A Gift Of Leaf
by Helen A May
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Pub Date 23 Dec 2022 | Archive Date 26 Aug 2023
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Description
Step into the enchanting realm of Leaf, a land where majestic Trees reach the heavens, and mythical dragons are but distant whispers of a forgotten this captivating tale, meet Jinny Morai, a young and spirited foundling yearning to escape the oppressive black labyrinth that binds her. With each passing moment, her desire to return home intensifies, fueling her determination for a brighter destiny has extraordinary plans in store when a dragon, the first in centuries, emerges from its slumber. As Jinny embraces the marvels of sunlight, weather, and the vast wonders beyond, she finds herself facing a host of new challenges and exhilarating the path to her freedom demands more than a thirst for exploration. She must master the arts of magic, flight, and weaponry, all while wrestling with her growing affection for Quaryk, a charismatic and dashing Mage. Meanwhile, the malevolent presence of an evil fallen mage looms ever closer, threatening to cast its shadow over the Tree this swirling tapestry of peril and promise, the ancient shards of a potent amulet, once shattered, hold the key to harnessing a formidable magic capable of thwarting the impending as the chosen one destined to fulfill an age-old prophecy, Jinny stands at a crossroads, her every decision weighty with consequence. Will she summon the courage to embark on a treacherous quest into the untamed wilderness in search of the amulet's lost half, hoping to unlock salvation?
Or will she succumb to the chilling grip of fear, surrendering the world to the merciless designs of the malevolent Necromancer?
Prepare to be spellbound as you join Jinny Morai on her breathtaking journey of self-discovery, love, and the battle against encroaching evil in an enthralling fantasy epic that will ignite your imagination and leave you yearning for more.
BOOK ONE of THE CHRONICLES OF LEAF SERIES
Use the 'look inside' pages now to read the sample pages and prepare to be hooked by this coming-of-age magical fantasy!
Advance Praise
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 June 2023
Verified Purchase
This was a good read with excellent description and detailed characters, I look forward to reading the next one.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lyrical and enjoyable fantasy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 December 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a beautifully written and immersive fantasy story set in the intriguing world of Leaf, where the trees hold the key to magic and a destructive power lurks under the surface. This is the first in a series, so don't expect easily resolutions at the end of this volume, but HA May builds the sense of threat well and makes you care about what happens to the world and the protagonists. I'm looking forward to the next installment! Would recommend for anyone 11+ (I'm an adult but would be happy to lend to my teenager).
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to put down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The young female lead character was compelling and I look forward to reading more about her adventures.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet and enjoyable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2022
A sweet book for young adults with a dragon and a female pov. Great for anyone looking for escapism :)
One person found this helpful.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798371014788 |
| PRICE | £3.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 221 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Evie-Rose A, Reviewer
A wonderfully fantasy story with very detailed world building with very cool creatures! I would definitely recommend reading if you want to disappear in to a whole new exciting world!
Account D, Reviewer
This had everything that I was looking for from a fantasy novel. I loved the land of Leaf and how magical it felt. Jenny was a strong character to follow through this journey. Helen A. May does and great job in bringing everything to life and I was invested in what was going on. It worked as a start to the series.
Graisi O, Media/Journalist
Thank you Helen A. May, Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this free ARC in exchange for a review.
I really enjoyed this whimsical first book in a series. The relationship between Jinny and Sprout is really cute, and I'm curious to see what happens next in this adventure story.
The only thing I would have changed would be to have more showing instead of telling, but that wasn't annoying enough to lose a star.
Even if I don't get in on the ARC of book 2, I'm reading it.
Morgan E, Reviewer
A Gift of Leaf by Helen A May is a whimsical and enchanting fantasy tale that follows the journey of Jinny Morai, a foundling who is forced to work as a slave in the Library caves of the Holtanbore. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers two stones, a broken amulet hidden in a nest of leaves and a mysterious mailed egg. From this egg hatches a baby dragon named Sprout, and Jinny's world is forever changed.
The book explores Jinny's growth and transformation as she ventures out of the darkness of the caves and into the light. Accompanied by Quaryk, a young Mage, she discovers a new world and learns about her own magical abilities. The relationship between Jinny and Sprout is heartwarming, adding a touch of charm to the story.
May's world-building is rich and detailed, immersing readers in the magical realm of Leaf. The creatures and settings are vividly described, transporting readers to a fantastical world that sparks the imagination.
However, the narrative occasionally relies on telling rather than showing, which can lessen the impact of certain events. It would have been even more captivating to experience these events firsthand and witness the characters' growth through their actions.
The book ends on a hopeful note, leaving readers eager for more. Jinny's quest to find the missing half of the amulet and confront the looming threats of the Necromancer and Dark Mage creates a sense of anticipation and sets the stage for further adventures.
One aspect that could be further explored is Jinny's identity. As a foundling and ex-slave, she grapples with questions of self-discovery and her place in the world. It would be interesting to delve deeper into her character development and unravel the mysteries surrounding her origins.
Overall, A Gift of Leaf is a whimsical and detailed fantasy novel with a captivating world and endearing characters. While it leaves the reader wanting more, it promises an exciting continuation of Jinny's journey and the search for the missing half of the amulet. Fans of magical adventures and fantastical creatures will find this book an enjoyable read.
4.5 rounded up to 5/5
Priscila V, Reviewer
How to train your dragon meets The fellowship of the Ring, which is conformed by the female version of Harry Potter, the male version of Hermione (although he is much more secretive) and many others. They have to find a magic object that will give them a chance to fight against someone worst than Voldemort and Grindewald together.
The world building and the magic system is easy to understand and it's explained through the book not only in a couple of chapters. You learn all this things at the same time Jinny does. Imagine poor Jinny's face when at her iniciation as a Mage, an spirit appears and gives her a prophecy only she can fulfill. It's amazing! I can't wait to read book 2!
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