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The Seeking #1
Seeking Nessabella
Having unknowingly crossed into a world where magic and mythical beings are more than just a fairy tale, fifteen-year-old Nessa Walker is faced with a new reality, but was she ever meant to find it?
Nessa is quickly told she doesn’t belong, but her curiosity overpowers the grave risks that present themselves in this mysterious new world. Elphorea, so it’s named, is ruled by a Queen who rejects any fae that is not one of them, yet the threat of banishment, and ultimately death don’t deter Nessa. With the help of some unlikely friends, she vows to unravel the secrets of her existence.
Will her discoveries lead to a wondrous new life, or her demise?
Will she be able to face the monsters she has been protected from her whole life, or will she succumb to her own demons along the way?
Nessa is quickly told she doesn’t belong, but her curiosity overpowers the grave risks that present themselves in this mysterious new world. Elphorea, so it’s named, is ruled by a Queen who rejects any fae that is not one of them, yet the threat of banishment, and ultimately death don’t deter Nessa. With the help of some unlikely friends, she vows to unravel the secrets of her existence.
Will her discoveries lead to a wondrous new life, or her demise?
Will she be able to face the monsters she has been protected from her whole life, or will she succumb to her own demons along the way?
- GenresFantasy
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2022
About the author
Marissa Serrao
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 12, 2023
This book was so full of YA adventure and nostalgia. The FMC, Nessa, is really relatable and took me back to what it was to be fifteen years old. I loved her relationships with all of the other characters, and getting to figure out the world as she did! And Myles.. fifteen year old me is swooning!
Marrisa is an extremely talented writer. I blitzed through this book without any need to pause or come up for air. I can’t wait to see where she takes the rest of the series. 🥹
Marrisa is an extremely talented writer. I blitzed through this book without any need to pause or come up for air. I can’t wait to see where she takes the rest of the series. 🥹
November 18, 2022
“Having unknowingly crossed into a world where magic and mythical beings are more than just a fairy tale, fifteen-year-old Nessa Walker is faced with a new reality, but was she ever meant to find it?”
Seeking Nessabella hooked me from the very first line, I was instantly drawn into the emotions and adrenaline of the main character. Nessa, the main character, is an angsty teen girl who unknowingly crossed into world she could have only dreamed up before now. While she learns pretty quickly that she wouldn’t be welcome in her new home, her curiosity of the new world she finds herself in (and the pain of the life she left behind) fuel her desire to find a way to stay and make her way in this new life.
The author, Marissa Serrao, did an incredible job with world building and character development. I felt immersed in AurElia from Serrao’s descriptions of the people, the places, the scents of both and the taste of the food and everything in between.
This is a MUST READ Young Adult Fantasy. I was honestly already recommending it when I was merely a couple chapters into reading. I am eagerly awaiting book two.
Marissa Serrao listed her content warnings in her descriptions (I’ll copy them below) and she also included a pronunciation guide at the start of the book.
“CW: This book contains violence and mild cursing. Seeking Nessabella is a YA book and contains light romance but is still considered a clean fantasy.”
Seeking Nessabella hooked me from the very first line, I was instantly drawn into the emotions and adrenaline of the main character. Nessa, the main character, is an angsty teen girl who unknowingly crossed into world she could have only dreamed up before now. While she learns pretty quickly that she wouldn’t be welcome in her new home, her curiosity of the new world she finds herself in (and the pain of the life she left behind) fuel her desire to find a way to stay and make her way in this new life.
The author, Marissa Serrao, did an incredible job with world building and character development. I felt immersed in AurElia from Serrao’s descriptions of the people, the places, the scents of both and the taste of the food and everything in between.
This is a MUST READ Young Adult Fantasy. I was honestly already recommending it when I was merely a couple chapters into reading. I am eagerly awaiting book two.
Marissa Serrao listed her content warnings in her descriptions (I’ll copy them below) and she also included a pronunciation guide at the start of the book.
“CW: This book contains violence and mild cursing. Seeking Nessabella is a YA book and contains light romance but is still considered a clean fantasy.”
October 31, 2022
For me I found this book tied in to quiet a few books and tv series I have read/seen. I found similarities with The Golden Compass, Stranger Things and Harry Potter, so if you are a fan of these then you will love this.
Marissa has made it a breeze seeing the difference between narration and thoughts from the protagonist. As well as the amazing detail we are also introduced to a new species called...did you really think I would tell you? No my dear friend you will have to read it to find out. We do find out our protagonist name but not until page 6, which I thinks adds to the distress that the character is feeling.
I love the story, think the characters are amazing, the details written are chefs kiss, adore the use of mythology with some of the creatures, but one thing for me is that whenever Nessa was speaking or something was happening with her I imagined her older than fifteen so for me personally I would have written her slightly older maybe by five ish years maybe less but that is just me.
All in all it is a beautiful book and I have loved being an arc reader for it. Congratulations Marissa!!
Marissa has made it a breeze seeing the difference between narration and thoughts from the protagonist. As well as the amazing detail we are also introduced to a new species called...did you really think I would tell you? No my dear friend you will have to read it to find out. We do find out our protagonist name but not until page 6, which I thinks adds to the distress that the character is feeling.
I love the story, think the characters are amazing, the details written are chefs kiss, adore the use of mythology with some of the creatures, but one thing for me is that whenever Nessa was speaking or something was happening with her I imagined her older than fifteen so for me personally I would have written her slightly older maybe by five ish years maybe less but that is just me.
All in all it is a beautiful book and I have loved being an arc reader for it. Congratulations Marissa!!
October 28, 2022
The story begins with tension, angst, right off the bat leaving you rooting for the main character from the very beginning. While it delves into content you may not understand just yet, Marissa beautifully fills in the gaps. Nessa is fifteen years old, having lived as a human for her brief life. But her life is thrown into disarray and she is forced to question all she knows. With the help of Rylan (and some questionable decisions made on her part), she starts to learn about who she is. Is she human? Is she fae? Insert Myles, a man who feels an urge to help her by any means necessary. Myles' character development is so artfully done. Marissa leaves so much of AurElia to be explored. I cannot wait for the next book!
November 8, 2022
Great YA book a must read . To begin not many authors include a pronunciation guide to how to pronounce they difficult to say /read characters names and places I loved that aspect.This book has a beautifully written main character, & storyline. Young girl who is basically figuring out who she is and why things have happened to her in order to survive. If your looking for a fictional world to escape too this is the book can not wait for the rest of the series. So happy I got to experience the magic that is Nessa & her story before release I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2022
Seeking Nessabella is a wonderfully captivating novel and an extremely strong start to The Seeking series!
The characters are so believable and I found myself really rooting for them and their success. I am admittedly not the biggest fan of the fantasy genre; however, I found this book incredibly easy to be drawn into. The author's vivid imagery helped paint such a realistic image in my mind of the scenery and all of the mystical elements of the story. Once I was pulled into the story, I could NOT put the book down! There were twists that I did not see coming and now I'm on the edge of my seat until I can read the next one :) I highly recommend this book!
The characters are so believable and I found myself really rooting for them and their success. I am admittedly not the biggest fan of the fantasy genre; however, I found this book incredibly easy to be drawn into. The author's vivid imagery helped paint such a realistic image in my mind of the scenery and all of the mystical elements of the story. Once I was pulled into the story, I could NOT put the book down! There were twists that I did not see coming and now I'm on the edge of my seat until I can read the next one :) I highly recommend this book!
October 25, 2022
This was an amazing read from start to finish. Marissa pulls you in right away and keeps you hooked all the way through. The story follows a 15 year old girl named Nessa who crosses into this new world of magic and has to survive by discovering who she truly is. The details within the characters and the beautiful world that she builds are incredible. Her characters are complex with issues that are relatable but also unimaginable. I'm officially hooked on The Seeking series and can't wait for the next book to come out!
April 27, 2023
A fantastical beginning to a new series!
I just finished this gem of a book, and here are my thoughts! 💕
This YA fantasy was such a joy to read! Marissa has been able to put together a unique take on the fantasy world with new magic systems, amazing worldbuilding and lots of fantastical creatures of different shapes and sizes!
This book reminded me in some parts of the golden compass (by Philip Pullman), in other parts of Hogwarts (they have freakin herbology class!) and also Fantastic beasts and where to find them. But mostly it was a new different and unique fantasy book all of it’s own!
I do sense a little romance subplot that could be coming in the next book, not to spoil anything, but we did get a little one bed trope going on here 😏 But we do get a couple of options hence to which one this romance may happen with. Intrigued to find out if I’m correct in my predicitions!
This one primarily focused on Nessa building relationships with all the different characters we are introduced to! And also adapting to a brand new world and overcoming tragedy.
Looking forward to reading what comes next for Nessa and the gang!
Also, the cover is so beautiful! It’s what really drew me in first! If you want to know the significance of the necklace, you are just gonna have to read it 😏
I just finished this gem of a book, and here are my thoughts! 💕
This YA fantasy was such a joy to read! Marissa has been able to put together a unique take on the fantasy world with new magic systems, amazing worldbuilding and lots of fantastical creatures of different shapes and sizes!
This book reminded me in some parts of the golden compass (by Philip Pullman), in other parts of Hogwarts (they have freakin herbology class!) and also Fantastic beasts and where to find them. But mostly it was a new different and unique fantasy book all of it’s own!
I do sense a little romance subplot that could be coming in the next book, not to spoil anything, but we did get a little one bed trope going on here 😏 But we do get a couple of options hence to which one this romance may happen with. Intrigued to find out if I’m correct in my predicitions!
This one primarily focused on Nessa building relationships with all the different characters we are introduced to! And also adapting to a brand new world and overcoming tragedy.
Looking forward to reading what comes next for Nessa and the gang!
Also, the cover is so beautiful! It’s what really drew me in first! If you want to know the significance of the necklace, you are just gonna have to read it 😏
April 30, 2023
We travel with 15 year old Nessabella, who we come to know as Nessa, on her courageous journey of self discovery in this beautifully crafted story. The world created by the author is fun to explore and leaves you wanting more. The characters are likable, if they are meant to be, and all well developed as the book evolves. There are elements of fear, curiosity, suspense, magic and a hint of sarcastic humor. Just when I thought the plot was coming to a close, a whole new plot evolves with a taste of what Book 2 will bring!
October 25, 2022
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first line. The author does a great job of building up the story line while holding the reader’s attention captive. The descriptive writing transported me into a world filled with mystery and magic. This read is a great escape from reality and kept me yearning for more. I loved getting to know Nessa, the strong female main character, and I can’t wait for the next book in The Seeking series to come out!
October 25, 2022
Well written, and whimsical, the story is about a young girl who is thrust into a new world and slowly figures out who she is and why she was able to travel to this world in the first place. This felt very similar to a lot of middle grade fantasy books I read as a kid, so it also felt a little nostalgic.
November 19, 2023
I loved this book. Marissa beautifully wrote Nessa and easily brought me back to being 15 years old. I loved all of the characters and learning the world as Nessa did. Although I will say, Nessa ended up knowing it better than I did 😂 i have to get the second book asap because I need to know if anything happens between Nessa and Myles😋
October 27, 2022
This book hooked me in since the first chapter. The way the author describes the story was amazing. The characters are all unique in their way. Nessa is the mai character that goes through a portal only fae can go through. Not only does she have to learn where she is but who she is.
November 1, 2022
This was a great read full of great character development and enticing twists and turns! Marissa did an amazing job grabbing the readers attention right from the very start! Beyond excited to read book two and find out what happens next with Nessabella!
December 6, 2022
This is the BEST fantasy book that I have read in a while! The characters, plot, setting- amazing! My favourite part was the description- it felt as if you were there! Couldn't rec enough! Defo give it a read :) x
October 25, 2022
Wonderful YA story. Great fantasy world with fae. Even though it’s not my normal genre I loved the story. It follows a 15 year old girl and her adventures. I recommend it.
November 9, 2022
I loved this book! I was an ARC reader, and couldn’t find it until now to review. I really thought it was different but in a good way. Definitely a page turner and I might do a reread one day.
April 18, 2023
This book was fast paced and started quickly which I loved. There were lots of my favorite fantasy book elements throughout with enough revelations that kept me interested.
May 17, 2023
I had the amazing opportunity to have this book sent to me by the author. And WOW JUST WOW!!!! This book was written beautifully. And I loved every piece of it.
July 5, 2023
If you want to read a book with middle grade themes but with depth of a YA book, then this is the book for you.
October 30, 2022
So stunning.The narrative, the characters, and the extraordinary author. The story is lighthearted and written about a young girl who discovers some secrets about her life and sets out on an adventure to find the truth.This brought me back to my early experiences with fantasy.I can't wait to buy the hard copy so I can read it to my daughter.
December 9, 2022
"My parents kept me hidden from a life I wish I’d known— locked away in an isolated cabin in the mountains. They loved me with every fiber of their being, but those happy memories were quickly fading. Nothing has been the same after the day I found myself covered in their blood.
I ran for days until my feet were raw, while echoes of hungry monsters threatened to drive me mad. Why they were after me, I didn’t know, but I was determined to find out!"
Seeking Nessabella is a YA fantasy novel by Marissa Serrao, and it is the first book in The Seeking series.
The story follows fifteen year old Nessa Walker who has entered the world of AurElia, a world of fae and other magical creatures. From the beginning of the story, I was drawn in to the world Serrao creates and Nessa's character. Readers are thrust into action at the start along with Nessa, and Serrao does a fantastic job of revealing secrets and backstories as the story progresses, which will keep readers intrigued to find out.
Nessa's character development was amazing to watch. At first, she comes off as selfish and impulsive, but she is relatable and caring. She is certainly a character readers can root for in her journey to discover who she is, find friends, and accept herself.
I recommend Seeking Nessabella to readers who love YA and middle grade fantasy, adventure, and coming of age stories. I loved this story and rate it a 4/5 stars. I am so excited for the next book in the series!
I received an eARC copy of Seeking Nessabella in exchange for an honest review.
Seeking Nessabella was released on October 24, 2022. It can be purchased on Amazon and Kindle. Please check content warning before purchasing!
https://kireadsbooks33.wordpress.com/...
Overview
Having unknowingly crossed into a world where magic and mythical beings are more than just a fairy tale, fifteen-year-old Nessa Walker is faced with a new reality, but was she ever meant to find it?
Nessa is quickly told she doesn’t belong, but her curiosity overpowers the grave risks that present themselves in this mysterious new world. Elphorea, so it’s named, is ruled by a Queen who rejects any fae that is not one of them, yet the threat of banishment, and ultimately death don’t deter Nessa. With the help of some unlikely friends, she vows to unravel the secrets of her existence.
Will her discoveries lead to a wondrous new life, or her demise?
Will she be able to face the monsters she has been protected from her whole life, or will she succumb to her own demons along the way?
I ran for days until my feet were raw, while echoes of hungry monsters threatened to drive me mad. Why they were after me, I didn’t know, but I was determined to find out!"
Seeking Nessabella is a YA fantasy novel by Marissa Serrao, and it is the first book in The Seeking series.
The story follows fifteen year old Nessa Walker who has entered the world of AurElia, a world of fae and other magical creatures. From the beginning of the story, I was drawn in to the world Serrao creates and Nessa's character. Readers are thrust into action at the start along with Nessa, and Serrao does a fantastic job of revealing secrets and backstories as the story progresses, which will keep readers intrigued to find out.
Nessa's character development was amazing to watch. At first, she comes off as selfish and impulsive, but she is relatable and caring. She is certainly a character readers can root for in her journey to discover who she is, find friends, and accept herself.
I recommend Seeking Nessabella to readers who love YA and middle grade fantasy, adventure, and coming of age stories. I loved this story and rate it a 4/5 stars. I am so excited for the next book in the series!
I received an eARC copy of Seeking Nessabella in exchange for an honest review.
Seeking Nessabella was released on October 24, 2022. It can be purchased on Amazon and Kindle. Please check content warning before purchasing!
https://kireadsbooks33.wordpress.com/...
Overview
Having unknowingly crossed into a world where magic and mythical beings are more than just a fairy tale, fifteen-year-old Nessa Walker is faced with a new reality, but was she ever meant to find it?
Nessa is quickly told she doesn’t belong, but her curiosity overpowers the grave risks that present themselves in this mysterious new world. Elphorea, so it’s named, is ruled by a Queen who rejects any fae that is not one of them, yet the threat of banishment, and ultimately death don’t deter Nessa. With the help of some unlikely friends, she vows to unravel the secrets of her existence.
Will her discoveries lead to a wondrous new life, or her demise?
Will she be able to face the monsters she has been protected from her whole life, or will she succumb to her own demons along the way?
February 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews