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Curiosity #1
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle
What If You Woke Up In Someone Else's Life?
When Gabrielle moves to the small town of Envisage, she finds herself drawn to a hidden antique shop and its mysterious owner. A strange gift sends Gabrielle back in time, placing her in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil, where she’s unraveling history’s darkest secrets.
But when demons appear, can Gabrielle fight to keep her dream adventure or will her life become a living nightmare.
When Gabrielle moves to the small town of Envisage, she finds herself drawn to a hidden antique shop and its mysterious owner. A strange gift sends Gabrielle back in time, placing her in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil, where she’s unraveling history’s darkest secrets.
But when demons appear, can Gabrielle fight to keep her dream adventure or will her life become a living nightmare.
251 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2015
47 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Zachary Paul Chopchinski
20 books129 followersZachary is a bow tie wearing, formal vest rocking, pocket watch using, sarcastic monster of a writer. Currently residing in Orlando, Florida, he spends his days working, writing and procrastinating.
Coupled with being an award winning author of Young Adult Fiction, Zach spends his days trying not to kill himself with lethal levels of caffeine.
Zach is the author of the Gabrielle series, a young adult fantasy with a paranormal-historical-time traveling twist (try saying that five times fast), and Webley and The World Machine, a Steampunk adventure with snarky yet loveable characters.
Coupled with being an award winning author of Young Adult Fiction, Zach spends his days trying not to kill himself with lethal levels of caffeine.
Zach is the author of the Gabrielle series, a young adult fantasy with a paranormal-historical-time traveling twist (try saying that five times fast), and Webley and The World Machine, a Steampunk adventure with snarky yet loveable characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 6, 2016
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. The copy I received was not the final copy, but rather the one issued to beta readers.
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle by Zachary Paul Chopchinski is a young adult novel that blends historical fiction and magical realism. In the novel, the protagonist, Gabrielle, is given a magical bracelet that allows her to transport through time and place to experience the lives of the bracelet's previous wearers through their eyes. This novel is the first in the series, and it covers how Gabrielle receives the bracelet and the first wearer's life.
Right away, the reader is fond of Gabrielle. She is spunky, curious, and intelligent (as exhibited by the sophisticated tone and vocabulary of the narrator). When faced with situations that would terrify most young people, Gabrielle displays boldness and compassion. Like Gabrielle, the supporting characters have distinct personalities. The three key supporting characters: Alexandra, Heather, and Fionn, are well-developed and each have clear motives in the novel. Their relationships to Gabrielle are purposeful and emotional.
The plot of the novel moves quickly, but the fast pace is comfortable to the reader given the amount of action in the novel. There is rarely a dull moment as Gabrielle moves from one experience to another and slowly learns about the power of the bracelet. Without providing spoilers, I will say that the ending of the main plot leaves a few questions for the reader and the stakes do not feel as "high" to the reader as they may to Gabrielle. However, the ultimate ending of the novel is a strong cliffhanger that will leave the reader anxious for the next book.
During my beta read of the novel, I only had three criticisms. First, there are times where the writing did more "telling" than "showing." Second, the point of view varied slightly between third-person limited and third-person omniscient, which can make emotional scenes somewhat jumbled. Third, the specific settings of the novel (Gabrielle's hometown and the place she is transported) are unclear. However, the vagueness of Gabrielle's hometown contributes to the novel's sense of timelessness, and the place she is transported is discernible by a reader with sound historical knowledge.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed The Curious Tale of Gabrielle. Chopchinski's writing style contributes to the timelessness of the novel as well as Gabrielle's intellectual sophistication. Gabrielle, herself, is everything a young girl wants to be, and her adventure is exhilarating, moving, and when necessary, scary. With a bit more writing experience, Chopchinski will easily overcome my few technical criticisms, but regardless, I have full confidence that the rest of the series will be just as fun and engaging as this first novel.
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle by Zachary Paul Chopchinski is a young adult novel that blends historical fiction and magical realism. In the novel, the protagonist, Gabrielle, is given a magical bracelet that allows her to transport through time and place to experience the lives of the bracelet's previous wearers through their eyes. This novel is the first in the series, and it covers how Gabrielle receives the bracelet and the first wearer's life.
Right away, the reader is fond of Gabrielle. She is spunky, curious, and intelligent (as exhibited by the sophisticated tone and vocabulary of the narrator). When faced with situations that would terrify most young people, Gabrielle displays boldness and compassion. Like Gabrielle, the supporting characters have distinct personalities. The three key supporting characters: Alexandra, Heather, and Fionn, are well-developed and each have clear motives in the novel. Their relationships to Gabrielle are purposeful and emotional.
The plot of the novel moves quickly, but the fast pace is comfortable to the reader given the amount of action in the novel. There is rarely a dull moment as Gabrielle moves from one experience to another and slowly learns about the power of the bracelet. Without providing spoilers, I will say that the ending of the main plot leaves a few questions for the reader and the stakes do not feel as "high" to the reader as they may to Gabrielle. However, the ultimate ending of the novel is a strong cliffhanger that will leave the reader anxious for the next book.
During my beta read of the novel, I only had three criticisms. First, there are times where the writing did more "telling" than "showing." Second, the point of view varied slightly between third-person limited and third-person omniscient, which can make emotional scenes somewhat jumbled. Third, the specific settings of the novel (Gabrielle's hometown and the place she is transported) are unclear. However, the vagueness of Gabrielle's hometown contributes to the novel's sense of timelessness, and the place she is transported is discernible by a reader with sound historical knowledge.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed The Curious Tale of Gabrielle. Chopchinski's writing style contributes to the timelessness of the novel as well as Gabrielle's intellectual sophistication. Gabrielle, herself, is everything a young girl wants to be, and her adventure is exhilarating, moving, and when necessary, scary. With a bit more writing experience, Chopchinski will easily overcome my few technical criticisms, but regardless, I have full confidence that the rest of the series will be just as fun and engaging as this first novel.
June 2, 2017
an unexpected and interesting read. A lot shorter than I would usually pick up but having started books 2 I suspect it could have made a single book rather than three singular ones, we shall see.
A positive for the shortness was the pace at which the story moved, never a dull moment and I'm intrigued to read more.
A positive for the shortness was the pace at which the story moved, never a dull moment and I'm intrigued to read more.
June 29, 2016
Full review to come
April 13, 2017
The Curious Tale Of Gabrielle by Zachary Paul Chopchinski.
Thirteen-year-old Gabrielle was given a mysterious bracelet for her birthday. She went to bed as a normal teen but woke up in another time, as another person.
When demons appear, Gabrielle's dream adventure turns into anightmare. But is a nightmare adventure better than just existing in your mundane life?
A good read with good characters. Little slow in places. Netgalley and weaponry co-op.
Thirteen-year-old Gabrielle was given a mysterious bracelet for her birthday. She went to bed as a normal teen but woke up in another time, as another person.
When demons appear, Gabrielle's dream adventure turns into anightmare. But is a nightmare adventure better than just existing in your mundane life?
A good read with good characters. Little slow in places. Netgalley and weaponry co-op.
Read
September 28, 2016
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Debut novel, The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was intriguing and refreshingly original.
Gabrielle, a young girl with an inquisitive nature, ventures into an antique shop on her thirteenth birthday. The way the author describes the shop automatically made me think of a place I once explored in New Orleans called Arcadian Books & Prints. Here is a pic I snapped of my own curious adventures that day.
Gabrielle wonders through rows upon rows of old books and relics from the past. Stumbling upon an old secretaire. Where she finds a mysterious bracelet and meets the elderly shop owner, Alexandra. There is something peculiar about her but Gabriel is intrigued by the woman.
“Ah, but where are my manners? Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alexandra. This is my shop and my home. Il Gabinetto di Curiosita. Welcome, Miss Gabrielle.”
The next morning she realized that she had lost her father’s silver coin at the shop and goes to retrieve it. This is where the story gets a little crazy….don’t get me wrong it’s a good crazy.
I have to give it to the author though. The story is refreshing original and easy to follow. The first half was slow at times but then BAM. What. A. Ride. I couldn’t put it down. Anyway where was I?
After Gabrielle is gifted the bracelet, she soon realizes that things are not all that they seem. The bracelet holds mystic powers. Capable of transporting it’s owner into other places in time.
And so it is, that she awakens in a strange new place. With new people that oddly seems familiar to her.
Ok I’m going to stop there because I don’t believe in spoilers. The story picks up quickly after this. I wanted to scream at the book a few times. Action packed. The ending will blow you away.
Zachary Chopchinski well done. I can’t wait to read his next installment Curiosity and The Hounds of Arawn that released August 28th. If you haven’t seen his Facebook page I highly recommend checking it out. His videos are quite entertaining.
Favorite Scene: The King and the tower.
Favorite Quotes:
There are two types of ways to travel: either by a journey or an adventure. Now the difference between the two is that with an adventure, there is an inherent risk of danger. I like to think that with that danger comes excitement..."
"Stories need to be told...they need protecting...they are waiting...listen to them and speak with them..."
"Our past the most important part of us; what we have done often negates what we will do. If we cannot learn from our past, we are often doomed to repeat it."
July 19, 2017
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was my first book and I have a soft spot in my heart for it. The idea started back in 2012 when I saw an old antique bracelet and I couldn't help but to imagine all the history the bracelet had seen...one of those "if walls could talk" moments. I finally wrote my first draft of the book for NaNoWriMo in 2014 but it wouldn't be published until 2015.
My first copy of the book was awful. Well, ok maybe not awful...actually yeah that's what it was. I was so proud of this thing I had made that I jumped right to publishing without ever considering all the little things that go into it. I couldn't afford an editor or a cover artist, at the time, my wife and I were living in Maine, working 6 jobs between us and still barely making rent. We edited the book ourselves and paid for a cheap cover. Looking back on it, I probably should have waited until I had the money to actually put into the book, but at the time I was just so proud!
Despite the way we published it, I did get a lot of positive feedback from readers so I figured I must have done something right. Over the years I've polished up the editing, given the book a gorgeous new cover and put a little bit of money into marketing it.
Over the years I've learned a lot. I've learned that this series will always be hard to market because I made Gabrielle 13 which is considered Middle Grade but when she travels back in time and into the lives of other women, it's actually more of a Young Adult series (especially in some of the later books). I've learned that people really do judge a book by its cover, and that quality editing is EXTREMELY important. But most importantly I've learned that if you decide to take that jump, and follow your dreams, you may just find a hugely supportive group of friends to help you along the way. I'll tell you one thing I never imagined, I never imagined that I could make a business out of writing...but here I am, and it's all thanks to you! So thank you for taking the time to read my first baby and thank you for taking the time to read this long rant about how I got here.
-Zach Chopchinski, The Bowtie Author
My first copy of the book was awful. Well, ok maybe not awful...actually yeah that's what it was. I was so proud of this thing I had made that I jumped right to publishing without ever considering all the little things that go into it. I couldn't afford an editor or a cover artist, at the time, my wife and I were living in Maine, working 6 jobs between us and still barely making rent. We edited the book ourselves and paid for a cheap cover. Looking back on it, I probably should have waited until I had the money to actually put into the book, but at the time I was just so proud!
Despite the way we published it, I did get a lot of positive feedback from readers so I figured I must have done something right. Over the years I've polished up the editing, given the book a gorgeous new cover and put a little bit of money into marketing it.
Over the years I've learned a lot. I've learned that this series will always be hard to market because I made Gabrielle 13 which is considered Middle Grade but when she travels back in time and into the lives of other women, it's actually more of a Young Adult series (especially in some of the later books). I've learned that people really do judge a book by its cover, and that quality editing is EXTREMELY important. But most importantly I've learned that if you decide to take that jump, and follow your dreams, you may just find a hugely supportive group of friends to help you along the way. I'll tell you one thing I never imagined, I never imagined that I could make a business out of writing...but here I am, and it's all thanks to you! So thank you for taking the time to read my first baby and thank you for taking the time to read this long rant about how I got here.
-Zach Chopchinski, The Bowtie Author
June 15, 2016
An enjoyable plot and intriguing premise. I would have rated higher but I think this book need another few rounds of editing. It was small things like commas in the wrong part of a sentence, use of the word inferred rather than implied (easy mistake), and repeating the same word in one paragraph or even sentence rather than changing it up. I was a little unsure of the villain as well. He seemed a bit flat and he didn't even have a name. I also thought the love that Gabrielle had for Fionn and Heather was too sudden and I think more time spent developing the relationship should have happened. I would also have liked to have seen more of their world. Gabrielle is very interested in travel and history yet we don't explore much of the time and place she was sent back to. However I can see why the author kept it short; this book was the set up for the rest of the series. I think if it was a little longer, the setting explored, the villain fleshed out and the relationship built up I would have rated it at least 4 stars, 5 if I ignored the grammar issues. Zach Chopchinkski is clearly a very talented and imaginative writer and this was a good first novel. I will definitely get the sequel.
April 20, 2017
I'll start off by saying I received this eBook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was not what I expected. I have to say though, it was intriguing! I expected a time-travel adventure through the eyes of a thirteen year old girl, however what I got was definitely more than that. I was surprised with how dark the story got, but it gave the story a twist and made me feel for the characters. My only problem was some parts seemed off. I feel like it could have used a bit more editing, the way some moments were worded felt wrong or sounded weird, and there were some typos. All-in-all though, I liked it!
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was not what I expected. I have to say though, it was intriguing! I expected a time-travel adventure through the eyes of a thirteen year old girl, however what I got was definitely more than that. I was surprised with how dark the story got, but it gave the story a twist and made me feel for the characters. My only problem was some parts seemed off. I feel like it could have used a bit more editing, the way some moments were worded felt wrong or sounded weird, and there were some typos. All-in-all though, I liked it!
August 10, 2016
Really interesting story with excellent descriptive details. Something about it felt a bit like a short story to me. Maybe because not all of the characters felt completely fleshed out and I wasn't sure what time period the story started in. The writing was definitely on point as it seemed like each word had been perfectly chosen and perfectly placed to set the scene and create the mood. Thanks to the author and The Reading Room for providing me with a free copy.
May 4, 2015
I believe that this new author, Zach, is a true diamond in the rough. HIs first novel, The Curious Tale of Gabrielle, is a page turner. This story has had me captivated from page one. The author's unique writing skills make me thrilled to turn each page. I cannot wait for more!
April 15, 2017
Ooohhh this book was amazing! I loved the plot and the settings and the characters. I enjoyed how there were so many questions to be answered, but we learned them along the way instead of right away.
May 29, 2017
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
4 out of 5 stars
Curious indeed! The Curious Tale of Gabrielle is a smartly composed introduction to the Curiosity Series. The main character, Gabrielle, is an adventurous 13 year-old girl who is extremely close to her mother & father. Although neither parent make a real appearance in the book, their presence & importance to young Gabrielle is palpable - very important in a story such as this one.
Gabrielle takes off on an unbelievable, incredible adventure, one she must figure out on her own since those around her have no idea she is from some other place or some other time. As far as they know she is their little sister and friend. While traveling through this strange alternate (?) life she sees and hears things no one else can. I'm not going to lie, every time Gabrielle heard 'click' my skin crawled in anticipation.
Gabrielle is a strong, believable young heroine, extremely well-portrayed. Her actions and decisions ring with truth and I cannot wait to see where her adventures take us next!
**I received an electronic copy of this book from the author which I then chose to voluntarily review**
4 out of 5 stars
Curious indeed! The Curious Tale of Gabrielle is a smartly composed introduction to the Curiosity Series. The main character, Gabrielle, is an adventurous 13 year-old girl who is extremely close to her mother & father. Although neither parent make a real appearance in the book, their presence & importance to young Gabrielle is palpable - very important in a story such as this one.
Gabrielle takes off on an unbelievable, incredible adventure, one she must figure out on her own since those around her have no idea she is from some other place or some other time. As far as they know she is their little sister and friend. While traveling through this strange alternate (?) life she sees and hears things no one else can. I'm not going to lie, every time Gabrielle heard 'click' my skin crawled in anticipation.
Gabrielle is a strong, believable young heroine, extremely well-portrayed. Her actions and decisions ring with truth and I cannot wait to see where her adventures take us next!
**I received an electronic copy of this book from the author which I then chose to voluntarily review**
October 10, 2017
I just couldn't get involved in this book. The whole concept of the story sounded really good but unfortunately, for me, it just didn't deliver. With the main character Gabrielle being 13 years old, I would not class this book as Young Adult but rather as Middle Grade. I would have preferred more depth in the story as well as character development. This is probably a great read for younger readers but misses the mark for the YA genre.
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May 12, 2017I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I think this book was a really good start, although in the begining I was a bit confused abput what was happening it got better and I think that was part of the charm of the book.
The characters are very well written and my heart weeped for them as the story progressed, and that ending for Fionn and Heather! All I can say is WOW!
I can't wait to read the next book!
I think this book was a really good start, although in the begining I was a bit confused abput what was happening it got better and I think that was part of the charm of the book.
The characters are very well written and my heart weeped for them as the story progressed, and that ending for Fionn and Heather! All I can say is WOW!
I can't wait to read the next book!
June 28, 2017
Loved the audio book! In a two-dimensional format, a person has to make their mind build everything up in 3D. With someone narrating the story, that world is given a helping hand and suddenly more vibrant with color and character. Gabrielle Baker did a fabulous job creating a warm tone to the already fantastic revision of Chopchinski's inaugural story.
November 4, 2017
Good reading for this rainy day. waking up someone else deciding what needs to be done and what can be done to save the ones you love
Read
April 14, 2017YA tale of fantasy and adventure. Recommended for younger YA readers.
June 8, 2017
Wow! Amazing! The Curious Tale of Gabrielle will captivate you as you experience this wild adventure of an inquisitive preteen who is strong willed and determined to protect the ones that she loves against evil and demons. She will steal your heart.
On Gabriele's 13th birthday she is given a mysterious bracelet from the owner of the antique shop. This magical bracelet sends Gabrielle on an adventure back in time to a land of an evil kingdom.
King James is determined to have Heather, Gabrielle's sister, by his side for entertainment. Fionn, Moriigan and the villagers fight the king's demon soldiers to keep Heather safe.
I would recommend this book. Can't wait for book 2. I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.
On Gabriele's 13th birthday she is given a mysterious bracelet from the owner of the antique shop. This magical bracelet sends Gabrielle on an adventure back in time to a land of an evil kingdom.
King James is determined to have Heather, Gabrielle's sister, by his side for entertainment. Fionn, Moriigan and the villagers fight the king's demon soldiers to keep Heather safe.
I would recommend this book. Can't wait for book 2. I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.
September 4, 2017
Great YA mystery/time travel book. Gabrielle is an interesting main character to take us on her journey. She is always looking for adventure. She definitely gets it in her journey. This book is well written with well developed characters. The pace is perfect to introduce Gabrielle and to explain the unique elements of her journey. I will definitely be continuing this series.
June 12, 2016
I finished The Curious Tale of Gabrielle last night. Staying up until about 3 in the morning. Fair warning upfront, I follow Chopchinski on Tumblr and I picked up the book because of that; I also don’t think I am quite the target audience for it.
Gabrielle is about a girl who loves exploration and wants an adventure. On her 13th birthday she decides that she is going to buy something from the one shop in her town she has never been in. What she gets is a Curiosity - that will give her a very different life than she expected - one where the fight between good and evil is all too dangerously real.
The strength of Gabrielle is the plot. It’s got the tension and action down. I just wanted to keep going. This is especially true in the middle half of the book. It just rolls you right along once it gets going and you just need to know what is going to happen.
What didn’t work quite so well for me and which makes me suspect I am not the intended audience is the tonal / word choice for the book. While the plotting overcame it once it got going, the somewhat rambling style made it hard for me to get into. And I just kind of had the vague feeling of ‘get to it already’ the whole way through. Though I can’t say that that might not have helped in the long run.
I also had a difficult time pinning down the character of Gabrielle herself. She felt very much like the cypher for going through the story rather than someone who was exercising her own will and desire. Partly that was a beneficial element given the plot. But combined with the rambling style of the beginning, it made it hard for me to invest in her emotionally. I ended up investing in her adventure rather than her. Which sometimes made her actions feel scripted rather than natural - particularly late in the book.
But the adventure really did kind of make up for it all. And, while Gabrielle felt a little like an empty space, the secondary characters felt very comfortable. And her interacting with them really helped me get into the story. Her attachment to them felt very natural and helped me invest.
I definitely appreciated that, as dire and uncomfortable as the situation was, it was not graphic. I kept dreading that the description was going to get too adult compared to the language of the book but it never did. And with the announcement that this is the first book in a series, this book ends up feeling almost like the prologue to an ever grander adventure where I am just beginning to see Gabrielle’s character. The choice ends up being ours, do we want to follow Gabrielle and see what happens?
I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what to rate it. The plot absolutely gripped me, as I keep saying. Other parts felt like a mixed bag. But, in the end, if you’re intrigued by the premise of the book, yeah, I figure you’ll enjoy it. And I want to know what happens next enough that I’m going to pick up Curiosity and the Hounds of Arawn. Which I figure earns it 4 out of 5 stars.
Gabrielle is about a girl who loves exploration and wants an adventure. On her 13th birthday she decides that she is going to buy something from the one shop in her town she has never been in. What she gets is a Curiosity - that will give her a very different life than she expected - one where the fight between good and evil is all too dangerously real.
The strength of Gabrielle is the plot. It’s got the tension and action down. I just wanted to keep going. This is especially true in the middle half of the book. It just rolls you right along once it gets going and you just need to know what is going to happen.
What didn’t work quite so well for me and which makes me suspect I am not the intended audience is the tonal / word choice for the book. While the plotting overcame it once it got going, the somewhat rambling style made it hard for me to get into. And I just kind of had the vague feeling of ‘get to it already’ the whole way through. Though I can’t say that that might not have helped in the long run.
I also had a difficult time pinning down the character of Gabrielle herself. She felt very much like the cypher for going through the story rather than someone who was exercising her own will and desire. Partly that was a beneficial element given the plot. But combined with the rambling style of the beginning, it made it hard for me to invest in her emotionally. I ended up investing in her adventure rather than her. Which sometimes made her actions feel scripted rather than natural - particularly late in the book.
But the adventure really did kind of make up for it all. And, while Gabrielle felt a little like an empty space, the secondary characters felt very comfortable. And her interacting with them really helped me get into the story. Her attachment to them felt very natural and helped me invest.
I definitely appreciated that, as dire and uncomfortable as the situation was, it was not graphic. I kept dreading that the description was going to get too adult compared to the language of the book but it never did. And with the announcement that this is the first book in a series, this book ends up feeling almost like the prologue to an ever grander adventure where I am just beginning to see Gabrielle’s character. The choice ends up being ours, do we want to follow Gabrielle and see what happens?
I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what to rate it. The plot absolutely gripped me, as I keep saying. Other parts felt like a mixed bag. But, in the end, if you’re intrigued by the premise of the book, yeah, I figure you’ll enjoy it. And I want to know what happens next enough that I’m going to pick up Curiosity and the Hounds of Arawn. Which I figure earns it 4 out of 5 stars.
February 28, 2017
I enjoyed this story about a girl that received a bracelet that let her experience the stories of other people throughout history. This story was very well written. All of the characters were very well done and true to life. And the stories they had to tell were full of excitement, terror, and love. I just did not really like the choice that Gabrielle had to make at the end of the story.
March 31, 2016
I was given an advance reading copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Zach Chopchinski!
A lot of people don’t usually read the prologue, especially when it’s an explanation, but I did. The prologue was what intrigued me to the story more.
The story shows a young girl, Gabrielle, who is curious and adventurous. She wanders into an antiques shop which always made her wonder and meets Alexandra. Alexandra says that every item in her shop holds a story, which intrigues Gabrielle, and the reader, more.
The whole story is written in such a way that you yourself get that part-creeped, part-curious, part-scared feeling. The story includes spirits, travelling through lives channeling inanimate objects to view dead people’s lives and seeing what isn’t there.
The subtle change in writing style when Gabrielle was reliving someone else’s memories was just right for the part. You understand that something is different, and honestly I loved that part more-the story of a dead soul.
I loved the characters- each one had distinct personalities, well-defined mannerisms and it all came together beautifully.
The ending of the novel got to me- it was just perfect. I was, at first, a little hesitant about the thought of a sequel (because I knew there would be one) but the ending made me gape in surprise and shock, and wanting more.
The only problem I had was the writing style, which at times was too descriptive. Once I got used to that, I could delve into the story more.
I wouldn’t say this isn’t for the faint-hearted, but be ready to be a teeny bit scared/creeped while reading this.
A lot of people don’t usually read the prologue, especially when it’s an explanation, but I did. The prologue was what intrigued me to the story more.
The story shows a young girl, Gabrielle, who is curious and adventurous. She wanders into an antiques shop which always made her wonder and meets Alexandra. Alexandra says that every item in her shop holds a story, which intrigues Gabrielle, and the reader, more.
The whole story is written in such a way that you yourself get that part-creeped, part-curious, part-scared feeling. The story includes spirits, travelling through lives channeling inanimate objects to view dead people’s lives and seeing what isn’t there.
The subtle change in writing style when Gabrielle was reliving someone else’s memories was just right for the part. You understand that something is different, and honestly I loved that part more-the story of a dead soul.
I loved the characters- each one had distinct personalities, well-defined mannerisms and it all came together beautifully.
The ending of the novel got to me- it was just perfect. I was, at first, a little hesitant about the thought of a sequel (because I knew there would be one) but the ending made me gape in surprise and shock, and wanting more.
The only problem I had was the writing style, which at times was too descriptive. Once I got used to that, I could delve into the story more.
I wouldn’t say this isn’t for the faint-hearted, but be ready to be a teeny bit scared/creeped while reading this.
March 11, 2015
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle is unlike anything I have ever read!
In this original book, an adventurous young girl by the name of Gabrielle meets a strange old woman who gives her a very special gift for her birthday. After a whirlwind of very peculiar events, Gabrielle wakes up someplace she has never been to yet it seems as familiar as the faces of the strangers she sees next. Unsure if her life is real, a dream, or a nightmare, Gabrielle's head is filled with questions. When the truth is learnt, she has an important decision to make but is not given much time to decide.
I absolutely loved this well written mysterious story. The author has a good imagination. He knows how to keep a reader interested and wanting more. There was never a dull moment.
In this original book, an adventurous young girl by the name of Gabrielle meets a strange old woman who gives her a very special gift for her birthday. After a whirlwind of very peculiar events, Gabrielle wakes up someplace she has never been to yet it seems as familiar as the faces of the strangers she sees next. Unsure if her life is real, a dream, or a nightmare, Gabrielle's head is filled with questions. When the truth is learnt, she has an important decision to make but is not given much time to decide.
I absolutely loved this well written mysterious story. The author has a good imagination. He knows how to keep a reader interested and wanting more. There was never a dull moment.
January 2, 2017
"There are two types of ways to travel: either by a journey or an adventure."
-Zachary Chopchinski
A wonderful debut novel from an author I will definitely be reading more of in the future. I immediately felt myself drawn to the character of Gabrielle and the journey we were about to go on with her.
Gabrielle stumbles upon a mysterious bracelet that enables her to travel through time and essentially possess the life of another and experience their story through their eyes.
Chopchinski builds a wonderful world of imagination and a highly loveable character in Gabrielle and I can't wait to see where the bracelet and story take her next.
-Zachary Chopchinski
A wonderful debut novel from an author I will definitely be reading more of in the future. I immediately felt myself drawn to the character of Gabrielle and the journey we were about to go on with her.
Gabrielle stumbles upon a mysterious bracelet that enables her to travel through time and essentially possess the life of another and experience their story through their eyes.
Chopchinski builds a wonderful world of imagination and a highly loveable character in Gabrielle and I can't wait to see where the bracelet and story take her next.
February 23, 2017
This was a great inaugural book! It has wonderfully crafted details and a voice behind the characters making it come to life. The story starts off in a small town and follow Gabrielle and her curiosity as she finds her way into an antique shop. From there, she is left trying to wrap her mind around what is happening as she is transported into another time to experience life of another. Zachary can paint the scenery in his novel and leaves it open to many possibilities of more tales in the future.
January 8, 2017
I was provided with a free copy of this book for an honest review.
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was an intriguing read. The main character Gabrielle seemed like such a sweetheart and clearly cared deeply for those closest to her. Her curious nature is contagious.
Though there were issues with some redundant sentences and grammar, this book was worth the read. It flowed nicely through the tale keeping it interesting and making you want to turn the page.
A nice start to a series. Can't wait to read the next!
My Youtube Review: https://youtu.be/dmkJrhqiFHg
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle was an intriguing read. The main character Gabrielle seemed like such a sweetheart and clearly cared deeply for those closest to her. Her curious nature is contagious.
Though there were issues with some redundant sentences and grammar, this book was worth the read. It flowed nicely through the tale keeping it interesting and making you want to turn the page.
A nice start to a series. Can't wait to read the next!
My Youtube Review: https://youtu.be/dmkJrhqiFHg
March 9, 2015
The Curious Tale of Gabrielle is an enchanting story about a young girl who finds an antique bracelet that allows her to go back in time to visit the lives of its past wearers! I really enjoyed this book! The characters are lovable and relatable and the story is a quick read! This book made me laugh, cry and fear for the lives of the characters that I had grown to love! If you like young adult fiction, adventure with a hint of romance, you will love The Curious Tale of Gabrielle!
February 28, 2015
Well paced and well written, The Curious Tale of Gabrielle is a book that will pique your interest off the bat and keep you guessing along the way. Highly recommended to those who seek Young Adult novels,romance, suspense, or just a well-rounded, thoughtfully constructed story about a girl and her destiny. This beautifully crafted novel will grab you and suck you in until you're hooked! I couldn't put it down and I doubt you'll be able to either!
May 23, 2016
This book was so delightful and enchanting, with a dark edge that kept me on my toes while reading. Gabrielle is a brave, spirited young girl who instantly stole my heart. I saw so much of myself in Gabrielle. And each character she encountered was equally intriguing in their own ways.
Aside from the engaging characters, I also found the plot to be refreshingly unique. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this book. I'm very much looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Aside from the engaging characters, I also found the plot to be refreshingly unique. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this book. I'm very much looking forward to finding out what happens next!
April 27, 2015
Help...I'm trapped in a story and can't get out!! I just started The Curious Tale of Gabrielle during my lunch break at work and I just can't put the book down! The story is absolutely riveting!! Although I'm only at the beginning of the story, I can tell it will be one of my favorites! If the rest of the story continues to be as interesting, I'm afraid that they may fire me!!
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