The Lost Emerald of Briarwood

by Vona Stewart

Fourteen-year-old Hayden doesn't believe in magic. He's never been attacked by dragons, taken a ride on a taxi service staffed by man-eating pegasi, or battled a swarm of killer tarantula fairies. And he's certainly never owned a pair of ensorcelled underpants designed to make the wearer invisible—that would be ridiculous.

All Hayden knows is a wretched life in the overcrowded Arizona foster care system where miles of red tape often keep him separated from his twelve-year-old sister Sera, the only family he has left.

But that's about to change

When Sera is snatched by a bunch of sharp-toothed goblins, Hayden follows the kidnappers through a portal and into the magical world of Wayfair.

In a place where carnivorous mushrooms lurk in dark forests and people in velvet waistcoats ride spider automatons, Hayden must solve the mystery behind Wayfair’s President and his secret source of power, or his sister may be lost forever.

Genres: Fantasy

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2020

About the author

Vona Stewart is the not-so-secret pen name for a girl named Jessica who never wanted to see her own name up in lights.

She lives in Idaho with her family and a gigantic German Shepherd called Molly.

Vona enjoys reading, writing, eating dark chocolate, and sleeping as much as possible.

Reviews

[Vona Stewart]

Hi, I wrote this.

Carry on!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpredictable adventures and quirky creatures and, of course, MAGIC...interlaced with some intriguing mysteries and sprinkled with a good dose of humor...this book snagged my attention from page one and kept me captivated through the end...which, incidentally, left me groaning “oh NO! Now I have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next!! CURSE YOU, JESSICA!!”

I’ve enjoyed this author’s quirky blog for years and years and had hopes that her unique writing talent would extend as well into the fiction realm...and she has NOT disappointed me!

This book introduces you to Hayden, a 14yr old boy and 12 yr old Seraphina (Sera), siblings that grew up continually separated in the foster care system but that always seem to be able to find each other (Read the book to find out why.) One day their lives are changed when Sera is pulled into the magical realm of Wayfair by a gang of nasty goblins and Hayden is forced to dive in after her or lose her forever.

Once in Wayfair, Hayden learns magic is real and around every corner are more bizarre creatures and adventures that he must figure out how to deal with on his quest to find his sister. Not to mention a whole helluva lot of self-discovery. Yeah, I won’t go into that. This is a non-spoiler review. ;)

I’ve read other magical fantasy books. It’s my genre of choice, so I’ve read a LOT of books like this...so I have a lot to compare this book to. I can honestly say that this book is OUTSTANDING. The twists and turns of the plot and the characters were refreshingly unpredictable. Man-eating pegasi??? Talking bears named Timothy in tutus?? Tarantula fairies?? I mean….only Jessica would have come up with INVISIBILITY UNDERPANTS! I have to say, that truly is SO Jessica.

Basically...you need to read this book. Like now. Go get it. I’m serious. GO! It’s FAN-FRIGGIN-TASTIC. You won’t be disappointed. You will now have a new favorite author. You’re welcome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ryan Martinsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was a beta reader for this book and read it all the way through several times during the editing process.

That said, this is a delightful read. I truly believe anyone who enjoys books like Fablehaven will enjoy this series as well.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden Fremont had never believed in magic, never experienced anything magical in his life. His entire miserable existence has centered around the overcrowded Arizona foster care system that kept him separated from his 12-year-old sister, Sera, his only remaining family. Both of them were the only survivors of a horrible house fire in Phoenix 10 years earlier. Their father’s body had never been found, so his death wasn’t certain.

Hayden got a text from his sister to come to her as soon as he could, so he knew she was in trouble. This was his last chance since the judge said if he ran away again he would be sent to juvie. But his sister needed him and she wouldn’t have asked him to do this if it were not urgent. Ever since the fire, he had been able to see a shimmering thread connecting him to Sera so he could find her wherever she was. Sera said it was magic, but he didn’t believe that. When he reached her, she just wanted to show him something in Pleasant View Park! Was it worth losing their current placements? He wanted to rush back so they wouldn’t know he had ever left. But Sera got angry and ran off to the park alone, so he had to follow. She continued running to a deserted strip mall. When he caught up, she broke away and climbed through a hole in the wall – and disappeared!

But when Sera is dragged through a portal by sharp-toothed goblins, Hayden fearlessly follows the kidnappers into the magical world of Wayfair. In a land unlike any he could ever imagine, he must look for answers to the mystery around Wayfair’s President and his secret source of power -- otherwise, his sister may be lost to him forever! Will he survive in this strange place? Will he find friends to help guide him and learn to protect himself? And if he does rescue Sera, will they ever be able to return “home” – would they want to?

This book is the first in the Shadow Sovereign series. It’s a fast-paced story line that keeps the reader in suspense as Hayden chases after his sister to keep her safe. Grab your copy of this exciting story to see what’s ahead for these two!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated to add: I finished listening to The Lost Emerald of Briarwood on Saturday. I read the paperback first, and then listened to the audiobook, and loved how different the experience was! The audiobook made the story feel brand new--somehow even richer than before. Listening was a delight!

My 12 yo also loved the book and was so thrilled to read it with his ears. He's sure to revisit many times. ❤️

Original review:
I had the privilege to read this book as a beta reader. It was an engaging and fun middle grade fantasy. The world and magic is well developed with captivating creatures. The characters are delightful, relatable, and believable. I can't wait to read what happens with the characters as the series progresses and where Vona takes us next!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this escape into a new fantasy world. This was a great book to share with my kids, particularly my daughter, age 9, but the plot had enough twists and turns for my son, age 12 to stay interested. The world of Wayfair has a large array of interesting characters that provided danger, excitement and adventure as well as some good laughs. As Hayden has to make his way through unfamiliar territory he has to make choices about where to go, what to do, and what he is willing to give up. His struggles to make these choices led to some interesting discussions with my kids on what we would do in a similar predicament. Hayden and Sera came to life on these pages as they explored Wayfair and I can't wait to learn more about both of them in the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in about 36 hours while working. The characters were well developed, and the story was interesting and moved at a good pace. I think this book will definitely appeal to teenagers, and maybe a bit younger, but adults can enjoy as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Emerald of Briarwood by Vona Stewart is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this entire world Vona has created. It was even more fun this second time around and I can't wait for book three!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle-grade fantasy is well-written and creative. The author takes two timeless plots and combines them into one-the quest to save a beloved family member turns seamlessly into a quest to save the world. Hayden, the main character, is well-developed. His backstory comes naturally throughout the book. Most of the other characters are less well-developed, but I hope to learn more about them in future books. I love the very tangible connection between the two siblings. Love is connection that binds us together, and this book illustrates that clearly while using that same connection as a major part of the plot. While I personally don't care for bodily function humor (snot bullets and dung lights), those elements will appeal to younger (and young at heart) readers. The rhino-men enforcement officers appear to be straight out of Doctor Who, but everything else is original or a clever twist on its inspiration. The magic underwear is genius, and the literal magic words like "please." I like how the book ended. We got some answers, but also some new questions, and a clear direction for the next book. I'm grateful that it didn't end on a cliffhanger, but it did leave me with plenty of anticipation for what comes next.

[Suzanne G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
Siblings torn apart by the foster system after their Dad dies (or disappears) in a fire discover they are always able to find each other. When Sera asks her brother to visit asap he follows her through to a world of magic.
They are separated as they go through the portal and Hayden must once again find Sera.
Can he trust Kit?
Will he survive the Man eating Pegasi, the snot bullet shooting Whimpus whappernocker and the carnivorous Mushrooms?
Why is he suddenly bursting into flames at a single thought?
And why can he now detect 3 Sera's?

Find the answers to these questions and more when you read this amazing story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Starlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Emerald of Briarwood is a such a fun book to read! Full of laugh out loud moments and lots of good old fashioned magic, mystery and adventure. I am very proud of my cousin.. the author of this book and can't wait to read book 2 of the Shadow Sovereign Series.

[Lynnell G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden (a young 15yo boy) goes on an adventure to a magical place to find his sister. On his adventure he unlocks secrets and comes across many hardships. This is a fantasy page turner that will leave you or your child wanting more. I’m excited to read the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally read this genre at all but enjoyed reading it to my girls, ages 11 and 13. I think they’re interested in the sequel(s)!

[Donamarie Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well put together fantasy. Lots of magic, magical creatures, and impossible situations. Loved this book and am getting ready to read the second book in this series.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actioned packed for sure. I tried to like it, but it wasn't my style of book. I could see preteens loving this book if they are into the fantasy type of stories.

[Wanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! All my kids were enthralled.

[Jennifer]

SLCPL challenge Utah author.
Had to use Interlibrary Loan despite the Utah author connection.
Very creative world building and great story and I hope there is a #3.

[Billy Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is a literary masterpiece. Brilliant writing, with an engaging story that is simple enough to be able to follow the story perfectly, yet complicated enough that you can re-read it multiple times and notice something new each time. When I first got this book, I re-read it cover-to-cover at least seven times in a row in seven days. Granted, I do re-read books a lot, but this is very excessive, even for me. I would recommend this to anyone, although it is a children's book. I loved it.