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Fragile Creatures #1
Fragile Creatures
Seventeen-year-old Evangeline Frost had a great life, until the car accident that killed her father and turned her mother into a bitter alcoholic. Unable to bear the guilt, Evangeline attempts to take her own life, saved only by the memory of her beloved father.
Left with no other options, Evangeline is enrolled in a program for troubled teens at Kindred Hides Wildlife Preserve. There she meets Caster, a keeper as annoying as he is caring; Jett and Lettie, who treat her more like a daughter than troubled teen; and Ruke, a prized giraffe in mourning for his lost mate.
Immersed in the preserve with her new friends, Evangeline finally begins to heal. But the haunting memories of the accident and her mother’s unforgiving words threaten to destroy her progress. Only her new friends and their unconditional support, along with her own special connection with Ruke, can save her.
Evangeline must learn that there is redemption for her father’s death, and that the bonds between human, animal, and life are not as fragile as she once thought.
Left with no other options, Evangeline is enrolled in a program for troubled teens at Kindred Hides Wildlife Preserve. There she meets Caster, a keeper as annoying as he is caring; Jett and Lettie, who treat her more like a daughter than troubled teen; and Ruke, a prized giraffe in mourning for his lost mate.
Immersed in the preserve with her new friends, Evangeline finally begins to heal. But the haunting memories of the accident and her mother’s unforgiving words threaten to destroy her progress. Only her new friends and their unconditional support, along with her own special connection with Ruke, can save her.
Evangeline must learn that there is redemption for her father’s death, and that the bonds between human, animal, and life are not as fragile as she once thought.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2014
1 person is currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Circelli
27 books276 followersKristina Circelli is the author of adult and YA fiction novels. A descendent of the Cherokee nation, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida. Currently, she works as both a copywriter and creative writing professor, in addition to writing her own novels.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, is steeped in the spoken narratives of Native American lore, and is at once a gripping story of a father's love and his search for redemption as well as a written record of a Nation's belief system. Part adventure, part myth, and altogether riveting, this series from Kristina Circelli signifies the emergence of an important voice in Native American literature.
Circelli currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cat, Sir Whisky Sour.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, is steeped in the spoken narratives of Native American lore, and is at once a gripping story of a father's love and his search for redemption as well as a written record of a Nation's belief system. Part adventure, part myth, and altogether riveting, this series from Kristina Circelli signifies the emergence of an important voice in Native American literature.
Circelli currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cat, Sir Whisky Sour.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 12, 2015
I snagged the sample of this book when the author pitched it on my blog in December (the only month I take review requests). Even the sample made me tear up, so I had to have the rest of the story. I jaunted off to Amazon and grabbed it. Oh my, it was so worth every penny. What a wonderful story. But let's get to why.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Damaged. That's the word I think when Evangeline Frost comes to mind. So many times I wanted to slap her mother, cradle Evangeline, and shake sense into the people around her. She was so well developed through the book, and the author didn't need to use infodumps to tell me what happened. It came through natural development of the girl's healing process. There's no love triangle in this story. It's not about that, and would've cheapened the message the author is trying to send: You need to be okay with yourself. It's not about falling down; it's about rising from the ashes of your tragedy to stand strong on your own.
And, oh, the animals! They were lovely, well rounded, and personable. Yeah, even through the text. Loved them!
From an Editor's Perspective:
Pronouns were here and there, but I find a lot of that. It didn't eclipse the read. There was one place near the end where Jett is talking, and I had to read it a couple of times to understand it was misuse of a word. He says they're going to talk to the African team about raising awareness regarding conversation. I'm pretty sure it should be conservation. But it was just one error, and I'm not gonna ding the edit for it. Easy miss.
Rating:
1 Star for making me cry like a baby
1 Star for no infodumps to build backstory
1 Star for leaving out the love triangle
1 Star for getting me to connect on a deep level with every character (including Ruke the giraffe)
1 Star for editing
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars. A book worthy of your bookshelf, both digital and tangible. You'll want to read it again.
From a Reader's Perspective:
Damaged. That's the word I think when Evangeline Frost comes to mind. So many times I wanted to slap her mother, cradle Evangeline, and shake sense into the people around her. She was so well developed through the book, and the author didn't need to use infodumps to tell me what happened. It came through natural development of the girl's healing process. There's no love triangle in this story. It's not about that, and would've cheapened the message the author is trying to send: You need to be okay with yourself. It's not about falling down; it's about rising from the ashes of your tragedy to stand strong on your own.
And, oh, the animals! They were lovely, well rounded, and personable. Yeah, even through the text. Loved them!
From an Editor's Perspective:
Pronouns were here and there, but I find a lot of that. It didn't eclipse the read. There was one place near the end where Jett is talking, and I had to read it a couple of times to understand it was misuse of a word. He says they're going to talk to the African team about raising awareness regarding conversation. I'm pretty sure it should be conservation. But it was just one error, and I'm not gonna ding the edit for it. Easy miss.
Rating:
1 Star for making me cry like a baby
1 Star for no infodumps to build backstory
1 Star for leaving out the love triangle
1 Star for getting me to connect on a deep level with every character (including Ruke the giraffe)
1 Star for editing
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars. A book worthy of your bookshelf, both digital and tangible. You'll want to read it again.
March 25, 2017
Fragile Creatures is the first book I've read by Kristina Circelli, but not my last. It is so easy to get drawn into the characters and their story, so many emotions shared. If you want a quick read that takes you away from your own reality, this is it. So excited to see there is a second book to continue Evangeline's story, and Caster's too!
March 28, 2017
Wow. Talk about an emotional book. It's got all the feels. But it's so refreshing to read books like this that give you a sense of hope. Anyone who has suffered a loss of any kind needs to read this.
April 15, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It has been awhile since a book has truly made me cry, but this one did. And while I was at work....on my break.
Evangeline wakes up after a horrendous car accident severely injures her, and kills her father. Not only does she have to deal with the grief and guilt of the accident, but her mother turns into this awful horrible person who can't even support her own daughter in her deepest pain. Evangeline gets sent to a program for troubled teens where she finds redemption in the caring of a giraffe as heart-broken as she is.
The author does a superb job of capturing the emotions of grief, both in Evangeline, her mother, and Ruke, the giraffe. She captures the gruff father-like figure of Jett, and the ornery loveableness of PJ. I've read one other book by this author, and she truly has a way with story-telling. Two of her books have become some of my favorites, The Never, and now, Fragile Creatures. She writes just as well as Evangeline paints.
There aren't many books I give five stars to, because I truly feel that to earn 5 stars, your life has to be changed by it. I really think this book earns every one of these five stars. You won't walk away the same.
It has been awhile since a book has truly made me cry, but this one did. And while I was at work....on my break.
Evangeline wakes up after a horrendous car accident severely injures her, and kills her father. Not only does she have to deal with the grief and guilt of the accident, but her mother turns into this awful horrible person who can't even support her own daughter in her deepest pain. Evangeline gets sent to a program for troubled teens where she finds redemption in the caring of a giraffe as heart-broken as she is.
The author does a superb job of capturing the emotions of grief, both in Evangeline, her mother, and Ruke, the giraffe. She captures the gruff father-like figure of Jett, and the ornery loveableness of PJ. I've read one other book by this author, and she truly has a way with story-telling. Two of her books have become some of my favorites, The Never, and now, Fragile Creatures. She writes just as well as Evangeline paints.
There aren't many books I give five stars to, because I truly feel that to earn 5 stars, your life has to be changed by it. I really think this book earns every one of these five stars. You won't walk away the same.
March 14, 2017
Even though there is tragedy at the heart of this book, it is a story of hope and redemption. It made me want to be a troubled teen so that I too could be sent to the Second Hides Program of the Kindred Hides Wildlife Preserve. I mean.......how cool is that????? We all handle loss differently and learning to let go of the past is often a big step. Evie is able to do that with the help of her new 'family' at the preserve. Part of that family is a giraffe named Ruke who is mourning the loss of his mate. Evie and Ruke forge a bond that is not only needed but wanted. Something that Evie is desperate for. I loved following along on Evie's trek through healing while being healed. This story has a sequel and I dove right in as soon as I was done reading this one!
June 8, 2017
Another book about teen depression and suicide. Very interesting concept- of a animal preserve used as a working program to rehabilitate troubled teens. The book was a little slow and drawn out for me, but it was an otherwise pleasant experience
March 21, 2017
A family torn apart by a tragic accident and selfishness. A troubled teen trying to deal with secrets and loss. Evie's heartbreaking journey towards recovery leads her to a wildlife preserve and a second chance at finding happiness and a place where she belongs.
Difficult subject matters in an inspirational package. Excellent details makes you want to jump in and be a part of the story.
I gave it four stars only because I felt like the point of view and chapter transition weren't always smooth.
Difficult subject matters in an inspirational package. Excellent details makes you want to jump in and be a part of the story.
I gave it four stars only because I felt like the point of view and chapter transition weren't always smooth.
March 19, 2017
This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. The depth of emotion described in this story is so gut wrenching and real. I wanted to scream and cry along with Evangeline, and when she connected with the animals, I cried happy tears. Her story is so well written and absolutely beautiful.
March 16, 2017
This book is so different then anything I have ever read.
I am a huge animal lover and I do believe that animals can feel your pain and happiness and have a healing power. I know that when I'm having a bad day a snuggle from my dog can cheer me up.
This book had me laugh and cry at times it was everything I love in a book and more.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more.
I am a huge animal lover and I do believe that animals can feel your pain and happiness and have a healing power. I know that when I'm having a bad day a snuggle from my dog can cheer me up.
This book had me laugh and cry at times it was everything I love in a book and more.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more.
March 20, 2017
Fragile Creatures is... One of the best stories I've read in a while. It's not what I'm used to, there's no magic, no vampires or shifters, no fantasy. Just real life pain and agony while one teenage girl tries to find her way back from a tragic and life changing event.
March 15, 2017
This book blew me away and I couldn't put it down. it it not something I would normally pick up but I'm so glad I did. Fragile Creatures was a very heart breaking and heart warming story, I want so much more.
Evangeline was such a well developed character you felt what she felt and your heart broke with her. I really felt through out the book I was healing with her and experiencing the hurt and pain. I want to know more about where her adventures take her and I want to know more about Caster's future along side her.
Evangeline was such a well developed character you felt what she felt and your heart broke with her. I really felt through out the book I was healing with her and experiencing the hurt and pain. I want to know more about where her adventures take her and I want to know more about Caster's future along side her.
October 29, 2014
Fragile Creatures.... Wow.
This was one of those books you see the cover and are stunned, so you move to the description and half way through just stop and one click it. Yes that's how this story started for me a gorgeous cover and a synopsis that between the lines just told me to stop and read the book, because I will have you crying and frustrated for the next few hours of your day. But in the touch your heart kind of way.
This story was amazing I can't say I've read anything like it and I'm so thrilled I got to. The characters are so well written and I swear I felt like this movie was playing in my head I just would randomly think please someone create this as a movie and don't ruin it because this right here will be the next movie ill be taking the tissue box with me! Sigh I love animals and nature and everything was here, I was this great program that I hope is real if not should be because I felt as though I learned something even if it was all fiction. Evangeline was this main character that you didn't feel sorry for because of hard time etc sure I felt bad but I was rooting for her so loud in my head I could've been a cheerleader lol
I wish her and Caster got a bit closer It seemed a few hints were dropped toward the end but they never did get that little "happy ever after" which had me a bit sad an wanting more. But all around this will one day be a book I'd love to have on my bookcase. Till then my kindle and I are forever great full to have had the pleasure of reading this. 10BRILLIANT STARS!
This was one of those books you see the cover and are stunned, so you move to the description and half way through just stop and one click it. Yes that's how this story started for me a gorgeous cover and a synopsis that between the lines just told me to stop and read the book, because I will have you crying and frustrated for the next few hours of your day. But in the touch your heart kind of way.
This story was amazing I can't say I've read anything like it and I'm so thrilled I got to. The characters are so well written and I swear I felt like this movie was playing in my head I just would randomly think please someone create this as a movie and don't ruin it because this right here will be the next movie ill be taking the tissue box with me! Sigh I love animals and nature and everything was here, I was this great program that I hope is real if not should be because I felt as though I learned something even if it was all fiction. Evangeline was this main character that you didn't feel sorry for because of hard time etc sure I felt bad but I was rooting for her so loud in my head I could've been a cheerleader lol
I wish her and Caster got a bit closer It seemed a few hints were dropped toward the end but they never did get that little "happy ever after" which had me a bit sad an wanting more. But all around this will one day be a book I'd love to have on my bookcase. Till then my kindle and I are forever great full to have had the pleasure of reading this. 10BRILLIANT STARS!
September 13, 2016
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! VERY VERY EMOTIONAL!!! DESERVES MORE THAN JUST 5 STARS!!! Kristina has done an amazing job with this story. I received a copy of this book an exchanged for an honest review. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!! The title through me off cause I read nothing about what the book was about just agreed to read it so I was left trying to figure out what Kristina's story was that she was telling. I hadn't even seen the cover. Well the cover is beautiful and really makes you wonder what it is about. Evangeline a broken teenager no longer feeling loved at home gets sent to Second Hides Program at Kindred Hides Wildlife Preserve. With holding secrets and putting up a wall she wants no one to break down. This book brought out a lot of emotions so have some tissues handy. One when Evangeline meets PJ declaring when standing on his rock that "She is the goat goddess" Talk about laughing. To read her get a knee checked by a pygmy goat I was laughing my butt off. Love Evangeline connection with Ruke. Ruke a heartbroken giraffe and Evangeline heartbroken both can connect. I just have to say that I recommend this book to YA and adults. I found this book well written,Kristina knows how to pull an audience in and how to keep their attention. How could you NOT like this book. I mean my heart broke from Evangeline,Ruke and PJ and I am so glad for the program that mended a couple broken hearts.
March 20, 2014
This is the 3rd book I've read by this author. I love the way she sucks you into the story that you want the world to stop so you can just read. I read this book slowly because I didn't want it to end, but at the same time I was eager to see how it ended.
Evangeline has survived a horrible car accident. Unfortunately, her father also died in that accident. Her mother is not an alcoholic and not what her daughter needs.
Evangeline ends up in a program for troubled teens. It's not your normal program though. She gets to work with animals. She is able to help them as much as they help her.
There are so many emotions that take place in this book. You really feel for Evangeline and want to just take her in your arms and mother her in the way she needs. She is forced to grow up way too fast.
I totally fell in love with the characters. I would actually love to see a follow up book to see how Evangeline is doing now. She is one of those characters that just stays with you.
Evangeline has survived a horrible car accident. Unfortunately, her father also died in that accident. Her mother is not an alcoholic and not what her daughter needs.
Evangeline ends up in a program for troubled teens. It's not your normal program though. She gets to work with animals. She is able to help them as much as they help her.
There are so many emotions that take place in this book. You really feel for Evangeline and want to just take her in your arms and mother her in the way she needs. She is forced to grow up way too fast.
I totally fell in love with the characters. I would actually love to see a follow up book to see how Evangeline is doing now. She is one of those characters that just stays with you.
April 16, 2014
Words don't -no won't- do this story justice.
The headline says it all. I cried a bucket of tears in the first quarter. By halfway through, I'd cried a pond, at seventy five percent the pond turned into a raging river before finally spilling into an ocean of happiness.
This moving read is perfect for all ages. There's a lesson and a journey laced, no etched into the story, and one we should all learn yet I hope we never face. Character development was spot on, and I wanted to beat Ash to a bloodied pulp! I even pictured Evangeline smacking her with a feeding pail!
LOVED Evangeline for her strength, like a gentle giant, she weathered it all. She was real and I love real.
The writing flowed beautifully and the vivid landscape had nothing on the raw emotion felt as I desperately read and devoured each page. This emotional journey is a must read for anyone. I rarely say that but I would recommend Fragile Creatures for all and would love to see it on the big screen.
The headline says it all. I cried a bucket of tears in the first quarter. By halfway through, I'd cried a pond, at seventy five percent the pond turned into a raging river before finally spilling into an ocean of happiness.
This moving read is perfect for all ages. There's a lesson and a journey laced, no etched into the story, and one we should all learn yet I hope we never face. Character development was spot on, and I wanted to beat Ash to a bloodied pulp! I even pictured Evangeline smacking her with a feeding pail!
LOVED Evangeline for her strength, like a gentle giant, she weathered it all. She was real and I love real.
The writing flowed beautifully and the vivid landscape had nothing on the raw emotion felt as I desperately read and devoured each page. This emotional journey is a must read for anyone. I rarely say that but I would recommend Fragile Creatures for all and would love to see it on the big screen.
January 31, 2015
This book is non-fiction and also a must read!
Kristina Circelli has triumphantly managed the difficult task of balancing educating and entertaining an audience. The emotional effect that this book has delivered has altered my way of thinking. It also makes me want to be as big of an advocate as possible and help to spread the word that here are unseen dangers that lay in wait for the right opportunity to attach to a person unknowingly. It is amazing to discover such an amoeba as Naegleria Fowleri exists. I'm so grateful to all those involved in helping to generate this book. As a resident of Arizona I'm now wary of our waters that are over eighty degrees more than half the year! The lakes are practically a second home for several people who live in the constant blistering temperatures here. Thank-you for your creating A Single Swim!
Kristina Circelli has triumphantly managed the difficult task of balancing educating and entertaining an audience. The emotional effect that this book has delivered has altered my way of thinking. It also makes me want to be as big of an advocate as possible and help to spread the word that here are unseen dangers that lay in wait for the right opportunity to attach to a person unknowingly. It is amazing to discover such an amoeba as Naegleria Fowleri exists. I'm so grateful to all those involved in helping to generate this book. As a resident of Arizona I'm now wary of our waters that are over eighty degrees more than half the year! The lakes are practically a second home for several people who live in the constant blistering temperatures here. Thank-you for your creating A Single Swim!
February 25, 2014
Fragile Creatures is a heart warming story about the special bond that is shared between humans and animals. Kristina Circelli has written a heart clenching tale about a broken girl, cast into the wild as punishment for her sins. What she finds when she gets there isn't at all what she suspected. She isn't the only fragile creature on the nature preserve.
I loved the characters, human and animal in this story. Evangeline, Caster, PJ, and Ruke touched my heart in ways I never imagined. This book is a must-read for animal lovers or anyone looking for something unique.
I loved the characters, human and animal in this story. Evangeline, Caster, PJ, and Ruke touched my heart in ways I never imagined. This book is a must-read for animal lovers or anyone looking for something unique.
April 3, 2014
Wow! This book was amazing! I had no idea what the story was going to be about. I just received it, and started right in on it!
Evangeline has been through a tragedy in her young life, and as a result of a second one, she goes to stay at an animal preserve in California. There she heals physically and emotionally and finds what a place called home feels like.
I loved this story so much! If you love animals, you will love it too! If you want to read a great feel-good love story that is not a traditional love story, please read!
Evangeline has been through a tragedy in her young life, and as a result of a second one, she goes to stay at an animal preserve in California. There she heals physically and emotionally and finds what a place called home feels like.
I loved this story so much! If you love animals, you will love it too! If you want to read a great feel-good love story that is not a traditional love story, please read!
April 1, 2016
The essential story is "troubled girl is sent to a place of attitude rehab, struggles, but ultimately rehabilitates herself with the help of a special bond with an animal."
Not terribly original. But original in that the animal in this story is a giraffe!
It's simply a really good story and rendition of that core storyline. Written for HS school teens but with easy appeal to all ages.
Not terribly original. But original in that the animal in this story is a giraffe!
It's simply a really good story and rendition of that core storyline. Written for HS school teens but with easy appeal to all ages.
June 10, 2017
Evie was in an accident that took her dad's life. Along with blaming herself, others blamed her as well. She never told the truth because she didn't want anyone to think her dad wasn't the amazing guy everyone thought he was. Accidents happen, but in her mind and others it should have been her that died, not her dad. She finds a place to help heal her soul and mind while moving on not worrying about others opinions, even if that person is her parent.
February 17, 2014
A beautiful story of loss, learning and recovery set against the back drop of a gorgeous animal preserve. The relationships between the heroine and the animals she cares for was heart wrenching and heart warming. Just beautiful.
March 28, 2017
This book took me completely by surprise. I've had it sitting on my TBR list forever and I'm kicking myself for that now!
Fragile Creatures is a beautiful tale of life, grief and healing.
I loved it!
Fragile Creatures is a beautiful tale of life, grief and healing.
I loved it!
April 11, 2017
Completely heart-wrenching, powerful, sob-inducing, and incredible. I've now found another favorite author. I know this type of novel is outside of Kristina Circelli's norm, but she did a fantastic job and I will now follow her writing to the ends of the earth. Is it weird that my harshest critique is that the girl on the cover has on too much make-up to match the Evangeline I have in my head? I seriously loved every page of this book. The story deals with some tough topics, so I wouldn't recommend it for readers under the age of 14 or so, but Circelli writes about those life-altering events beautifully and makes sure your emotions get resolution. The only issue I had with the writing was the constant change of narrative. It was sometimes hard to follow whose thoughts I was reading, because it would change mid-paragraph. I would've like to see better transitioning between first-person narratives to make it easier for the reader to follow.
April 12, 2017
I loved this story! It was full of devastating heartbreak, love and redemption. And animals. We definitely can't forget them! It also brought up a lot of current conservation issues, that do not get spoken about nearly enough. Thanks for the great read, Ms. Circelli!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews