An amazing adventure read of jan for me!!! It gave The mysterious island vibes! The writing is fantastic, kept me gripped and engaging.... I loved the book very much!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

"An Island Strange and Wild" has so much potential for the right reader. The themes are really engaging and well-done. I started reading it at a time when some of the themes hit a bit too close to home for me, which made it hard to fully enjoy the story. But I can see it's shaping up to be a fantastic journey. I'm definitely planning to come back to it with a fresh mindset because it looks like it's going to be a great read.

Two teens are about to graduate highschool and they want to go to Cambridge, only one of them backs out and asks the other to go with him to the island of his youth.

Saying that this book is magical.... it's absolutely true... I just loved it, I'm still processing to be honest but one of the things I will not say is that I'm disappointed because I'm not.. The characters, the fmc, the story.. I just couldn't stop reading and I needed to know more and more.. It took me 2 days to finished and I just couldn't put it down

When I stumbled upon An Island Strange and Wild on netgalley it instantly intrigued me—climate activism, The Garden of Eden retelling and an unknown aunt trapped in a tree—sign me up. Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. I really struggled to write up a review for this since sadly it wasn’t an enjoyable experience to read. I’ve tried my best to be as fair as possible but please know there are lots of very positive reviews about this story on goodreads, NetGalley and Fable, so if you think this one might be for you give those a read.

An Island Strange and Wild read like the first draft, with ideas upon ideas placed in a jumbled pile with unbelievable fixes and a lack of answers when desired. Unfortunately I wasn’t captivated by the characters nor the plot since the reader gets little information when our lead Rosalie is constantly asking for answers on almost every page.

“This is totally weird. And has very little to do with the environmental impact of climate change—or scientific inquiry at all. It’s more like Alice’s trip through the looking glass.”

Throughout the book Rosalie calls herself a scientist and continually looks upon this side of herself—the one who longs to pursue studies in botany—in hopes to find the answers to the mysteries on Salttain, but moments where she could study these mysterious and miraculous plants are turned into the simple use of them in many dire and hasty circumstances. When we finally start to see magic the how and why is brushed over and a simple explanation is given, which felt unfair after so long following Rosalie questioning everything at every turn. If Rosalie had some time to actively, scientifically study the plant matter and utilise the clues she is given we could have the opportunity to further understand the magic and how it exists.

*”Stick a scientist in an environment that defies the laws of logic and watch them go slowly insane.”

The cast of characters become caricatures at times; the bullies, the bad boy, the overbearing mother, so on. While these architypes can help readers get a sense of the characters quickly there is a lack of deeper exploration into what they gain from their actions other than protecting Rosalie from the island and/or protecting the island from her. There is solid ground for development and if the plot points were further refined I believe that the characters would be the perfect conduit for explaining why the answers Rosalie seeks are reluctant to be revealed to her. The plot seems to accelerate in a pace the supporting characters can’t keep up with.

Rosalie, though, was an interesting protagonist. She constantly looks for answers to questions both unknown and wild, which speaks of her inquisitive and science-forward nature. She is head strong and emotional, with a compelling sense of justice—which I think is very important, especially for a YA targeted audience. The reader mirrors Rosalie’s frustration and desperation to unearth the mysteries of the book while sympathising with her emotional responses to the other characters around her.

The imagery in this story is strong, with whimsical and atmospheric descriptions of the plant life and the garden. There are grand sequences of magic, which sometimes felt like a departure from the dialogue in their poetry and unstilted continuous prose. These are the moments I enjoyed best in this book, it felt like the magic was taking over.

”Eyes closed, I spin into a vortex of sensation, a wormhole of darkness enclosing me in its maw. The thin mantle of Salttain island, like ice over a frozen pond, is all that keeps me from falling into an abyss of space and sky. Small buds glow white against the black void. Heat and light gather beneath me, prickles poking at my feet. Tiny tendrils flow into my veins and coil through my body. I raise my arms to the stars, branches bursting from my fingertips.”

Ultimately, I found this story very unbelievable—not the magic and the magical realism—but the plot in general. Each twist in the story felt like a lifeline and not something planned, which made the book feel too long and dragged out. The romance was unnecessary and I was really put off by the amount of violence towards some of the female characters by male ones. There were a lot of missed opportunities in this story and a lot that were taken in directions that felt gimmicky. Its hard to describe this book by the sum of its parts, but if you’re going in for the magic plant fantasy, know it may be more likened to a sci-fi dystopian with magical realism elements (in my opinion).

If you primarily read YA and enjoy your books mysterious and unknown, with lots of action, a narrative adjacent to the ‘chosen one’, a strong female lead and lush descriptions of plants and magic, then this book may be for you.

This book is first from a planned 5 book series, with a companion prequel A Promise Bright and Fragile already published last year. I haven’t read the prequel but it may contain more answers missing from this one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Often, when a book isn’t really my cup of tea, or the execution is not what I hoped for, I feel that my opinion of it must be taken with a grain of salt. That’s because I understand that such a book may appeal to others, as I might have seen a few good things in it, and that the reasons why I didn't like it fall in the category of highly subjective.

That’s what happened with An Island Strange and Wild. There was nothing there to make me love it or hate it, it was just meh…

The writing is okay. Not abismo enough to deserve a detailed mention of its faults, but not good enough to be praised. It’s just very run of the mill YA fast-written for market, perfectly pleasant to read, but it won’t engage you with fantastic turns of phrase or ingenious narrative devices.

The plot, described as a retelling of The Secret Garden, feels more like a loose spin-off of it. Some elements of the story it’s supposed to retell are there, but the plot doesn't actually follow the original narrative from a new perspective.

Romance-wise, the plot moves slowly, but that fits the several mentions of “slow-burn” found in the back cover, so it wasn’t a bad surprise.

There are a few twists along the story. Some involving the main character, Rosalie, and a few others about side characters who, I suppose, will become more important as the series continues (ah! because this is the first book of a series, let’s keep that in mind). At least two of the twists come very early on, which led me to believe they were there to shock the reader into thinking “nothing is what it seems.” Instead, the reveals left me with the feeling of a muddled narrative, where things that must be clear for the reader to enjoy the story, were kept hidden in a misguided attempt at heightening the intriguing factor.

My biggest dislike was the awful way in which people who do and love science are portrayed. Why create a character who is described as “brilliant climate scientist” to then give her zero traits that reflect that description? As someone who does exactly that for a living, and who is surrounded by other people working on that, or studying to become that, the way in which “brilliant climate scientists” were portrayed here was deeply disappointing. Blame my rating on this one fact if you want.

Final word: If you have no issues with how literature often portrays scientists, and you like slow-burn YA romances with a dash of action and some mystery, you may like this book more than I did.

A fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden, this was a fun and quick read with an imaginative setting, good plot and interesting characters. Slightly romantic (think late teenage crush), this is more an adventurous tale of a young woman whose life is turned upside down when she finds her way to a magical island with mysteries to unravel and secrets that want to be found.

Not spicy in the slightest, take the “romantasy” label given to this one with a grain of salt. Easily appropriate for ages 14+, even as an adult I was sucked in to this world. In what is very much a modern-day, realistic fantasy setting, Rosalie is a relatable FMC and you’ll be wanting to learn the secrets of Salttain right alongside her.

I want to thank Netgalley and Lisa Amowitz for the eARC I received in return for a fair and honest review.

I want to start by saying there are a lot of important things about this book; focusing on climate change, and I love a romance that is left on a cliffhanger. This romance and thinking about climate change will be of interest to teens. Also, the cover is so so beautiful!

However, I think overall, this book was not for me. I struggled to understand the motivations of the characters and felt like some of their choices or the information they provided would negate their previous actions.

I hope more books start addressing climate change!

A mesmerizing tale that captures the heart with its atmospheric storytelling and enchanting worldbuilding. Amowitz takes us on a journey with Rosalie, a young woman reeling from personal tragedy, as she discovers the wonders and secrets of an endangered island off the coast of Maine.

I adored this highly atmospheric read! The novel is a beautiful homage to "The Secret Garden," reimagined with a modern twist and an infusion of fantasy elements that breathe life into the story. With it being one of my favorite books as a child (along with the BBC adaptation, which had me searching for secret gates in hedges for years), I was excited for this retelling, and it did not let me down.

The author's worldbuilding is exquisite, both in its complexity and in the beauty of what she's created: the plants burst off the page, blooming to life and taking root in your mind. The mystery of Rosalie's past and the island's peculiarities unfold gracefully, keeping you captivated and eager for each revelation. Rosalie herself is a wonderfully crafted character; her intelligence, resilience, and journey toward understanding her own power make her a compelling protagonist.

The romance, the magic, and the struggle between science and the supernatural blend seamlessly, creating a story that's as thought-provoking as it is enchanting. This book is a testament to the power of stories to transport and transform, making it an unforgettable read for anyone who cherishes the magic of a well-told tale.

I chose not to finish the book at 26% or roughly 110 pages. I really wanted to connect to this story, the daughter of a climate scientist drawn to a strange island after the death of her crush and close friend. However, I found the pacing so fast that none of the reveals or action that takes place in the first 26% really had much time to land. And in the same way the reader doesn’t have time to process them it felt like the FMC wasn’t doing the same thing either. Ultimately this was just not for me.

WOW!!! 5+ STARS

This book took me for a wonderful ride and I can't wait to read more in the second book, A Secret Deep and Savage, as well as the novella, A Promise Bright and Fragile. This book took me right out of the reading slump I was previously in. I loved how connected I felt to the FMC Rosalie; I felt like I was experiencing everything as if I were in her shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and descriptive elements of this book. My imagination was fueled by this great storytelling. I can't wait to get my hands on physical copies of these books to put on my bookshelves. This book was magical, to say the least (iykyk). Personally, I don't consider this book to be fully YA as it has some new adult qualities that I enjoyed. This book has it all; action, fantasy, magic, mystery, romance, and more. I am excited to read more in this Lost Garden series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review. And to Lisa Amowitz, this book is a work of art:)

I literally devoured this novel, which captivated me from the very first pages. The plot is fascinating and full of twists that, despite being numerous, are skillfully distributed throughout the narrative. Every surprise is introduced with great care, maintaining a perfect balance that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and pushes them to continue reading without ever feeling bored. The writing is engaging and fluid, creating a crescendo of tension and mystery that makes the story even more compelling.

The characters are another strong point of the novel: they are well-developed, each with their own unique and multifaceted personality. Their actions and reactions are intelligent and consistent with the traits they possess, making them even more real and believable. It’s easy to become attached to them and follow them through the twists of the plot, feeling every emotion and decision they make. The depth of the characters and their evolution throughout the story add an emotional dimension that enriches the entire reading experience.

In summary, this novel is a captivating read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves suspenseful stories with well-developed characters and a plot that surprises on every page.

Really thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

The Secret Garden meets The Lost City of Atlantis!
🧜‍♀️ sirens 🧜🏼‍♂️
🏝️ mystical island vibes
🌿🌺the magic of nature
🦭 Changelings
🪄 unknown magical powers
👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 forbidden love

Review: This is an amazing, magical trip to a mystical island version of The Secret Garden! From the first chapter, I was drawn in and asking questions that propelled me into a magical world I didn’t expect. I was confused in an intriguing way, but it was welcomed and kept me reading for more. The characters of the island were multifaceted and complex, creating a connection for me to their magical world. I felt what they felt, hurt for them, celebrated with them. The entire journey with Rosalie was a fabulous adventure and I can’t wait to continue this trilogy! This is a YA novel that is easily enjoyed by adults as well. It is so deserving of 5 stars! Many thanks to author Lisa Amowitz for adding me to her arc group and street team for this trilogy and to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is such a beautifully written story, as well as an original and unique magic system- which is refreshing. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read the ARC for this on NetGalley. This definitely gives a modern Secret Garden and Atlantis inspired novel.

DNF at 34%

I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed the writing style, but things are just too unsettling and creepy for my tastes, and there is too much frustrating secrecy, so I am going to leave this here.

Great first book!! So excited for the sequel!!! I definitely think this is something that is up my alley and whole to enjoy the rest of the author’s works and to continue on with this series!

What an enchanting and emotional read!

*An Island Strange and Wild* takes the familiar warmth of *The Secret Garden* and gives it an eerie, magical edge. Rosalie’s journey to Salttain, an uncharted and mysterious island, feels like stepping into a dream—or a nightmare. She’s reeling from the loss of her best friend (and secret crush), Tyler, and what starts as a way to honor his memory becomes a labyrinth of secrets about her past, the island’s strange magic, and the people who live there.

The mix of genres is what hooked me—mystery, fantasy, magical realism, and forbidden romance. It’s got this perfect blend of intrigue and emotion that kept me flipping pages. Sure, the pacing slows a bit, but the intricate plot makes up for it, and I loved piecing together the mysteries alongside Rosalie. The characters were layered, the world-building was jaw-droppingly vivid, and Salttain felt like a living, breathing entity.

What really stood out was how unpredictable everything was. Just when I thought I had it figured out, a new twist threw me for a loop. It’s one of those books where you question everything and everyone—nobody is who they seem, and the tension is palpable. I loved how the author unraveled the plot slowly, like peeling back layers of an onion, each revelation more shocking than the last.

I was surprised to learn this is part of a series because it wraps up in a way that feels satisfying. That said, the epilogue hints at more to come, and I’ll definitely be along for the ride.

If you’re in the mood for a lush, unpredictable fantasy with heart and a touch of romance, this book is an absolute must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory for a eARC of this book in exchange for a honest, unbiased review!

I can recommend this book to everyone who likes nature, but spice it up with a bit of magic. I really enjoyed this book. At first it looked like a very predictable little adventure, but it kept taking turns i didn’t expect at all. At times it felt like a fever dream. But that could've been the intention. The best part of the book was the plot. It went into directions I couldn't predict and was very satisfying. The characters and the romance were nothing special. They were ok, but I stayed for the plot, not the romance.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.

What a fun ride! Mystery, Nature, Science and Environmentalism with a bit of magic and mythology tossed in for good measure. I enjoyed this read and am looking forward to a sequel in the future. I need to know what happens next!