I received this book for free from Provided as part of book tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Gemja - The Message by K.M. Messina, Nataliia Pavliuk Published by Lunalore Books on August 26, 2023
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Science Fiction
Pages: 325
Format: Paperback
Source: Provided as part of book tour
Goodreads
Resa Stone is one of the first humans to set foot on a foreign world. But ever since arriving on planet Wandelsta, the introverted teen witch can’t sleep. Visions of a mysterious jeweled forest haunt her dreams. Who is the ghostly shrouded girl who emerges from those woods? And what is the meaning of the ominous message she delivers: You are the one?
And when the unearthly messenger appears in her waking life and leads her to a mystical glowing gem, Resa learns of an ancient legend that suggests the stone may be a remnant from a crystalline paradise called Gemja and harbors great power. On a quest to discover the significance of the stone, Resa is transformed by love, betrayal, magic, and hidden secrets. And when danger befalls her, she must summon the courage to journey into her dream realm to confront the ghost for answers…
Only to discover that deciphering the message reveals a painful truth…
One that may cost Resa her life.
Julie’s Review:
Gemja is an interplanetary fantasy/sci-fi adventure with some mystical ideas sprinkled in. I will assume this is just the first book in what will be a multi-book series and will treat it accordingly. Because if this is all there is, well it ends just as it is getting really good.
Our MC, Resa, is a witch currently living on another planet. She is tasked with writing a journal and creating artwork to later be published of her experiences. But she keeps dreaming about something more and keeps being told she’s the one. I liked how the character experienced a lot of inner growth and development in this book. She starts with being afraid of her dreams and running away, to fully embracing what her destiny is to be.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing style especially about the world building of the other planets and their species. Though, sometimes it felt like the details were glossed over to move the story on. I wanted a little more understanding about each group and their motivations. There are a lot of secrets being kept, but over time we understand why and what it all means.
The bet part of this story? Wow those illustrations! Almost every chapter starts with a beautiful drawing that gives a glimpse into the next chapter, or the one that just completed. The drawings were so elegant that it took the book up a whole level of enjoyment. I wished for more of them. Why can’t more grown up books have illustrations – art is not just for children!
My favorite part of the book would have to be Resa’s conversation with her Grandma, because of all that lead up to that being possible and what happened after. It was a huge turning point for Resa’s character, too.
The romance, well it was both instant and slow burn. I want to know more about why these two are pulled together as if by electricity, and what this boy has to do with the search for Gemja.
Again, this book ends as Resa opens herself to her density and I definitely would be interested in reading the next installment (assuming there is one) of how she handles what comes for her next.
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Author Interview
You teach about mineral crystals in your Earth Science classes. Many metaphysical practitioners believe that crystals also have mystical powers. What do you think about that?
A crystal is a tool to help our minds focus on what we want to attract in our lives. But its greatest power comes from you. With perseverance and belief, you can manifest your desires. Crystals help unlock a doorway to our own innate powers.
Astral travel and dream realms are prominent themes in Gemja. What is the most significant dream you have had?
I had a visitation from my mother who had passed away a year prior. She was standing on my back deck, and I excitedly called out, “MA!” Suddenly, she vanished, and I was holding my black German shepherd, Luna, who had also passed. It was a magical sensory experience. I felt my dog’s fur. I heard her happy cries. My mother had brought my fur baby for a heavenly visit. It was 100% authentic. So real, and so needed.
If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
I wrote two of my husband’s original songs into the book. “Surrender” and “Kite” by Blow Up Hollywood.
In your book you state, “Once you make a decision about something, surrender to it.” What does that mean?
Stop fighting what your heart wants. Lose the worry, self-doubt, or
whatever story you tell yourself about why your desires may not be valid. If you
want something, welcome it into your life by letting go of the negativity.
What is your next project?
I’m currently working on two projects: the sequel to Gemja, which is nearing completion, and a new picture book to help ease the pain of those grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
What advice would you give budding authors?
It starts with one line. Don’t worry about it being perfect. You’ll be amazed at how the story unfolds once you allow a single thought to materialize.
What are your hobbies or quirky things to do?
If I’m not going broke buying seeds and nuts for the endless train of deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds that visit my property, I’m creating something. My current crafty obsession is making clay magnets. I have a large parliament of owls and mystical crystal moons awaiting their debut at a fall fair next month.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Everyday life plants the seeds, but the rain necessary for blooming is divine. I don’t plan stories. They come as unexpected flashes. It’s quite mystical.
Your book is set in Maine. Have you ever been there?
Acadia holds a special place in my heart, having been home to two magical experiences. 1) My husband and I eloped on a beach in Bar Harbor. 2) A richly colored rainbow arched overhead while watching the rising sun atop the peak of Cadillac Mountain. The bow was a full semicircle that disappeared down opposite sides of the mountain. It was one of the most beautiful sights we have ever seen.
Author Bio:
K.M. Messina is an earth and space science teacher, a dog mom, and a lover of all things mystical. Her black German shepherd Luna is the star of her award-winning picture book, IF YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOG ONE QUESTION, which won the Best Independent Book Award (BIBA) and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for best picture book for all ages. She lives on the rocky coast of Long Island, New York, where she enjoys feeding wild turkeys, moon gazing, and adding to her ever-growing collection of stones and crystals.
Website: https://www.kmessina.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.m.messina
Praise:
“An edge-of-your-seat adventure…sweeps to a cliffhanger climax. A rousing introduction to a promising new series.” – BOOKLIFE REVIEWS by PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“A fast-paced tale with richly drawn characters that revels in mythical worldbuilding…It blends fantasy and SF elements, along with witchcraft and teenage romance, with a degree of skill that’s likely to satisfy fans of all these genres.” – KIRKUS
“Gemja: The Message offers a compelling blend of witchcraft and magic and establishes an immersive fantasy realm. Protagonist Resa is an alluring and relatable teen witch. Readers will eagerly engage with her as she attempts to unravel the mystery behind her visions of a ghostly figure.” – Critic’s Report: THE BOOKLIFE PRIZE
“Messina blends witchcraft, prophesies, aliens and interplanetary tensions into a highly enjoyable young adult drama…set to be a captivating and popular series.” (Starred Review, Notable Book)
– BLUEINK REVIEW
“Climactic moments and powerful revelations are plentiful. Worlds of unexpected wonder and danger abound.” – CLARION
“A wonderfully, well-written read. 5 stars.” – READERS FAVORITE
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Sounds good. Love the book cover.