A Promise Bright and Fragile

by Lisa Amowitz

Orphaned young and thrust into foster care, 18-year-old Tyler Fredericks remembers nothing of Salttain, the mysterious Maine island where he was born. His only link to his past is the shadowy Uncle Randy, a man whose unsettling presence makes Tyler feel as if his thoughts are being twisted.

Desperate to break free, Tyler relies on his stellar academic record, his uncanny knack for winning people over, and his secret love for Rosalie Gatell, the brilliant and beautiful daughter of a legendary climate activist. Rosalie is still grieving her father’s death, and Tyler has promised to never attend the Maine university where he taught—to always be there for her.

But when Uncle Randy dangles an irresistible scholarship offer, Tyler’s plans unravel, dragging him back to the one place he swore he’d never go. As inexplicable events begin to threaten the fabric of his reality, he must fight to maintain his sanity—and discover whether it’s true that you can’t go home again.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Young Adult, Novella, Magical Realism, Magic

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

Lisa 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

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel novella in the Lost Garden series tells Tyler’s story in the weeks leading up to the events at the beginning of An Island Strange and Wild. You finally learn about Tyler’s Uncle Randy and the relationship they have, as well as how Tyler really feels about Rosalie.

I found the novella to be informative and well as entertaining. It was good to get to know Tyler, because while not being exactly present in An Island, he was definitely a big part of the story.

Enjoyable and fun to read, this novella is a great addition to the series.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel for An Island Strange and Wild. This book is from Tyler’s POV. As all is set on course we get to experience the early magic and secrecy that flow so heavily through AISAW. That said, Tyler has had a hard life and it’s emotional to see all of that through his eyes, even in a novella. As this builds up the world of book 1, you should be prepared to have many questions unanswered by the end. 😊 Just drive straight into An Island Strange and Wild as it’s already published!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Promise Bright and Fragile is the prequel to An Island Strange and Wild by Lisa Amowitz. When Lisa announced that she would be writing a prequel focused on Tyler, I was over the moon. If you read the first book, you would know that we lost Tyler early on under mysterious circumstances, and his death broke all of our hearts. We all knew that Tyler had more to tell us, but until now, we thought we would never hear his story.

While I was excited to read Tyler’s story, it utterly breaks my heart that he never got to tell Rosalie how he felt and explore something more profound than their friendship. Learning about Tyler’s uncanny ability was fascinating and made total sense. We also knew he was unhappy with his foster parents, but until now, we didn’t know to what degree a sorry excuse they were.

Ugh - Uncle Randy. Could I dislike a character more than this guy? Doubtful. The ease at which he manipulates and gaslights people is sickening, and watching him strip away Tyler’s defenses made me so angry. Man, I hate this guy.

I would definitely recommend reading them in the order they were released because it could take away some of the suspense from An Island Strange and Wild. I look forward to book three! There is going to be a book three, right?!

Thank you to Lisa Amowitz for gifting me an eARC of A Promise Bright and Fragile. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest. I don't usually enjoy novellas. Generally, I find that they don't give me the time to truly connect with the characters like I usually do. The exceptions are when said novellas are part of a series where I am already connected to the world, characters, or storyline. A Promise Bright and Fragile certainly fits the bill with that! I absolutely loved getting a visit to the world of Saltain, even if we really didn't get to visit the island this time. I loved getting to know Tyler better and learning his perspective but it truly breaks my heart that he and Rosalie never got the chance to tell each other how they felt and explore a deeper relationship. I really enjoyed the characters that Tyler meets at the University of Maine. And, I truly despise Randy even more for the way he uses his abilities to manipulate and gaslight everyone, but especially with Tyler. Lisa Amowitz's writing truly has a way of pulling you into the story and have you live there. Now, I'm even more anxious to get to book 2 of this series!!

[One Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel to An Island Strange and Wild, this book tells the short story of Tyler, Rosalie's friend and secret crush who later dies unexpectedly. The book provides a brief overview of Tyler's background story, his adoptive family, and his connections with Salttain Island. By reading this book, I gain insight into Tyler's relationship with Randy and his feelings towards Rosalie.

Reading Tyler's story, even though it was short, was a pleasant experience. Because in the first book, Tyler plays such a big part of the story, but he’s barely present.

The power of the first book's villain is briefly demonstrated in this book. Even though he only shows a small part of his power, his evil aura is more noticeable than it was in the first book. His presence triggers a deep sense of fear in me. He is indeed that dangerous.

Despite being a prequel, I believe it's best to avoid reading it before the first book as it can be a spoiler.

Generally speaking, it was a quick, engaging, and informative read.

[BookReviewMystic | Tabitha S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved An Island Strange & Wild, so I was very excited to read A Promise Bright & Fragile. It did not disappoint!

Tyler is a normal high school boy... that can’t remember his childhood or anything about the place he was born. He also has a super creepy/scary “uncle” and crippling internal struggle because he wants all the things he can’t have (even though he deserves it all!).

When Creepy Uncle Randy shows up offering Tyler something he wants, a wild ride ensues! Tyler fights for his life over and over while trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not.

Just like Island, Lisa does a superb job weaving an intricate story that kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
A Promise Bright & Fragile is a prequel to An Island Strange & Wild (I highly recommend reading Island first).

[Zaonic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very grateful for this short novella by Lisa Amowitz to help the reader understand more about Tyler's past leading up to the events in An island Strange and Wild.

It was a good, short read that filled in a few gaps. It was not as good as an Island strange and wild, though that's not to say that the writing was an issue, just more so that the allure of Randy's Mysteriousness had already been addressed so it seemed a bit redundant. I did enjoy Tyler's POV, I'm a little bit mad at him for haven taken so long to figure everything out. And I'm mad about what happens in Island.

This is not a must read, but if you're a fan of Tyler's in the first book, you should give this little novella a spin.

[Samantha Gagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise Bright and Fragile, by Lisa Amowitz, is the prequel novella to An Island Strange and Wild.

Since the first book left me absolutely quaking for more, and I had so many questions about our dear Tyler, this was the perfect follow-up to Island. Not only does it answer many of my questions and helps fill the time while I wait to read A Secret Deep and Savage, it shows a great depth to Tyler’s character that we wouldn’t have otherwise.

For being a short and sweet novella, it was a whole mind-bending trip that was equal parts stressful and heart wrenching, horrifying and tragic.

I can’t say too much more without spoiling the first book and/or this novella, but once you’ve read An Island Strange and Wild, PLEASE do yourself the favour and pick this one up. You’ll thank me.

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel to An Island Strange and Wild sees us get answers about Tyler and Randy.
I really like prequels as they give us insights to certain characters that aren't in the main books. I really enjoyed it, the writing has the same vibes as the first book and I just love that vibe. Lisa Amowitz knows how to capture her audience. I loved reading about Tyler, seeing how he got to where he was in An Island Strange and Wild was great, I just loved seeing him and learning about his relationship with Randy.
I felt it was fantastic insight and definitely prequel that needs to be read for the extra information.

[Vickiec192 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read really thick books as I feel like it allows more space for a well rounded story, however, this is a definite exception to the rule.
This is a fairly short story, however, it is absolutely packed full of all the things!!!! Really interesting characters, very complex and one in particular has so much depth and intrigue without much of a description.
The story is so eerie and has plenty of mystery. The writing is really clever and this story flows so well. I was hooked from the start and read all this in one sitting. I will definitely be reading the sequel.
If you like creepy books filled with intrigue and mystery, add this one to your TBR!!!

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up when I grabbed the first in the series but was advised, even though it’s a prequel, to read after book one, and I have to agree with that. Seeing the start of the story with Tyler, and knowing, having read the first book all the things to watch out for, I was enthralled and excited to dive into this world more and learn a little bit of the backstory. Tyler and his fight against his uncle just made the world richer and more real and engaging, pulling you into the lore, the world, and everything within it. Very much recommended, and have to agree with advice to read book one first, and then the prequel!

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this prequel to An Island Strange and Wild! Having this peak into Tyler's time just before his meet with Rosalie broadens the opportunity to connect with him as a character and honestly, I didn't know I needed that! It also brought some affirmations to things I had somewhat suspected, but I will say it makes the punch that much harder to take - iykyk! Amowitz does a great job of building that momentum to pull you in and keep you on edge needing to know what happens next!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella prequel to The Lost Garden series; thanks to the author for providing a galley to read. It was interesting to get a glimpse into Tyler’s experience. I was left with questions about the other characters he faced at UMaine and felt like things weren’t fully answered, but perhaps it’s because it’s a prequel?

[Monica Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a treat to find the backstory of Tyler and get some background for An Island Strange and Wild. It was a weird experience reading this prequel. When Tyler was in those brain fogs it almost made me go into them too it was so real. I enjoyed this prequel and can’t wait for book 3.

[Kate Lorentzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it- I feel as though the writing was even better than an island strange and wild! It was a little cringy and made me despise Randy’s character even more. Good prequel but please do not skip the main attraction!

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little story that gave us more information about this world and new characters. I really enjoyed this small story. Although I do think you could probably skip it if you really wanted to. It does add a layer of extra to the overall story.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint, I really wanted to read about Tyler’s POV and this is it! I wish his story was longer, but I enjoyed the new characters and the suspense behind his “uncle”. Love Love Love. It!

[Sandy Auld · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me this is the epitome of a tragedy. Lisa knocks it out of the park by letting you in on Tyler and how a little bit of his story intertwines with Rosalie.

Lisa put together a prequel to help the Tyler craving that needs to be filled.

[Lee Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning more about Tyler. The insight of his his home life and his “Uncle” Randy makes what happens to him, even sadder. A must read Prequel to An Island Strange and Wild

[Kayla Chitwood Harned · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a prequel for An Island Strange and Wild, I completely recommend reading it in the order the books were published, so it doesn't spoil any of the feels you will have while reading book 1.
I was excited to read from Tyler's POV, but this story broke my heart even more for him. I still have questions. Thank you Lisa Amowitz for this ebook, as an ARC read. I'm glad I only have to wait a couple days to read book 2, A Secret Deep and Savage.

[Janett L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this Novella to be very creative and giving just a look into the start of the young man we will grow to love in the Island Strange and Wild. It was steange but very exciting.

[Kar Wils · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get the start of the world building in this prequel. This book is more from Tyler's POV and you see what he goes through and his feelings. I am very excited to see where this series goes!

[jessi_reading_corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promise bright and fragile is a prequel to An Island Strange and Wild.

It is told from Tyler's POV, where it is told weeks in advance leading up to the events that happen in the beginning of An Island Strange and Wild.
You learn about Tyler's weird relationship with Uncle Randy - who isn't really his Uncle. (He gives me the ick)
And how he really feels about Rosalie. 😍

With the many twists and turns surrounding Tyler, his Uncle and his need to get back home.
I felt for Tyler living in a 'tin can' with his foster mother and father. And bred dobermans, you could tell they were there for the welfare check and nothing else..
No wonder he wants to get out in the world and hopefully get that scholarship and finally get closer to his island, his home.

Such an alluring novel. I found it very intoxicating, with the many plot twists that I couldn't quite get my head around. A little confusing here and there, but I was still turning the pages, needing to know more.
The actions of characters' growth, the way they acted, why they did it, it all made sense, and no sense at the same time. There is so much attention to detail in all of the descriptions.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good prequel I love all the information we got in a short book but would recommend reading after an island strange and wild b/c it would give stuff away

[Sweetpea4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

great intro to the series. Loved the world building and Tyler's ability!