She awoke to save us, but it may already be too late.
The world is in chaos. Stars are falling from the sky. Floods, hurricanes, and fires rage across the land. And the only being strong enough to stop it is stuck in teenage form ... again.
Reborn, Gaia has come to Earth to battle through the strife and discover if the world is worth saving.
Tasked with guiding her, it falls to me to help her weather the storms, and hopefully, find a place where she can be at peace. But time is running out, and her patience is waning. Now, I fear if the human race doesn’t destroy the world … she will.
#1 Bestseller in Historical Fiction Top 100 Bestselling in Paid Kindle Store Best Cover Award Winner Readers’ Choice Award Winner Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Novel Winner (x2)
Author Tish Thawer writes young adult fantasy and paranormal fiction. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the Twilight phenomenon, myth, magic, and superpowers have always held a special place in her heart.
Best known for her Witches of BlackBrook series, Tish’s detailed world-building and magic-laced stories have been compared to Nora Roberts, Sam Cheever, and Charlaine Harris.
Tish has worked as a computer consultant, photographer, and graphic designer, and has bylines as a columnist for Gliterary Girl media, RT Magazine, and Literary Lunes Magazine. She currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two of her three wonderful children, and operates Amber Leaf Designs, an online custom retail store, and Amber Leaf Farms, a lavender and flower farm that opened in 2022.
A common FAQ: "How do you pronounce her last name?"
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It takes place in today's world on Earth. The premise is that the world is in danger and Gaia, the Mother, Creator of all living things has been reborn to determine if her world is still worthy of life.
The story is basically told by Demi, the woman who must teach Gaia about the modern world and accompany her while she retrieves her seven hidden treasures. Sounds easy, right?? No such luck. It soon becomes Demi's job to save them from creatures called Crags, who are bent on stealing the treasures and ending the quest. Demi isn't sure why they were sent after them or by whom. As they travel from country to country retrieving the treasures, Demi is dealing with Gaia in the form of a moody teenager. Problem is, when too upset, Gaia's emotions trigger severe weather phenomena. Watching for Crags and Gaia's storms make this is a very tiring endeavor. Then when they get to Antarctica, Gaia falls for one of the geologists. Now they have a civilian trailing around with them. However, he has a way of calming her so Demi agrees to let him accompany them.
I realize the plot sounds strange but it was really a good storyline. It took a couple of chapters to figure out what was going on but then the pace picked up. Add this title to your to be read list and you can't go wrong.
"Lightning streaked across the sky, backlighting the eighteen-year-old goddess as she stood silhouetted against the maelstrom outside. Her auburn hair was wind whipped and plastered to her neck and face, and though newly reborn, her divinity was something she could never hide ... at least not from me." #Excerpt #GuidingGaia
"Guiding Gaia is the story you've been waiting for - beautifully written with twists and turns that keep you addicted, devouring each page until the epic end! This is Tish Thawer at her very best. A must read for 2021!"
I’ve loved everything this author has written so I knew I’d get an amazing story when I opened the book. What I didn’t realize was Guarding Gaia would take me on a rollercoaster of a ride - leading me from twists and turns as I tried to guess what would happen next. There’s something beautiful in the way Tish crafts her tale - the imagery placing you right beside the characters as thought you’re watching a movie. I honestly didn’t want this story to end and hope with everything I have that some day we will see more of Gaia and Demi. If this is your first book by this author, DEFINITELY one-click her others. She’s one of my all time favorites! Well done.
Tish Thawer always surprises me with her books. I know I'll enjoy reading her books, what surprises me is how much I want to be a part of it. Everytime. I. Read. Her. Books. She takes you on a journey with each written word, and extraordinary characters. Guiding Gaia should be on everyone's TBR list this year.
Guiding Gaia is the book I needed most this year without even knowing it. Tish Thawer has taken the history of this mythos and seamlessly turned it into something unexpected and extraordinary. This is one YA tale you don't want to miss.” ~ Paranormal Romance Author, Brynn Myers
I am in love with this book. Thawer brings a breath of fresh air to the genre with this beautifully told story. I love this unique perspective of Gaia, her strengths and her vulnerabilities. Travel around the world with the characters and experience some of the most sacred sites on this beautiful planet we call home. A must read!
I actually can't believe I'm giving this book 1 star (I was considering giving it 2 stars). This story had issues almost from the start that I had to actually jot down notes in hopes that they will be resolved later in the story. So, here they are:
- No character- and world-building. The main plot begins right away without an effective way of introducing Demi, Gaia and the Crags. Even though Gaia is a mythological character, it doesn't mean she can't have layers. Making her a teen seemed it was only done to attract the teen audience. Being a moody love-struck teen was a waste of her character. - The Crags were an empty threat because there isn't much shared about them. - Demi's relationship with Gaia is weird. She was a mother-figure but it was written as if she was attracted to Gaia? - Seemed like an informative text on the continents and key locations. The "research" that Gaia shares literally doesn't add anything to the story. Most of the time I was thinking "why am I reading this?" They even go on a tour that ends up being longer than they wanted where nothing happens and all we get told are some facts about the area that add nothing to the area? - Uri and Gaia's relationship literally came out of nowhere. I understand the mystery but why not explore more of that anyway since it was something new for her? - The story was unnecessarily dragged out and then rushed at the end. Like finding out the true identity of Uri, Dante, Demi and her daughter with 4 short chapters left or having Gaia kidnapped then back within the next few pages was ineffective. Like introducing a creature that can transport them to locations with 3 chapters to go felt like the author hadn't realised she was reaching her word limit and needed a way to rush things again...
It ended up being 231 pages of a build-up to the most anti-climactic story I've ever come across.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Guiding Gaia is a whirlwind of a story that literally takes your breath away. A dream land of mythos that spins your mind! Following Gaia through her journey is like walking beside her and taking on whatever the world throws at her. As she and Demi find themselves in some enthralling events. Guiding Gaia is such a beautiful and mythical story. This book lacked nothing for me! I can honestly say that this book will reside in my stack of to be read again. Dive into the mythos that is Guiding Gaia!
Al fin terminé este libro de 200 páginas que parecieron 1000.
Dioses griegos reencarnados maldiciendo en cristiano, tarjetas de crédito con fondos ilimitados, tour Wikipedia por 7 puntos turísticos a nivel mundial, un plot con tantos agujeros como un colador y por si no fuera poco: salvan al mundo (y el universo, de paso!) de los otros dioses griegos en una página. Un trámite realmente.
This was a fun, different take on Gaia and mythology. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story. Loved all of the descriptions of the places they visited. Definitely well researched! This kept me intrigued from start to finish! I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Wow. Talk about a crazy ride. Guiding Gaia is a mythological dream of a story. From absolutely beautifully detailed story telling, to Demi and Gaia themselves. Their adventure is one for the ages. If you like mythology at all, this is an absolute must read story.
If you enjoy a good adventure this is the read for you. It’s not my normal genre so I lost my focus a few times, but that didn’t take away from the authors talent. It’s a me thing.
Besides that I found it a bit repetitive sometimes it was a really fun and exciting read. It was full with mythology. I especially loved the ending. I recommend this book if you like: •Mythology •Strong female characters •Adventures by collecting artifacts
Omg this book is so amazing. I didn't want this to end it absolutely is a great read. The adventure was so fun I really felt like I was actually going to all the amazing places. The way this story unfolded left me wanting more. This is a great read. Don't take my word for it go and try it out.
This story takes you on an adventure and introduces you to some great characters. The usage of Greek gods as characters gives the story the weight needed to feel the power and loss of a world that’s close to ending. Gaia’s journey as a teenager helps to shed light on the perils of growing up through the turbulent teen years. Guiding Gaia is a heartfelt story that shows the importance of relationships.
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you! This book had an interesting concept and some likeable characters that kids will connect with. I found it to be a little repetitive, but I'm also an adult reading YA, so I don't think it would bother the target audience. Ms. Thawer was kind enough to sign my book and send me some postcards and bookmarks with the book. They were beautiful. Thanks again. I passed this book to one of my 7th grade students because I know she'll enjoy it- especially the mythology and travel aspects of the book.
I have read quite a few books by Tish Thawer and loved them all. Guiding Gaia is WOW it kept me hooked from beginning to end. The research done on the places they visited was clearly extensive. This book would make a great movie, it's fast paced and exciting. I don't want to give anything away so I will just say do yourself a favour and read it.
I tried to finish this but couldn't get very far. There's too much info-dumping, and when it gets to the part where it's mentioned a Goddess was brought back against her own will, I knew it was time to tap out.
What if the Mother of all Creation was returned to Earth as a teenager? Could we put our faith in a moody teen to decide whether the Earth is worth saving or not?
Well written food for thought set in the modern world with mythology in the mix.
Demi has to help Gaia, the goddess of Earth reborn as a teenager, find 6 skulls to regain her full powers and then decide if humanity is worth saving.
Thoughts: This was a quick and easy read. Although, I wish the book was expanded as it seemed rushed in many parts since Demi and Gaia had to find 6 skulls in 258 pages. It was a well-written mythology inspired fantasy written in first person POV.