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Evangeline
The dragon stars are falling, and the land of Joseon is in crisis, but that's not Beom's problem. Beom's problem is what he should do with a sleeping maiden who shimmered into existence and floated to the ground at his feet.
216 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2017
Evangeline is a really cute young adult fantasy/fairytale set in modern America and in an alternate version of Joseon Era Korea.
The story begins in modern times with a teenager named Evangeline who is grieving over the death of her mother. (I really felt Evangeline's loss, and actually got a bit teary-eyed over the part with her mom's phone. Evangeline really felt like a real person to me). The story enters the Joseon Era after Evangeline finds a magical book that draws her to this fantastic world.
I really liked this story and all the characters in it. Evangeline is a kind-hearted girl who even while dealing with her own grief, has enough empathy to feel for the people around her. If you want to read a sweet little fantasy story filled with humor, romance, and adventure; give Evangeline a try.
I received an arc copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins in modern times with a teenager named Evangeline who is grieving over the death of her mother. (I really felt Evangeline's loss, and actually got a bit teary-eyed over the part with her mom's phone. Evangeline really felt like a real person to me). The story enters the Joseon Era after Evangeline finds a magical book that draws her to this fantastic world.
I really liked this story and all the characters in it. Evangeline is a kind-hearted girl who even while dealing with her own grief, has enough empathy to feel for the people around her. If you want to read a sweet little fantasy story filled with humor, romance, and adventure; give Evangeline a try.
I received an arc copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2017
Evangeline Lane is grieving, confused, and alone.
Her mother has died of cancer, and her father has become distant and apparently completely wrapped up in his work--for which he travels frequently. She loves the Korean dramas of her mother's heritage, and was previously an excellent student in high school, but she finds it increasingly hard to focus. Her grades are slipping.
She feels that her father doesn't love her, and fears that perhaps he never loved her mother, either.
Then one day, in a bookstore, she finds a marvelous book. The bookseller says that it's a book that finds its reader, something which makes no sense to her. But he lets her borrow it, and she is soon wrapped up in the book.
And then she is inside the story.
Clearly this must be a dream. What else can it be? You can't just walk into a book, right?
In the strange world of the book, she meets a boy her own age, who, concerned by her obviously lost and confused state, takes her to his family's tavern.
He thinks she must be the Star Princess, the girl whose skin glows like moonlight. Then she starts seeing a small dragon. The Crown Prince sends out an announcement that the girl fitting this description must be found.
Both Beom, the boy she met when she arrived, and the Prince think she must be the Star Princess--the mysterious maiden whom it is promised will put the falling stars back in the sky and save the kingdom.
What's a grieving high school girl to do?
Evangeline is level-headed, likable, and worth spending time with. I found this to be a completely charming story. It may not be one of the future classics of literature, but it's thoroughly enjoyable.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and am reviewing it volutarily.
Her mother has died of cancer, and her father has become distant and apparently completely wrapped up in his work--for which he travels frequently. She loves the Korean dramas of her mother's heritage, and was previously an excellent student in high school, but she finds it increasingly hard to focus. Her grades are slipping.
She feels that her father doesn't love her, and fears that perhaps he never loved her mother, either.
Then one day, in a bookstore, she finds a marvelous book. The bookseller says that it's a book that finds its reader, something which makes no sense to her. But he lets her borrow it, and she is soon wrapped up in the book.
And then she is inside the story.
Clearly this must be a dream. What else can it be? You can't just walk into a book, right?
In the strange world of the book, she meets a boy her own age, who, concerned by her obviously lost and confused state, takes her to his family's tavern.
He thinks she must be the Star Princess, the girl whose skin glows like moonlight. Then she starts seeing a small dragon. The Crown Prince sends out an announcement that the girl fitting this description must be found.
Both Beom, the boy she met when she arrived, and the Prince think she must be the Star Princess--the mysterious maiden whom it is promised will put the falling stars back in the sky and save the kingdom.
What's a grieving high school girl to do?
Evangeline is level-headed, likable, and worth spending time with. I found this to be a completely charming story. It may not be one of the future classics of literature, but it's thoroughly enjoyable.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and am reviewing it volutarily.
July 13, 2018
The story and writing style could use improvement.
I think enjoyment in this story comes from the premise and location itself if the reader is familiar with the land of Joseon or any of a number of Korean dramas that include a modern day female traveling back in time to stumble around, meet dashing young men and princes, and be hailed to save the day. In that sense it was amusing, but the magic playing into everything felt like a badly done Chinese drama and even 1/3rd of the way through the book I'd lost my complete interest in the story.
That said, I haven't seen much English literature specifically set in the Joseon dynasty so it was interesting to see how the author went about portraying it.
I think enjoyment in this story comes from the premise and location itself if the reader is familiar with the land of Joseon or any of a number of Korean dramas that include a modern day female traveling back in time to stumble around, meet dashing young men and princes, and be hailed to save the day. In that sense it was amusing, but the magic playing into everything felt like a badly done Chinese drama and even 1/3rd of the way through the book I'd lost my complete interest in the story.
That said, I haven't seen much English literature specifically set in the Joseon dynasty so it was interesting to see how the author went about portraying it.
May 3, 2017
Sweet romance with a great fantasy story. This was such a cute book. I really liked the romance between Evangeline and Beom. There were tons of adorable k-drama worthy scenes that got my heart racing. Evangeline was a wonderful character. Kind, sweet. brave. I loved it!
May 7, 2017
Evangeline is struggling after her mother passed away of cancer. Her father is never home so she must look after her self after school. She doesn't stay home much as she doesn't like to be in the empty house. One night she goes to a Book store and finds a magical book, which has been waiting for her. That night, after looking in the book she finds herself transported halfway around he world and back in time to Korea's late Joseon era. Evangeline thinks she's in a very realistic dream. She meets Beom, who saw her materialize out of thin air. She starts to be included in his life when she is transported back to her world.
Evangeline finds herself alone as her Dad has told her he will be gone for several weeks. She starts trying to go back to Beom. Once there it takes her a little while to realize that she's traveled to a different era, and a different place. She eventually comes to terms with the legend that she must return the stars and with the help of her dragon, Beom and Prince Wol Ryung she starts on her journey to save their world. At every challenge she face the choice of giving up her wishes and maybe her life to help her friends and the Dragons save the world.
Evangeline finds herself alone as her Dad has told her he will be gone for several weeks. She starts trying to go back to Beom. Once there it takes her a little while to realize that she's traveled to a different era, and a different place. She eventually comes to terms with the legend that she must return the stars and with the help of her dragon, Beom and Prince Wol Ryung she starts on her journey to save their world. At every challenge she face the choice of giving up her wishes and maybe her life to help her friends and the Dragons save the world.
May 4, 2017
Evangeline is a present day American schoolgirl who, through the magic of a very special book, finds herself transported halfway around the world and back in time to Korea's late Joseon era. This story will sound familiar to anyone who has ever watched a time-travel Korean drama, except that in this story she doesn't just travel through time, she also travels across continents.
At first Evangeline thinks she's in a very realistic dream. It takes her a little while to realize that she's traveled to a different era, and a different place. She eventually learns that there was a reason for her to be sent back to that place and time; she was the legendary celestial Star Princess who saves their world.
Parts of the story seem taken right out of a fantasy KDrama; I would actually describe this book as a KDrama in book form. I could envision some of the scenes being performed by KDrama actors on a realistic Joseon era set. If you are a Korean drama fan, like I am, you will love this book, and you should also check out the author's first book "EunNa and the Phantom".
At first Evangeline thinks she's in a very realistic dream. It takes her a little while to realize that she's traveled to a different era, and a different place. She eventually learns that there was a reason for her to be sent back to that place and time; she was the legendary celestial Star Princess who saves their world.
Parts of the story seem taken right out of a fantasy KDrama; I would actually describe this book as a KDrama in book form. I could envision some of the scenes being performed by KDrama actors on a realistic Joseon era set. If you are a Korean drama fan, like I am, you will love this book, and you should also check out the author's first book "EunNa and the Phantom".
May 4, 2017
I thought this was a very sweet story about a young Korean girl who finds a book (or rather the book found her) in a small secondhand book store. As she reads the book, she is transported through time thinking she must have fallen asleep reading and it is all a dream. She eventually discovers she has become part of a prophecy in the book that says when the dragon stars fall from the sky and the moon glows red for three days and three nights, the world will end if the stars are not returned to their positions. It is up to Evangeline to return those stars and save the world. I loved Evangeline's strength of character. There was even a little young romance mixed in and another young girl who had total faith in Evangeline that she would be the one to put the stars back and save the world. I highly recommend reading this book for all age groups. This book will provide a little boost to an otherwise dreary day.
May 26, 2017
A pleasurable read with magical atmosphere.
Evangeline lost her mother to cancer and her father became distant, almost never present at home. Seeking refuge, she finds a strange book in the library. When she suddenly appears inside the story the book contains, she is convinced she is dreaming, or being a part of her own Korean drama with very good actors surrounding her. Meeting Beom, crown prince Wol Ryung and her little dragon friend , Evangeline slowly realizes she travelled to different time and different place to fulfill an old prophecy.
Sweet story with adorable romance and the strange feel of time travel to different era. I was very fond of the characters, especially Beom, with his kind heart and devotion to Evangeline. It was quite fast, with bits of suspense and drama. Fun little story to read.
I received an ARC and voluntarily wrote my opinion.
Evangeline lost her mother to cancer and her father became distant, almost never present at home. Seeking refuge, she finds a strange book in the library. When she suddenly appears inside the story the book contains, she is convinced she is dreaming, or being a part of her own Korean drama with very good actors surrounding her. Meeting Beom, crown prince Wol Ryung and her little dragon friend , Evangeline slowly realizes she travelled to different time and different place to fulfill an old prophecy.
Sweet story with adorable romance and the strange feel of time travel to different era. I was very fond of the characters, especially Beom, with his kind heart and devotion to Evangeline. It was quite fast, with bits of suspense and drama. Fun little story to read.
I received an ARC and voluntarily wrote my opinion.
October 26, 2025
Chinese inspired stories is so much more than that of anything you could ever read. Mystical dragons, Chinese cultural, the fantasy world and everything about it inspires such amazing books to read. Something about these kinds of books allows a reader to really read beyond the imagination of the real world (which I am fondly appreciative of). It was really imaginative to start of reading of the FMC in the real world but then transported into a realm of unknown but modern day Chinese culture. I see a lot of similarities to this book comparing to the Chinese adaptations of when the FMC time travels to another time or dimension but then has to return to the moden world in the end. I do however bawl at the end with the ending (in a good way). I absolutely loved every part of this book and knowing that in the end true love is there even for someone who thinks they dont deserve it. 🥰🥰🥰
May 30, 2017
I really loved this book! It’s magical.
I am really glad to have discovered this author! This book is well written and cute and romantic. It’s about a young Korean girl who travels through time. She ends up in another place having to fulfill an old prophecy.
I loved it and I think this is lovely fiction for all ages. It’s fun and made me feel happy. If you like fantasy and a touch of sweet romance, this is the book for you! And not everything goes the way you expect it to, I always like it when a book keeps me guessing; it makes me want to read on and on.
I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review, as I am voluntarily reviewing it and my opinion is entirely my own.
I am really glad to have discovered this author! This book is well written and cute and romantic. It’s about a young Korean girl who travels through time. She ends up in another place having to fulfill an old prophecy.
I loved it and I think this is lovely fiction for all ages. It’s fun and made me feel happy. If you like fantasy and a touch of sweet romance, this is the book for you! And not everything goes the way you expect it to, I always like it when a book keeps me guessing; it makes me want to read on and on.
I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review, as I am voluntarily reviewing it and my opinion is entirely my own.
May 4, 2017
I got this book for free (ARC) and I would have paid $$$ for it had I known how great the writing and the characters were. This writer is amazing. I read the book thinking it was a children's book, not something that an adult would really get into. BOY-O-BOY was I wrong. It kept my interest all the way through as you didn't know how it was going to end. I am really glad she picked the ending that she did. All the characters had depth and personalities, and you felt like you were there with them.
May 10, 2017
Really love this book. I didn't know what to expect because it is different compared to other books that I have read. There are not that many books out there based on Korean mythology.
I found the book to be funny at times ( which in my opinion is important) since it gives the book something more.
This story is about loss, family and friendship. There is a sweet romance and fantasy. All good ingredients for a good story. If you haven't read anything by Erica then I would start with this book.
I would recommend Evangeline to all ages.
I found the book to be funny at times ( which in my opinion is important) since it gives the book something more.
This story is about loss, family and friendship. There is a sweet romance and fantasy. All good ingredients for a good story. If you haven't read anything by Erica then I would start with this book.
I would recommend Evangeline to all ages.
May 4, 2017
What a cute story with a bit of K-drama added to make things interesting. Modern day Evangeline ends up in the Joseon period and meets Beom. What happens next is cute and funny. Giggled a few times. The writing was great and the story addicting. Mix of clean romance, time travel and fantasy. Do not even have to be a fan of K-drama to get the jokes. Once I started reading had to finish it up to see how it would end. Thought the ending was funny. Well worth a read!
May 4, 2017
Evangeline just lost her mother to cancer and is lost. She finds herself getting lost in books. Finding a very old book with dragon illustrations that are so life like she seems to fall into the story as she falls asleep.
When she awakens, she's in a different place and time.
It is written"The star princess restores the heavens.
Follow Evangeline, Boen, Wol Rynug and our dragon Emery on their journey to the stars
When she awakens, she's in a different place and time.
It is written"The star princess restores the heavens.
Follow Evangeline, Boen, Wol Rynug and our dragon Emery on their journey to the stars
May 7, 2017
This was a very cute story of a girl who finds a magical book that only can be opened by who the book chooses. I feel that young girls, teenager and maybe young adults would really like this story. The only thing I really seen amiss with the story like is it would skip over some scenes that it seemed like it was going to. Like when the dragon wanted to show Evageline something, this might confuse the younger kids. I received a free arc copy for my honest review.
June 8, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful saving the world tale. What could have been a dark depressing story turned into an uplifting one. The characters were likeable people who were able to put others ahead of themselves.
I received a free copy of this book which I volunteered to review but will definitely be looking for Ms. Laurie's books in future. It was that good.
I received a free copy of this book which I volunteered to review but will definitely be looking for Ms. Laurie's books in future. It was that good.
May 7, 2017
Very sweet fantasy story. The storyline was great and addicting. The characters incredibly likable. It was a nice story that kept me interested from start to finish.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 22, 2017
A heart warming and humorous tale involving magic, time travel, dragons, and a willingness to sacrifice yourself to protect those you love. Definitely a great read for young or old. I particularly enjoyed the little dragons.
June 13, 2017
A sweet love story, mixed with some Korean fairy tales and a pinch of adventure. Easy to read, you'll really love this one!
May 17, 2018
I loved the book! Evangeline is such a great character. If you like anime or Korean dramas I think you will like this book.
January 14, 2024
I think a teenage reader will love this book, or perhaps one slightly younger than that. It was certainly interesting, and I imagine anyone of Korean heritage will like it.
May 30, 2017
Such a sweet fantasy story. The characters have experienced loss but it enhances their love. They are also faced with decisions about how much they are willing to sacrifice for those they love. All in all a wonderful story that kept me guessing about how it was going to turn out and I was satisfied in the end.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say that I recommend this book. The only other Korean fantasy book I have read is "Eun Na and the Phantom" also by Erica Laurie so I do not have a lot to compare "Evangeline" to but I know that I personally enjoyed both stories.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say that I recommend this book. The only other Korean fantasy book I have read is "Eun Na and the Phantom" also by Erica Laurie so I do not have a lot to compare "Evangeline" to but I know that I personally enjoyed both stories.
November 12, 2017
I absolutely loved this story! It was so sweet and touching. I found it thoroughly captivating and creative. The characters were kind, compassionate, strong and honorable; very relatable and understandable, too, even those in the distant past. I loved the plot; I felt like it drew me in immediately and kept me engrossed straight to the end. For me, Evangeline's story was both heart-wrenching, with the passing of her mother and the distance of her father leaving her sad & lonely, and also inspiring, with her traveling to ancient times in Beom's Korean village and her wonderful sweet personality shining through. I thought it was very well written and was quite impressed with Ms Laurie's style. She's quickly become one of my favorite authors.
May 3, 2017
Evangeline
Erica Laurie
An adventure of magic, dragons and love.
Evangeline has lost the one person in all the world who cared for her the most, her mother. Lost and alone, because her dad is also grieving in his own way. She finds herself at home lone all the time while he goes out on business trips. On one of her many trips outside the lonely house, she finds a tiny book store and a book. With this book she will play a part to save a world with people who accepted her as she is and who she came to care for. But is she the prophesized princess who will set the stars right? Will her love for the world set it right?
Erica Laurie
An adventure of magic, dragons and love.
Evangeline has lost the one person in all the world who cared for her the most, her mother. Lost and alone, because her dad is also grieving in his own way. She finds herself at home lone all the time while he goes out on business trips. On one of her many trips outside the lonely house, she finds a tiny book store and a book. With this book she will play a part to save a world with people who accepted her as she is and who she came to care for. But is she the prophesized princess who will set the stars right? Will her love for the world set it right?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews