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Pinch of Magic #3
The Age Of Elephants
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING meets EVELYN HUGO in this witty and thought-provoking women’s fiction novel about two starkly different women, colliding when the Wild calls upon both of them for help…Grace Thompson, a career-obsessed London journalist, is assigned to report on Mardy Adler, an alleged elephant whisperer in South Africa with a truly uncanny ability to communicate with wild animals. Grace is dead certain Mardy is a fraud, until Mardy starts messing with her head, and before long, both women must question much of what they thought they knew…
As Grace’s assignment takes her deep into the South African wilderness, she comes face-to-face with elephants, rhinos, and — most frightening — her true self. Alongside her, an old flame sparks unwanted emotions, complicating her expedition, and as the wild landscape tests her, Grace’s ambition and resolve are profoundly shaken.
But just when she lowers her defences and revaluates not only Mardy’s intentions but also her own life choices, she finds that the story she came to write has unravelled into something entirely unexpected…
As Grace’s assignment takes her deep into the South African wilderness, she comes face-to-face with elephants, rhinos, and — most frightening — her true self. Alongside her, an old flame sparks unwanted emotions, complicating her expedition, and as the wild landscape tests her, Grace’s ambition and resolve are profoundly shaken.
But just when she lowers her defences and revaluates not only Mardy’s intentions but also her own life choices, she finds that the story she came to write has unravelled into something entirely unexpected…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2024
5 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Gisele Stein
8 books32 followersGisele Stein is an Australian author whose work explores witches, women, and the wild. Her urban fantasy series, The Pyre Song Trilogy, blends history and myth with the rawness of nature to tell a story about female power and memory. Through fantasy rooted in real landscapes, her witch novels ask what happens when we start listening again to the wild parts of ourselves. If you love stories steeped in wonder and witchcraft, with a strong dose of female badassery, she’s your girl.
Book One in the Pyre Song trilogy, THE FLAMES THAT FORGED US, released in 2025: Think 'Practical Magic' — but with rage, rebellion, and reckoning, set across centuries of magic and matriarchy, love and loss… A modern witch book about female rage, witches fighting the patriarchy, and deeply rooted sisterhood.
For a free witchy story, join her Reader Group here: www.giselestein.com/free-story
Book One in the Pyre Song trilogy, THE FLAMES THAT FORGED US, released in 2025: Think 'Practical Magic' — but with rage, rebellion, and reckoning, set across centuries of magic and matriarchy, love and loss… A modern witch book about female rage, witches fighting the patriarchy, and deeply rooted sisterhood.
For a free witchy story, join her Reader Group here: www.giselestein.com/free-story
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 28, 2024
„I cannot help but think that elephants are incredibly similar to humans - no, they are actually more human than humans.“
In THE AGE OF ELEPHANTS two worlds collide. It’s about Grace Thompson, a career-obsessed journalist from London and Mary Adler, an alleged elephant whisperer in South Africa with the ability to communicate with wild animals.
This book is about self growth, trust, love and friendship, it’s about the importance to listen to those who are often unheard; about the importance to protect nature and wildlife. The story shows how important it is to simply listen to those who have something to say. It also shows how people take the world and nature for granted and how much we destroy as a result. It also shows how important it is to let go of prejudices and be more open to the world and the people around you and that it is worth taking a look outside the box.
My heart broke more than once for the people who are not listened to, the nature that is trampled underfoot and the animals that suffer the most at the hands of humans. The last 30% of the book in particular gave me non-stop goosebumps and I had tears in my eyes all the time.
This book conveys an incredibly important message wrapped up in an emotional, adventurous, thought-provoking story with a hint of magic that we probably all wish existed. At least I do. Our planet, nature and animals are the most precious things we have and we should stop destroying everything and start doing something so that the generations after us can experience wildlife as we know it today.
I also liked the love story. Even though it was only a small part of the story, it fitted in perfectly and gave me all kinds of butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
A beautifully told story, with lots of material to think about and reflect on, with moments that make your heart beat faster and move you to tears and characters that feel like real friends.
For me, THE AGE OF ELEPHANTS is a great book that I will never stop recommending.
In THE AGE OF ELEPHANTS two worlds collide. It’s about Grace Thompson, a career-obsessed journalist from London and Mary Adler, an alleged elephant whisperer in South Africa with the ability to communicate with wild animals.
This book is about self growth, trust, love and friendship, it’s about the importance to listen to those who are often unheard; about the importance to protect nature and wildlife. The story shows how important it is to simply listen to those who have something to say. It also shows how people take the world and nature for granted and how much we destroy as a result. It also shows how important it is to let go of prejudices and be more open to the world and the people around you and that it is worth taking a look outside the box.
My heart broke more than once for the people who are not listened to, the nature that is trampled underfoot and the animals that suffer the most at the hands of humans. The last 30% of the book in particular gave me non-stop goosebumps and I had tears in my eyes all the time.
This book conveys an incredibly important message wrapped up in an emotional, adventurous, thought-provoking story with a hint of magic that we probably all wish existed. At least I do. Our planet, nature and animals are the most precious things we have and we should stop destroying everything and start doing something so that the generations after us can experience wildlife as we know it today.
I also liked the love story. Even though it was only a small part of the story, it fitted in perfectly and gave me all kinds of butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
A beautifully told story, with lots of material to think about and reflect on, with moments that make your heart beat faster and move you to tears and characters that feel like real friends.
For me, THE AGE OF ELEPHANTS is a great book that I will never stop recommending.
May 20, 2024
Down to earth
There is something about the way Gisele Stein writes that always makes you feel like you are right there with the characters.
This third installment of the pinch of magic series is a highlight.
Like the other two it focuses on nature and mindfulness this time located at the great outdoors of South Africa.
I can definitely recommend reading this book outside, in my case out in the woods, listening to nature as background.
"The Age of Elephants" is strong. real. profound. Conveying an urgent message while experiencing the African bush and deceleration together with Grace. The ups and downs gave me all the feels.
The protagonists are the elephants, nature, the ground and people who cherish the land.
The sounds of nature and its magestic animals are being centered "Drawing attention to its body language and sounds." It's the small things, the importance of listening like Mark Rashid emphazised. It shows what a change of perspective and self-conception can do and therefore how important it is to not be so rigid in your way and behaviour. The twist at the end was unexpected and exactly right, resonating deeply. We need more books like this one!
There is something about the way Gisele Stein writes that always makes you feel like you are right there with the characters.
This third installment of the pinch of magic series is a highlight.
Like the other two it focuses on nature and mindfulness this time located at the great outdoors of South Africa.
I can definitely recommend reading this book outside, in my case out in the woods, listening to nature as background.
"The Age of Elephants" is strong. real. profound. Conveying an urgent message while experiencing the African bush and deceleration together with Grace. The ups and downs gave me all the feels.
The protagonists are the elephants, nature, the ground and people who cherish the land.
The sounds of nature and its magestic animals are being centered "Drawing attention to its body language and sounds." It's the small things, the importance of listening like Mark Rashid emphazised. It shows what a change of perspective and self-conception can do and therefore how important it is to not be so rigid in your way and behaviour. The twist at the end was unexpected and exactly right, resonating deeply. We need more books like this one!
April 30, 2024
A wonderful Story about an busy women who unwillingly discovers the Magic of the african Bush. Driven by her Reputation AS a phänomenal journalist she gets challenged by the famous "elephant girl". The YouTube Videos seem Fake, so there seems to be a Story to discovers, and there definitly is!
First sceptic the Protagonist Garce comes to believe in Mardy, WHO practices this Magic of the Bush. But Mardy lies to her, what gets the Story twosted again. In the end there IS a hugh Plot Twist, that is totally unexpected but makes the Story end so sweet.
All of this is underlined with a Lovestory of Past Times. It crticises the Person WHO Grace hast become driven by her career. Her coworker Always gets painted a an annoying relative of Graces Boss but it Turmes Out, If you Take the time to get to know a Person they can be totally different to what they seem.
I Love how the author painted the whole picture of the current Situation in southern africa about basicly needing to allow tourism to be able to Protect the animals on there lands. Poaching IS a big Problem and Not everyone wants to allow tourism or has the Money to pay for protection. So Sometimes These Matters need to affort Special ways to get the Attention they need. I am still not Sure If the people outside of africa even know how the Situation Looks Like. So thank you for this book which Combines a beautiful Story with such an improtant topic without beeing annoying or boring. Everything gets explaint since Grace herself does not know too much about the african Bush.
I highly recommend Reading the book, If you are a Fan of the gisele steins other books or/and interested in the South african Bush.
First sceptic the Protagonist Garce comes to believe in Mardy, WHO practices this Magic of the Bush. But Mardy lies to her, what gets the Story twosted again. In the end there IS a hugh Plot Twist, that is totally unexpected but makes the Story end so sweet.
All of this is underlined with a Lovestory of Past Times. It crticises the Person WHO Grace hast become driven by her career. Her coworker Always gets painted a an annoying relative of Graces Boss but it Turmes Out, If you Take the time to get to know a Person they can be totally different to what they seem.
I Love how the author painted the whole picture of the current Situation in southern africa about basicly needing to allow tourism to be able to Protect the animals on there lands. Poaching IS a big Problem and Not everyone wants to allow tourism or has the Money to pay for protection. So Sometimes These Matters need to affort Special ways to get the Attention they need. I am still not Sure If the people outside of africa even know how the Situation Looks Like. So thank you for this book which Combines a beautiful Story with such an improtant topic without beeing annoying or boring. Everything gets explaint since Grace herself does not know too much about the african Bush.
I highly recommend Reading the book, If you are a Fan of the gisele steins other books or/and interested in the South african Bush.
April 27, 2024
I am completely absorbed in another world as I turn the final page of 'The Age of Elephants' and don’t quite want to say goodbye to the characters and places that have become so familiar to me. I need a moment to return to the present while I can still feel the bark of the baobab tree under my fingers and the vibration of the earth beneath my feet from the trampling of the elephant herd.
The story of Grace, Mardy, the Litsongi - and not least the elephants - touched me deeply and made me both laugh and cry as I became fully immersed in the story. The realization that everything is connected comes to life in the pages of this book and I am torn between the beauty in that and the painful awareness of what we humans are doing to this planet and all its inhabitants.
Gisele Stein once again succeeds in taking the reader into her world, in which we follow a strong protagonist from London to South Africa, where she is confronted with unexpected and mysterious events that take her out of her comfort zone and call into question a lot of what she thinks she knows.
A vivid, exciting and moving story that is hard to put down. It is also a strong recommendation for anyone who longs for a bit of wilderness and real connections, and who chooses to see magic in the world around us.
The story of Grace, Mardy, the Litsongi - and not least the elephants - touched me deeply and made me both laugh and cry as I became fully immersed in the story. The realization that everything is connected comes to life in the pages of this book and I am torn between the beauty in that and the painful awareness of what we humans are doing to this planet and all its inhabitants.
Gisele Stein once again succeeds in taking the reader into her world, in which we follow a strong protagonist from London to South Africa, where she is confronted with unexpected and mysterious events that take her out of her comfort zone and call into question a lot of what she thinks she knows.
A vivid, exciting and moving story that is hard to put down. It is also a strong recommendation for anyone who longs for a bit of wilderness and real connections, and who chooses to see magic in the world around us.
May 5, 2024
For those who have lost their natural roots
Anyone who has ever encountered elephants in the wild will be fascinated by their strong yet gentle presence. They seem to carry a piece of ancient wisdom with them and that is exactly what Gisele's book is about. Because we humans have lost access to it, distracted by all the other things that seem so important in our modern world. I have to admit that I was a little sceptical at first that the story would be about animal communication. Because I believe that animals communicate with us differently than many so-called experts in this field pretend. But my worries were unfounded, because the story about two very different women simply shows the inner struggle that arises when we drift too far away from our natural roots. We are still part of nature and not detached from it. And The Age of Elephants shows how we can find a way back to being in tune with ourselves again. Whether in real life or through a book, a journey into the African bush always holds a magical surprise.
Anyone who has ever encountered elephants in the wild will be fascinated by their strong yet gentle presence. They seem to carry a piece of ancient wisdom with them and that is exactly what Gisele's book is about. Because we humans have lost access to it, distracted by all the other things that seem so important in our modern world. I have to admit that I was a little sceptical at first that the story would be about animal communication. Because I believe that animals communicate with us differently than many so-called experts in this field pretend. But my worries were unfounded, because the story about two very different women simply shows the inner struggle that arises when we drift too far away from our natural roots. We are still part of nature and not detached from it. And The Age of Elephants shows how we can find a way back to being in tune with ourselves again. Whether in real life or through a book, a journey into the African bush always holds a magical surprise.
May 6, 2024
The third book in the series "A Pinch of Magic" by Gisele Stein is also wonderful. I was captivated by the book from the very first page. The characters in the story are super interesting and it's great to follow the development of each individual person.
The story moved me to tears at times, I had a lump in my throat and a fluttering in my stomach. The book is written so vividly that at times I felt like I was sitting on the Adlers veranda watching, smelling and hearing the wildlife.
Once again, Gisele Stein succeeds in showing through the story that THERE is more, that there is more important than work hustle and that instead the connection between people and nature should become more important. It becomes clear how everything is connected and what part we humans can play in the preservation of nature and wildlife if we want to. It also highlights social and historical conflicts in connection with the African continent and the injustices that people (have) experienced there, making it very thought-provoking.
I love this book and what it stands for.
The story moved me to tears at times, I had a lump in my throat and a fluttering in my stomach. The book is written so vividly that at times I felt like I was sitting on the Adlers veranda watching, smelling and hearing the wildlife.
Once again, Gisele Stein succeeds in showing through the story that THERE is more, that there is more important than work hustle and that instead the connection between people and nature should become more important. It becomes clear how everything is connected and what part we humans can play in the preservation of nature and wildlife if we want to. It also highlights social and historical conflicts in connection with the African continent and the injustices that people (have) experienced there, making it very thought-provoking.
I love this book and what it stands for.
July 10, 2024
The Age of Elephants is the third of Giselle’s pinch of magic books and definitely the one with the least magic.
It’s about a somehow arrogant and self-centred journalist, Claire, who is forced to take an assignment which she despises. The story of Mardy, the elephant whisperer is just too good to be true and Claire doesn’t believe a word of it. But nature and its wonderful primordial ways in Africa paints a different picture for Claire. Going so far, that she looses herself and her confidence, but finding her true self. The book shows the battle between ancient and indigenous ways of life and modern living and the thread to our last refuges for wildlife on earth. A battle worth fighting and finally Claire takes up the quest to save an environment which she never would have set a foot on before. A good read which leaves you a bit unsettled about the future of our planet. Definitely a strong recommendation to read!
It’s about a somehow arrogant and self-centred journalist, Claire, who is forced to take an assignment which she despises. The story of Mardy, the elephant whisperer is just too good to be true and Claire doesn’t believe a word of it. But nature and its wonderful primordial ways in Africa paints a different picture for Claire. Going so far, that she looses herself and her confidence, but finding her true self. The book shows the battle between ancient and indigenous ways of life and modern living and the thread to our last refuges for wildlife on earth. A battle worth fighting and finally Claire takes up the quest to save an environment which she never would have set a foot on before. A good read which leaves you a bit unsettled about the future of our planet. Definitely a strong recommendation to read!
April 28, 2024
I’m beyond grateful for books like “the age of elephants”. This masterpiece playfully combines serious issues like poaching or the questionable way we’re treating our ancient land and its guardians (and with that I mean animals as well as humans) with the personal growth of the main character Grace. It’s all about letting go of masks and allowing each other to be vulnerable and authentic again. All of that belongs to my personal (imaginary) list of favorite topics and maybe that’s why I was sobbing a lot even though the story itself is not particularly sad. It just touched me so intensely because it scratched a wound I believe all of us carry inside: the craving for wilderness and deep connection with other beings. Reading this book just felt like coming home. Thank you Gisele.
May 2, 2024
This book is a part of Giseles „Pinch of Magic“ trilogy and I loved it the most.
You get to meet Grace, a journalist solely focused on her career that she forgets who she is.
She is forced to an assignment in Africa - to discover the truth about an elephant whisperer…as Mardy reputedly seems to be.
Mardy has a connection to nature and elephants that seems magical.
Grace in her fact-bound world is just looking for dirty secrets and to unveil the fraud… but then she is confronted with nature, her inner self and deep buried emotions.
I loved all the characters and was able to picture them very well. The story caught me and kept me guessing, but also laughing.
I would recommend this book to nature and especially elephant lovers, who have an open mind for a pinch of magic.
You get to meet Grace, a journalist solely focused on her career that she forgets who she is.
She is forced to an assignment in Africa - to discover the truth about an elephant whisperer…as Mardy reputedly seems to be.
Mardy has a connection to nature and elephants that seems magical.
Grace in her fact-bound world is just looking for dirty secrets and to unveil the fraud… but then she is confronted with nature, her inner self and deep buried emotions.
I loved all the characters and was able to picture them very well. The story caught me and kept me guessing, but also laughing.
I would recommend this book to nature and especially elephant lovers, who have an open mind for a pinch of magic.
July 18, 2024
The age of elephants
This book is one of my favourites so far. I got captured in the story and went through it nearly in one go. The story is great and develops very interestingly. The treatment of the topics Southern Africa, Conservation and Culture were outstanding. I could feel the magic of the bush through the book. My favourite aspect of the book is the thought behind it. Being in South Africa and seeing the need of protection, the important of conserving nature and wildlife and the balance of tourism, it makes this thoughts very valuable. The age of elephants has everything for an enjoyable read, a good story with interesting characters, a meaningful topic and one or two unexpected twists. A read of this book is highly recommended.
This book is one of my favourites so far. I got captured in the story and went through it nearly in one go. The story is great and develops very interestingly. The treatment of the topics Southern Africa, Conservation and Culture were outstanding. I could feel the magic of the bush through the book. My favourite aspect of the book is the thought behind it. Being in South Africa and seeing the need of protection, the important of conserving nature and wildlife and the balance of tourism, it makes this thoughts very valuable. The age of elephants has everything for an enjoyable read, a good story with interesting characters, a meaningful topic and one or two unexpected twists. A read of this book is highly recommended.
May 3, 2024
I have read both of the author's previous novels and was very excited about this book. I was particularly looking forward to it because I have been to South Africa several times and the country is very special to me. And what can I say, I was definitely not disappointed. The novel draws you in incredibly quickly and I simply couldn't put it down.
The protagonist Claire first reluctantly finds her way into the wilderness of South Africa, but then finds her way back to herself. It was wonderful to be able to be there and immerse myself in this world and this development. It almost physically hurt me when the story came to an end and I would be incredibly happy about a sequel.
The protagonist Claire first reluctantly finds her way into the wilderness of South Africa, but then finds her way back to herself. It was wonderful to be able to be there and immerse myself in this world and this development. It almost physically hurt me when the story came to an end and I would be incredibly happy about a sequel.
May 7, 2024
I’ve read the book „The age of elephants“ and really liked it. While reading I had the feeling of being in Africa myself, with all the lively descriptions of the surroundings and animals.
At first I wasn’t sure about what to think about Grace and her motives, but she feels like a real person and after a while I got to know more and more bout her.
I loved how the story unfolds, the book is written and the information I get about elephants and their life and troubles.
I can recommend this book if you like elephants and want to engulf in a story with something which isn’t explainable for everyone.
At first I wasn’t sure about what to think about Grace and her motives, but she feels like a real person and after a while I got to know more and more bout her.
I loved how the story unfolds, the book is written and the information I get about elephants and their life and troubles.
I can recommend this book if you like elephants and want to engulf in a story with something which isn’t explainable for everyone.
May 8, 2024
A beautiful and captivating novel about a young journalist who travels to South Africa to work on her next "good" story but then finds herself confronted with her past and her beliefs in the beautiful and exciting african bush. The book is about self growth, forgiveness, love, trust, friendship and about the importance to listen to those who are often unheard, indigenous people and wildlife. And as always in Gisele Stein's novels a bit of magic you wish to be true (maybe it is in a way!) as well.
Every single character is interesting and has a depth that I would have loved to dived deeper into. Maybe in a sequel? :-)
Every single character is interesting and has a depth that I would have loved to dived deeper into. Maybe in a sequel? :-)
July 1, 2024
The Age of Elephants is a thought-provoking book that takes you on an exciting journey into the heart of Africa, but also to yourself. They say that the shortest way to reach yourself is around the world.
This book picks up on this belief by taking the protagonist on a journey of transformation as she finds her way back to her roots and her pink wellies, far from home. The story is impressively told and takes us not only into the wilderness of the national parks, but also into a world full of wonder and a little bit of magic.
This book picks up on this belief by taking the protagonist on a journey of transformation as she finds her way back to her roots and her pink wellies, far from home. The story is impressively told and takes us not only into the wilderness of the national parks, but also into a world full of wonder and a little bit of magic.
July 4, 2024
For the love of elephants.
It was one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading, I didn't want it to end. As was the previous book, The Ever After Diary. A must-read for anyone who cares about nature, earth, and our animals. I had the privilege some time ago to meet and go into the water to play and wash rescued elephants. I have been captivated by them ever since. Beautiful, gentle, intelligent creatures that could teach us so much if only we would listen. Nothing but praise for the book.
It was one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading, I didn't want it to end. As was the previous book, The Ever After Diary. A must-read for anyone who cares about nature, earth, and our animals. I had the privilege some time ago to meet and go into the water to play and wash rescued elephants. I have been captivated by them ever since. Beautiful, gentle, intelligent creatures that could teach us so much if only we would listen. Nothing but praise for the book.
April 26, 2024
An absolutely captivating novel that transports you to the African bush. In addition to a little love story, it is mainly about an indigenous people and a young woman who can talk to animals. Or can't she?
Back your mental rucksacks and let Gisele Stein take you on a mental safari. You won't regret it!
Back your mental rucksacks and let Gisele Stein take you on a mental safari. You won't regret it!
July 9, 2024
Everytime I read one of Gisele Stein's novels I think this book is my new favorite. And even though I wasn't expecting this new novel to touch me as much as it did, it turned out to be my favorite of the 3 novels. Right from the beginning the story pulled me in and the suspense lasted till the last page. It's one of those books you wish wouldn't come to an end so quickly.
It reminds you how important it is to reconnect with nature and to respect it. I can truly recommend it!
It reminds you how important it is to reconnect with nature and to respect it. I can truly recommend it!
May 24, 2024
Heart-breaking and touching.
January 9, 2025
This book was a little hard to get into and the main character was difficult to like, but I half way through I started to get hooked and thought the ending was good.
October 15, 2025
This novel, while a somewhat entertaining story, was amateurishly written. Stale cliches and weak writing in many places.
July 5, 2024
I was slightly hesitant to read this book, because animals and wildlife don't really pique my interest much. However, I do enjoy Gisele Stein's writing, so I decided to give this a go - and did not regret a second. I loved the characters in this book, loved the flow of the story and just had a really good time reading "The Age of Elephants". Recommended to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming story in an uncommon setting, witty dialogues, some depth and a good ending.
August 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The story, the details, the love and respect for this special place and its animals — we could all do with believing in magic in our lives :)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews