me right out of the reading slump I was previously in. I loved how connected I felt to the FMC Rosalie; I felt like I was experiencing everything as if I were in her shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and descriptive elements of this book. My imagination was fueled by this great storytelling. I can't wait to get my hands on physical copies of these books to put on my bookshelves. This book was magical, to say the least (iykyk). Personally, I don't consider this book to be fully YA as it has some new adult qualities that I enjoyed. This book has it all; action, fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, and more. I am excited to read more in this Lost Garden series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review. And to Lisa Amowitz, this book is a work of art:)
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