The premise of forest spirits and astral planes and tree gods is one that always captivates me. This book felt like a bit of Fern Gully meets all your favourite childhood forest stories (Bambi! Farthing Wood! Narnia!) It's all very much about a girl who can travel in and out of a spirit realm, with lots of forest spirit creatures (a sassy spirit fox in particular was fab), and is trying to rescue her mother. Briony has amnesia and can't remember her childhood forest-spirit-boy friend...but together they lock into a race against time to find keys and open gates and protect the forest.

While it was a great premise, everything about it also felt very MG. The writing too felt young. Alder and Briony had such a "childhood friend" vibe, it was hard to think of them as 16 and 18 when they felt...10 and 12 still. I felt really bad for Briony's friend, Izzie, who was basically just brought along to babysit the grandma and be a comic relief. (It sits very unsteadily with me too that she was the sole POC character...who ended up being the help, the sidekick, and the comic relief. Yikes.)

Fascinating premise, but some underlying issues with the characterisation left me at a distance.

Briony does not remember has loss of memory and scars on her back. Go on a journey with this character to find the truth. This is a new author for me and I did enjoy the book. I was hoping for a little more from this book it was slow in spots for me. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and findings out what happened. The story was good and the journey was nice with characters that made me keep reading. "This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review."

I liked the concept and how Duga wrote it. The magic was mesmerizing. Though I don't know why I couldn't get into the story thus I felt nothing when I finished it. The main character was meh and I think it'd better if there was no romance in it.

Overall, if you're looking for an easy fantasy read, this book may be for you.

The creativity that went into this story was amazing. This was the first book that I have read by this author, but I will be sure to check out more! The cover art is gorgeous and really drew me in.

Glow of the Fireflies is a fun standalone that captures a fun fantasy world connected to the modern world.

It’s always interesting to me when a world superimposed over the modern world. In this case we have the different planes of the spirit world. Kind of like alternate dimensions they exist where we exist but in a different layer. I thought the imagery of the world was very well done. I could definitely visualize the plants. Which really stuck out to me.

I like books that remind me of video games. Especially when there are tasks that you must complete. For this story it’s gates, with different elements associated with them, which reminded me of playing Zelda. I liked the way they were set up with different guardians and Byre and Alder having to find ways to obtain the keys.

I wish Briony’s relationship with her grandmother was explored a little more. I felt like they need some more moments.

I liked the writing and enjoyed the romance. It was light and cute. Which is sometimes all you need, based off a past relationship. Even if Briony doesn’t remember it.

The book was fast paced. I did figure out some of things in the plot before they happened but I didn’t feel like it ruined anything.

I really enjoyed the story and as a standalone it was perfect.

Glow of the Fireflies by Lindsey Duga is a romantic young adult fantasy tale. With this being the second book I’ve read from Lindsey Duga the one takeaway I can definitely share above all else with her stories is that she goes above and beyond in the creativity department giving readers something new to enjoy.

In this book readers are introduced to teenage Briony who had been living with her father for the last six years since a fire happened in their old home. When her father hears that Briony’s grandmother needs help for the summer he volunteers Briony but she isn’t exactly sold on staying with family she doesn’t remember and who have not contacted her as the years have gone by.

After some convincing and with the promise that Briony’s best friend can come along Briony finds herself arriving in Firefly Valley, deep within the Smoky Mountains. After arriving Briony intercepts a phone call that her old home is about to be torn down and wanting to see if her memories would return she makes a visit to the house now in ruins. What she finds is a boy who obviously seems to have been a friend but when confronting him she ends up finding a whole world she doesn’t remember.

As mentioned this one was certainly different than any I’ve read. Readers start out in our own Earthly world only to find that much more than humans exist in Firefly Valley where the character finds a link to an astral world existing alongside. As the fantasy world is unveiled so begins a romance and a mystery with adventure when the character finds her mother is alive and trapped. Wrap it all up and it became an intriguing page turner.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I just really enjoyed this book. It was just really easy to get lost in this book. I just couldn’t get enough of it and didn’t want it to end. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

When I picked this up I thought it would be a contemporary read. That it would be more of a mystery/thriller type book. Boy was I wrong. It is definitely fantasy.

I enjoyed it! I really love that it takes place in Tennessee (my home state). The atmospheric writing made me feel very nostalgic for my childhood.

I will say that the magic and y’all of mana was pretty confusing at times. I’m still not sure I entirely understand it. I do love the description of the different elemental gate keys though. That was really fun to read.

I think this would make an excellent TV show for younger viewers. I think my 9 year old niece would absolutely love it, especially how the animals in it.

I liked Briony and Alder. I loved learning about their friendship as kids. I’m not sure I super loved the romantic aspect, but that’s not very surprising for me.

I wish Izzie had been in it more. I really loved her and how much she loved Briony. Same with Briony’s grandmother.

This was a cute book with breathtaking atmospheric writing, though parts felt confusing. I enjoyed reading it though and I’m glad it’s a stand alone.

"How could I long for something I couldn't remember?"
Glow of the Fireflies is an enchanting modern/paranormal romance!
There were a couple particular elements that made this book extra enjoyable for me and I think will translate well to the young adult audience. The first element that resonated with me was seeing a protagonist with skin issues. I, like many adolescents, struggled with acne throughout my teenage years and never saw that reflected in the characters in the books I read. Brye having sensitive skin instantly made her more relatable as a protagonist. The second really engaging element of the story was how Duga incorporates local phenomena (like earthquakes in TN and the cold spring water) into the world-building of Glow of the Fireflies. That grounded the book even amidst all the paranormal elements.
I can be super-duper picky about romance, and so, for me personally, that wasn't one of the highlights of the book. But many others might find Alder dashing!

glow of the fireflies takes you to firefly valley, a magical place where nature spirits are holding our main character's mother captive and nothing is as it seems. it's a richly imagined world that provides the setting for this young adult novel that straddles the line between fantasy and magical realism.

briony learns that her past is full of lies and omissions, and as she searches for the truth her ties to this valley and to a boy named adler are slowly revealed. there's definitely a hint of romance between these two, but it's a slow burn and the focus is just as much on the mystery of briony's past.

all in all, this is an enjoyable young adult novel.

**glow of the fireflies will publish on october 1, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (entangled teen) in exchange for my honest review.

If you want a lighter, enchanted adventure, this book is for you! 

When she has to leave her life to help her grandmother, the memories begin to reawaken a world where magic exists. She is transported into this other realm of imagination and adventure. There is a ton of friendship woven in and their teamwork helps to navigate through the twists and turns of the plot! 

I enjoyed the writing style which was a great break from the darker, more intense novels I've read lately. If you're looking for a whimsical world to transform from reality, I recommend this author! 

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Glow of the Fireflies
By: Lindsey Duga

*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟.5
Lindsey Duga is new to me, and I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Briony, the heroine, through various circumstances, ends up in Firefly Valley in the Smoky Mountains for the summer. She lost everything here years ago- her mother disappeared, her memories, her childhood, a fire-just devastating stuff. Briony soon learns that this valley is more than it appears, and she has a hope of finding her mother. With her best friend and a hot guy/childhood friend, she sets out to find answers about what happened when she was younger and recover memories. Briony is a solid female lead, but I question how nonchalantly she absorbed all of this crazy information about her past. That part was not believable enough for me. The best friend character is perfectly cast as fun, snarky and supportive. Adler, hot guy, was kind of an afterthought to me. His character could have evaporated, and I wouldn't have missed him. The slow burn relationship with Briony didn't interest me. The story moves well and freely with intrigue, somewhat predictable, and mysterious circumstances. The setting is enchanting and lovely. I enjoyed this story, but I didn't totally love it. The Glow of the Fireflies is a good choice for young adult readers. It's got all the elements of an entertaining engaging read for the appropriate audience.

I thought Glow of the Fireflies was a unique and magical fantasy. I really loved the writing! The characters are well written. The worldbuilding is amazing and interesting. This is a perfect read for anyone that likes a great fantasy read!

Some people might call this book urban fantasy, some people might call this book magical realism, some people might call it both or neither. Regardless of what genre you would categorize it as, it’s an enchanting read.

Just like with Duga’s previous novel, Kiss of the Royal, when you start the book, you think you have an idea of where the story is going. Then Duga rips the rug out from under you and you end up going “whoa I did not see that coming”.

This book took off running! I had started reading this before wanting to go to bed and I told myself I’d stop at the end of chapter three.

*cue hysterical laughter*

There is NO stopping after chapter three. Make sure you set yourself up for a “read in one sitting” experience. Trust me, you won’t want to put it down.

Duga’s capability to use descriptive details that flesh out scenes and characters leaves you feeling captivated. Also, her use of pop culture references injects a note of humour.

This was an exciting, magical adventure with a beautifully sweet and adorable slow-burn romance. I will be recommending this one to everyone.

I almost wish Dreamworks would make an animated movie out of this. Seeing what they did with How to Train Your Dragon and Rise of the Guardians... this is the perfect story for them to adapt.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Author: Lindsey Duga

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: October 1, 2019

Recommended Age: 15+ (“in a world of pure imagination”)

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: Entangled: Teen

Synopsis: Briony never planned to go back to the place she lost everything.

Firefly Valley, nestled deep within the Smoky Mountains, is better kept in her past. After an unexplained fire gave Briony amnesia, her mother disappeared and her dad moved them to Knoxville.

But now her grandmother needs a caretaker and Briony’s dad volunteers her to help. The moment she returns, her whole world shifts. She feels a magical connection to this valley, as if it’s literally part of her somehow.

And when she meets a hot guy who claims he was her childhood friend but now mysteriously keeps his distance, Briony starts piecing together her missing past…and discovers her mother didn’t leave to start a new life somewhere. She’s trapped in the hidden world within the valley.

Now, Briony will do whatever it takes to rescue her, even if it means standing up against dangerously powerful nature spirits. Even if it means giving up her first love.

Review: I thought this book was cute and very well written. The story was intriguing and the world building was very well done. I also felt the pacing was even as well.

I did feel that the story was a bit hard to get into though and the characters didn’t really speak to me. The book was hard for me to get into but that’s probably just my mood at the moment.

Verdict: A decent fantasy and a gorgeous story.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This was a breath of fresh air in YA Fantasy. It's a unique concept in which we follow our protagonist, Briony, and her journey to regain her memories and unveil the secrets about her mother, as she returns to the Smoky Mountains to help her grandmother. There, she finds a mysterious boy, and with him and her best friend, her adventure begins.
Female friendship here is very well represented and the romance was really sweet. The pacing was okay.
The writing style was clean and the plot kept my interest. I really enjoyed the world-building the author created, I mean Firefly Valley is amazing.
As for the characters, Briony is the most complex and I'm glad I was able to follow the story from her POV because I could connect to her feelings and thoughts.
The twists could have been a little bit more surprising, but it did not make me think less of the story.
It is a quick read that is almost read like magical realism. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
Those who enjoy YA Fantasy or Magical Realism will probably enjoy this.

I voluntarily read and review an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (Thank you!)

Otherworldly powers and alternate worlds bring Glow of the Fireflies by Lindsey Duga to life. Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Brye is not known as a team player. She seems to do better independently and when she doesn’t have to rely on anyone else. Her father calls her after her swim meet and gives her the unwanted news that she’s being sent away for the summer. Brye will be going to Firefly Valley in the Smoky Mountains to take care of her reclusive grandma that’s broken her leg. Brye hasn’t seen or talked to this grandma for six years, since the house fire that gave Brye scars and amnesia when she was ten. Luckily, she’s taking her best friend Izzy along for the summer trip. The trip isn’t calm like the two best friends thought it would be because Brye reunites with people she hasn’t seen since she left the valley. She’s thrown into a fantastical world of fairies and ethereal and astral planes where she’s told to save her mom, who she thought left them by choice after the tragic fire. A fun mix of characters in this fantasy reminiscent of Fablehaven, 4 stars!

This book was charming and whimsical, everything I look for in a fantasy book.

Glow of the Fireflies had very likable characters, especially Izzie, who I adored.Her one liners? Comedy gold! And so authentic. I really loved her and Briony's relationship (I always support women supporting women; toxic friendships are so last year, agreed?) With that being said, I think it's a good time to say that Duga's overall voice is hilarious. It wraps the reader in a cozy blanket.

Something things i thought needed a little revision was the pacing of the plot in the beginning. As a reader, I wasn't convinced that Briony took all the revelations that happen in the beginning so easily. Slowing the pace down here would have allowed Briony to process these more, and help readers as well. And, though I adored Alder, I was slightly confused as what Alder was exactly. A human-god seemed like a paradox, and a little complicated.

Other than some plot-things, I thought this was a gem of a book!

Glow of the Fireflies is a young adult standalone magic fantasy by Lindsey Duga. Lindsey Duga wrote one of my favorite books of last year- Kiss of the Royal, so to say I was excited about her next book was an understatement. And I am happy to report that I really loved Glow of the Fireflies. I still think Kiss of the Royal is my favorite book of hers, but her writing is so magical that it is hard not to completely fall in love with her characters and her stories. She is one of my newest favorite authors. Next, I think I would love for her to write an epic fantasy romance series.

In Glow of the Fireflies wee meet our main character Briony. Briony sets out on a magical adventure to rescue her mother. I think Glow of the Fireflies is a mixture of magical realism and fantasy, which is a genre I have not read too much of. The magical realism aspect comes in from the books setting. Glow of the Fireflies takes place in Firefly valley, deep within the Smokey Mountains. But then we also have some parallel universe action happening. It was really well done.

I also loved the cast of characters Lindsey created. Briony is fantastic, but her best friend Izzie also stole the show in my opinion. They have a wonderful friendship, which you know I am always a fan of in books. I like seeing healthy friendships depicted because I think far too often we see toxic relationships and awful friends in books. But Izzie is loyal and her personality is infectious. I loved her. Briony, Izzie And Alder set off to figure out what happened to her mom, and along the way they learn about magic energies, astral planes, and there are plenty of twists, turns and surprises to keep the reader engaged until the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed Briony’s journey and I was really happy with the way everything wrapped up. If you are looking for a delightful story that is well written with great characters, you have to try a book by Lindsey Duga. She is an excellent author, and Glow of the Fireflies is a great standalone fantasy. I loved it.

This cover immediately caught my eye. It is beyond gorgeous!! Glow of the Fireflies started out with potential to be a great book. A young teen girl whose mother ran off and never heard from again. So teen girl must navigate growing up without a mother. Briony gets sent to help her injured grandma and then her life is completely turned upside down.

I enjoyed the beginning of Glow of the Fireflies when we started getting bits and pieces to try to put together and solve what happened. Then once Briony started on her journey to save her mother the book just kind of lost my attention. That’s generally when the book is supposed to get really good and suck you in and I dont feel this book had that.

🌟🌟🌟 (3 out of 5 stars) This book had an interest concept and I feel it could have been so much better than what it was. I am really indifferent with this book. I had higher expectations and was a bit let down. I do think it is more marketed for YA readers and I think it will do much better with that demographic.