What do you think?
Laela and the Moonline
“Surprises unfold in the predictable. . . . You can never fully foresee the foreseen.”
Long ago, the four tribes of Aerizon lived as one people, but the time of unity has passed. Now, three of the tribes collectively called the Treedles inhabit the forest canopy. The fourth tribe, the Mergons, live on the ground and pose a constant threat to the Treedles. Laela is a young Treedlegirl coming of age in the treetop realm of Aerizon. Her destiny, as yet unrevealed, will cast her in the role of catalyst for epic change.
Laela grows increasingly restless with the cultural limits and expectations for young Treedle women. In her quest to understand and express her authentic self, she faces soul-transforming psychological and physical tests. Unlike Treedle women before her, she pushes back against traditional gender and cultural boundaries. Propelled by mysterious forces, she ventures into the forest and onto the lands below, breaking ground for a new era.
As she evolves spiritually, Laela faces mental challenges, redefining her perception of the impact one person can have on the world. Finally, she gains the courage to raise her voice in defense of herself and her people. Seekers of truth and justice will relate to how Laela grapples with the challenge of finding her guiding values.
Long ago, the four tribes of Aerizon lived as one people, but the time of unity has passed. Now, three of the tribes collectively called the Treedles inhabit the forest canopy. The fourth tribe, the Mergons, live on the ground and pose a constant threat to the Treedles. Laela is a young Treedlegirl coming of age in the treetop realm of Aerizon. Her destiny, as yet unrevealed, will cast her in the role of catalyst for epic change.
Laela grows increasingly restless with the cultural limits and expectations for young Treedle women. In her quest to understand and express her authentic self, she faces soul-transforming psychological and physical tests. Unlike Treedle women before her, she pushes back against traditional gender and cultural boundaries. Propelled by mysterious forces, she ventures into the forest and onto the lands below, breaking ground for a new era.
As she evolves spiritually, Laela faces mental challenges, redefining her perception of the impact one person can have on the world. Finally, she gains the courage to raise her voice in defense of herself and her people. Seekers of truth and justice will relate to how Laela grapples with the challenge of finding her guiding values.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
364 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2022
About the author
Lisa Perskie Rodriguez
2 books15 followersLisa Perskie Rodriguez, born in NYC and raised in New Jersey, has lived a life deeply intertwined with the North and South American continents. Academically trained in Art History, she found her calling in international education, serving in various roles from teacher to Executive Director. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, her experiences have provided rich cultural insights. Lisa's debut fantasy novel, Laela and the Moonline was published in 2022, followed by the standalone sequel, Arising. Now residing in Needham, MA, Lisa continues writing and engaging in community services. Her work reflects a profound understanding of coming of age and societal transformation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 28, 2023
In this YA fantasy, a young girl seeks adventure and enlightenment...
International educator Lisa Perskie Rodriguez has spent more than 30 years traveling and living abroad. In international schools in Guatemala, South America, Brazil, and Colombia, she has worked as a teacher and a school administrator. She lived in Colombia for 21 years, where she raised her kids. She was fortunate to have the chance to help the Wayuu in the Guajira region, an Indigenous group living in rural areas. Her writing vision was nourished by her exposure to various cultures and her study of Spanish and Portuguese. She states that integrating, listening to, and cooperating with those who have different worldviews is not just "nice," but essential. The development of our creative abilities must go hand in hand with the advancement of our scientific and cultural knowledge if we are to advocate for a better, kinder, and more just world. Laela and the Moonline is her debut novel.
To summarize the synopsis: The four tribes of Aerizon once coexisted as a single people, but that era has long since passed. Three of the tribes that make up the Treedles now live in the forest canopy. The Treedles are constantly in danger from the Mergons, the fourth tribe, who are ground dwellers. Laela is a young Treedlegirl maturing in the Aerizon's treetop realm. She will serve as the impetus for enormous change in accordance with her yet-to-be-disclosed destiny… Laela becomes increasingly agitated by the cultural restrictions and demands placed on young Treedle women. She encounters soul-changing psychological and physical tests in her quest to comprehend and express her true self. She challenges conventional gender and cultural norms, in contrast to previous Treedle women. She ventures into the forest and onto the lands below, paving the way for a new era while being propelled by unidentified forces… Laela experiences mental struggles as she grows spiritually, which alters how she views the influence one person can have on the world. She finally finds the strength to speak up in defense of herself and her people.
Laela and the Moonline was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging coming-of-age sci-fi fantasy. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
International educator Lisa Perskie Rodriguez has spent more than 30 years traveling and living abroad. In international schools in Guatemala, South America, Brazil, and Colombia, she has worked as a teacher and a school administrator. She lived in Colombia for 21 years, where she raised her kids. She was fortunate to have the chance to help the Wayuu in the Guajira region, an Indigenous group living in rural areas. Her writing vision was nourished by her exposure to various cultures and her study of Spanish and Portuguese. She states that integrating, listening to, and cooperating with those who have different worldviews is not just "nice," but essential. The development of our creative abilities must go hand in hand with the advancement of our scientific and cultural knowledge if we are to advocate for a better, kinder, and more just world. Laela and the Moonline is her debut novel.
To summarize the synopsis: The four tribes of Aerizon once coexisted as a single people, but that era has long since passed. Three of the tribes that make up the Treedles now live in the forest canopy. The Treedles are constantly in danger from the Mergons, the fourth tribe, who are ground dwellers. Laela is a young Treedlegirl maturing in the Aerizon's treetop realm. She will serve as the impetus for enormous change in accordance with her yet-to-be-disclosed destiny… Laela becomes increasingly agitated by the cultural restrictions and demands placed on young Treedle women. She encounters soul-changing psychological and physical tests in her quest to comprehend and express her true self. She challenges conventional gender and cultural norms, in contrast to previous Treedle women. She ventures into the forest and onto the lands below, paving the way for a new era while being propelled by unidentified forces… Laela experiences mental struggles as she grows spiritually, which alters how she views the influence one person can have on the world. She finally finds the strength to speak up in defense of herself and her people.
Laela and the Moonline was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging coming-of-age sci-fi fantasy. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.
June 13, 2022
This book reminds me a lot of James Redfield’s “The Celestine Prophecy,” a phenomenal success that led to a film adaptation and a superb musical interpretation. However, Lisa Perskie’s book is a more accessible read since it is geared primarily toward young adults. Nonetheless, there must be a thirst out there for such tales of spiritual awakenings, given Redfield’s unlikely success.
The emotive cover of the book encapsulates the theme of the book graphically. The ponderous protagonist yearning to discover her role in life, with the backdrop of the wild rain forest representing the tumultuous social fabric of her world, all bathed in celestial light. The world-building is not as far-fetched as one would expect in fantasies. The author draws from her experience of living in the politically unstable multi-ethnic state of Colombia. She draws from the lore of ancient indigenous civilizations of that region, like the Incas and Aztecs.
Nature plays a prominent role in the book, as the protagonist derives most of her inspiration from her milieu. The opening chapter sets the tone of the novel, concentrating on the environment which is lushly described. The author does a good job with the interplay between the protagonist’s thoughts and nature’s glory.
The prose is beautiful, at times poetic, but always evocative, luscious, and accessible. The author’s voice is oddly soothing and maternal. There are some lovely passages narrating the forbidden love between Laela and Mateo, along the lines of Romeo and Juliet
The pacing of the book is slow, and it’s only after ninety pages that the protagonist is mauled by a jaguar after a secretive excursion into the Feral Forest. It is the life-changing event that gives the impetus to her journey of self-discovery. Thereafter, incident piles upon incident, as she has to deal with the consequences of her audacious decisions.
This book is many things—a coming of age story, a love story, an adventure, a story of spiritual development. But, above all, there is the central transcendent theme of existentialism. The restless protagonist seeks self-expression in the interest of the common good, breaking free of established boundaries in her quest for the eternal truth. A message that is relevant in today’s world, not only in Latin America, with its political tribalism, racial tensions, intolerance, and warmongering
Give this book a crack, it’s not the commonplace commercial trope. I consider it to be a deep and fulfilling novel.
The emotive cover of the book encapsulates the theme of the book graphically. The ponderous protagonist yearning to discover her role in life, with the backdrop of the wild rain forest representing the tumultuous social fabric of her world, all bathed in celestial light. The world-building is not as far-fetched as one would expect in fantasies. The author draws from her experience of living in the politically unstable multi-ethnic state of Colombia. She draws from the lore of ancient indigenous civilizations of that region, like the Incas and Aztecs.
Nature plays a prominent role in the book, as the protagonist derives most of her inspiration from her milieu. The opening chapter sets the tone of the novel, concentrating on the environment which is lushly described. The author does a good job with the interplay between the protagonist’s thoughts and nature’s glory.
The prose is beautiful, at times poetic, but always evocative, luscious, and accessible. The author’s voice is oddly soothing and maternal. There are some lovely passages narrating the forbidden love between Laela and Mateo, along the lines of Romeo and Juliet
The pacing of the book is slow, and it’s only after ninety pages that the protagonist is mauled by a jaguar after a secretive excursion into the Feral Forest. It is the life-changing event that gives the impetus to her journey of self-discovery. Thereafter, incident piles upon incident, as she has to deal with the consequences of her audacious decisions.
This book is many things—a coming of age story, a love story, an adventure, a story of spiritual development. But, above all, there is the central transcendent theme of existentialism. The restless protagonist seeks self-expression in the interest of the common good, breaking free of established boundaries in her quest for the eternal truth. A message that is relevant in today’s world, not only in Latin America, with its political tribalism, racial tensions, intolerance, and warmongering
Give this book a crack, it’s not the commonplace commercial trope. I consider it to be a deep and fulfilling novel.
June 18, 2022
Laela is a girl on the verge of womanhood. She is the oldest among her friends to make this passage. Laela is considered a rebel because "too many 'manly' activities have delayed the onset of her new lifestage." She is not a traditional female and does not want to live a traditional life focusing on home and family. This restlessness she feels at her "otherness" is for good reason. Her destiny is for greater things, although she is not consciously aware of this. She feels propeled by mysterious forces to explore lands beyond her own - the feral forest and other far away places.
The novel is set in a land called Aerizon inhabited by three tribes collectively called "Treedles" who inhabit a forest canopy. There is a fourth tribe, the Mergons, who live on the ground and are the enemies of the Treedles.
The author, Lisa Perskie, describes the young woman's spiritual evolution and mental challenges as she grows into her destined role.
Ms. Perskie writes with a brilliantly colored palette as she describes Aerizon, its flowers, plants, architecture and people. The reader can visually experience the settings in the novel. Her lyrical prose and wonderful tale, full of adventure, makes it easy for the reader to become emersed in the book. I was hooked after chapter one. I highly recommend 'Laela and the Moonline' not only for young adults, but for readers of all ages. I am not accustomed to reading YA books but this one is special.
Ms Perskie is an international educator who has worked as a teacher and school administrator in Colombia, Guatemala and Brazil. She has lived outside the U.S. for 30 years and believes it is necessary to integrate, listen to, and work with those who hold different world views. "Diversity enhances and enriches us! If we are to champion a better, kinder, and more just world, we must develop our creative capacities in concert with our scientific and cultural knowledge."
* Disclaimer: Lisa Perskie is my cousin and I agreed to read her novel because of this. As a reviewer of books for Goodreads and Amazon since 2001, I can honestly say I would never review, or even complete reading, "Laela and the Moonline" if I didn't believe it to be an outstanding novel.
The novel is set in a land called Aerizon inhabited by three tribes collectively called "Treedles" who inhabit a forest canopy. There is a fourth tribe, the Mergons, who live on the ground and are the enemies of the Treedles.
The author, Lisa Perskie, describes the young woman's spiritual evolution and mental challenges as she grows into her destined role.
Ms. Perskie writes with a brilliantly colored palette as she describes Aerizon, its flowers, plants, architecture and people. The reader can visually experience the settings in the novel. Her lyrical prose and wonderful tale, full of adventure, makes it easy for the reader to become emersed in the book. I was hooked after chapter one. I highly recommend 'Laela and the Moonline' not only for young adults, but for readers of all ages. I am not accustomed to reading YA books but this one is special.
Ms Perskie is an international educator who has worked as a teacher and school administrator in Colombia, Guatemala and Brazil. She has lived outside the U.S. for 30 years and believes it is necessary to integrate, listen to, and work with those who hold different world views. "Diversity enhances and enriches us! If we are to champion a better, kinder, and more just world, we must develop our creative capacities in concert with our scientific and cultural knowledge."
* Disclaimer: Lisa Perskie is my cousin and I agreed to read her novel because of this. As a reviewer of books for Goodreads and Amazon since 2001, I can honestly say I would never review, or even complete reading, "Laela and the Moonline" if I didn't believe it to be an outstanding novel.
December 25, 2022
Laela and the Moonline is an incredibly imaginative, immersive story. The author has thought through every detail of the world; it’s the kind of fantasy where you get the impression that somewhere there is a 100k word document of world building that didn’t make it into the final edit. That’s the sort of fantasy that really suits a story like this. Instead of relying on our own real-world assumptions as to how things should go, the author takes the time to let us get to know this world before we set out on an adventure.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
And what an adventure it was! The titular character, Laela, takes us on a journey not only filled with fantastical and terrifying and wonderful things, but one with heart too. The story didn’t come quite as full circle as I would have liked but it was still an emotionally satisfying ending, giving Laela – and us – the closure needed.
In tone, the book is very reminiscent of old adventure stories. It feels like a modern response to mid-century children’s books with all the magic and timelessness but a more updated outlook. It did take me a little while to settle into the writing style, but once I’d settled in it was a very enjoyable read.
Overall this was a lovely YA fantasy, with a fresh voice but a timeless style.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
And what an adventure it was! The titular character, Laela, takes us on a journey not only filled with fantastical and terrifying and wonderful things, but one with heart too. The story didn’t come quite as full circle as I would have liked but it was still an emotionally satisfying ending, giving Laela – and us – the closure needed.
In tone, the book is very reminiscent of old adventure stories. It feels like a modern response to mid-century children’s books with all the magic and timelessness but a more updated outlook. It did take me a little while to settle into the writing style, but once I’d settled in it was a very enjoyable read.
Overall this was a lovely YA fantasy, with a fresh voice but a timeless style.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
Laela and the Moonline is politically and socially powerful. For a fantasy, it reads much more like historical fiction from Mesopotamian traditional society with the Mergons being the Aztecans and the Incas as the Treedles. This story is powerful and inspiring for women and girls everywhere. I am not a religious person, and I was initially concerned with its abundance. However, as the story went on, I was impressed with how Laela blossomed into a force for existentialism as well as her faith.
I am proud of Laela for recognizing the unfairness of traditional gender roles and stigmas around what a woman should be by attempting to educate others. I also relate to Laela. I was always more intellectually mature and morally responsible than my peers, and I have questioned the traditional routes for a woman. Despite being a teenager, she speaks with a voice of enlightenment, sincerity, and a politeness. I have no doubt that she will accomplish much in her life as a leader. While it seems as though Laela enlightened some of the Mergons, it worries me that her people will be invaded, tortured, and forever inslaved by Marl in revenge. How will the peaceful Treedles defend themselves? Will her words in Mergon court inspire the common people to rebel against him? I wonder what the new golden age as a result of her union with Mateo holds. I hope Perskie will write a sequel.
I am proud of Laela for recognizing the unfairness of traditional gender roles and stigmas around what a woman should be by attempting to educate others. I also relate to Laela. I was always more intellectually mature and morally responsible than my peers, and I have questioned the traditional routes for a woman. Despite being a teenager, she speaks with a voice of enlightenment, sincerity, and a politeness. I have no doubt that she will accomplish much in her life as a leader. While it seems as though Laela enlightened some of the Mergons, it worries me that her people will be invaded, tortured, and forever inslaved by Marl in revenge. How will the peaceful Treedles defend themselves? Will her words in Mergon court inspire the common people to rebel against him? I wonder what the new golden age as a result of her union with Mateo holds. I hope Perskie will write a sequel.
June 18, 2022
This book is very unique! It’s imaginative, beautifully written, and weaves in interesting moral lessons. I think it would also make an awesome Disney movie. It’s starts off a little slow… defining and describing the unique aspects of this new world and building up each character in the story, but in the later chapters it’s full of action.
August 15, 2026
Laela and the Moonline is such an imaginative and thought-provoking fantasy. What I enjoyed most was that beneath the fantastical world of Aerizon, Laela’s journey feels deeply human. Her struggle to understand who she really is while living under cultural expectations made her an incredibly compelling character to follow.
I especially liked the contrast between the Treedles and the Mergons and the way the divisions between them create a much larger story about fear, tradition, and change. The world-building gave the story a distinctive atmosphere, but it was Laela’s personal journey that kept me emotionally invested.
Her resistance to the expectations placed on young Treedle women was one of my favorite parts. She doesn't simply accept the role that has been prepared for her. Instead, she questions it, explores beyond what she knows, and gradually discovers the courage to define herself on her own terms.
I also appreciated how the story explores the idea that one person's choices can become the beginning of something much bigger. Laela's journey from uncertainty to finding her voice felt meaningful, especially as she begins to understand the responsibility that comes with standing up for herself and her people.
There is a lovely sense of mystery throughout the story as well. The idea that Laela's destiny is still unrevealed kept me curious about where her path would take her, and the psychological and spiritual elements added another layer beyond the fantasy adventure.
Overall, I found Laela and the Moonline imaginative, inspiring, and surprisingly reflective. It's a story about breaking boundaries, discovering your values, and having the courage to speak when remaining silent would be easier.
I especially liked the contrast between the Treedles and the Mergons and the way the divisions between them create a much larger story about fear, tradition, and change. The world-building gave the story a distinctive atmosphere, but it was Laela’s personal journey that kept me emotionally invested.
Her resistance to the expectations placed on young Treedle women was one of my favorite parts. She doesn't simply accept the role that has been prepared for her. Instead, she questions it, explores beyond what she knows, and gradually discovers the courage to define herself on her own terms.
I also appreciated how the story explores the idea that one person's choices can become the beginning of something much bigger. Laela's journey from uncertainty to finding her voice felt meaningful, especially as she begins to understand the responsibility that comes with standing up for herself and her people.
There is a lovely sense of mystery throughout the story as well. The idea that Laela's destiny is still unrevealed kept me curious about where her path would take her, and the psychological and spiritual elements added another layer beyond the fantasy adventure.
Overall, I found Laela and the Moonline imaginative, inspiring, and surprisingly reflective. It's a story about breaking boundaries, discovering your values, and having the courage to speak when remaining silent would be easier.
December 7, 2022
Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie is an imaginate tale of adventure about a girl called Laela and her rite of passage into the world. Set in a sci-fi world reminiscent of Nature's Confession with its themes of nature, there were some positives and negatives about the book. Starting with the positives:
*Nice details for the planet the characters' inhabit. I can see the author has done a lot of world building.
*Interesting supporting characters (particularly, like the mum!)
*Moral themes about how people should treat one another (as socially determined), such as compassion and the important of community, as well as nature-related points.
The negatives:
*Related to world-building the information is packed too tightly. One reader mentioned the book really starting at p.90 and I have to agree it would be a stronger start from Chapter 6.
*Typos and punctuation errors (inconsistent, so not a conscious choice), including some sentences that are missing words, so don't make sense.
However, these errors and over-exposition could be corrected with a decent copyeditor, who could take the scenes like being told about the prophecy and turn it into a more active scene where we overhear it. And what would be left is a fun story full of relevant topics.
So it's worth a read.
Emma
*Nice details for the planet the characters' inhabit. I can see the author has done a lot of world building.
*Interesting supporting characters (particularly, like the mum!)
*Moral themes about how people should treat one another (as socially determined), such as compassion and the important of community, as well as nature-related points.
The negatives:
*Related to world-building the information is packed too tightly. One reader mentioned the book really starting at p.90 and I have to agree it would be a stronger start from Chapter 6.
*Typos and punctuation errors (inconsistent, so not a conscious choice), including some sentences that are missing words, so don't make sense.
However, these errors and over-exposition could be corrected with a decent copyeditor, who could take the scenes like being told about the prophecy and turn it into a more active scene where we overhear it. And what would be left is a fun story full of relevant topics.
So it's worth a read.
Emma
June 13, 2023
Breaking down inequality through tribal politics. It’s said that no issue is as complex as we make it, and when you boil it down, you can come up with a solution. “Laela and the Moonline” does just that, taking apart the inequality of women through tribal culture. We meet four Aerizon tribes in our setting, which now mostly live within the wilds of the untamed forests. Laela, a young girl with a subservient expectation, lashes out against the tradition of her people, going on a spiritual journey as she does. I’m a big fan of how the author, Lisa Rodriguez, simplifies the stripy in order for the reader to get down to their own introspection of self worth, values, and bigotry. The author lets the reader decide whether or not they are part of toxic traditions or the push against it without directly telling the reader how to feel.
July 7, 2023
The first thing that drew me in this book was the writing, which was rather lovely and poetic. I wasn’t too keen on the long and complex though. At first, this strikes you as your typical coming-of-age story with a girl, but then comes the fantasy world of feral forests and mythical oddities. This was kind of an odd combination for me as a reader. Some of the details were a bit lost on me and I had to go back to re-read some stuff a few times.
This is a book intended more for young fantasy readers. Even though this is not my particular genre, it’s still nice to see a different form of writing, which the author brings in this book. With this in mind, I might be open to another book by this author.
A fairly nice read.
This is a book intended more for young fantasy readers. Even though this is not my particular genre, it’s still nice to see a different form of writing, which the author brings in this book. With this in mind, I might be open to another book by this author.
A fairly nice read.
October 5, 2022
My teenager has been reading books like this and she passes them along to me and I devour them. This time, I read it first and now I'll have to pass it on to her. I am always impressed by fantasy books where the author comes up with a whole new world. What an imagination! The heroine wasn't the standard fare, and that was a nice thing about her. This wasn't the kind of book where you knew what was coming, that's for sure. And that's saying a lot for the author's style!
November 21, 2022
Great
This is a beautifully crafted and sometimes poetic book. I love it when an author mixes reality in with myth, enabling a story to take shape and allow lessons to be learnt in a non judgemental or prejudicial manner. Taking aspects of today's and past cultures, life, values, expectations, boundaries and manners the author has been able to add a richness to the story, giving everything without dictating. Enabling the reader to take from it what they wish.
This is a beautifully crafted and sometimes poetic book. I love it when an author mixes reality in with myth, enabling a story to take shape and allow lessons to be learnt in a non judgemental or prejudicial manner. Taking aspects of today's and past cultures, life, values, expectations, boundaries and manners the author has been able to add a richness to the story, giving everything without dictating. Enabling the reader to take from it what they wish.
January 27, 2023
This is a a fabulous coming-of-age story with an authentic heroine, Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie is an unforgettable tale with important themes and spectacular settings. A young adult fantasy novel with surprising depth; it has elements that parallel the real world. A compelling story with a film-worthy plot, it will fully immerse you in its creative fantasy world and hold you captive to the very last page
September 28, 2022
I didn't read the Kindle edition but that is all that Goodreads has for this book. I believe that this book was self published which I don't hold against it, but it could have used some editing. I found several typos and wrong words. The language was flowery and the characters fairly predictable, however the plot was entertaining.
January 27, 2023
An inspiring, brilliantly written and imaginative young adult fantasy novel, Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie follows the story of a young, courageous heroine whose foretold destiny leads to the anticipated renewal of her people. I totally recommend this teen & Y/A epic fantasy to all fans. It is so incredibly good and help me cautive he entire time. Can't wait for the Lisa's next novel.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews