A Book Review: The Emerald of Wishes (Plus EXCLUSIVE interview with the author!)

    Hi, everyone. This week I got the privilege of reading and reviewing a young author's debut! It was released earlier this month, and I hope that if you check it out you'll agree that this writer shows a lot of promise. I was also able to conduct an interview with her via the web, similar to what I did with Jordyn Hadden. I hope you enjoy both my take on the book and the full interview.

    There may be minor spoilers as I try to give an accurate picture of the book.

    (The discussion questions will have spoilers, since they are supposed to be used after reading the book.)

Title: The Emerald of Wishes

Author: Avarose White

Series: None

Targeted Age Range: 8-12

Synopsis: One day, a dream changes young Azura Kamiko’s life, telling her she can find what she needs in an emerald on a faraway island. She heads to the island, but it isn’t easy. She encounters dangers of all kinds and finds herself in the middle of a thrilling adventure.

Language: None, which I was glad about. It would've distracted me from the story.

Violence: Azura falls into a deep crevice, and is knocked out once. Unconsciousness is mentioned, and there is a fight scene. Azura is tied up and gagged inside a circle of flames.

Romance/Sexual Stuff: None

Spiritual Elements: Ghost-like, animal-shaped figures Azura meets during her journey are referred to as "spirits".

Magic: It's implied that magic is what allows Azura to dream about the Emerald of Wishes and to go on her adventure. Azura communicates with a talking dolphin. Some of the other people searching for the Emerald of Wishes use magic.

References: None

Other Issues: Azura is homeschooled, but seems to dislike it enough that she doesn't want to pay attention in class. Azura and her family are struggling to make ends meet.

Where To Buy: The Emerald of Wishes is available on Amazon.

My Age Range: I think this book would be enjoyed by kids ages 10 and up.

Read Aloud: This book is very appropriate for anyone to read. It would be a good read-aloud because in my mind it sounds like a fairytale.

My Opinion: A member of my family is connected to Avarose White and her family. When The Emerald of Wishes came out, I was very excited when I heard the news and decided to grab a copy.

    The story world was very interesting, and I definitely wasn't expecting one of the plot twists. I was fascinated by the author's vivid descriptions and enjoyed reading the tale she created. I honestly didn't want it to end! When it did, I kind of wished I'd had even more pages to get to know Azura and the place that held The Emerald of Wishes better. 

    I think this would be a good book to read if you're looking for something short and simple. Something that won't leave you on a cliffhanger, or confuse you with all the complicated subplots. Something that will give you a sense of wonder and the feel that you've been a part of a great journey.

    I'm happy to say that The Emerald of Wishes is perfect for fantasy readers of all ages. And what better way to love reading more than to share a good story like this with friends and family?

Discussion Questions:

-Azura thinks of Fortuna in different ways throughout the book. What are some of these ways? What do you think of Fortuna?

-Fortuna tells Azura that the Emerald of Wishes can only be repaired by those who have a pure heart. How did Azura show this pure-heartedness?

-Azura has a sister, Jasminda, who is not a main part of the book. What do you think Jasminda thought about all the magical happenings around the Kamiko house? How would the book change if Jasminda had been a bigger part of the story?

-Which character did you like the most? Why?

-What was your favorite part in the book? Why?

Beyond The Emerald of Wishes: An Interview With Avarose White

July 15, 2020

(photo taken by Lilly Rum of Unsplash)

What inspired you to write The Emerald of Wishes? What inspired the characters?

The Emerald of Wishes began as The Emerald Falls. Azura is mainly inspired by me, but with a few changes. 

How did you come up with the ideas for the world Azura finds herself in?

I decided there should be a waterfall setting, because I personally love looking at waterfalls. I added the spirits in because I wanted Azura to have some companions in that world, and the spirits seemed appropriate for the mysterious setting.

Do you have a favorite character in The Emerald of Wishes? Why or why not?

Azura is my favorite character in this book, mainly because she’s partly inspired by me. I admire her determination and courage.

What was your favorite part in The Emerald of Wishes to write? Why?

I really loved writing the part about when Azura first enters the island. I like picturing the Emerald Falls in my mind.

How did you get interested in writing?

I got interested in writing back in second grade, when I wrote a story called School of Magic. It featured a genie named Indi and her friend Arielle. I’m working on another story with a friend, which is inspired by School of Magic.

Are you working on any other writing projects?

I’m working on two other books, The Secret Forest and The Dragonwing Curse. I hope you’ll enjoy them in the future!

When you're not writing, what are you doing?

When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading! I also love science, especially marine biology.

What advice would you give to your younger self before she started to write a book?

I don’t know. I guess I would tell her to not give up on her stories.

What are some of your favorite books?

I love Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen! It’s a huge inspiration for me and my writing.

What advice would you give to other writers?

I would tell them to feel free to write whatever they want, and not to worry about stuff like what people would think of it. They should write for the fun of it.

    Thanks for joining me for this special review and interview! It was fun getting in touch with Avarose, and getting to read her awesome story. I hope this review helped you or a friend get an idea for another book to add to your to-be-read lists.

    Do YOU have a suggestion for a book review? If so, check out my Review Policy page, and if your idea checks any of those boxes, post it in the comments. I'd love to hear what you're reading and thinking about!

    Join me next week for a look at one of the books from my Top Ten Tuesday list...