ARC Review: An Island Strange and Wild (Book One of The Lost Garden Series) by Lisa Amowitz

Devastated by the freak death of her fellow climate activist and best friend/secret crush Tyler, eighteen-year-old science geek Rosalie Gatell decides to ditch her prestigious summer study abroad and escape to the place of his birth, which happens to be an endangered and uncharted island off the coast of Maine. Once there, Rosalie discovers a shocking truth about her past…and that what troubles this island goes far beyond the laws of nature. Even with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant with a mind of its own, an unknown aunt trapped in a tree, nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb. Rosalie believes she may have found salvation in this island wonderland—and a path to completing Tyler’s climate work. But as her attraction to Liam grows, she’s confronted by myths and legends about her family’s origins that forces her to reconcile science and magic in order to save the island, and everyone on it, from an ancient evil. To do so, Rosalie will have to rely on her own power, instead of logic or science, if she is to free Liam from his curse while keeping the evil from consuming her and everyone else she’s ever loved.

Title: An Island Strange and Wild

Author: Lisa Amowitz

Publisher: Branch Office Books

Expected Publication Date: February 20, 2024

Review:

I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Rosalie's scientifically based life has been sculpted by her mother. That is until the fateful night her best friend, Tyler, drowns, and her world gets turned upside down. She breaks with what her mother wants to pursue life on an island off the coast of Maine where things are not quite what they seem. Seen as an outsider, Rosalie finds herself drawn to a strange boy and connected with the terrain in a way that is dizzying.

Lisa Amowitz is well known to me. She has this quirky and fun way of writing that just draws me in. Her descriptions and imagery are unique and it's impossible not to picture in your mind exactly what she's showing you. 

I cannot say enough about the cover of this book. It is absolutely gorgeous. Not surprising since Amowitz designed it and her penchant for such things is always above and beyond my expectations. I have seen several covers she has designed, one more beautiful than the other.

Roalie, the FMC, is a relatable and interesting character. I love her science mind and how in tune she is with nature. I would have liked to see more of that during the story. Amowitz did a great job with Rosalie's struggles. I could feel her anxiety over the situation in which she was placed. I also saw a decent amount of growth as Rosalie came into her own and took the reigns of her life. She became strong and powerful throughout the telling of the story.

Liam was a bit of a mystery as the MMC. I wasn't sure what to make of him. He never really wanted to give up much of himself to Rosalie. His tie with Tyler was not expected. And in all honesty I thought we'd see Tyler make a come back, even though I knew it was improbable.

Each side character really gave a lot to the story, as well. From Rosalie's father, who seems to not be in touch with reality. To Liam's mother and even the bad guys, Amowitz gave each their own distinct personality. 

I really enjoyed the writing. As I mentioned above, Amowitz really knows how to write imagery. Her descriptions are very specific and it was easy for me to imagine what was happened during the scenes.

Plot wise there were some real twists and turns I was just not expecting. I can't really call them out as it would ruin the story, but these twists served well to move the story forward. I never knew what was going to happen next. And the magical world was unique. I loved the tie in to the land and sea. She also layered the different aspects of magic and mystery well.

As an aside, I would read this book as your only single read at the time. I'm a multiple book reader but this one really needs all your attention so you can absorb what is happening.

In this unique fantasy reimagining of The Secret Garden, Amowitz builds a magical world full of rich and colorful characters, mystery, forbidden romance, and magic. Teens will eat this one up. I'm excited to see where Rosalie's story leads in future books!

Lisa Amowitz is an artist and graphic designer by trade, but writing
has always been a deep and abiding passion.

This new version of Breaking Glass is the official launch of her entry into the world of hybrid publishing!

Her books are the YA fantasy/thrillers Breaking Glass, Vision and, Until Beth.

visit her online at lisaamowitz.com

Twitter: @lisa_amowitz
Instagram @lisa_amowitz.author
TikTok: @lisaamowitz_author