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Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is book one of a trilogy and introduces Ela Green, a fourteen-year-old girl. Her first adventure reveals the mysterious bond she shares with Mother Nature and her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree, charting her own self-discovery along the way. With the help of her best friend, Jo, and her loving Uncle Archibald, who unwillingly has to lay bare an unbelievable secret, Ela summons all her courage to face the many dangers along the road.
The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
The formidable school is the connecting link in an adventure that will time-travel the reader through continents and centuries in search of the mysterious kingdom and the magical Book of Name, the most powerful manuscript ever written...
And for a prophecy that must be fulfilled.
The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
The formidable school is the connecting link in an adventure that will time-travel the reader through continents and centuries in search of the mysterious kingdom and the magical Book of Name, the most powerful manuscript ever written...
And for a prophecy that must be fulfilled.
- GenresFantasy
237 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2021
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 17, 2022
My thanks to BookTasters and the author for a review copy of this book.
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is the first of a fantasy-adventure series set around the theme of humans' disconnect with nature, and based on myth and legend.
Eleanor or Ela Green is fourteen and studies at a boarding school in Switzerland, Waldegg, a place with an interesting history and some mysterious happenings in the past. She is good-hearted and has a deep bond with nature, finding comfort, for instance in talking to the old oak tree at home. When our story opens, Ela is home for the holidays and when in the attic of her house, she comes across a strange bracelet and scroll with an unknown script. Turning for help to her uncle Archie, a scholar, she finds the bracelet is the path to a hidden land, one she can reach using the spell on the scroll. Back in school, she makes an attempt and after working out how it is to be done, actually finds herself in a mysterious place, in the presence of none other than Yggdrasil, the tree of myth. Excited but also nervous, she finds that she is the subject of a prophecy because of her good heart and connect with nature, and must undertake a journey in this land to find something. The journey is not a simple one and she must face challenges that will test her in many ways. She decides to confide in Uncle Archie who agrees to help.
Meanwhile at school too, all is not well, for her nasty headmistress Miss Peterson and the school's new owner Count Sigismund are taking a special interest in Ela. But is it Ela or the bracelet that they’re really interested in?
Alongside these developments, we get some glimpses of past events, both the happenings at Waldegg and how Ela's ancestor came by the bracelet and scroll, taking us to not only ancient Egypt but also Atlantis!
This was a fun and enjoyable read that also brings up issues of relevance to the current context, including man's insatiable greed, destruction of nature, be it trees or the oceans or all that comes in their path, and also our increasing disconnect with nature and inability to understand or communicate with it.
Being the first book in the series, this one essentially introduces us to the story and characters and sets the scene for what is to come. We learn a little of Ela's story, how she became the subject of the prophecy, how the bracelet and scroll passed into her family’s hands and some glimpses of the connection her school and some there have with the land of Abud. There are of course plenty of questions still to be answered some to do with Ela herself and others about the prophecy and what it really means, and what some of the characters hope to achieve, which I assume will be resolved in subsequent instalments.
Ela and Archie are likeable enough, though one does wonder about Archie’s interest in the magical world given what he already knows about it. I liked Ela’s bond with trees and nature, though I think it would have worked better had it come through more before the adventure started rather than in retrospect. Also I felt that when Ela is shown as wanting to go to the mysterious world she learns of, her reaction on arriving there of wanting to run back immediately was a touch extreme. But other than that it was nice to see how she navigates this new world using her qualities.
The descriptions of the world itself were vivid and enjoyable —the colours, the trees, music and its magic. Given its connection to legends, one also wonders what magic it truly holds and what the wrong person might do with it. The weaving in of different mythical aspects from Yggdrasil himself to the Egyptian god Thoth and even Atlantis was something I enjoyed very much.
Though I knew this was a first in series, I’d have preferred that we got a complete story with threads open to be explored rather than being left on a cliffhanger especially since we only just start to explore Abud, and are barely finding our feet. We’ve also met two different sets of ‘villains' whose interests seem opposed but are yet to see what they’re really after.
Overall I quite enjoyed this adventure and look forward to exploring more of this world. A small dampener though was some references to old Egyptian medicine etc which sadly reflected the typically Western/colonial stereotyping.
3.8 stars
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is the first of a fantasy-adventure series set around the theme of humans' disconnect with nature, and based on myth and legend.
Eleanor or Ela Green is fourteen and studies at a boarding school in Switzerland, Waldegg, a place with an interesting history and some mysterious happenings in the past. She is good-hearted and has a deep bond with nature, finding comfort, for instance in talking to the old oak tree at home. When our story opens, Ela is home for the holidays and when in the attic of her house, she comes across a strange bracelet and scroll with an unknown script. Turning for help to her uncle Archie, a scholar, she finds the bracelet is the path to a hidden land, one she can reach using the spell on the scroll. Back in school, she makes an attempt and after working out how it is to be done, actually finds herself in a mysterious place, in the presence of none other than Yggdrasil, the tree of myth. Excited but also nervous, she finds that she is the subject of a prophecy because of her good heart and connect with nature, and must undertake a journey in this land to find something. The journey is not a simple one and she must face challenges that will test her in many ways. She decides to confide in Uncle Archie who agrees to help.
Meanwhile at school too, all is not well, for her nasty headmistress Miss Peterson and the school's new owner Count Sigismund are taking a special interest in Ela. But is it Ela or the bracelet that they’re really interested in?
Alongside these developments, we get some glimpses of past events, both the happenings at Waldegg and how Ela's ancestor came by the bracelet and scroll, taking us to not only ancient Egypt but also Atlantis!
This was a fun and enjoyable read that also brings up issues of relevance to the current context, including man's insatiable greed, destruction of nature, be it trees or the oceans or all that comes in their path, and also our increasing disconnect with nature and inability to understand or communicate with it.
Being the first book in the series, this one essentially introduces us to the story and characters and sets the scene for what is to come. We learn a little of Ela's story, how she became the subject of the prophecy, how the bracelet and scroll passed into her family’s hands and some glimpses of the connection her school and some there have with the land of Abud. There are of course plenty of questions still to be answered some to do with Ela herself and others about the prophecy and what it really means, and what some of the characters hope to achieve, which I assume will be resolved in subsequent instalments.
Ela and Archie are likeable enough, though one does wonder about Archie’s interest in the magical world given what he already knows about it. I liked Ela’s bond with trees and nature, though I think it would have worked better had it come through more before the adventure started rather than in retrospect. Also I felt that when Ela is shown as wanting to go to the mysterious world she learns of, her reaction on arriving there of wanting to run back immediately was a touch extreme. But other than that it was nice to see how she navigates this new world using her qualities.
The descriptions of the world itself were vivid and enjoyable —the colours, the trees, music and its magic. Given its connection to legends, one also wonders what magic it truly holds and what the wrong person might do with it. The weaving in of different mythical aspects from Yggdrasil himself to the Egyptian god Thoth and even Atlantis was something I enjoyed very much.
Though I knew this was a first in series, I’d have preferred that we got a complete story with threads open to be explored rather than being left on a cliffhanger especially since we only just start to explore Abud, and are barely finding our feet. We’ve also met two different sets of ‘villains' whose interests seem opposed but are yet to see what they’re really after.
Overall I quite enjoyed this adventure and look forward to exploring more of this world. A small dampener though was some references to old Egyptian medicine etc which sadly reflected the typically Western/colonial stereotyping.
3.8 stars
February 5, 2022
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May 8, 2022
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud by Sylvia Greif is the first book in the trilogy and provides us a perfect introduction to the upcoming books and provides everything that we expect from the first book of any series.
The story revolves around Ela Green a student of Waldegg Boarding School, she shares a special bond with nature and is a really kind hearted girl. The story begins when for a holiday she goes back home and gets into a fight with her mom, and then when she goes to her favorite spot in the house she founds a bracelet there with a scroll. Later on she realizes that it is a magical bracelet and when she tries it she is transported to a completely different world, a world where the myth of Yggdrasil, the myth tree. From there on she sets on a completely different and new adventure.
While back in her own world, there is a new owner of the school now, and some of the teachers are keeping an eye on her and its sure that they want her magical bracelet. But who are they? And why do they want it? There is one more important character in the story other than Ela and that is her uncle Archie, who helps her decode the scroll script and also goes to the kingdom of Abud once with her.
The setting of Abud is just beautiful and the detailed description of it makes it so real. This is an YA Adventure genre book and provides a great background story of Ela and her ancestors and being a trilogy the end had to be a cliffhanger and it succeeds in getting all your attention. The language is simple and character buildup is great. This book had my attention right from the first page and I clearly want to read more of this series.
This is a must read for the lovers of YA, adventure and fantasy genre.
The story revolves around Ela Green a student of Waldegg Boarding School, she shares a special bond with nature and is a really kind hearted girl. The story begins when for a holiday she goes back home and gets into a fight with her mom, and then when she goes to her favorite spot in the house she founds a bracelet there with a scroll. Later on she realizes that it is a magical bracelet and when she tries it she is transported to a completely different world, a world where the myth of Yggdrasil, the myth tree. From there on she sets on a completely different and new adventure.
While back in her own world, there is a new owner of the school now, and some of the teachers are keeping an eye on her and its sure that they want her magical bracelet. But who are they? And why do they want it? There is one more important character in the story other than Ela and that is her uncle Archie, who helps her decode the scroll script and also goes to the kingdom of Abud once with her.
The setting of Abud is just beautiful and the detailed description of it makes it so real. This is an YA Adventure genre book and provides a great background story of Ela and her ancestors and being a trilogy the end had to be a cliffhanger and it succeeds in getting all your attention. The language is simple and character buildup is great. This book had my attention right from the first page and I clearly want to read more of this series.
This is a must read for the lovers of YA, adventure and fantasy genre.
March 29, 2023
This is a charming, inventive middle grade following a young girl who discovers an unusual bracelet and travels to a magical land. Although the plot focuses on the importance of Ela Green and this magical land, the story also explores aspects of Ela’s relationship with her family.
I think it is important to note that this is the first book in a series, and unfortunately for me this one did not work as its own entry. Although the premise was interesting, I feel that this entry did not come to a satisfying conclusion on its own and I would have preferred more time spent on understanding the motivations of the characters (in particular the seemingly visceral hatred that the headmistress has toward Ela) and their relationships. I also found the dialogue to be a bit forced and clunky at times, and didn’t come across as realistic.
That said, the premise and plot are quite unique and I am hopeful that the issues relating to Ela’s family relationships will be more deeply explored in future entries in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think it is important to note that this is the first book in a series, and unfortunately for me this one did not work as its own entry. Although the premise was interesting, I feel that this entry did not come to a satisfying conclusion on its own and I would have preferred more time spent on understanding the motivations of the characters (in particular the seemingly visceral hatred that the headmistress has toward Ela) and their relationships. I also found the dialogue to be a bit forced and clunky at times, and didn’t come across as realistic.
That said, the premise and plot are quite unique and I am hopeful that the issues relating to Ela’s family relationships will be more deeply explored in future entries in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2022
Unbelievable world and character building in this book! It captures your attention from page one and doesn't let you go until you flip the last. Don't recommend it unless you can put your life on pause until you finish reading Ela Green!
April 29, 2022
This is book is "living" proof, that there are still good YA fantasy works out there, that are not a rip off of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or whatever else. Mrs. Greif, please publish more!!!
October 20, 2021
This book is the story of a pure hearted girl who goes on an adventure. Containing many thrill and mystery aspects, this book certainly knows how to keep the reader stuck in. I had my tests on and I still couldn't help but read atleast 2 or 3 pages a day. The book also teaches us to love nature, something we ourselves destroyed. We, ourselves are demolishing our environment. The book opened my eyes, and had me see nature from a completely different point of view. The characters are well played, and the story almost has sortof a lore to it.
Totally recommend reading! The description says it's "One of Three" book series, and I'd love to have the opportunity to read another one of these!
A huge thanks to the booktasters community for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
Totally recommend reading! The description says it's "One of Three" book series, and I'd love to have the opportunity to read another one of these!
A huge thanks to the booktasters community for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
November 17, 2021
Many thanks to Sylvia Greif and Booktasters for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Greif uses very detailed language in their writing which captures the imagination and brings a lot of feeling and atmosphere whilst you read, which I enjoyed. However, some words and phrases were used in a superlative manner which looked out of place and clumsy and sometimes made the pacing of the book feel rushed in some places. Sometimes this worked however, as it emphasised Ela's great imagination and dramatic flair!
The characters are interesting and imaginative. I particularly appreciated the attention to fulfilling backstories, especially for the characters in different time periods. I was a bit uncomfortable with the portrayal of the only characters of colour, the modern Egyptians, which only seem to serve the white characters in the book. The physical descriptions of Mallem in particular were uncomfortable to read: he is described as "bullnecked" and has "dark and leathery skin" (pg. 123); these veer too closely to animalistic associations with people of colour, and if juxtaposed with the descriptions of the white characters, you can see that these are uncomfortable associations to make and can come off as dehumanising in comparison to their white counterparts in the book. Similarly, the depictions of the Egyptians not believing in "rational medicine" (pg. 125), despite the fact that just a little bit of research would showcase that the Arab world were trailblazers in medicine and science in the Napoleonic period and before, and it was the Europeans that were following bizarre trends such as eating the wrappings of ancient Egyptian mummies as 'remedies' and other such nonsense. I feel as though not enough research into modern Egyptian history was undertaken in this regard and resulted in some poor generalisations of Egyptians in this period. In some parts it is also unclear if the book is glamorising or criticising colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources (particularly in the backstory of 'Bobby').
As an actual student of Egyptology (now graduated), there were some parts pertaining to ancient Egyptian history and mythology/religion which I found confusing and, in some cases, derogatory. I understand that this book is entirely fictional and is not meant to emulate accurate portrayals of Egyptian deities and mythology, however, regarding the suggestion that Thoth came from Atlantis: Thoth is a long established god in the ancient Egyptian pantheon for thousands of years, and the suggestion that he originated from a fictionalised island invented by Plato, who was writing towards the end of Pharaonic Egypt, is a eurocentric reading of Egyptian mythology. Similarly, the plot line that the 'Austex of Atlantis' apparently oversaw the building of the Great Pyramids of Giza very quickly veers into the notion that ancient Egyptians did not have the imagination or infrastructure to build these monuments themselves, which is Eurocentric and, in short, racist. It emulates the same energy as "aliens built the pyramids", which is not a good look. This takes away the agency and accomplishments of ancient Egyptians and feeds into this narrative that things built by native people don’t belong to them.
Lastly, on a positive note, the world building in the Kingdom of Abud is truly beautiful, and very imaginative. I enjoyed these passages the most. They were highly descriptive and original and built a great contrast between fantasy and real life, with history and with the present day, and in this kingdom, I feel as though Greif did a great job of capturing the mind of Ela.
Greif uses very detailed language in their writing which captures the imagination and brings a lot of feeling and atmosphere whilst you read, which I enjoyed. However, some words and phrases were used in a superlative manner which looked out of place and clumsy and sometimes made the pacing of the book feel rushed in some places. Sometimes this worked however, as it emphasised Ela's great imagination and dramatic flair!
The characters are interesting and imaginative. I particularly appreciated the attention to fulfilling backstories, especially for the characters in different time periods. I was a bit uncomfortable with the portrayal of the only characters of colour, the modern Egyptians, which only seem to serve the white characters in the book. The physical descriptions of Mallem in particular were uncomfortable to read: he is described as "bullnecked" and has "dark and leathery skin" (pg. 123); these veer too closely to animalistic associations with people of colour, and if juxtaposed with the descriptions of the white characters, you can see that these are uncomfortable associations to make and can come off as dehumanising in comparison to their white counterparts in the book. Similarly, the depictions of the Egyptians not believing in "rational medicine" (pg. 125), despite the fact that just a little bit of research would showcase that the Arab world were trailblazers in medicine and science in the Napoleonic period and before, and it was the Europeans that were following bizarre trends such as eating the wrappings of ancient Egyptian mummies as 'remedies' and other such nonsense. I feel as though not enough research into modern Egyptian history was undertaken in this regard and resulted in some poor generalisations of Egyptians in this period. In some parts it is also unclear if the book is glamorising or criticising colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources (particularly in the backstory of 'Bobby').
As an actual student of Egyptology (now graduated), there were some parts pertaining to ancient Egyptian history and mythology/religion which I found confusing and, in some cases, derogatory. I understand that this book is entirely fictional and is not meant to emulate accurate portrayals of Egyptian deities and mythology, however, regarding the suggestion that Thoth came from Atlantis: Thoth is a long established god in the ancient Egyptian pantheon for thousands of years, and the suggestion that he originated from a fictionalised island invented by Plato, who was writing towards the end of Pharaonic Egypt, is a eurocentric reading of Egyptian mythology. Similarly, the plot line that the 'Austex of Atlantis' apparently oversaw the building of the Great Pyramids of Giza very quickly veers into the notion that ancient Egyptians did not have the imagination or infrastructure to build these monuments themselves, which is Eurocentric and, in short, racist. It emulates the same energy as "aliens built the pyramids", which is not a good look. This takes away the agency and accomplishments of ancient Egyptians and feeds into this narrative that things built by native people don’t belong to them.
Lastly, on a positive note, the world building in the Kingdom of Abud is truly beautiful, and very imaginative. I enjoyed these passages the most. They were highly descriptive and original and built a great contrast between fantasy and real life, with history and with the present day, and in this kingdom, I feel as though Greif did a great job of capturing the mind of Ela.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
One of the best adventure stories I have ever read, it tackles the story of a young girl in boarding school.
Amazingly written with great details, i felt like i was actually with her.
Amazingly fantastic read
Amazingly written with great details, i felt like i was actually with her.
Amazingly fantastic read
September 29, 2021
This story tackles how a young girl with a pure, kind, and innocent heart could change a lot of things in this world. This fantasy fiction novel really brings out a lot of lessons to everyone, especially to children. It also taught us about the history and Egyptian myths. Above all, it taught us how to take good care of our nature just like how we take care of ourselves. We are the reason why our environment is hastily ruined. We, as humans are more often worried about things that don’t really give something good to us. Taking advantage of what we have and what we need. Not being able to strive hard and to achieve our ultimate role in this life, showing kindness in everything not just for humans but for everything that makes us alive and helps us in a small nor bigger manner. Greed and selfishness often prevail which is destructive in all beings. This is an inspiring book to read. Very child-friendly brings a lot of lessons and has a very interesting plot. This would really make us realize all the wrongdoings in our life. A lot of people died due to natural calamities which can be prevented if we just take care of our beloved nature. We took it for granted, unable to appreciate what it had done, and was burnt down, was killed, and was destroyed because of selfishness. I also love the courage and how pure-hearted the girl was. It has a mystery, thrill vibe that could really waken up interest. Best for everyone.
November 11, 2021
Book Review of Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud by Nicole Harmon
Title: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
Author: Sylvia Grief
Publish Date: 2021
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Genre: Children’s Fantasy & Magic Books, Children’s Action & Adventure Books
Book Blurb: "The more you gain trust in your innate ability, the stronger you will become."
Analysis
I gave this book four stars. I did like the storyline, particularly the background given. The history included for me the history major was a welcome addition and added to the story. The tale of the Kingdom of Abud and the Fall of Atlantis took shape. Ela Green's story of being adopted makes you feel as if part of the story lies in who her birth parents are. Archibald is a welcome guardian determined to protect his niece on her journey.
As this was the first book, I wonder if the count somehow finds his way into the Kingdom too. If the two journey farther to find Atlantis and the Book of Name. I finally got into the book towards the end, and it left me hanging. I want to read the second book.
I do recommend you read this book and enjoy the storytelling mixed with history. The scenery is well-described, and the actions are not unexpected. It was worth the read.
Four stars.
Title: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
Author: Sylvia Grief
Publish Date: 2021
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Genre: Children’s Fantasy & Magic Books, Children’s Action & Adventure Books
Book Blurb: "The more you gain trust in your innate ability, the stronger you will become."
Analysis
I gave this book four stars. I did like the storyline, particularly the background given. The history included for me the history major was a welcome addition and added to the story. The tale of the Kingdom of Abud and the Fall of Atlantis took shape. Ela Green's story of being adopted makes you feel as if part of the story lies in who her birth parents are. Archibald is a welcome guardian determined to protect his niece on her journey.
As this was the first book, I wonder if the count somehow finds his way into the Kingdom too. If the two journey farther to find Atlantis and the Book of Name. I finally got into the book towards the end, and it left me hanging. I want to read the second book.
I do recommend you read this book and enjoy the storytelling mixed with history. The scenery is well-described, and the actions are not unexpected. It was worth the read.
Four stars.
January 23, 2022
Ela Green's source is more reminiscent of 19th century Adventure novels. While magic is a central feature of Ela Green, the focus seems to be more on exploring this new landscape and investigating it for magical treasure than learning about the monarchy and political structure and ruling over it. Ivy Hawthorne, The Thorn Princess, is a part of her magical landscape, ultimately the heart of it. Ela Green is just visiting for now but also has a huge part to play in this alternate world and maybe the physical world as well.
The book begins in media res on the night of the full moon when Eleanor "Ela" Green is enchanted by a bracelet that she found. She recites the words of a spell on a scroll included with the bracelet. She suddenly finds herself no longer in her boarding school room but instead in a mysterious forest and standing face to uh, bark with a giant evergreen that reaches the sky.
Most of the book takes place before and after this strange trip. Before Ela was an over imaginative girl arguing with her mother, becoming the bane of the existence of the headmistress, and bonding with her Uncle Archie whose adventurous and imaginative spirit rivals hers. Then she finds the bracelet and travels to the Enchanted Kingdom of Abud where the giant tree, Yggdrasill tells her that because of her "magical miraculousheart" she might be the Unikone. As the Unikone, she must find The Book of Names. Meanwhile, her Uncle Archie has a family tie to this weirdness and there is the scheming Count Sigismund who just bought Ela's school and also has his sights set on her bracelet and its power.
The book is clearly the start of the series and because of that, it only takes two trips into Abud, one where Ela goes alone and then a subsequent one that she takes with Archie once everything is explained. That's rather unfortunate because the book cuts off right when it's getting good. I know I know cliffhangers, Authors want to leave the Reader hanging. But Abud is such a beautiful setting that it is a shame to not read more of it.
There are wonderful little touches like talking trees that hang upside down and crystals that change color and play musical notes as a visitor steps on them. Of course there are portions of the landscape that will defend itself from the selfish, greedy, and sometimes overly curious, which is why it's very important that it is able to share an empathetic connection with Ela and sees her good heart. She is able to be welcome when others with harmful intentions would not.
These chapters set in Abud are the highlight of the book as they make the Reader want to see more of this world and the unique characters that inhabit it. The Abud portions should definitely be longer.
It's not that the rest of the book is bad, it just takes a long time to really get invested in the Abud setting before the book abruptly cuts off.
There is a long expository section where Archie explains the family's link to this magical kingdom. It's an interesting story and it captures how avarice and greed can destroy one's soul and make one lose sight of their real purpose.
It definitely takes its cue from old Adventure novels like the works of Jules Verne, H. Rider Haggard, and Robert Louis Stevenson where there is treasure to be found and a strange land to explore it. The backstory also reveals what's in the heart of the explorers and what compels them to go on this journey, both in the past and present.
It also shows why Abud waited so long for the Unikone to arrive and why many were found wanting. The journey is a test and when the visitors reveal their selfishness and avarice, the way is closed to them.
I'm also glad that the back story is in the first volume instead of potentially inserted into later books and interrupts the flow of action once Ela and Archie are in Abud. It's always good to get exposition out of the way. However, the build up to Abud itself with this exposition only makes the Reader want to see more of it. It's not asking too much to include a couple more chapters to explore this landscape that has had such a build up.
There are some issues with the pacing of this book as well. An important character introduced as a potential antagonist only to reach a very anticlimactic ending. Also other characters' motives are somewhat unclear but I suppose need more time for them to be revealed.
Ela seems like a decent enough protagonist, kind to all living things with just a bit of a sardonic bite so she can stand up for herself. At times, she can be a bit flat in characterization but that could be attributed to this being her first adventure. We may get more nuances to her character in subsequent volumes.
Archie seems to be an alright character, adventurous, intelligent, understanding towards Ela which her mother is not. There are a couple of times where this Reader wonders if his journeys to Abud are just to protect Ela or to fill some greedy or curious desire himself. Again it will be interesting to see how his character develops in multiple volumes.
Because of the extended build up, Ela Green and The Kingdom of Abud has a very slow start. Once it reaches Abud, it is truly enchanting and leaves the Reader breathless with its description and in fervent anticipation.
The book begins in media res on the night of the full moon when Eleanor "Ela" Green is enchanted by a bracelet that she found. She recites the words of a spell on a scroll included with the bracelet. She suddenly finds herself no longer in her boarding school room but instead in a mysterious forest and standing face to uh, bark with a giant evergreen that reaches the sky.
Most of the book takes place before and after this strange trip. Before Ela was an over imaginative girl arguing with her mother, becoming the bane of the existence of the headmistress, and bonding with her Uncle Archie whose adventurous and imaginative spirit rivals hers. Then she finds the bracelet and travels to the Enchanted Kingdom of Abud where the giant tree, Yggdrasill tells her that because of her "magical miraculousheart" she might be the Unikone. As the Unikone, she must find The Book of Names. Meanwhile, her Uncle Archie has a family tie to this weirdness and there is the scheming Count Sigismund who just bought Ela's school and also has his sights set on her bracelet and its power.
The book is clearly the start of the series and because of that, it only takes two trips into Abud, one where Ela goes alone and then a subsequent one that she takes with Archie once everything is explained. That's rather unfortunate because the book cuts off right when it's getting good. I know I know cliffhangers, Authors want to leave the Reader hanging. But Abud is such a beautiful setting that it is a shame to not read more of it.
There are wonderful little touches like talking trees that hang upside down and crystals that change color and play musical notes as a visitor steps on them. Of course there are portions of the landscape that will defend itself from the selfish, greedy, and sometimes overly curious, which is why it's very important that it is able to share an empathetic connection with Ela and sees her good heart. She is able to be welcome when others with harmful intentions would not.
These chapters set in Abud are the highlight of the book as they make the Reader want to see more of this world and the unique characters that inhabit it. The Abud portions should definitely be longer.
It's not that the rest of the book is bad, it just takes a long time to really get invested in the Abud setting before the book abruptly cuts off.
There is a long expository section where Archie explains the family's link to this magical kingdom. It's an interesting story and it captures how avarice and greed can destroy one's soul and make one lose sight of their real purpose.
It definitely takes its cue from old Adventure novels like the works of Jules Verne, H. Rider Haggard, and Robert Louis Stevenson where there is treasure to be found and a strange land to explore it. The backstory also reveals what's in the heart of the explorers and what compels them to go on this journey, both in the past and present.
It also shows why Abud waited so long for the Unikone to arrive and why many were found wanting. The journey is a test and when the visitors reveal their selfishness and avarice, the way is closed to them.
I'm also glad that the back story is in the first volume instead of potentially inserted into later books and interrupts the flow of action once Ela and Archie are in Abud. It's always good to get exposition out of the way. However, the build up to Abud itself with this exposition only makes the Reader want to see more of it. It's not asking too much to include a couple more chapters to explore this landscape that has had such a build up.
There are some issues with the pacing of this book as well. An important character introduced as a potential antagonist only to reach a very anticlimactic ending. Also other characters' motives are somewhat unclear but I suppose need more time for them to be revealed.
Ela seems like a decent enough protagonist, kind to all living things with just a bit of a sardonic bite so she can stand up for herself. At times, she can be a bit flat in characterization but that could be attributed to this being her first adventure. We may get more nuances to her character in subsequent volumes.
Archie seems to be an alright character, adventurous, intelligent, understanding towards Ela which her mother is not. There are a couple of times where this Reader wonders if his journeys to Abud are just to protect Ela or to fill some greedy or curious desire himself. Again it will be interesting to see how his character develops in multiple volumes.
Because of the extended build up, Ela Green and The Kingdom of Abud has a very slow start. Once it reaches Abud, it is truly enchanting and leaves the Reader breathless with its description and in fervent anticipation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2021
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud by Sylvia Greif is a wonderful adventure. The book is nicely written, the characters are fantastic. I loved the storyline and all the worldbuilding and the magic. I look forward to the next in the trilogy. I recommend it!
February 21, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from Booktasters. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
Author: Sylvia Greif
Book Series: Ela Green Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: Egyptians side characters
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Publication Date: July 29, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Age Relevance: 12+ (violence, gore, bullying, some scary moments)
Explanation of Above: The book showcases a 14 year old character, but most of the book reads like a middle grade, so this would be a good book for tweens/in-betweeners in genres. There is some violence and gore in the book. There is also bullying in the book and some scary moments.
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Pages: 237
Synopsis: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is book one of a trilogy and introduces Ela Green, a fourteen-year-old girl. Her first adventure reveals the mysterious bond she shares with Mother Nature and her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree, charting her own self-discovery along the way. With the help of her best friend, Jo, and her loving Uncle Archibald, who unwillingly has to lay bare an unbelievable secret, Ela summons all her courage to face the many dangers along the road.
The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
The formidable school is the connecting link in an adventure that will time-travel the reader through continents and centuries in search of the mysterious kingdom and the magical Book of Name, the most powerful manuscript ever written...
And for a prophecy that must be fulfilled.
Review: For the most part I felt like the book was ok. It had a really relatable main character and I liked the character development in the book. I also liked the overall premise and it was an ok story for the most part.
However, I really didn’t like this story. I was so confused through most of it and I felt like the book didn’t have a good sense of where the plot should have been headed. The book has some issues with what is happening in the book and I feel like it needs another pass of editing. The narration switches are abrupt and disorienting. The world building is also confusing and sometimes the way that it’s done is not very clear. I also felt very uncomfortable with the only portrayal of people of color, modern Egyptians, serving the white characters. Some of the descriptions of the characters or color read a bit micro-aggressive, if not racist, and it felt like the author didn’t have a lot of care regarding them. I think the book also needs a pass with sensitivity readers.
Verdict: It’s ok, but definitely needs more work.
Book: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
Author: Sylvia Greif
Book Series: Ela Green Book 1
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: Egyptians side characters
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Publication Date: July 29, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Age Relevance: 12+ (violence, gore, bullying, some scary moments)
Explanation of Above: The book showcases a 14 year old character, but most of the book reads like a middle grade, so this would be a good book for tweens/in-betweeners in genres. There is some violence and gore in the book. There is also bullying in the book and some scary moments.
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Pages: 237
Synopsis: Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is book one of a trilogy and introduces Ela Green, a fourteen-year-old girl. Her first adventure reveals the mysterious bond she shares with Mother Nature and her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree, charting her own self-discovery along the way. With the help of her best friend, Jo, and her loving Uncle Archibald, who unwillingly has to lay bare an unbelievable secret, Ela summons all her courage to face the many dangers along the road.
The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
The formidable school is the connecting link in an adventure that will time-travel the reader through continents and centuries in search of the mysterious kingdom and the magical Book of Name, the most powerful manuscript ever written...
And for a prophecy that must be fulfilled.
Review: For the most part I felt like the book was ok. It had a really relatable main character and I liked the character development in the book. I also liked the overall premise and it was an ok story for the most part.
However, I really didn’t like this story. I was so confused through most of it and I felt like the book didn’t have a good sense of where the plot should have been headed. The book has some issues with what is happening in the book and I feel like it needs another pass of editing. The narration switches are abrupt and disorienting. The world building is also confusing and sometimes the way that it’s done is not very clear. I also felt very uncomfortable with the only portrayal of people of color, modern Egyptians, serving the white characters. Some of the descriptions of the characters or color read a bit micro-aggressive, if not racist, and it felt like the author didn’t have a lot of care regarding them. I think the book also needs a pass with sensitivity readers.
Verdict: It’s ok, but definitely needs more work.
July 7, 2022
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud
By
Sylvia Greif
Rating:4.9/5
Description:
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is book one of a trilogy and introduces Ela Green, a fourteen-year-old girl. Her first adventure reveals the mysterious bond she shares with Mother Nature and her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree, charting her own self-discovery along the way. With the help of her best friend, Jo, and her loving Uncle Archibald, who unwillingly has to lay bare an unbelievable secret, Ela summons all her courage to face the many dangers along the road.The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.The story revolves around Ela Green a student of Waldegg Boarding School, she shares a special bond with nature and is a really kind hearted girl. The story begins when for a holiday she goes back home and gets into a fight with her mom, and then when she goes to her favorite spot in the house she founds a bracelet there with a scroll. Later on she realizes that it is a magical bracelet and when she tries it she is transported to a completely different world, a world where the myth of Yggdrasil, the myth tree. From there on she sets on a completely different and new adventure.While back in her own world, there is a new owner of the school now, and some of the teachers are keeping an eye on her and its sure that they want her magical bracelet. But who are they? And why do they want it? There is one more important character in the story other than Ela and that is her uncle Archie, who helps her decode the scroll script and also goes to the kingdom of Abud once with her.
Wow! What a book!
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book and will recommended to everyone ....
Happy reading!
By
Sylvia Greif
Rating:4.9/5
Description:
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is book one of a trilogy and introduces Ela Green, a fourteen-year-old girl. Her first adventure reveals the mysterious bond she shares with Mother Nature and her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree, charting her own self-discovery along the way. With the help of her best friend, Jo, and her loving Uncle Archibald, who unwillingly has to lay bare an unbelievable secret, Ela summons all her courage to face the many dangers along the road.The adventure starts in the present day at Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. As Mrs. Green drives her daughter back after the summer holidays, Ela has no idea that the discovery of an ancient bracelet and a scroll she found in an antique desk will change her life forever.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.The story revolves around Ela Green a student of Waldegg Boarding School, she shares a special bond with nature and is a really kind hearted girl. The story begins when for a holiday she goes back home and gets into a fight with her mom, and then when she goes to her favorite spot in the house she founds a bracelet there with a scroll. Later on she realizes that it is a magical bracelet and when she tries it she is transported to a completely different world, a world where the myth of Yggdrasil, the myth tree. From there on she sets on a completely different and new adventure.While back in her own world, there is a new owner of the school now, and some of the teachers are keeping an eye on her and its sure that they want her magical bracelet. But who are they? And why do they want it? There is one more important character in the story other than Ela and that is her uncle Archie, who helps her decode the scroll script and also goes to the kingdom of Abud once with her.
Wow! What a book!
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book and will recommended to everyone ....
Happy reading!
June 4, 2022
🌵Woahhh, what a stunning cover, I just cannot take my eyes off it and I honestly feel I am. Sold for it, yay!! The storyline revolves around Ela a beautiful 14 y/o who is ambitious, brave and like other kids, she us inquisitive and really kinda believes in knowing where the roots are. The book is definitely an adventurous story but has that soothing, calming vibe to it because of its settings. The author will take you to beautiful places and the description isn't so detailed but you exactly get the overview that made me feel that I was present there.
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Even though, it's a very simple and an easy breezy read the storyline has a lot of layers and a lot dimensions, the book conveys a very beautiful message through the story that's well highlighted but not over stretched, I loved Ela as a character and I tried to find myself in her and I think that's the best part about the author's writing. I did feel it went a little slow than I expected. It's definitely not exaggerated at any point but the first half made me feel a little lost, the second half has to my favorite because I could see everything coming in a single frame.
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I was intrigued and enchanted by the beauty of the place, the motive, the message, the characters and loved the fact that mystery plays a role in the story but it's again not a hardcore mystery novel, it still remains the story of a bubbly cheerful Ela and I loved the fact it still remains her story.
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The book also reminds me of the shows I grew up watching, they had thise good and consistent epic and fantasy, yet adventurous vibes, I exactly got those from it and this book became a part of life while I was reading it, which is actually so beautiful. I definitely enjoyed it so much.
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I will definitely recommend it, it's meant for teens and adults who love middle grade adventures but it's for people who are looking for hardcore mystery.
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Rating: 4⭐️
November 11, 2022
My Take:
When I was a kid, I used to watch a show in which the protagonist had this magic pencil that can bring anything he draws with that pencil to life. I always wanted something cool like that growing up. So when I started reading Ela and her bracelet's story, I immediately became a fan because it brought all the good memories back. The story is not limited by being a kid's book actually I think grown-ups would enjoy it more. The incorporation of folklore and saga into the story which made intense connections with the backstory makes it a fit for every age group. I love its aesthetics. A school built on the bank of a lake in Switzerland. Come on! I was amazed by how lively and as 'beautiful as a picture' this book is. I really appreciated the author's imagination throughout. At first, I was not a big fan of Ela's, but she grew on me as the story progressed. In the beginning, I thought she was this annoying teenager that's always trying to get her way by being stubborn. But after I was a little into the book her courage and strength and the fact that she's so intelligent for her age made me fall in love with her. I really like how well all the characters are sketched, even the negative ones. My most favorite has to be Archie. Tho he's the polar opposite of my personality, he's a scholar, Hello! I still have this sweet likeness towards him. I think it's because of how intelligent and wise he is. How helpful he was with Ela.
The plot is unique and interesting, and the narration and storytelling are also pretty impressive. The characters are well-built and the language used is very simple to understand. I think this book is gonna be loved by teenagers and adults both. Thumbs up from my side.
IT WAS A WONDERFUL FICTION!
Also, you can pair this book with a cup of hot chocolate, some cookies, and your favorite blanket because this book is gonna take you on a ride! You can enjoy the book from the comfort of your bed.
When I was a kid, I used to watch a show in which the protagonist had this magic pencil that can bring anything he draws with that pencil to life. I always wanted something cool like that growing up. So when I started reading Ela and her bracelet's story, I immediately became a fan because it brought all the good memories back. The story is not limited by being a kid's book actually I think grown-ups would enjoy it more. The incorporation of folklore and saga into the story which made intense connections with the backstory makes it a fit for every age group. I love its aesthetics. A school built on the bank of a lake in Switzerland. Come on! I was amazed by how lively and as 'beautiful as a picture' this book is. I really appreciated the author's imagination throughout. At first, I was not a big fan of Ela's, but she grew on me as the story progressed. In the beginning, I thought she was this annoying teenager that's always trying to get her way by being stubborn. But after I was a little into the book her courage and strength and the fact that she's so intelligent for her age made me fall in love with her. I really like how well all the characters are sketched, even the negative ones. My most favorite has to be Archie. Tho he's the polar opposite of my personality, he's a scholar, Hello! I still have this sweet likeness towards him. I think it's because of how intelligent and wise he is. How helpful he was with Ela.
The plot is unique and interesting, and the narration and storytelling are also pretty impressive. The characters are well-built and the language used is very simple to understand. I think this book is gonna be loved by teenagers and adults both. Thumbs up from my side.
IT WAS A WONDERFUL FICTION!
Also, you can pair this book with a cup of hot chocolate, some cookies, and your favorite blanket because this book is gonna take you on a ride! You can enjoy the book from the comfort of your bed.
March 6, 2023
The protagonist of the story, Ela, is a bright, empathetic, and endearing young woman who relies on her bond with Mother Nature to navigate her way through a mysterious new world.
Her friend and confidante, Jo, plays an essential role in her journey. The author's decision to have Ela's witty and colorful Uncle Archibald accompany her on her adventures was a stroke of genius, adding a fresh and exciting twist to the narrative.
I must say, Ela's Uncle Archibald is definitely one of the most captivating characters in the book. It was a smart move by the author to include him as Ela's companion throughout her journey. I found his presence to be a refreshing addition to the story, bringing a unique perspective to the narrative. Uncle Archibald's cleverness and humorous nature certainly made the story more interesting and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impression on me as a reader.
The book was a delightful read that not only entertained me but also addressed pertinent issues that are relevant to our current times. It highlighted the grave consequences of human greed and the resulting destruction of nature, be it trees, oceans or other forms of life.
The first book in the series, it effectively lays the groundwork for the story and its characters. We are introduced to Ela's past, her family's legacy, and her connection to Abud. While some questions remain unanswered, such as the true meaning of the prophecy and the motivations of certain characters, I am excited to continue reading the series to see how everything unfolds.
Her friend and confidante, Jo, plays an essential role in her journey. The author's decision to have Ela's witty and colorful Uncle Archibald accompany her on her adventures was a stroke of genius, adding a fresh and exciting twist to the narrative.
I must say, Ela's Uncle Archibald is definitely one of the most captivating characters in the book. It was a smart move by the author to include him as Ela's companion throughout her journey. I found his presence to be a refreshing addition to the story, bringing a unique perspective to the narrative. Uncle Archibald's cleverness and humorous nature certainly made the story more interesting and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impression on me as a reader.
The book was a delightful read that not only entertained me but also addressed pertinent issues that are relevant to our current times. It highlighted the grave consequences of human greed and the resulting destruction of nature, be it trees, oceans or other forms of life.
The first book in the series, it effectively lays the groundwork for the story and its characters. We are introduced to Ela's past, her family's legacy, and her connection to Abud. While some questions remain unanswered, such as the true meaning of the prophecy and the motivations of certain characters, I am excited to continue reading the series to see how everything unfolds.
January 13, 2022
Ela Green is no common girl. She talks to plants and animals and feels a close unexplainable bond with Mother Nature. She has a tricky relationship with her mother and lives in Waldogg Boarding School, once a huge mansion, near Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Her predictable life takes a drastic turn when she chances upon an old bracelet and scroll handed down in her family through generations. Will Ela be able to decipher the closely guarded secret? Does the bracelet have any magical powers? Should she take the risk?
My thoughts:
When I started reading the book it felt like a regular YA fiction with rebellious teenagers and their curious life problems. However, as the story progressed it unravelled a world that’s as tempting as it is scary and as beautiful as it is dangerous. Ela, the fourteen-year-old protagonist, is sweet, smart, sensitive, and has a close friend and confidante in Jo. When Ela enters the new mysterious world her bond with Mother Nature helps her through.
Ela’s Uncle Archibald is one of my favourite characters in the book. I commend the author for picking him as her companion in her adventures. It gave a fresh twist to the story and added colour to the narrative with his wit.
This is the first book in the series and has piqued my curiosity. The story takes place over centuries and one can only wonder where it will take us next. Looking forward to the next part!
My thoughts:
When I started reading the book it felt like a regular YA fiction with rebellious teenagers and their curious life problems. However, as the story progressed it unravelled a world that’s as tempting as it is scary and as beautiful as it is dangerous. Ela, the fourteen-year-old protagonist, is sweet, smart, sensitive, and has a close friend and confidante in Jo. When Ela enters the new mysterious world her bond with Mother Nature helps her through.
Ela’s Uncle Archibald is one of my favourite characters in the book. I commend the author for picking him as her companion in her adventures. It gave a fresh twist to the story and added colour to the narrative with his wit.
This is the first book in the series and has piqued my curiosity. The story takes place over centuries and one can only wonder where it will take us next. Looking forward to the next part!
February 24, 2022
This was a very standard reading experience for me. There was a solid plot, no discernable plot holes, characters who somewhat developed (though for me I found that only the MC underwent development, everyone else stayed somewhat the same), and an ending that made sense. That being said, I think I enjoyed the concept of this book more than I enjoyed the execution, while I've rated this three stars, and I do believe it to be a solid, average book, I found a few things in particular that irked me (and maybe it was just me and no one else will have issues with this). Mainly speaking, the portrayal of the characters of colour and just any POC representation in this novel, threw me off guard quite a bit.
It does say quite a bit when much of the novel requires history of an ancient civilisation, yet the writing in the novel suggest that perhaps the author either didn't do much research into the proper way to respectfully write about the culture, or they aren't 100% confident in their own writing (or maybe they just didn't care, but I don't think that's the case for this one), reading this novel I do believe the author to be a strong writer, I just think that there could have been more care into the writing of the POC within this book, because for me it seems a bit disrespectful.
Other than that nitpicky reason (and again I don't think anyone else had this issue, it probably was just me), the book does well, story wise and character wise.
It does say quite a bit when much of the novel requires history of an ancient civilisation, yet the writing in the novel suggest that perhaps the author either didn't do much research into the proper way to respectfully write about the culture, or they aren't 100% confident in their own writing (or maybe they just didn't care, but I don't think that's the case for this one), reading this novel I do believe the author to be a strong writer, I just think that there could have been more care into the writing of the POC within this book, because for me it seems a bit disrespectful.
Other than that nitpicky reason (and again I don't think anyone else had this issue, it probably was just me), the book does well, story wise and character wise.
March 3, 2023
Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is an engaging and thrilling adventure novel written by Sylvia Greif.
The book follows the story of a young girl named Ela Green, who is just beginning to discover the true extent of her unique and mysterious powers. With the help of her best friend Jo and her Uncle Archibald, Ela embarks on a dangerous and exciting journey that takes her from the shores of Lake Geneva.
At the heart of the story is Ela's bond with Mother Nature, which is revealed in her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree. This connection allows Ela to unlock her full potential and face the many dangers that await her on her quest.
Along the way, she must confront the formidable challenges that come with being a young heroine, including betrayal, loss, and self-doubt.
Ela is a relatable and endearing protagonist who readers will root for as she navigates the perils of her journey.
Her best friend Jo provides a charming and supportive presence, while her Uncle Archibald adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story with his own secrets and mysterious past.
The world-building in Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is also top-notch.
The book takes readers on a time-traveling adventure through different continents and centuries, and the vivid descriptions of each location and time period are truly immersive. From the ancient cities of Egypt to the rugged wilderness of South America, every setting feels unique and alive.
A good read!!
The book follows the story of a young girl named Ela Green, who is just beginning to discover the true extent of her unique and mysterious powers. With the help of her best friend Jo and her Uncle Archibald, Ela embarks on a dangerous and exciting journey that takes her from the shores of Lake Geneva.
At the heart of the story is Ela's bond with Mother Nature, which is revealed in her encounter with Yggdrasil, the wise-tree. This connection allows Ela to unlock her full potential and face the many dangers that await her on her quest.
Along the way, she must confront the formidable challenges that come with being a young heroine, including betrayal, loss, and self-doubt.
Ela is a relatable and endearing protagonist who readers will root for as she navigates the perils of her journey.
Her best friend Jo provides a charming and supportive presence, while her Uncle Archibald adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story with his own secrets and mysterious past.
The world-building in Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is also top-notch.
The book takes readers on a time-traveling adventure through different continents and centuries, and the vivid descriptions of each location and time period are truly immersive. From the ancient cities of Egypt to the rugged wilderness of South America, every setting feels unique and alive.
A good read!!
March 4, 2023
Ela Green is not your typical girl. She possesses the ability to communicate with plants and animals, and has a deep, inexplicable connection to the natural world. Her relationship with her mother is complicated, and she resides in Waldogg Boarding School, a once-grand mansion located near Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Everything in her life seems to be following a predictable path, until she discovers an ancient bracelet and scroll that has been passed down through her family for generations.
Will Ela be able to unravel the closely guarded secret contained within these artifacts? Do the bracelet and scroll possess any sort of magical power? And, ultimately, should she take the risk and attempt to uncover the truth?
The story gradually unfolded a world that is both alluring and frightening, beautiful yet perilous.
Ela, a 14-year-old protagonist, possesses qualities of being sweet, smart, and sensitive. Her close friendship with Jo serves as a confidante for her. When Ela embarks on an adventure in a mysterious world, her bond with Mother Nature proves to be a valuable asset.
Out of all the characters, my favorite is Ela's Uncle Archibald. The author's choice to have him accompany Ela on her adventures added a fresh twist to the story and brought more depth to the narrative with his humor.
The first book in the series has ignited my interest, and I'm eager to see where the story will take us next as it spans over centuries. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment!
Will Ela be able to unravel the closely guarded secret contained within these artifacts? Do the bracelet and scroll possess any sort of magical power? And, ultimately, should she take the risk and attempt to uncover the truth?
The story gradually unfolded a world that is both alluring and frightening, beautiful yet perilous.
Ela, a 14-year-old protagonist, possesses qualities of being sweet, smart, and sensitive. Her close friendship with Jo serves as a confidante for her. When Ela embarks on an adventure in a mysterious world, her bond with Mother Nature proves to be a valuable asset.
Out of all the characters, my favorite is Ela's Uncle Archibald. The author's choice to have him accompany Ela on her adventures added a fresh twist to the story and brought more depth to the narrative with his humor.
The first book in the series has ignited my interest, and I'm eager to see where the story will take us next as it spans over centuries. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment!
March 6, 2023
Drawing from myth and legend, a new fantasy-adventure series is set against the backdrop of the Kingdom of Abud, exploring humanity's detachment from nature.
At the age of fourteen, Ela Green attends a boarding school in Switzerland called Waldegg. She has a strong bond with nature and finds solace in talking to an old oak tree.
During her holiday break, Ela discovers a peculiar bracelet and scroll with an unknown script in her attic. Seeking guidance from her scholar uncle Archie, she learns that the bracelet is a portal to a hidden land and the scroll contains the spell to open it.
Upon successfully activating the spell, Ela finds herself in the presence of the mythical tree Yggdrasil.
Despite her excitement, she learns that she is part of a prophecy due to her pure heart and connection with nature, and must embark on a challenging journey to find something.
Ela confides in Uncle Archie, who agrees to assist her on her quest.
In this initial book of the series, the primary focus is on introducing the readers to the plot and characters while establishing the foundation for the rest of the story. The readers get a glimpse of Ela's background, including how she was chosen as the subject of the prophecy and how her family came to possess the bracelet and scroll.
Additionally, the book sheds light on the relationship between Ela's school and the land of Abud.
I found this adventure to be quite enjoyable and I am excited to delve deeper into this world.
At the age of fourteen, Ela Green attends a boarding school in Switzerland called Waldegg. She has a strong bond with nature and finds solace in talking to an old oak tree.
During her holiday break, Ela discovers a peculiar bracelet and scroll with an unknown script in her attic. Seeking guidance from her scholar uncle Archie, she learns that the bracelet is a portal to a hidden land and the scroll contains the spell to open it.
Upon successfully activating the spell, Ela finds herself in the presence of the mythical tree Yggdrasil.
Despite her excitement, she learns that she is part of a prophecy due to her pure heart and connection with nature, and must embark on a challenging journey to find something.
Ela confides in Uncle Archie, who agrees to assist her on her quest.
In this initial book of the series, the primary focus is on introducing the readers to the plot and characters while establishing the foundation for the rest of the story. The readers get a glimpse of Ela's background, including how she was chosen as the subject of the prophecy and how her family came to possess the bracelet and scroll.
Additionally, the book sheds light on the relationship between Ela's school and the land of Abud.
I found this adventure to be quite enjoyable and I am excited to delve deeper into this world.
March 3, 2023
In book one of the trilogy, Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud, we are introduced to a young girl named Ela, who is just fourteen years old. Through her first adventure, we learn about her mysterious connection with Mother Nature and her encounter with the wise-tree, Yggdrasil.
Ela embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing various dangers along the way. Her best friend Jo and Uncle Archibald, who reluctantly reveals an incredible secret, provide her with the support she needs to find her courage.
Upon returning to Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland after the summer holidays, Ela was oblivious to the fact that her life would never be the same again.
It was only when she uncovered an ancient bracelet and a scroll secreted away in an antique desk that she realized her adventure was just beginning, and she was about to embark on an unforgettable journey.
The author has skillfully crafted the characters in the stories, making them feel realistic and relatable to the reader. As a result, the reader becomes emotionally engaged and invested in their lives and experiences, making the stories all the more compelling.
The ending of the book manages to achieve both closure and leave the reader with a sense of anticipation for what may come next, making for a truly satisfying conclusion.
Ela embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing various dangers along the way. Her best friend Jo and Uncle Archibald, who reluctantly reveals an incredible secret, provide her with the support she needs to find her courage.
Upon returning to Waldegg Boarding School on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland after the summer holidays, Ela was oblivious to the fact that her life would never be the same again.
It was only when she uncovered an ancient bracelet and a scroll secreted away in an antique desk that she realized her adventure was just beginning, and she was about to embark on an unforgettable journey.
The author has skillfully crafted the characters in the stories, making them feel realistic and relatable to the reader. As a result, the reader becomes emotionally engaged and invested in their lives and experiences, making the stories all the more compelling.
The ending of the book manages to achieve both closure and leave the reader with a sense of anticipation for what may come next, making for a truly satisfying conclusion.
February 14, 2022
This was a very entertaining YA fantasy novel. The physical descriptions of place and scene were absolutely beautiful, and the story was very well paced for this intro novel. I loved the way the author deftly wove in various mythologies and interrelated storylines for different characters. My favorite line reads like a straight up zen koan: "Don't be fooled by what your eyes see. Emptiness is full of everything." That one is going to be living in my head rent free for awhile.
The only constructive criticism I have to offer is that the dialogue felt a bit stiff at times. Some of the dialogue between the main character and her best friend seemed overly formal in a way that didn't feel like listening in on a teenage conversation, and it made it a little hard to connect with the characters. I think the story could have also been enriched by including more indirect descriptions of the character's thoughts and feelings via body language - i.e. instead of saying the character was afraid, show it in clenched jaws, tight shoulders, shallow breaths, that help you get a little more into the characters' head spaces empathetically. Otherwise, this was a fast-paced read with an intriguing storyline.
The only constructive criticism I have to offer is that the dialogue felt a bit stiff at times. Some of the dialogue between the main character and her best friend seemed overly formal in a way that didn't feel like listening in on a teenage conversation, and it made it a little hard to connect with the characters. I think the story could have also been enriched by including more indirect descriptions of the character's thoughts and feelings via body language - i.e. instead of saying the character was afraid, show it in clenched jaws, tight shoulders, shallow breaths, that help you get a little more into the characters' head spaces empathetically. Otherwise, this was a fast-paced read with an intriguing storyline.
December 26, 2021
A very entertaining and catching story for youngsters. The idea behind it is not new, but it’s told in a very nice way, which catches the eye and is bound to capture your attention and heart.
I loved how the writer put together different myths and traditional beliefs in order to create her universe. Her love for nature can be felt through the whole book, and it’s a thrill. She also manages mixing timelines and settings, which is not an easy feat. The fantasy she displays throughout the whole story is vibrant and very distinct. You can see, hear and almost smell what she describes.
My only critiques are that it felt slightly rushed towards the end, and even for a trilogy feels like something was missing to adequately close the first book. I also felt like I was following a younger person: Eleanor doesn’t react/think/feel like a teenager girl, but more like an eleven year old (12 the most). There are some logical discordances as well (like the moon phases making no sense, or some phrases that imply there’s been something revealed before, when there isn’t), but it’s a children’s book, and it delivers a great fantasy story.
I loved how the writer put together different myths and traditional beliefs in order to create her universe. Her love for nature can be felt through the whole book, and it’s a thrill. She also manages mixing timelines and settings, which is not an easy feat. The fantasy she displays throughout the whole story is vibrant and very distinct. You can see, hear and almost smell what she describes.
My only critiques are that it felt slightly rushed towards the end, and even for a trilogy feels like something was missing to adequately close the first book. I also felt like I was following a younger person: Eleanor doesn’t react/think/feel like a teenager girl, but more like an eleven year old (12 the most). There are some logical discordances as well (like the moon phases making no sense, or some phrases that imply there’s been something revealed before, when there isn’t), but it’s a children’s book, and it delivers a great fantasy story.
January 13, 2022
This book had a main character, Ela, who I could root for throughout the novel. The struggles she faces as a teen at a boarding school (and with a complicated family background) made her rather sympathetic, and she has a sort of will and wit that makes her enjoyable to follow as a protagonist.
I liked the history included in the present day context and education elements, and I appreciate the wonderful details and descriptions we get throughout the scenes of the novel. The story of the Kingdom of Abud is also interesting and woven in with the present plot naturally. And as the story progresses, it gets better and better.
My only critique of the story is that it takes a moment to get started for real, and there is sometimes not enough thoughts or dialogue interspersed throughout the narrative. Paragraphs can also be bulky at times, which doesn't make it the easiest to read on a visual level.
Overall, I rate this a 4/5 and I recommend this to people who enjoy YA fantasy. It's worth a read! It also ends on a cliffhanger, so if you're in for a series, this is for you.
I liked the history included in the present day context and education elements, and I appreciate the wonderful details and descriptions we get throughout the scenes of the novel. The story of the Kingdom of Abud is also interesting and woven in with the present plot naturally. And as the story progresses, it gets better and better.
My only critique of the story is that it takes a moment to get started for real, and there is sometimes not enough thoughts or dialogue interspersed throughout the narrative. Paragraphs can also be bulky at times, which doesn't make it the easiest to read on a visual level.
Overall, I rate this a 4/5 and I recommend this to people who enjoy YA fantasy. It's worth a read! It also ends on a cliffhanger, so if you're in for a series, this is for you.
December 21, 2021
Inspiring book!
I would describe the book Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud by Silvia Greif as a young adult fiction book.
The story will time travel you through centuries and continents. The main heroine is Ela, a 14-years old girl, that shares a mysterious bond with Mother Nature. This book is the first of a trilogy, and it reveals the young girl's adventures in search of the magical Book of Name, her meeting with the wise-tree Yggdrasil, and many more magical moments. Together with her best friend Jo, and her uncle Archibald, who is determined to protect and guide her on her journey, Ela becomes fearless to fulfill the prophecy. The book also reminds us about Mother Nature and that taking care of the environment is as important as taking care of ourselves.
The author's engaging writing style will gain your attention, and you will find yourself reading every day until you finish the book. Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is an inspiring book for me!
I would describe the book Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud by Silvia Greif as a young adult fiction book.
The story will time travel you through centuries and continents. The main heroine is Ela, a 14-years old girl, that shares a mysterious bond with Mother Nature. This book is the first of a trilogy, and it reveals the young girl's adventures in search of the magical Book of Name, her meeting with the wise-tree Yggdrasil, and many more magical moments. Together with her best friend Jo, and her uncle Archibald, who is determined to protect and guide her on her journey, Ela becomes fearless to fulfill the prophecy. The book also reminds us about Mother Nature and that taking care of the environment is as important as taking care of ourselves.
The author's engaging writing style will gain your attention, and you will find yourself reading every day until you finish the book. Ela Green and the Kingdom of Abud is an inspiring book for me!
March 9, 2023
Mother Nature seems to have bestowed Ela Green with extraordinary powers, setting her apart from the average girl.
Her uncanny ability to converse with flora and fauna and her inexplicable bond with the environment are beyond comprehension.
Despite residing in Waldogg Boarding School, a former grand estate situated near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and having a complicated relationship with her mother, Ela's life takes a dramatic turn when she comes across a scroll and bracelet that have been treasured family heirlooms for generations.
The unfolding story revealed a world both captivating and daunting, replete with beauty and peril.
The protagonist, Ela, a fourteen-year-old girl, possessed qualities of kindness, intelligence, and sensitivity, and found solace in her close friendship with Jo. As Ela delved into the mysterious new world, her connection with nature became a source of comfort and strength.
I was particularly struck by the character of Ela's Uncle Archibald, and I must commend the author for choosing him as her companion on the journey. This decision added an exciting dimension to the story and infused the narrative with humor through his clever remarks.
I'm eager to see where the narrative will take us next.
Her uncanny ability to converse with flora and fauna and her inexplicable bond with the environment are beyond comprehension.
Despite residing in Waldogg Boarding School, a former grand estate situated near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and having a complicated relationship with her mother, Ela's life takes a dramatic turn when she comes across a scroll and bracelet that have been treasured family heirlooms for generations.
The unfolding story revealed a world both captivating and daunting, replete with beauty and peril.
The protagonist, Ela, a fourteen-year-old girl, possessed qualities of kindness, intelligence, and sensitivity, and found solace in her close friendship with Jo. As Ela delved into the mysterious new world, her connection with nature became a source of comfort and strength.
I was particularly struck by the character of Ela's Uncle Archibald, and I must commend the author for choosing him as her companion on the journey. This decision added an exciting dimension to the story and infused the narrative with humor through his clever remarks.
I'm eager to see where the narrative will take us next.
May 21, 2022
𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
- the blurb... In middle school I read a book (I don't remember which one) where one of the protagonists doodles a tree called Ygdrasil. I had a personal doodle too, so I decided to name my doodle Ygdrasil... So the author had me at Yggdrasil ❤️
- a school on the banks of a lake in Switzerland, I used to love my Chalet School books...
- a prophesy...
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠...
- the world building, it was vibrant and beautiful
- the weaving of legends and myths into the story; the deep meaningful connect Ela has to nature
- the backstory
I enjoyed the book, and it sets the reader up for the rest of the books in the series. What I could have done without was the cliffhanger the book ended on...
- the blurb... In middle school I read a book (I don't remember which one) where one of the protagonists doodles a tree called Ygdrasil. I had a personal doodle too, so I decided to name my doodle Ygdrasil... So the author had me at Yggdrasil ❤️
- a school on the banks of a lake in Switzerland, I used to love my Chalet School books...
- a prophesy...
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠...
- the world building, it was vibrant and beautiful
- the weaving of legends and myths into the story; the deep meaningful connect Ela has to nature
- the backstory
I enjoyed the book, and it sets the reader up for the rest of the books in the series. What I could have done without was the cliffhanger the book ended on...
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