What do you think?
Rate this book
Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #1
Magic of the Gargoyles
Mika Stillwater is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle bursts into her studio, insisting Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika’s carefully constructed five-year plan is shattered.
Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…
Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
874 people are currently reading
2076 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Chastain
34 books294 followersREBECCA CHASTAIN is a feminist, animal advocate, and nature devotee. She believes empathy is a hero’s trait and love is a motive, an inside job, and a transformative energy that shapes each person’s world. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles series, the Terra Haven Chronicles series that begins with Deadlines & Dryads, and the Madison Fox urban fantasy series.
FULL LIST OF SERIES
STANDALONE
BOX SETS
[bc:A Fistful of Magic|56651668|A Fistful of Magic (Madison Fox #1-3)|Rebecca Chastain|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/comp...
FULL LIST OF SERIES
STANDALONE
BOX SETS
[bc:A Fistful of Magic|56651668|A Fistful of Magic (Madison Fox #1-3)|Rebecca Chastain|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/comp...Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
May 18, 2016
To Celebrate the release of CURSE OF THE GARGOYLES, Rebecca Chastain is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click on Banner to Enter!
Stepping into Rebecca Chastain’s Magic of Gargoyles is like falling down the rabbit hole of a delightful and quirky fantasy world where magic is real! One mid-level earth elemental becomes a savior of gargoyles from the dastardly evil that threatens to steal their magic in a quest for power and control. Everyone knows that gargoyles can up the magically powers of an elemental, right? But what kind of monster would drain the very lives of innocent baby gargoyles?
As far as Mika is concerned, NO ONE will, not on her watch, not if she has breath in her body. The only complication seems to be that, on her won, Mika doesn’t have a lot of power, but follow along as she finds a way to overcome that little issue and save the day! She will stop at nothing, even risking her life plans, the very ones that were engraved in stone in her heart.
Get ready to grin, to say, “aww,” and to fall in love with little gargoyles, the plucky Mika and her flamboyant best friend. Rebecca Chastain’s talent is in taking a magical path not taken, filling it with charm, energy, an amazing heroine and packing it all neatly into a quick and fast-paced tale! The perfect read for anytime you need a break and want to have some fun, because sometimes, that is exactly what you need!!
I received this copy from Rebecca Chastain in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher: Mind Your Muse Books (October 20, 2014)
Publication Date: October 20, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 97 pages
Available from: Amazon US | Amazon Everywhere
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Click on Banner to Enter!
Stepping into Rebecca Chastain’s Magic of Gargoyles is like falling down the rabbit hole of a delightful and quirky fantasy world where magic is real! One mid-level earth elemental becomes a savior of gargoyles from the dastardly evil that threatens to steal their magic in a quest for power and control. Everyone knows that gargoyles can up the magically powers of an elemental, right? But what kind of monster would drain the very lives of innocent baby gargoyles?
As far as Mika is concerned, NO ONE will, not on her watch, not if she has breath in her body. The only complication seems to be that, on her won, Mika doesn’t have a lot of power, but follow along as she finds a way to overcome that little issue and save the day! She will stop at nothing, even risking her life plans, the very ones that were engraved in stone in her heart.
Get ready to grin, to say, “aww,” and to fall in love with little gargoyles, the plucky Mika and her flamboyant best friend. Rebecca Chastain’s talent is in taking a magical path not taken, filling it with charm, energy, an amazing heroine and packing it all neatly into a quick and fast-paced tale! The perfect read for anytime you need a break and want to have some fun, because sometimes, that is exactly what you need!!
I received this copy from Rebecca Chastain in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher: Mind Your Muse Books (October 20, 2014)
Publication Date: October 20, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 97 pages
Available from: Amazon US | Amazon Everywhere
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 12, 2020
I have a soft spot for Gargoyles and this book is just too cute with all the hatchling gargoyles running around. This is the problem with freebies sometimes you love a book and you have been enticed and then you just have to go and buy the other two books in the series.
Solid UF with a great heroine.
Solid UF with a great heroine.
May 25, 2019
I loved the cover and it was a free read so obviously I grabbed this book. I did enjoy the concept but feel I'd have liked more time getting to know and understand the characters. Now that having been said it's an amazing concept although admittedly the abilities of Mika are difficult to get my head around. Manipulating quartz is a magical talent that she uses to amazing effect here and the gargoyles are just so oddly cute. Clearly there's a lot more to come so not really a complete story but I'd certainly read more so obviously I was fully drawn in. Short and interesting.
May 31, 2016
A cute if short UF novel. The setting is ambiguous so it could be pretty much anywhere in the world. The worldbuilding is sparse but enough to transport a reader fully into the world. I'e never run into gargoyles before in any of the UF novels I've read and that's what really made an impression on me. Also the baby gargoyles are cute as hell. I want one. Or ten! The story is fast-paced and quite short. A good start for a series and I'll definitely check out the rest.
January 7, 2024
2 stars 🌟 = just okay for me
It was a fun and quick read for a snowy night. I loved the idea of the world, and the gargoyles were cute, but I wish it had been long and fleshed out more.
It's not a bad read. I just didn't feel fully connected to it. Not going to read the rest of the series, but I did have fun with it :)
I liked that this had no romance too. Romantasy isn't my thing *shrugs *
I would say give this one a try
Pre review:
Found this one for #stuffyourkindle for Sci fi and fantasy, sounded different. First time seeing a fantasy read with gargoyles.
It was a fun and quick read for a snowy night. I loved the idea of the world, and the gargoyles were cute, but I wish it had been long and fleshed out more.
It's not a bad read. I just didn't feel fully connected to it. Not going to read the rest of the series, but I did have fun with it :)
I liked that this had no romance too. Romantasy isn't my thing *shrugs *
I would say give this one a try
Pre review:
Found this one for #stuffyourkindle for Sci fi and fantasy, sounded different. First time seeing a fantasy read with gargoyles.
February 11, 2017
Magic of the Gargoyles (Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #1) by Rebecca Chastain is an exciting novella that had me the first page when a baby gargoyle blasted into her room asking for help. How does that not get a reader's attention? She learns she can heal gargoyles, although she is just a mid-level earth element magic user. From there it sent us readers to a shady underground where baby gargoyles were being sold off illegally and our gal risks life (and whole life savings) to rescue them against a evil sorcerer. Very exciting story I just loved. I love gargoyles! Even have a tattoo of one! TMI? LOL
April 18, 2016
This made for a quick but uneventful read. The storyline and characters just fell flat for me. It had a very juvenile feel to it throughout. I guess I wasn’t a fan of it because the story and character development seemed nonexistent. I am glad it was offered as a kindleunlimited though and I'd still check out some of this writers other work.
February 26, 2017
Fantastic world building, sassy characters, and adorable gargoyles. At times the magic-language got a bit clunky, but beyond this, Magic of the Gargoyles was a thoroughly enjoyable story. I am keen to explore this series further.
January 5, 2024
To be honest your thrown into a world that really isn't explained. Starts out with her manipulating quarts and her say she isn't very strong, but not explained why. Then abbreviations for the stronger elementals.
Just couldn't stick with it sorry.
Just couldn't stick with it sorry.
March 17, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ma...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Novellas are a rare creature these days, and when they appear, they vary wildly in quality. Magic of the Gargoyles is an engrossing change of pace, telling a solid tale and engaging the reader with colorful characters, all within the constraints of the under 20,000 word format. In a form appealing to teens and up, Rebecca Chastain breaks another plateau in her writing career.
And those words weave Rebecca Chastain’s breakneck, hard hitting prose, illuminating an urban fantasy tale filled with anachronisms, flights of fancy , and an almost Steampunk driven societal structure. The writing style is elegant, tasteful and hold a tight word economy. Never does the reader feel railroaded in the direction of the story; instead they’re pulled into the eddy of the plot, and with cliffhanging chapter endings, feel compelled to find out what happens next.
The cast of characters that populate Magic of the Gargoyles, are a charming delight. The reluctant lead protagonist Mika, her roommate Kylie, and the numerous gargoyles each carry their own weight and are surprisingly fully fleshed out for the purposes of the tale. The villain, Walter, is as threatening as any pulp antagonist – strong, but overconfident. These characters carry the burden of the novella with acute grace and a style that is definitely Rebecca Chastain’s forte. Having the gargoyles each give their own “voice,” (some are too young to speak) is a thrilling testament to this.
The true delight of this text is definitely its plot. The vignette careens through not even three days of a character’s life, stopping at poignant and meaningful breaks in the story, only to place Mika in the next struggle in the following chapter. There is no wasted description, or distractions that get in the way. Pulling back from “over-developing” place and setting as a lot of authors do, Rebecca Chastain’s well-practiced prose (I had the opportunity to review her first novel: A Fistful of Evil) pulls all the ends together and the plot wraps up with a satisfying conclusion.
Fans of urban fantasy, the steampunk genre, or fans of gargoyles (they are neat) – this read is well worth the temporal investment. Magic of the Gargoyles is a charming light, short read that well deserves its 5 stars. It leaves an almost magical mark on you when you finish.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Novellas are a rare creature these days, and when they appear, they vary wildly in quality. Magic of the Gargoyles is an engrossing change of pace, telling a solid tale and engaging the reader with colorful characters, all within the constraints of the under 20,000 word format. In a form appealing to teens and up, Rebecca Chastain breaks another plateau in her writing career.
And those words weave Rebecca Chastain’s breakneck, hard hitting prose, illuminating an urban fantasy tale filled with anachronisms, flights of fancy , and an almost Steampunk driven societal structure. The writing style is elegant, tasteful and hold a tight word economy. Never does the reader feel railroaded in the direction of the story; instead they’re pulled into the eddy of the plot, and with cliffhanging chapter endings, feel compelled to find out what happens next.
The cast of characters that populate Magic of the Gargoyles, are a charming delight. The reluctant lead protagonist Mika, her roommate Kylie, and the numerous gargoyles each carry their own weight and are surprisingly fully fleshed out for the purposes of the tale. The villain, Walter, is as threatening as any pulp antagonist – strong, but overconfident. These characters carry the burden of the novella with acute grace and a style that is definitely Rebecca Chastain’s forte. Having the gargoyles each give their own “voice,” (some are too young to speak) is a thrilling testament to this.
The true delight of this text is definitely its plot. The vignette careens through not even three days of a character’s life, stopping at poignant and meaningful breaks in the story, only to place Mika in the next struggle in the following chapter. There is no wasted description, or distractions that get in the way. Pulling back from “over-developing” place and setting as a lot of authors do, Rebecca Chastain’s well-practiced prose (I had the opportunity to review her first novel: A Fistful of Evil) pulls all the ends together and the plot wraps up with a satisfying conclusion.
Fans of urban fantasy, the steampunk genre, or fans of gargoyles (they are neat) – this read is well worth the temporal investment. Magic of the Gargoyles is a charming light, short read that well deserves its 5 stars. It leaves an almost magical mark on you when you finish.
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 3, 2017
The heroine of Magic of the Gargoyles, Mika, is trying to hone her skills in quartz but right in the middle of her first job, she has a baby gargoyle at her door, frantic and scared. Unsure about what is going on, Mika follows the baby into a really bad part of town only to discover powerful elementals abusing their gifts. Upon completion of her current mission, the baby gargoyle indicates that rest of of her nest has also been kidnapped and will be sold to the highest, and meanest, bidders. Mika has no choice but to intervene and hope for the best...
The location of the story is pretty ambiguous - it could almost be anywhere. This allows the reader to take what descriptions are given and build their own version of the world Rebecca Chastain has created. Mika is a compassionate soul. She is working hard to complete a job that should catapult her quartz creations to the top of everyone's list of supplier. When a gargoyle in need asks for her help, she stops her current task to come to another baby's aid. Then Mika continues to push aside this monumental career maker or breaker to help rescue the remaining babies.
Magic of the Gargoyles is a such a fantastic book. The plot is unique and exciting. The story line packs such a punch that you can't help but be drawn into and fully engaged in the story. The emotional content is in regards to the plight of the baby gargoyles was palpable. Mika's emotions transfer to the reader.
The author did a wonderful job developing the story in the short urban fantasy novella. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series with book 2, Curse of the Gargoyles.
The location of the story is pretty ambiguous - it could almost be anywhere. This allows the reader to take what descriptions are given and build their own version of the world Rebecca Chastain has created. Mika is a compassionate soul. She is working hard to complete a job that should catapult her quartz creations to the top of everyone's list of supplier. When a gargoyle in need asks for her help, she stops her current task to come to another baby's aid. Then Mika continues to push aside this monumental career maker or breaker to help rescue the remaining babies.
Magic of the Gargoyles is a such a fantastic book. The plot is unique and exciting. The story line packs such a punch that you can't help but be drawn into and fully engaged in the story. The emotional content is in regards to the plight of the baby gargoyles was palpable. Mika's emotions transfer to the reader.
The author did a wonderful job developing the story in the short urban fantasy novella. I'm looking forward to continuing with the series with book 2, Curse of the Gargoyles.
March 28, 2015
One of the few times I bought an e-book without reading the blurb , even a free one, I hit jackpot. The book cover and the word 'Gargoyles' made me get it and I can say without hesitation that I haven't regretted it!
The picture and the name are self explanatory. The book cover is like the story, unpretentious and solid. The plot is simple but chock-full of adventure and action, action meaning fantasy-kind action and not too much violence. We have a plucky heroine, Mika and her side kick and best friend, Kylie, and the plot of rescuing baby gargoyles from kidnappers. How Mika saves the day using her earth elemental power forms the bulk of the book. I especially liked that the story is different from other fantasy genre books and also that it's about gargoyles about whom I haven't read much. The kid gargoyles were sweet yet deadly, in their defense of Mika. The world building is detailed enough to sustain the plot and it gives a peek into Mika's world of elemental magic. I, for one, would like to read more about Mika and her cohorts.
The only regret, or two, I have is that I didn't start the book as soon as I got it and that it's a novella and not a full length novel. Other than that, kudos to the author, Rebecca Chastain. I look forward to her future books. In the meantime I am going to check out her other novel, A Fistful of Evil.
My one line review : Fast paced action + Daring heroine + Supportive allies = Magic of the Gargoyles
My rating : 5/5
My reread factor : 5/5
Floryie
More @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.in/
The picture and the name are self explanatory. The book cover is like the story, unpretentious and solid. The plot is simple but chock-full of adventure and action, action meaning fantasy-kind action and not too much violence. We have a plucky heroine, Mika and her side kick and best friend, Kylie, and the plot of rescuing baby gargoyles from kidnappers. How Mika saves the day using her earth elemental power forms the bulk of the book. I especially liked that the story is different from other fantasy genre books and also that it's about gargoyles about whom I haven't read much. The kid gargoyles were sweet yet deadly, in their defense of Mika. The world building is detailed enough to sustain the plot and it gives a peek into Mika's world of elemental magic. I, for one, would like to read more about Mika and her cohorts.
The only regret, or two, I have is that I didn't start the book as soon as I got it and that it's a novella and not a full length novel. Other than that, kudos to the author, Rebecca Chastain. I look forward to her future books. In the meantime I am going to check out her other novel, A Fistful of Evil.
My one line review : Fast paced action + Daring heroine + Supportive allies = Magic of the Gargoyles
My rating : 5/5
My reread factor : 5/5
Floryie
More @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.in/
December 10, 2016
There's plenty of detailed worldbuilding in this urban fantasy, but my problem was that it was too thrown at me with no introduction, explanation or narration. The main character uses earth elemental magic and we gradually understand that she is working at mid-level and there are higher levels to attain. At this stage she gets a bullying boss, can't call in sick or be late on a contract. But her story starts with the arrival of an injured young gargoyle in her room, which she would treat as normal if it wasn't for the injuries and the chance that someone out there has more young gargoyles and is ill-treating them.
The gargoyle descriptions are the best part about the writing, for me; stone, rose quartz and winged panther shapes combined. I enjoyed quite a lot of the adventure but never really got into it, a strange combination for me. Maybe it's because this world appears to be our normal world but the characters don't do anything normal, giving us no connection. If you are a person who talks about crystal magic you will probably give this five stars.
The gargoyle descriptions are the best part about the writing, for me; stone, rose quartz and winged panther shapes combined. I enjoyed quite a lot of the adventure but never really got into it, a strange combination for me. Maybe it's because this world appears to be our normal world but the characters don't do anything normal, giving us no connection. If you are a person who talks about crystal magic you will probably give this five stars.
July 31, 2015
Magic of the Gargoyles by Rebecca Chastain
Earth Elemental Mika Stillwater is on a mission to save a nest of baby gargoyles. Mika must save them from the Black Magic villains who want to use the gargoyles magic for an evil power boost. When their magic is taken so are their lives.
A very original novella. Mika is likable, she is determined to do the right thing, and save the baby gargoyles. The Gargoyles are so adorable and likable. I have never read a story like this. It was fun, adventurous, dangerous and rewarding.
I loved the originality and the attention to detail. I highly recommend Magic of the Gargoyles: An Elemental Fantasy Novella to adults/Young Adults who love a great fantasy! (The cover is eye catching, I thought it fit well with the story).
Earth Elemental Mika Stillwater is on a mission to save a nest of baby gargoyles. Mika must save them from the Black Magic villains who want to use the gargoyles magic for an evil power boost. When their magic is taken so are their lives.
A very original novella. Mika is likable, she is determined to do the right thing, and save the baby gargoyles. The Gargoyles are so adorable and likable. I have never read a story like this. It was fun, adventurous, dangerous and rewarding.
I loved the originality and the attention to detail. I highly recommend Magic of the Gargoyles: An Elemental Fantasy Novella to adults/Young Adults who love a great fantasy! (The cover is eye catching, I thought it fit well with the story).
May 13, 2019
Normally I would give this book four stars because it has magic, but it breaks my standard by being so good I don't want to lower the rating.
March 17, 2021
A very nice story.
I really liked the story. The characters were engaging and the story was well written. The descriptions of the gargoyles and the magic were vivid.
I really liked the story. The characters were engaging and the story was well written. The descriptions of the gargoyles and the magic were vivid.
March 19, 2020
Fun, fast
This was a fun, fast novella that does its job in a concerned fashion. We get action, adventure and more magic that we can rightly handle, all tied together with a quartz bow. It’s interesting and filled with detail, even while lacking a page count.
This was a fun, fast novella that does its job in a concerned fashion. We get action, adventure and more magic that we can rightly handle, all tied together with a quartz bow. It’s interesting and filled with detail, even while lacking a page count.
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book as a relatively quick read. The gargoyles were cute and I liked the magic rules where even a less powerful person can defeat someone using their own strengths. I also thought Mika was a good character she retains her modesty even after becoming a hero and despite her brave actions remains on the cautious side when she isn't thinking about others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
"Magic of the Gargoyles" is such a sweet little novella. it is hard to believe that Ms. Chastain was able to pack so much action and excitement in only 79 pages; yet, she did it!
Mika Stillwater is an elemental who has great skill in working with gems especially quartz. She has been slaving away working in a quarry and now has a chance to work for herself and open up her own shop if she can just finish up some vials for a client at a prestigious firm. She has half of her work complete so it should be simple for her to complete this task right? Well, that was before a small gargoyle hatching named Anya bursts into her room pleading for her assistance.
Anya is not crazy about humans but can tell Mika has special skills. As they venture into the most dangerous part of the city, Mika is shocked to find a pentagram entrapping two other wounded gargoyles. As she attempts to free them, she discovers that she also has the ability to heal them.
When Anya returns home to her apartment and roommate, Kylie Grayson, she encounters her client demanding to have the completed crystals she commissioned. Mika manages to buy more time but once again is thrown back into action with the hatching as she discovers an evil higher level madman has stolen hatchlings, mutilated them, and is about to sell them for their power. As she gathers all of life savings to attend the auction, she realizes her dream of owning a shop is secondary to the lives of these little ones.
This was such a great little read so much so that I was saddened when it ended. This is the second book that I've read by Ms. Chastain and I am very impressed. At the end of the novella she ask for input as to whether readers are interested in a novel with these characters or another novella. Well, Ms. Chastain I just want more! I will take it any way you write it!!! Just hurry please!!!!!!
Mika Stillwater is an elemental who has great skill in working with gems especially quartz. She has been slaving away working in a quarry and now has a chance to work for herself and open up her own shop if she can just finish up some vials for a client at a prestigious firm. She has half of her work complete so it should be simple for her to complete this task right? Well, that was before a small gargoyle hatching named Anya bursts into her room pleading for her assistance.
Anya is not crazy about humans but can tell Mika has special skills. As they venture into the most dangerous part of the city, Mika is shocked to find a pentagram entrapping two other wounded gargoyles. As she attempts to free them, she discovers that she also has the ability to heal them.
When Anya returns home to her apartment and roommate, Kylie Grayson, she encounters her client demanding to have the completed crystals she commissioned. Mika manages to buy more time but once again is thrown back into action with the hatching as she discovers an evil higher level madman has stolen hatchlings, mutilated them, and is about to sell them for their power. As she gathers all of life savings to attend the auction, she realizes her dream of owning a shop is secondary to the lives of these little ones.
This was such a great little read so much so that I was saddened when it ended. This is the second book that I've read by Ms. Chastain and I am very impressed. At the end of the novella she ask for input as to whether readers are interested in a novel with these characters or another novella. Well, Ms. Chastain I just want more! I will take it any way you write it!!! Just hurry please!!!!!!
March 29, 2015
I freaking love this book! I am seriously hoping this turns into a series- I have a feeling it will because we have gargoyles on the loose here, but I NEED another one. I have fallen in love with everyone! I read it way too fast, it is short but I wanted more! And gargoyles have been my thing lately. They are now up there with werewolves and dragons!
We start with Mika. She's a normal not really powerful witch. Well, I'm gunna use witch so no one gets confused, but I will let you find out exactly what she is when you read. Anyways, Mika is trying to better herself. She works hard for barely anything. She is trying to use her magic skills to open her own business. Her roommate and BFF Kylie, she wants to be a big time reporter. And when Mika accidentally meets a baby gargoyle, then saves another, things go up in the air. And Mika is too good a person to let them be defenseless. I loved meeting the gargoyles, all of them, and their structure. I thought it was awesome that when they met Mika and figured out how she wanted to help, they basically bonded with her.
The bad guy who steals baby gargoyles wants to use their powers for his evil. Yes, I wanted to smash him over the head with sharp heavy objects. But no need, we have Mika and baby gargoyles. Oh and some big gargoyles too. I loved the plot. I loved everything about this book. The writing is excellent, the pace is quick. There's no major info dumps or things to side track you. All I can say is I think you should read this. And now I need to beg Ms Rebecca to alternate giving me Maddi and Mika!! I need both ladies and their stories! GIMME... pretty please :) 5 AMAZING GARGOYLE PAWS!!! ;)
We start with Mika. She's a normal not really powerful witch. Well, I'm gunna use witch so no one gets confused, but I will let you find out exactly what she is when you read. Anyways, Mika is trying to better herself. She works hard for barely anything. She is trying to use her magic skills to open her own business. Her roommate and BFF Kylie, she wants to be a big time reporter. And when Mika accidentally meets a baby gargoyle, then saves another, things go up in the air. And Mika is too good a person to let them be defenseless. I loved meeting the gargoyles, all of them, and their structure. I thought it was awesome that when they met Mika and figured out how she wanted to help, they basically bonded with her.
The bad guy who steals baby gargoyles wants to use their powers for his evil. Yes, I wanted to smash him over the head with sharp heavy objects. But no need, we have Mika and baby gargoyles. Oh and some big gargoyles too. I loved the plot. I loved everything about this book. The writing is excellent, the pace is quick. There's no major info dumps or things to side track you. All I can say is I think you should read this. And now I need to beg Ms Rebecca to alternate giving me Maddi and Mika!! I need both ladies and their stories! GIMME... pretty please :) 5 AMAZING GARGOYLE PAWS!!! ;)
March 11, 2015
Short, Sweet Fun Read
I'd definitely like to see a full novel set in this intriguing new world created by Ms. Chastain. Not only would I like to read and learn more about this world and its interesting elemental magic system but I'd like to see Mika's story continue.
Hopefully as she grows in her skill with magic she will gain more self confidence as well, the level of self deprecation she displayed was the only true negative aspect to this novella for me.
If you're looking for a fun glimpse into a world with a unique twist on elemental magic and super cute baby gargoyles then give this novella a shot. Well worth the price of admission.
I'd definitely like to see a full novel set in this intriguing new world created by Ms. Chastain. Not only would I like to read and learn more about this world and its interesting elemental magic system but I'd like to see Mika's story continue.
Hopefully as she grows in her skill with magic she will gain more self confidence as well, the level of self deprecation she displayed was the only true negative aspect to this novella for me.
If you're looking for a fun glimpse into a world with a unique twist on elemental magic and super cute baby gargoyles then give this novella a shot. Well worth the price of admission.
January 1, 2015
Loved It
Amazing story, I've always be curious about Crystal/quartz magic and in this incredibly woven tale I get to see. Can't wait to read more adventures with Mika and the hatchlings
Amazing story, I've always be curious about Crystal/quartz magic and in this incredibly woven tale I get to see. Can't wait to read more adventures with Mika and the hatchlings
November 15, 2021
Very interesting Book
Very unique book.Read it under the kindle unlimited. But must admit I would buy this book. I'm very much looking forward to the second one.
Very unique book.Read it under the kindle unlimited. But must admit I would buy this book. I'm very much looking forward to the second one.
November 19, 2014
Really enjoyed short story. Reminiscent of Tamora Pierce, Patricia Reede. Not a cliff hanger, story stands on its own. Looking forward to much more of this world and its characters.
March 24, 2015
Magic of the Gargoyles
A different kind of gargoyle story, fun fast paced full of action. I read this in an afternoon, and cannot find enough good things to say about it!
A different kind of gargoyle story, fun fast paced full of action. I read this in an afternoon, and cannot find enough good things to say about it!
September 22, 2021
Free on Kindle and Kobo, Sept. 22, 2021.
January 29, 2024
2.5***
I think what I struggled the most with this novel was the feeling. I felt that it was missing feelings or inventing me to care at all.
The first chapter was great! A good introduction - but from then on, when I read the author's note that this was a small story at first, I got it.
Some parts really needed more attention and more explanation on how the system works. It's a nice idea with stones/minerals and all the creatures - what is Terra Nova - what are these low and high status? Who gets to be an elemental and not? Why are the creatures and "humans"? It felt that the worldbuild got too big for the story and it needed more story points/things happening for us to understand and connect with that. The scenes where Mika uses the quartz are well-written, those are the highlight of the novel. But in the end it was very straightforward and aside from Kylie, who is awesome, Mika and the Warden was bland.
I think what I struggled the most with this novel was the feeling. I felt that it was missing feelings or inventing me to care at all.
The first chapter was great! A good introduction - but from then on, when I read the author's note that this was a small story at first, I got it.
Some parts really needed more attention and more explanation on how the system works. It's a nice idea with stones/minerals and all the creatures - what is Terra Nova - what are these low and high status? Who gets to be an elemental and not? Why are the creatures and "humans"? It felt that the worldbuild got too big for the story and it needed more story points/things happening for us to understand and connect with that. The scenes where Mika uses the quartz are well-written, those are the highlight of the novel. But in the end it was very straightforward and aside from Kylie, who is awesome, Mika and the Warden was bland.
July 23, 2017
Great book. Loved it so much I already one-clicked the bundle and am half way through the second book. This is a world of magic, which isn't always my favorite one books, but I can't resist gargoyles.... I mean who can.
She's a mid level elemental that is found by a baby gargoyle and needs her help. She ends up saving the other baby gargoyle, then 3 additional ones....there are 5 siblings in all. Where are their parents you ask....no idea. Not sure how that works in this world and it's never actually explained.
Outside of that it really is a great book and I enjoyed the scenarios and her highly amusing BFF, Kylie.
Loving the second book too.
She's a mid level elemental that is found by a baby gargoyle and needs her help. She ends up saving the other baby gargoyle, then 3 additional ones....there are 5 siblings in all. Where are their parents you ask....no idea. Not sure how that works in this world and it's never actually explained.
Outside of that it really is a great book and I enjoyed the scenarios and her highly amusing BFF, Kylie.
Loving the second book too.
August 11, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author. It is a short easy read, the first in the series of the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles. The book was engaging and interesting from the standpoint of how the main character Mika, was able to heal gargoyles using crystal magic. I haven't read much about Gargoyles so this was a nice introduction and having dealt a little with quartz in my life, it was interesting how Mika's mastery of the stone was the key to the story. A fun read, good characters, very entertaining and I thank Chastain for at least having closure to this particular story even though it is part of a series. I recommend this to fantasy readers and those familiar with crystals.
February 20, 2021
Baby gargoyles snagged my attention in the description and the story held my attention from start to finish! This was a short, yet quick introduction to Mika and the baby gargoyles she helps rescue. While I would have liked a little more background in to Mika herself-she has a mid level quartz/earth magic ability-I loved a lot about this story. From the anticipation Chastain built up with Mika being recruited by an adorable baby gargoyle, to the final execution of the sibling rescue operation, Mika’s fumbling attempts to really figure out her magic on the fly turned out to be a fantastic adventure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews