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Gem Powers #1
Beyond the Forest
Librarian note: An older cover for this edition can be found here: 28-Oct-2016.
Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. She should have closed the books right then and walked away. Special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master queen with unimaginable powers.
Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, carniverous insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next, and has already set plans in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them.
This is a standalone novel without loose ends or a cliffhanger ending, but the resolution opens the door for further adventures in book 2, Shadowglade. Book 3, Runes and Relics, concludes this series, however, a spinoff series with gnome main characters will follow in 2018.
Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. She should have closed the books right then and walked away. Special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master queen with unimaginable powers.
Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, carniverous insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next, and has already set plans in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them.
This is a standalone novel without loose ends or a cliffhanger ending, but the resolution opens the door for further adventures in book 2, Shadowglade. Book 3, Runes and Relics, concludes this series, however, a spinoff series with gnome main characters will follow in 2018.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2016
126 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Kay L. Ling
6 books78 followersThanks for visiting my page! I've been writing stories since I was in grade school, and I've always loved the fantasy genre. For years, my career kept me too busy to write, but those days are finally over.
I like to write books that don't have the typical Western pseudo-medieval setting, and I enjoy non-human characters. If you're looking for something fresh and new in the fantasy genre, I hope you'll give my books a try.
I like to write books that don't have the typical Western pseudo-medieval setting, and I enjoy non-human characters. If you're looking for something fresh and new in the fantasy genre, I hope you'll give my books a try.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 22, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable this book was and the smoothness of the author's writing. This is a story about a young woman, Lana, who studies gemology and believes in the power of gems. She gets stuck in the woods one evening when her car won't start and thus starts the journey into a fantastic world filled with gnomes, breghlin and magic, reminiscent of classic folklore. Lana decides to help the gnomes fight the evil that is after them. I found the information about gems fascinating. A great read.
January 8, 2018
This book will appeal to people who like lighter toned urban/portal fantasy!
---------------------
Plot:
Lana is a recent college grad coming out of school for gemology, and she works in her father's jewellery store. She believes in the old lore surrounding gems and their magical powers they can pass on to those that hold them. Different gems give her different boosts, some help her sleep, others keep her awake, others give her courage or calm her down. She's on of the few people who believe in this sort of thing - this is an urban fantasy set in modern day and people scoff at gemology as new age hogwash. Her father doesn't believe in it, but he supports his daughter and thinks she'll be a great manager of the store when it passes on to her.
She loves hiking and takes frequent walks in the woods, one day while taking a hike and returning to her car, her car doesn't start. She can't find a way to get home, so decides to just camp out in the woods until the rangers return in the morning. That night she runs into monsters from the Shadow realm called breghlin and is rescued by a gnome.
The gnomes are trying to guard the rift between the Shadow realm and the human world - long ago they had someone called the Challenger who defeated the master of the breghlins, a woodspirit called Shaemathan. The Shaemathan is destroying everything in her path, abducting gnomes, and poisoning the forest.
Lana is somewhat resistant to Shaemathans attacks, she doesn't succumb to the paralyzation that she inflicts on the gnomes, and as a result she's been asked by the gnomes to aid them in trying to defeat Shaemathan.
Final Score: 7.5/10
----------------------------------------
Characters:
Most of this story is told through Lana's perspective, with a few minor POV's here and there. Lana is a pretty typical upbeat and happy college grad, she cooks breakfast to music and dances a little, she's eager to learn and prove herself to her father and is overall a likeable character. She's definitely not the stereotypical hero figure, she's scared of bugs and has a hard time dealing with the fantasy creatures in the Shadow realm - especially the giant mutant bugs. She handles herself well, steeling herself up when she has to and makes for an unlikely hero.
The other POV's include a gnome who's part of the group trying to stop the woodspirit, and there are two young boys who have been turned into rats by the woodspirit who also make brief appearances as POVs.
Final Score: 7.5/10
---------------------------------------
World Building:
The gems in the human realm can have even more powerful effects in the Shadow Realm. Stones that would help ease aches and pains in a minor way in the human world have significantly greater healing effects in the Shadow Realm. There are a number of gems and stones that can't be found in the human world and vice versa. Many of the common gems that she has around the store are very valuable to the gnomes.
The gnomes use interdimensional travel in a way, to travel from tree to tree without putting themselves out in the open, it's their greatest defense against the breghlin.
The breghlin are a simplistic race, they aren't educated and can be easily manipulated. Lana tries to use this to her advantage when she's captured.
The woodspirit can turn humans into anything she wants to, dogs, rats, etc.
The Shadow Realm is host to a ton of weird creatures including pig/fox like animals and giant winged serpents that can talk.
Final Score: 7.5/10
-------------------------------
Pacing/Prose/Tone:
I didn't see any editing errors, and the writing style was pretty entertaining. This was definitely a lighter toned book, the main character is kind of bubbly and keeps things amusing.
The pacing was okay, there were slight slow downs in the middle but nothing that took away from enjoying it.
Pacing Final Score: 7.5/10
Writing Final Score: 8/10
------------------------------------------------
Originality:
I see a lot of elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins and the like in fantasy, but for whatever reason I just don't see a lot of gnomes. Thumbs up for an under used fantasy race.
Although gems and stones having powers is pretty typical in fantasy, I've never seen an entire lore and magic system based off real world gemology lore, another thumbs up for creativity.
Final Score: 9/10
--------------------------------------------
Audience:
For people looking for female POV without romance!
For people looking for female authored books
For people who like portal fantasy
For people who like urban fantasy
For people who like gnomes!
For people who like fantasy creatures
For people who like lighter funnier tone
---------------------------------------------
Final Score: 47/60 or 7.8/10
---------------------
Plot:
Lana is a recent college grad coming out of school for gemology, and she works in her father's jewellery store. She believes in the old lore surrounding gems and their magical powers they can pass on to those that hold them. Different gems give her different boosts, some help her sleep, others keep her awake, others give her courage or calm her down. She's on of the few people who believe in this sort of thing - this is an urban fantasy set in modern day and people scoff at gemology as new age hogwash. Her father doesn't believe in it, but he supports his daughter and thinks she'll be a great manager of the store when it passes on to her.
She loves hiking and takes frequent walks in the woods, one day while taking a hike and returning to her car, her car doesn't start. She can't find a way to get home, so decides to just camp out in the woods until the rangers return in the morning. That night she runs into monsters from the Shadow realm called breghlin and is rescued by a gnome.
The gnomes are trying to guard the rift between the Shadow realm and the human world - long ago they had someone called the Challenger who defeated the master of the breghlins, a woodspirit called Shaemathan. The Shaemathan is destroying everything in her path, abducting gnomes, and poisoning the forest.
Lana is somewhat resistant to Shaemathans attacks, she doesn't succumb to the paralyzation that she inflicts on the gnomes, and as a result she's been asked by the gnomes to aid them in trying to defeat Shaemathan.
Final Score: 7.5/10
----------------------------------------
Characters:
Most of this story is told through Lana's perspective, with a few minor POV's here and there. Lana is a pretty typical upbeat and happy college grad, she cooks breakfast to music and dances a little, she's eager to learn and prove herself to her father and is overall a likeable character. She's definitely not the stereotypical hero figure, she's scared of bugs and has a hard time dealing with the fantasy creatures in the Shadow realm - especially the giant mutant bugs. She handles herself well, steeling herself up when she has to and makes for an unlikely hero.
The other POV's include a gnome who's part of the group trying to stop the woodspirit, and there are two young boys who have been turned into rats by the woodspirit who also make brief appearances as POVs.
Final Score: 7.5/10
---------------------------------------
World Building:
The gems in the human realm can have even more powerful effects in the Shadow Realm. Stones that would help ease aches and pains in a minor way in the human world have significantly greater healing effects in the Shadow Realm. There are a number of gems and stones that can't be found in the human world and vice versa. Many of the common gems that she has around the store are very valuable to the gnomes.
The gnomes use interdimensional travel in a way, to travel from tree to tree without putting themselves out in the open, it's their greatest defense against the breghlin.
The breghlin are a simplistic race, they aren't educated and can be easily manipulated. Lana tries to use this to her advantage when she's captured.
The woodspirit can turn humans into anything she wants to, dogs, rats, etc.
The Shadow Realm is host to a ton of weird creatures including pig/fox like animals and giant winged serpents that can talk.
Final Score: 7.5/10
-------------------------------
Pacing/Prose/Tone:
I didn't see any editing errors, and the writing style was pretty entertaining. This was definitely a lighter toned book, the main character is kind of bubbly and keeps things amusing.
The pacing was okay, there were slight slow downs in the middle but nothing that took away from enjoying it.
Pacing Final Score: 7.5/10
Writing Final Score: 8/10
------------------------------------------------
Originality:
I see a lot of elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins and the like in fantasy, but for whatever reason I just don't see a lot of gnomes. Thumbs up for an under used fantasy race.
Although gems and stones having powers is pretty typical in fantasy, I've never seen an entire lore and magic system based off real world gemology lore, another thumbs up for creativity.
Final Score: 9/10
--------------------------------------------
Audience:
For people looking for female POV without romance!
For people looking for female authored books
For people who like portal fantasy
For people who like urban fantasy
For people who like gnomes!
For people who like fantasy creatures
For people who like lighter funnier tone
---------------------------------------------
Final Score: 47/60 or 7.8/10
January 10, 2018
Overall/Tl;dr
I got exactly what was offered - a light, pleasant, easy read. I very rarely seek this sort of thing out and it never leaves a lasting impression, but sometimes, that's a nice change. Would recommend to any light-fantasy readers, anyone wanting an easy read, and I'd say it's pretty kid friendly (though I am maybe not the greatest judge here...).
Setting/World-building
Somehow both creative and tropey - a good combo. People will be at least a little familiar with everything here from fairy tales, and I thought it was all approachable and done well. The gem powers are the central magic-focus and not something I've seen before. It worked.
Plot
An evil queen must be stopped, and our reluctant hero is the one to do it! In the meantime she grows and learns, makes friends, allies, enemies. Nothing surprised me, and I'm fairly sure nothing was supposed to surprise me. A story like this doesn't have the highs and lows for me that a grittier, more sweat-inducing tale might, but it ends happily.
Characters
Our main PoV heroine Lana is likable and believable. Her reluctance is rather understandable (damn selfish gnomes anyway), and I never rolled my eyes at her decisions. The other little povs probably weren't necessary but also didn't intrude much.
I liked the gnomes. Frankly I always thought they had a little sneaky plan and was waiting for them to kill and/or enslave everyone. Then I remembered this is 'noblebright', and accepted this would not happen.
Lawn gnomes are legit creepy.
Writing
Smooth and polished, which I think is a big part of what carried me through the book. The style is very fitting for the content/plot - easy to just whisk along without thinking too hard. My only complaint is that things move a bit slow, but I often feel this way and I'm starting to think it might be me...
Final thoughts
A pleasant surprise, and another indie writer worthy of support. Maybe it caught me at the right moment, but I'm a grimdark guy and I didn't hate this. That's saying something and I had to give it 4 stars.
Now...back to the terrible, gruesome violence, tragic heroes, and all the dark, slimy grit of my regularly scheduled fantasy programming...
Thanks for the break, Kay.
I got exactly what was offered - a light, pleasant, easy read. I very rarely seek this sort of thing out and it never leaves a lasting impression, but sometimes, that's a nice change. Would recommend to any light-fantasy readers, anyone wanting an easy read, and I'd say it's pretty kid friendly (though I am maybe not the greatest judge here...).
Setting/World-building
Somehow both creative and tropey - a good combo. People will be at least a little familiar with everything here from fairy tales, and I thought it was all approachable and done well. The gem powers are the central magic-focus and not something I've seen before. It worked.
Plot
An evil queen must be stopped, and our reluctant hero is the one to do it! In the meantime she grows and learns, makes friends, allies, enemies. Nothing surprised me, and I'm fairly sure nothing was supposed to surprise me. A story like this doesn't have the highs and lows for me that a grittier, more sweat-inducing tale might, but it ends happily.
Characters
Our main PoV heroine Lana is likable and believable. Her reluctance is rather understandable (damn selfish gnomes anyway), and I never rolled my eyes at her decisions. The other little povs probably weren't necessary but also didn't intrude much.
I liked the gnomes. Frankly I always thought they had a little sneaky plan and was waiting for them to kill and/or enslave everyone. Then I remembered this is 'noblebright', and accepted this would not happen.
Lawn gnomes are legit creepy.
Writing
Smooth and polished, which I think is a big part of what carried me through the book. The style is very fitting for the content/plot - easy to just whisk along without thinking too hard. My only complaint is that things move a bit slow, but I often feel this way and I'm starting to think it might be me...
Final thoughts
A pleasant surprise, and another indie writer worthy of support. Maybe it caught me at the right moment, but I'm a grimdark guy and I didn't hate this. That's saying something and I had to give it 4 stars.
Now...back to the terrible, gruesome violence, tragic heroes, and all the dark, slimy grit of my regularly scheduled fantasy programming...
Thanks for the break, Kay.
December 31, 2016
A GEM OF A STORY! I received this ARC from the author with no obligation to post a review.
Kay L. Ling did a fantastic job drawing me in and keeping me interested to the very last word. This story is a good mix of fantasy, humor, quirkiness and at times, compelling. I enjoyed learning about the gems and the abilities of the people who possess them. The character of Lana was believable and the others like Sheamathan, the gnomes, Gem Master Jules, and the rats make this a gem of a story! Eager to read Kay Ling's sequel, Shadowglade, Spring 2017!
Kay L. Ling did a fantastic job drawing me in and keeping me interested to the very last word. This story is a good mix of fantasy, humor, quirkiness and at times, compelling. I enjoyed learning about the gems and the abilities of the people who possess them. The character of Lana was believable and the others like Sheamathan, the gnomes, Gem Master Jules, and the rats make this a gem of a story! Eager to read Kay Ling's sequel, Shadowglade, Spring 2017!
September 9, 2017
First time reading from the author.
I thought the story was well written. It had a nice steady pace. Lana was likable and wanted to get to know her more. I have never read a story about gnomes or scary gnomes. Was a nice changed to read and very good story. It kept my interest till the end and can’t wait to read the next one. A new author to read from is always a great find.
Got from Hidden Gems ARC Club for an honest review.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
I thought the story was well written. It had a nice steady pace. Lana was likable and wanted to get to know her more. I have never read a story about gnomes or scary gnomes. Was a nice changed to read and very good story. It kept my interest till the end and can’t wait to read the next one. A new author to read from is always a great find.
Got from Hidden Gems ARC Club for an honest review.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
July 12, 2017
I really liked this book, I love stories which are partly set in our world and then a character is transported into a different land, it's great for the imagination . I found it not only magical and exciting but also incredibly interesting because of the gemology and gem lore/power aspects .
The book was well-written with many wonderful characters, the main character being Lana, who finds herself involved on a perilous quest to help the Gnomes from an evil wood spirit and stop her attempts to gain access to our world and destroy it . She meets many interesting characters along the way and learns more about how to use her gem powers .
This book is suitable for all ages, there is the right amount of adventure, drama and some good humourous parts too .
I can't wait to get into the second book and continue on with the adventure !
A wonderful read.
The book was well-written with many wonderful characters, the main character being Lana, who finds herself involved on a perilous quest to help the Gnomes from an evil wood spirit and stop her attempts to gain access to our world and destroy it . She meets many interesting characters along the way and learns more about how to use her gem powers .
This book is suitable for all ages, there is the right amount of adventure, drama and some good humourous parts too .
I can't wait to get into the second book and continue on with the adventure !
A wonderful read.
October 4, 2017
My readers know I love gemstones. I even based my books on gemstones and their magical properties. When I ran across Beyond the Forest (Gem Powers Series Book 1) by Kay L. Ling and discovered the book also focused on gemstones and magic, I had to read it. Glad I did!
Synopsis (from the author): Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. She should have closed the books right then and walked away. Special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master with unimaginable powers.
Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, mutant insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next and has already put plans in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them.
What I liked: Beyond the Forest drew me in immediately. Lana’s interest in gemstones and the folklore surrounding them was a familiar theme for me. The way she meets the gnomes and enters their world was entertaining, and the mystery surrounding the hound was a nice twist. The creatures she meets and befriends provide a bit of comic relief, and there’s even a little romance. Add to all of that, the danger presented by the queen to both worlds and there’s something for everyone!
What I didn’t like: Despite enjoying the story, it did bog down at times. In addition, fleshing out the supporting characters would help the story.
Overall impression: Beyond the Forest (Gem Powers Series Book 1) was a fun and clean read. I identified with Lana and her love of gemstones, the quest was good, and the action entertaining. I enjoyed getting to know the rats and their antics provided comic relief. I would recommend this one to anyone who likes clean fun fantasy!
My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)
Synopsis (from the author): Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. She should have closed the books right then and walked away. Special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master with unimaginable powers.
Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, mutant insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next and has already put plans in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them.
What I liked: Beyond the Forest drew me in immediately. Lana’s interest in gemstones and the folklore surrounding them was a familiar theme for me. The way she meets the gnomes and enters their world was entertaining, and the mystery surrounding the hound was a nice twist. The creatures she meets and befriends provide a bit of comic relief, and there’s even a little romance. Add to all of that, the danger presented by the queen to both worlds and there’s something for everyone!
What I didn’t like: Despite enjoying the story, it did bog down at times. In addition, fleshing out the supporting characters would help the story.
Overall impression: Beyond the Forest (Gem Powers Series Book 1) was a fun and clean read. I identified with Lana and her love of gemstones, the quest was good, and the action entertaining. I enjoyed getting to know the rats and their antics provided comic relief. I would recommend this one to anyone who likes clean fun fantasy!
My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)
March 25, 2018
This is my 8th SPFBO 2017 book!
I think there is little need to fully repeat the basic story because several reviews have already done this rather well. Long story short, Lana is a 20 year old heiress to a family jewelry store that has spanned 5 generations that has started to develop an ability to obtain supernatural abilities from certain stones.
The abilities obtained at first don't seem like much, a greater ability to fall asleep, more insight while handling her annoying boss Arlene, etc...
However things to awry when she visits a local natural park and digs from the ground a strange black stone. Her car unexpectedly dies leaving her stuck in the forest all night. After deciding she would be safer camping in the forest instead of in her car, she is startled to be chased by a strange wolf, a creepy undead woman with black eyes that literally suck the light out of everything and a group of miniature monsters that wish to capture her... until she is rescued by a tribe of kind hearted gnomes that ask for her help to liberate her people from the threat of the undead woman named Sheamathan.
Things get stranger in this lighthearted adventure story as Lana manages to cross a portal into an alternate world called Shadow which is ruled by the ruthless villainess. She soon discovers the wolf has a long history along with a dozen other truths that are slowly unveiled during the course of the story.
I will agree that the book starts very slow which can cause a lot of people to give up on it. It begins with Lana's mundane life and it isn't until the 20% point where she encounters the gnomes. However, if you give the book a chance, the story really picks up at around the 40% point and remains fully engaging until the very end.
The characters are well thought out, the world of Shadow imaginative and Sheamathan is a rather unusual and interesting villain. I myself own lapis lazulli gems that I frequently wear. I don't think they give me insight or the ability to turn dumb teenagers into giant talking rats, but who knows?
The ending is fully satisfying but still leaving a lot of more quests and adventures left to fulfill. I'll definitely read the sequels sometime.
I think there is little need to fully repeat the basic story because several reviews have already done this rather well. Long story short, Lana is a 20 year old heiress to a family jewelry store that has spanned 5 generations that has started to develop an ability to obtain supernatural abilities from certain stones.
The abilities obtained at first don't seem like much, a greater ability to fall asleep, more insight while handling her annoying boss Arlene, etc...
However things to awry when she visits a local natural park and digs from the ground a strange black stone. Her car unexpectedly dies leaving her stuck in the forest all night. After deciding she would be safer camping in the forest instead of in her car, she is startled to be chased by a strange wolf, a creepy undead woman with black eyes that literally suck the light out of everything and a group of miniature monsters that wish to capture her... until she is rescued by a tribe of kind hearted gnomes that ask for her help to liberate her people from the threat of the undead woman named Sheamathan.
Things get stranger in this lighthearted adventure story as Lana manages to cross a portal into an alternate world called Shadow which is ruled by the ruthless villainess. She soon discovers the wolf has a long history along with a dozen other truths that are slowly unveiled during the course of the story.
I will agree that the book starts very slow which can cause a lot of people to give up on it. It begins with Lana's mundane life and it isn't until the 20% point where she encounters the gnomes. However, if you give the book a chance, the story really picks up at around the 40% point and remains fully engaging until the very end.
The characters are well thought out, the world of Shadow imaginative and Sheamathan is a rather unusual and interesting villain. I myself own lapis lazulli gems that I frequently wear. I don't think they give me insight or the ability to turn dumb teenagers into giant talking rats, but who knows?
The ending is fully satisfying but still leaving a lot of more quests and adventures left to fulfill. I'll definitely read the sequels sometime.
September 23, 2018
Truth be told this is the weakest book in the series. Its not a bad book per say, but it is what you expect it to be. Books 2-3 are dramatically different and unique stories that build upon the first book magnificently. The writing also improves. While I highly recommend the series if you are into light hearted portal fantasy, purely reviewing this book it is not the best out there.
Highlights
- The main protagonist is Lana, a freshly graduated gemologist who is about to inherit her family’s jewelry store. Although the story starts from mostly her perspective it does shift especially as the series goes on.
- The fantasy aspects of the story surround gemology, gnomes, portal fantasy. Much of the story is devoted to exploring how the magic of the world works and creative uses of magic to resolve practical problems, but it can’t cure interpersonal ones. The story also develops the gnomes, their culture with a great focus on their history and various mysteries.
- The series starts with a female protagonist coming of age story where she visits another world and explores magical powers related to gems. There is a major antagonist to stop. You might have heard of something similar before. :P
- The series takes a dramatic shift after the ending of the first book.
- Although the series explores real world problems it remains a light-hearted story.
- Cons: The first book is a rough read compared to the next two books
More at: https://paperbookteacat.tumblr.com/
Highlights
- The main protagonist is Lana, a freshly graduated gemologist who is about to inherit her family’s jewelry store. Although the story starts from mostly her perspective it does shift especially as the series goes on.
- The fantasy aspects of the story surround gemology, gnomes, portal fantasy. Much of the story is devoted to exploring how the magic of the world works and creative uses of magic to resolve practical problems, but it can’t cure interpersonal ones. The story also develops the gnomes, their culture with a great focus on their history and various mysteries.
- The series starts with a female protagonist coming of age story where she visits another world and explores magical powers related to gems. There is a major antagonist to stop. You might have heard of something similar before. :P
- The series takes a dramatic shift after the ending of the first book.
- Although the series explores real world problems it remains a light-hearted story.
- Cons: The first book is a rough read compared to the next two books
More at: https://paperbookteacat.tumblr.com/
June 8, 2017
Another of my firstreads books, and my first Kay Ling book.
This book starts off well, it introduces Lana who works in her fathers shop which has passed down the generations. She is interested in gems and gemology, while none of the current family are, she discovers that her ancestor who first started the shop was really into gems and their hidden powers and then he suddenly disappears leaving his family behind. After walks in the park, meeting with hounds, gnomes and rat boys she spends time in a dungeon while she discovers her own power. Its a light fantasy book, but not really gripping, my mind did wander and I was easily distracted while reading it.
This book starts off well, it introduces Lana who works in her fathers shop which has passed down the generations. She is interested in gems and gemology, while none of the current family are, she discovers that her ancestor who first started the shop was really into gems and their hidden powers and then he suddenly disappears leaving his family behind. After walks in the park, meeting with hounds, gnomes and rat boys she spends time in a dungeon while she discovers her own power. Its a light fantasy book, but not really gripping, my mind did wander and I was easily distracted while reading it.
July 22, 2024
Okay I won't lie I was hard-core judging this book when it first started, it wasn't that interesting and the writing style was making my skin crawl as there were way too many comas used in places they shouldn't have been used, which makes your brain pause too often causing a non fluid reading experience. However that being said, after chapter 2 things got much better! The storyline improved and the writing got more immersive, though still too many commas the story more than made up for that. I'm actually really enjoying it now. Hang in there until after chapter 2 guys.
September 11, 2017
Beyond the Forest
The characters and the storyline are good and the action is plentiful
This is a good read for anybody that enjoys fantasy stories as long as they can handle some violence
"I Voluntary state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
The characters and the storyline are good and the action is plentiful
This is a good read for anybody that enjoys fantasy stories as long as they can handle some violence
"I Voluntary state that this is my honest review of a gifted book"
December 7, 2017
Good Clean Fun. Loved It.
Tapping into Gem Powers. Passing between real and fantasy worlds. Over coming pure evil and getting past prejudices. Without the perversions and profanities that litter much literature nowadays. Good clean fun. I recommend this for sure.
Tapping into Gem Powers. Passing between real and fantasy worlds. Over coming pure evil and getting past prejudices. Without the perversions and profanities that litter much literature nowadays. Good clean fun. I recommend this for sure.
January 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. On to
the 2nd book. Am almost in the middle of #2 and so
far it is still good. If you like fantasy and modern, you
will like it. Try it out for yourselves. Book 3 after I
read 2.
the 2nd book. Am almost in the middle of #2 and so
far it is still good. If you like fantasy and modern, you
will like it. Try it out for yourselves. Book 3 after I
read 2.
September 6, 2018
Fine YA novel but not exceptional
A few information dumps that marred the work overall, and no depth. But if you have an early teen and you are seeking a clean fantasy read, this would be a decent choice to fill some evenings.
A few information dumps that marred the work overall, and no depth. But if you have an early teen and you are seeking a clean fantasy read, this would be a decent choice to fill some evenings.
July 7, 2017
Great Page Turner!
I love the sense of adventure through out the book! I constantly felt like I was a part of Lana's story! Such a great read, I couldn't put it down!
I love the sense of adventure through out the book! I constantly felt like I was a part of Lana's story! Such a great read, I couldn't put it down!
July 23, 2017
Shrug
I tried. I'm at 25%, and I'm bored. Interesting premise, but too slow to get some meat into the story. Writing is clean, and easy to read. That brings it up to two stars.
I tried. I'm at 25%, and I'm bored. Interesting premise, but too slow to get some meat into the story. Writing is clean, and easy to read. That brings it up to two stars.
May 2, 2018
Great read
It's a great book for all ages. I like the thought of another world and the characters were fun and imaginative.
It's a great book for all ages. I like the thought of another world and the characters were fun and imaginative.
September 6, 2018
IT felt like a female hobbit tale a bit for me.
July 12, 2020
An ok start to an amazing series.
March 21, 2017
Enjoyable story
I truly enjoyed this story. It starts as a simple fantasy using gem power and becomes something more. The simple rats are not merely rats nor are double crossing boys evil. There are a few multiple layers to this story. Good characters and an evolving storyline make this a good read.
I truly enjoyed this story. It starts as a simple fantasy using gem power and becomes something more. The simple rats are not merely rats nor are double crossing boys evil. There are a few multiple layers to this story. Good characters and an evolving storyline make this a good read.
March 6, 2017
I love how the author created a relatable protagonist such as Lana and matured her so well. One day Lana is a jewelry store worker, aspiring to manage the store, and before she knows it she is drawn into a magical world within our world. It is difficult to not only create a mystical world, but to manage it as well…and Kay Ling does it so well.
This story flows beautifully and the pace keeps moving steadily. The antagonist is terrifying, as they should be, and vexes Lana throughout the tale. Can Lana confront her tormentor and save her forest? You will need to read this intriguing fantasy novel to find out!
I look forward to discovering what Kay Ling does next.
This story flows beautifully and the pace keeps moving steadily. The antagonist is terrifying, as they should be, and vexes Lana throughout the tale. Can Lana confront her tormentor and save her forest? You will need to read this intriguing fantasy novel to find out!
I look forward to discovering what Kay Ling does next.
March 8, 2017
This is a real gem of a book. Lana works in a jewellery shop and has studied gemmology. She is interested in the folklore of gems. The hidden powers they hold. Little does she realise where this interest will lead her, and what she will find out about herself and her world.
This is a well-written book that really hooked me. I found myself sitting down to read a couple of pages. Then a couple more. Then more. The story drags you in. The characters are well created and believable. Well worth a look.
This is a well-written book that really hooked me. I found myself sitting down to read a couple of pages. Then a couple more. Then more. The story drags you in. The characters are well created and believable. Well worth a look.
November 9, 2016
I loved the character of Lana! She was interesting and unique and really managed to bring me into the world as an outsider and turn this into a compelling book! Kay does a great job of putting together a story with a mixture of different genres, and I think the high fantasy elements were my favorite. I enjoyed the idea behind the gems and how they grant abilities to the people who have them, because it makes for a great story as she attempts to come to terms with her new powers.
I think if I had to pick, I would say the talking rats were my favorite part of the story and the way they are portrayed was very well done. That being said, the entire book is great so it is impossible to decide!
Looking forward to the next work from this author! I received an ARC copy to read for this book and had no obligation to review it.
I think if I had to pick, I would say the talking rats were my favorite part of the story and the way they are portrayed was very well done. That being said, the entire book is great so it is impossible to decide!
Looking forward to the next work from this author! I received an ARC copy to read for this book and had no obligation to review it.
January 19, 2017
This charming tale follows Lana, a believer in the power of gemstones, as she enters a parallel world and gets embroiled in a fight between gnomes, and an all-powerful witch, or woodspirit. Protected by the downtrodden gnomes, Lana sets out to avenge them, and prevent the woodspirit’s power seeping into our world. The author’s strengths lie in her easy-flowing dialogues, often delivered with a touch of humour. For me, a few more plot twists and turns would have elevated the narrative, but this doesn’t stop it being a good, clean and exciting read for a younger audience. With a portal into a shadowed forest, gem lore, magic, enchanted characters and a touch of romance, I am sure the story will be a huge hit with adolescents.
December 6, 2016
This was a lovely epic fantasy with good world building. Lana, a gemologist, finds herself stranded one night in a park and soon finds herself gone through a portal into a parallel world full of gnomes, breghlin and a resident evil that threatens not only the fantasy world but her own world as well. Surprising even herself, she decides to help the gnomes fight the evil. There are unexpected plot twists and light humor and Lana learns not only about the wolfhound that haunts her dreams but her ancestors as well. Loved everything about the gems and gem folklore and their different properties, that was very interesting.
January 15, 2017
This is a very enjoyable read, following a gemologist as she tries to run the family jewelry store and then discovers her ability to harness gem power. She uses gems to give her energy, to improve her eyesight, but there was nothing available to convince her to just "bury the stone" that brought her to a new world, the world of fantasy.
I enjoyed the protagonists search for truth, her acceptance of the fantastic (gnomes, talking rats....), and the ability of the author to make me laugh. Enjoy!
I enjoyed the protagonists search for truth, her acceptance of the fantastic (gnomes, talking rats....), and the ability of the author to make me laugh. Enjoy!
November 1, 2016
"Knowledge and power, bluffs and bargains."
Lana is studying gemology, preparing to take over her father's business. She has a special relationship with gems, including drawing various enhancements and powers from them. Her adventures lead her to some hard choices and decisions.
During its Kindle Scout campaign, I nominated the book. I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy from the author. The imagination reminded me of Tolkien, but with a cleaner and sharper writing style.
Lana is studying gemology, preparing to take over her father's business. She has a special relationship with gems, including drawing various enhancements and powers from them. Her adventures lead her to some hard choices and decisions.
During its Kindle Scout campaign, I nominated the book. I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy from the author. The imagination reminded me of Tolkien, but with a cleaner and sharper writing style.
December 12, 2016
Highly entertaining
Fascinating story from beginning to end. Excellent plot, good characters, great ending. Eagerly looking forward to the next. Very well done Kay Ling. Brilliant talk.
Fascinating story from beginning to end. Excellent plot, good characters, great ending. Eagerly looking forward to the next. Very well done Kay Ling. Brilliant talk.
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