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Involuted: The Tale of the Red Ribbon Tree
For Eliza, life is finally starting to go her way. She landed a spot on the varsity basketball team and everyone in school is starting to notice her—even her crush Chris. Milo can’t catch a break. Inside his video games he’s a hero, but in the real world he gets bullied and Eliza, the girl of his dreams, doesn’t know he exists.Life takes a turn for the weird when they both get pulled into their school book report via a hidden portal. Eliza and Milo find themselves in an enchanted, lawless land and with no clue how to return to their own world.The two meet Professor Quigley, an odd little man who tells them the way out of Involutia lies in their own hands. But first they have to survive The Hollow—a forest filled with sinister surprises.Nothing could be worse for Eliza—she’s pursued by goblins, a vengeful dragon, and sadistic creatures that thrive on high stakes, especially ones involving her. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s paired up with a nerd from school. For Milo, nothing could be better—he’s in his element, he’s inexplicably good at sword fighting, and Eliza is counting on him to save the day.They make some unlikely friends and enduring bonds along the way. But as they finally near the end of their perilous journey, someone appears and delivers a revelation. Eliza and Milo are forced to choose between their own desires and saving Involutia from an eternity of despair.
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2014
6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Brittni Chenelle
29 books823 followersBrittni Chenelle is a USA Today Bestselling Multicultural Fantasy Author who specializes in multi-POV romances and the angsty enemies-to-lovers trope. She loves to explore the blurred lines between good and evil and believes wholeheartedly in a great story's ability to bring people together.
When she's not writing, she can be found at her home in South Korea where she spends far too much time consuming coffee, dark chocolate, and videos of animals doing human things.
Visit www.BrittniChenelle.com to browse her complete catalog, including upcoming books.
When she's not writing, she can be found at her home in South Korea where she spends far too much time consuming coffee, dark chocolate, and videos of animals doing human things.
Visit www.BrittniChenelle.com to browse her complete catalog, including upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 23, 2020
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Brittni Chenelle for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
Now, this is technically my second story from Brittni Chenelle, but this also happens to be one of the first stories written by Chenelle. In addition, she also mentioned that this is for her youngest audience, so I will treat it as such.
The premise of this story was very cute, and I enjoyed that we got to see how going into a fantasy world could affect two very different people in very different ways. We have Eliza Brooks, who is on the basketball team at school and is a pretty stellar athlete but also seems to be a little shy off the court. On the other hand, we have Milo Hawkins, supposed “goth” but also really great at video games. In fact, I feel like his prowess in video games may have been the tipping point on the outcome of this journey.
Somehow, both Eliza and Milo were sucked into a book called “Involutia”, which brought them into the world also called Involutia, where they run into a… let’s call him a nutty professor. From there, they spend what seems like a long period of time trying to find their way home, but also having some side adventures along the way. While Milo learns how to be a warrior in one world, Eliza somehow meets a group of Elves that try to teach her how to be an archer.
For an earlier novel of Chenelle’s, I believe that it was a great early novel. While there were some pacing issues that I had with the novel myself, I don’t think it took away from the story as a whole. A lot of the main action took place towards the ending of the novel, and I think I was more intrigued with that part of the story than the other parts. However, I do think that seeing Eliza and Milo on their own for a time was interesting because we were able to see how they would fare on their own in a dangerous world. Even though they weren’t alone in Involutia itself, they still had to learn how to battle, protect others and themselves in a strange land.
For the amount of time that we do get to see Milo and Eliza on their own, I feel like they were able to grow a bit on their own. Eliza was able to see how the effects of the events of Involutia hundreds of years ago left an impression on others like elves and their mistrust of humans. Milo was able to bond with other young men like him and come together to protect their land – even if it wasn’t his to begin with. When they came back together on their journey, they were able to learn how to read each other and trust each other more than they ever did before. Even with the professor as a wildcard factor throughout the entire journey, with a lost memory and seemingly sporadic mood swings, the story came together in the end.
I would say that one of my main issues with the book – and this is more for me personally – is how much Milo would focus on Eliza’s physical appearance. Legs, cleavage, legs, cleavage. I understand that he is somewhat young, and yes I’m sure that Eliza has a beautiful body especially since she’s athletic, but it also made me wonder whether or not it really was love that he had for Eliza for as long as he believed, or if he was just infatuated by her beauty. While it may have started off as a physical reaction, I believe that Chenelle was able to show the growth and development of what real budding love could be.
I’ve heard such great things about the audiobook from other reviews, and I’m curious to listen to it! Again, this is another Chenelle book that I enjoyed and I believe that others will enjoy it as well.
Now, this is technically my second story from Brittni Chenelle, but this also happens to be one of the first stories written by Chenelle. In addition, she also mentioned that this is for her youngest audience, so I will treat it as such.
The premise of this story was very cute, and I enjoyed that we got to see how going into a fantasy world could affect two very different people in very different ways. We have Eliza Brooks, who is on the basketball team at school and is a pretty stellar athlete but also seems to be a little shy off the court. On the other hand, we have Milo Hawkins, supposed “goth” but also really great at video games. In fact, I feel like his prowess in video games may have been the tipping point on the outcome of this journey.
Somehow, both Eliza and Milo were sucked into a book called “Involutia”, which brought them into the world also called Involutia, where they run into a… let’s call him a nutty professor. From there, they spend what seems like a long period of time trying to find their way home, but also having some side adventures along the way. While Milo learns how to be a warrior in one world, Eliza somehow meets a group of Elves that try to teach her how to be an archer.
For an earlier novel of Chenelle’s, I believe that it was a great early novel. While there were some pacing issues that I had with the novel myself, I don’t think it took away from the story as a whole. A lot of the main action took place towards the ending of the novel, and I think I was more intrigued with that part of the story than the other parts. However, I do think that seeing Eliza and Milo on their own for a time was interesting because we were able to see how they would fare on their own in a dangerous world. Even though they weren’t alone in Involutia itself, they still had to learn how to battle, protect others and themselves in a strange land.
For the amount of time that we do get to see Milo and Eliza on their own, I feel like they were able to grow a bit on their own. Eliza was able to see how the effects of the events of Involutia hundreds of years ago left an impression on others like elves and their mistrust of humans. Milo was able to bond with other young men like him and come together to protect their land – even if it wasn’t his to begin with. When they came back together on their journey, they were able to learn how to read each other and trust each other more than they ever did before. Even with the professor as a wildcard factor throughout the entire journey, with a lost memory and seemingly sporadic mood swings, the story came together in the end.
I would say that one of my main issues with the book – and this is more for me personally – is how much Milo would focus on Eliza’s physical appearance. Legs, cleavage, legs, cleavage. I understand that he is somewhat young, and yes I’m sure that Eliza has a beautiful body especially since she’s athletic, but it also made me wonder whether or not it really was love that he had for Eliza for as long as he believed, or if he was just infatuated by her beauty. While it may have started off as a physical reaction, I believe that Chenelle was able to show the growth and development of what real budding love could be.
I’ve heard such great things about the audiobook from other reviews, and I’m curious to listen to it! Again, this is another Chenelle book that I enjoyed and I believe that others will enjoy it as well.
March 12, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
This was such an amazing story! The premise, the characters, the plot, the writing, the twists —it was all incredible. I honestly can think of nothing that could have been done better. The author really sucks you into this story within the story, taking us into a fantasy world with two heroes who couldn’t be any more different from each other. I enjoyed reading every single page, and definitely recommend it to anyone who is into YA fantasy - believe me, its incredible!
This was such an amazing story! The premise, the characters, the plot, the writing, the twists —it was all incredible. I honestly can think of nothing that could have been done better. The author really sucks you into this story within the story, taking us into a fantasy world with two heroes who couldn’t be any more different from each other. I enjoyed reading every single page, and definitely recommend it to anyone who is into YA fantasy - believe me, its incredible!
December 3, 2020
Fast-paced and exciting!!
**Presented with an ARC by the author via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review.**
This book may be written for middle school readers, but true to Brittni Chenelle, it has a little bit of everything for anyone who would pick it up. Eliza Brooks is a hell of a point forward (for those of you unfamiliar with the term, look up Scottie Pipen), and then we’ve got Milo Hawkins who is an avid gamer and visual artist with a preferred medium of charcoal.
Before I get into the story at large, I want to say how much I appreciate a story where the basketball and video game action scenes feel natural, as if they’ve been written by someone who has personal and intimate experience with both. It’s quite a treat.
A magic in the real world meets fantasy, where it is a book that guides you into the world and lures you deeper. Readers who’ve enjoyed Jumanji, Harry Potter, and those is us who remember the original Ghost Writer tv show from the early to mid 90s will certainly love this book. Brittni writes with such fluid grace that you forget you’re reading a book.
For the young adult and adult readers: fans of Brittni Chenelle’s other works, as well as, A.D. Winter, Mary Dan, and Stephanie Rowe will love this book.
For the middle school readers: If you’ve read R.L. Stein, Marguerite Henry, Nancy Drew, or The Babysitter’s Club, you will enjoy this book. (It’s been a while since I’ve been to a scholastic fair, you’ll have to forgive me if the references I made are a touch out of date.)
**Presented with an ARC by the author via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review.**
This book may be written for middle school readers, but true to Brittni Chenelle, it has a little bit of everything for anyone who would pick it up. Eliza Brooks is a hell of a point forward (for those of you unfamiliar with the term, look up Scottie Pipen), and then we’ve got Milo Hawkins who is an avid gamer and visual artist with a preferred medium of charcoal.
Before I get into the story at large, I want to say how much I appreciate a story where the basketball and video game action scenes feel natural, as if they’ve been written by someone who has personal and intimate experience with both. It’s quite a treat.
A magic in the real world meets fantasy, where it is a book that guides you into the world and lures you deeper. Readers who’ve enjoyed Jumanji, Harry Potter, and those is us who remember the original Ghost Writer tv show from the early to mid 90s will certainly love this book. Brittni writes with such fluid grace that you forget you’re reading a book.
For the young adult and adult readers: fans of Brittni Chenelle’s other works, as well as, A.D. Winter, Mary Dan, and Stephanie Rowe will love this book.
For the middle school readers: If you’ve read R.L. Stein, Marguerite Henry, Nancy Drew, or The Babysitter’s Club, you will enjoy this book. (It’s been a while since I’ve been to a scholastic fair, you’ll have to forgive me if the references I made are a touch out of date.)
January 5, 2021
Just a couple of ordinary kids suddenly finding themselves in an extraordinary situation. Modern kids thrown into a dream fantasy world - with a bit of a dark side. Lots of adventure, plenty of humor, and a little bit of romance. In keeping the the target audience, there isn't too much gore and the romance stays clean. It has a very classic middle grade fantasy feel and I think would appeal to anyone who likes books in that genre. It can be predictable in parts if you have read a lot of these books, but managed to mix it up and keep it fresh and entertaining.
If you have read any of Chenelle's other books, this one is younger, lighter, more straightforward but still written in her engaging style. It was a fast read I didn't want to put down. This is a standalone in a very richly imagined universe. You can tell there was a lot of thought that went into this book and plenty of teasers about a bigger story this fits into. Much enjoyed and surprising read!
If you have read any of Chenelle's other books, this one is younger, lighter, more straightforward but still written in her engaging style. It was a fast read I didn't want to put down. This is a standalone in a very richly imagined universe. You can tell there was a lot of thought that went into this book and plenty of teasers about a bigger story this fits into. Much enjoyed and surprising read!
March 25, 2022
3.5/5 Stars
High schoolers Milo and Eliza each receive a book with their names in it. These books transport them to a magical realm, where they become the main characters.
I was uncertain about this book for the first half. I listened to the audiobook, and while I loved the voice acting, I felt like I needed to listen to some passages multiple times. As much as I love romances, I didn't exactly like the blooming relationship between our leads. Milo just kept mentioning how hot Eliza looked, and Eliza herself didn't seem to care about a relationship. But then love factored into one part of their adventure, and suddenly love mattered to each of them.
I did like the twist that came near the end. I wasn't expecting it. I am a little disappointed that there isn't a sequel, simply due to a small prophetic story that was told. I'd love for Brittni to continue Milo and Eliza's story at some point!
High schoolers Milo and Eliza each receive a book with their names in it. These books transport them to a magical realm, where they become the main characters.
I was uncertain about this book for the first half. I listened to the audiobook, and while I loved the voice acting, I felt like I needed to listen to some passages multiple times. As much as I love romances, I didn't exactly like the blooming relationship between our leads. Milo just kept mentioning how hot Eliza looked, and Eliza herself didn't seem to care about a relationship. But then love factored into one part of their adventure, and suddenly love mattered to each of them.
I did like the twist that came near the end. I wasn't expecting it. I am a little disappointed that there isn't a sequel, simply due to a small prophetic story that was told. I'd love for Brittni to continue Milo and Eliza's story at some point!
November 22, 2020
Can he save her or will she save him?
So this is a cute little story about Milo and Eliza. Milo has watched Eliza from afar, never quite getting up the courage to approach her. Eliza is the star of the girls basketball team and has her eye on Chris, another athlete. Due to her grades falling she ends up grounded until she finishes a book report.
She ends up with a mysterious book that when she opens it she sees her name in it. She ends up in the world of the book and runs into Milo there. They end up on a quest in an effort to get back home. On their adventure they have a lot of miscommunication and seem to assume they know what the other one is thinking.
This is just a bit of the adventure and if you like dragons and goblins then this could be a book for you.
This book seems to be written for the young reader.
So this is a cute little story about Milo and Eliza. Milo has watched Eliza from afar, never quite getting up the courage to approach her. Eliza is the star of the girls basketball team and has her eye on Chris, another athlete. Due to her grades falling she ends up grounded until she finishes a book report.
She ends up with a mysterious book that when she opens it she sees her name in it. She ends up in the world of the book and runs into Milo there. They end up on a quest in an effort to get back home. On their adventure they have a lot of miscommunication and seem to assume they know what the other one is thinking.
This is just a bit of the adventure and if you like dragons and goblins then this could be a book for you.
This book seems to be written for the young reader.
June 12, 2019
This was such a cute read. I loved the idea of Involutia and the Red Ribbon Tree. The plot was well written and the characters were fun to read. This book starts with Eliza and Milo in the real world. Milo has been crushing on Eliza for years, but Eliza barely knows he exists. When two mysterious books appear, these two teens find themselves in the deserted land of Involutia. The only person they can find, a professor, has lost his memory and isn't much help. Together, Milo and Eliza have to learn to write their own story and have faith in themselves and each other.
September 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this YA fantasy. Since I got to listen to a beta version of the audio book, this is a review for the audio version. Brittni Chenelle has a great story with some fun character development. At first Eliza drove me crazy, but she started to grow on me as the book progressed. I enjoyed seeing his character progression as well. This is a book with real-world teenagers who are transported to another realm and have to learn to cope with the situation. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but if you like YA, definitely give this one a try.
December 18, 2019
This story was really a clean YA story. The story is told by Eliza and Milo’s POV. The story begins from the current time and then transports them to a whole other world. The world is filled of awesome creatures. It follows their journey in this unique world where they have to write their own story. I enjoyed the story and thought it was cute.
I listened to the audiobook and thought it was okay. I thought the intro and ending was cute as well. It’s not often where you find a audiblebook that has two songs. ❤️
I listened to the audiobook and thought it was okay. I thought the intro and ending was cute as well. It’s not often where you find a audiblebook that has two songs. ❤️
June 15, 2020
Red Ribbon Tree is delightful.
While the story is nothing like The Neverending Story and Princess Bride, I could not help but think of those books while I was reading Red Ribbon Tree. It's got that same vibe. A grand adventure ensues based on books.
The story is well written and inventive. The words leap off the page in a visual display. You really could read this together with your kids.
While the story is nothing like The Neverending Story and Princess Bride, I could not help but think of those books while I was reading Red Ribbon Tree. It's got that same vibe. A grand adventure ensues based on books.
The story is well written and inventive. The words leap off the page in a visual display. You really could read this together with your kids.
August 6, 2022
Good read for mid- to high- schoolers but...
This is a great adventure read for 5th-12th graders but, as an adult waaay out of that range, I really liked it too! It's definitely engrossing enough for all ages. It's like Wizard of Oz meets The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe.
It's emotional, suspenseful, mysterious, and intriguing. Great read!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
This is a great adventure read for 5th-12th graders but, as an adult waaay out of that range, I really liked it too! It's definitely engrossing enough for all ages. It's like Wizard of Oz meets The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe.
It's emotional, suspenseful, mysterious, and intriguing. Great read!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
December 26, 2018
I really liked this as a Middle Grade novel. I love how it starts in the real world and moves into a fantasy world and returns. I don't know what exactly to compare it to. Maybe The school of Good and Evil or Narnia. This author has gotten better since this book but this will always be a classic on my shelf.
July 13, 2020
Wonderful
I enjoyed this book greatly. The right amount of high school angst to relate to. A lot of discovery of self and character growth. The couple find each other. The other thing missing is a good sequel. The author gave enough conclusion to not need a sequel but it would be fun to continue the story.
I enjoyed this book greatly. The right amount of high school angst to relate to. A lot of discovery of self and character growth. The couple find each other. The other thing missing is a good sequel. The author gave enough conclusion to not need a sequel but it would be fun to continue the story.
December 6, 2020
Honestly I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. However I was pleasantly surprised with how it engrossed me from beginning to end. Brittni Chenelle was a new author to me and I'm glad I found her. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who loves Sex and darker themes. Overall I really enjoyed reading this.
January 10, 2020
My review is based on the audiobook. This is a wonderful story. I thought it was original and a really interesting storyline. I enjoyed the characters and the narrator was great at bringing them to life. I look forward to more by this author
February 3, 2021
Super sweet story full of heart. I really enjoyed this tale of adventure and finding oneself. Loved so much about this book the sweet love story, the battles, adventure, and of course the red ribbon tree!!!
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December 17, 2020
this book is fabulous!! great imagination and beautifully written
March 19, 2020
Milo is a shy gamer and artist who has a crush on the super athletic and popular girl Eliza. When they both find a book that turns into a portal to Involutia they have to put aside their differences and find a way home.
In the world of Involutia books are not only tools to learn from but literal portals to other realms. Milo and Eliza fall into a book that transports them to a world they have never seen before. Their quest to go home turns from just saving themselves to saving all of Involutia.
This middle grade novel has adorable character building with enough preteen awkwardness to make even fighting dragons feel realistic. Milo and Eliza must discover what it means to be strong in their own ways and just how far they are willing to go to get home.
A mix between a Percy Jackson and Narnia feel, this split POV will have your heart cringing and cheering at the same time. Starting off in the "real world" Milo and Eliza are practically strangers but they have to set that aside and work together to escape dark forests, wars, dragons, elven adventures and a magic library all in search of the Red Ribbon Tree.
In the world of Involutia books are not only tools to learn from but literal portals to other realms. Milo and Eliza fall into a book that transports them to a world they have never seen before. Their quest to go home turns from just saving themselves to saving all of Involutia.
This middle grade novel has adorable character building with enough preteen awkwardness to make even fighting dragons feel realistic. Milo and Eliza must discover what it means to be strong in their own ways and just how far they are willing to go to get home.
A mix between a Percy Jackson and Narnia feel, this split POV will have your heart cringing and cheering at the same time. Starting off in the "real world" Milo and Eliza are practically strangers but they have to set that aside and work together to escape dark forests, wars, dragons, elven adventures and a magic library all in search of the Red Ribbon Tree.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews