thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

I really enjoyed this Wizard of Oz, Snow White mix! Following Dorothy, Camellia, and Prince Marcus through this story was a fun ride. I enjoyed their three perspectives and was easily encouraged to keep reading by a mostly fast paced story! This was a fun an new take on the stories and would be a great read for anyone!

wow. this book was so amazing!! i can't believe netgalley let me read this early .thank you so much! it was amazing and wonderful and fun and the characters were just so so so great!!!

"Through an Emerald Gale" by Jordan Riley Swan is a compelling fantasy novel that transports readers into a richly imagined world where magic, intrigue, and adventure intertwine. Swan's storytelling prowess shines throughout the narrative, captivating readers with a seamless blend of lush world-building, complex characters, and a plot that is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. This book stands as a testament to Swan's ability to craft a story that is both deeply immersive and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.

Swan's world-building is nothing short of extraordinary. The setting of "Through an Emerald Gale" is a tapestry of diverse cultures, landscapes, and magical systems that are detailed with meticulous care. Readers are introduced to a world where the boundaries between the mundane and the magical blur, where ancient forests whisper secrets of the past, and cities thrive on the cusp of technological and magical revolutions. The vivid descriptions of places and the natural elements, especially the enigmatic emerald gale that sweeps across the lands, are so palpable that one can almost feel the wind on their skin and see the vibrant hues of the world.

The characters in "Through an Emerald Gale" are its beating heart. Swan has created a cast of characters that are multifaceted and deeply human. The protagonist, whose journey we follow with bated breath, is crafted with a depth that makes their struggles, joys, and growth deeply personal to the reader. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own backgrounds, motivations, and arcs that weave into the larger narrative in meaningful ways. Swan's skill in character development ensures that readers are invested in their fates, cheering for their victories and feeling the weight of their defeats.

The plot of "Through an Emerald Gale" is a masterful blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth. Swan takes readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns, where alliances are tested, secrets are uncovered, and the line between friend and foe is ever-blurring. The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter propelling the story forward while allowing space for character development and world exploration. The narrative is imbued with themes of power, redemption, and the quest for identity, making the story resonate on multiple levels.

Swan's writing style is both elegant and accessible, striking a perfect balance between poetic descriptions and brisk, engaging dialogue. The prose flows beautifully, drawing readers deeper into the world and the minds of the characters. Swan has a gift for conveying complex emotions and scenes with clarity and impact, ensuring that the reader is fully immersed in the experience.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of "Through an Emerald Gale" is its emotional depth. Swan does not shy away from exploring the vulnerabilities and strengths of the human spirit. The journey of the protagonist is not just a physical one but an emotional odyssey that speaks to the resilience and capacity for change within us all. The relationships between characters are portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, adding layers of emotional complexity to the narrative.

In conclusion, "Through an Emerald Gale" by Jordan Riley Swan is a stunning achievement in the fantasy genre. With its intricate world-building, dynamic characters, gripping plot, and emotional depth, it offers a reading experience that is both escapist and profoundly moving. Swan has crafted a story that lingers in the imagination long after the last page is turned, establishing themselves as a formidable storyteller in the realm of fantasy literature. Whether you're a long-time fan of fantasy or new to the genre, this book promises to enchant, entertain, and inspire.

This was such a unique concept and I really enjoyed how good both the Wizard of Oz and Snow White elements worked in this universe. I loved the blend of the stories and that there was a war between the two villains. It had everything that I was hoping for from a fairy tale story and I enjoyed reading this a lot. I loved how Jordan Riley Swan wrote this and can’t wait for more from the author. I loved the cover and really glad I got to read this.

“Through An Emerald Gale,” by Jordan Riley Swan

Dorothy is swept into Oz and the Wicked Witch takes her hostage and curses her cousin to force her into completing a quest. She groups up with the straw man, lion-man, and a metal-armed teen. Camellia lives in the service of the Evil Queen until a prince comes to save her.

I liked the idea of a retelling of the Wizard of Oz and Snow White. It is a good book with a coming-of-age quality to it, but it just wasn’t my kind of book. I felt like too much of what was said ended up being repetitive, and the main FMC was too “quirky” for me. The cover is beautiful though and I think young teens might like this book. 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

This was a modern take on the Wizard of Oz, with elements of Snow White as well. Overall, I felt like there were a lot of good ideas in this book, and as a concept, I found it really interesting. In execution though, I felt like it was trying to do too much in too little time - the triple perspectives often made it feel like I was reading two entirely different books, one about Dorothy and one about Camellia and Prince Marcus. Individually I enjoyed each story, but I didn't think it worked as one cohesive book.

tl;dr
Contrasting leads are very cool, with the chunk of the story leaning more into the fairy tale aspects rather than the land of Oz storyline.

Thoughts
There are two main threads happening here, so I'll hit them one at a time. We'll start with Dorothy's, since this is billed largely as a Wizard of Oz remix. Dorothy is street-smart, wisecracking, and generally a pretty great MC to cheer for. By the time we really get to know her, she's already learned a lot about Oz, so we don't get the wide-eyed lost girl from the books or films, but rather a competent and reasonably angry teen tired of being caught up in someone else's nonsense. She's also got a really nice somewhat romantic rapport with the Tinman that feels very natural and sits pretty comfortably inside the main story without distracting from the plot. Sadly, despite her being an awesome character, we don't actually get much time with her, as this book devotes more time to the other MC: Camellia Snow. Camellia Snow is a girl living in a fairy tale - in both senses of the phrase. She lives a sheltered life by design, pining after true love and waiting for the magic of her first kiss. Instead, she finds herself caught by evil royalty, dark magic, tragedy, and some serious body horror. Her story has way more depth to it, with plenty of plot twists, some really great supporting characters (her friend Vivian is a standout at this point), and a more defined journey of character growth.

Overall, the story is more Camellia's than Dorothy's right now, but I enjoyed the contrasting leads, and I look forward to seeing their stories come together in the next book.

I just love fairy tales reimagined in a way that gives more agency to the often passive female characters. Dorothy and Cami (Snow) come alive in this fast=paced story that I read straight through.

What a fun and adventurous read! I really loved the retelling mash up of The Wizard of Oz and Snow White- two of my childhood favorites! Well-written and action packed to the brim- I can’t wait to put this book on my shelf!

The book provides a captivating journey through a fantastical world. The author's vivid descriptions and intricate world-building draw readers into a mesmerizing tale filled with magic and adventure. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique charm, and the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. A well-crafted story, that will transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement.

I felt like this was intended to be a different take on The Wizard of Oz, but I'm afraid it was lost on me. I tried to approach it with an open mind, but it just didn't resonate with me, and I didn't feel any of the magic that I hoped for.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I have never read a Wizard of Ox retelling so this was a first! I didn’t miss the hints of Snow White as well. This story was full of feel good nostalgia while putting a whole new spin on these stories. These two stories meet to create a whirlwind of action and adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and Story Garden Publishing LLC for this copy of Through an Emerald Gale

This was such an interesting take on the world of OZ. I was not really sure what to expect and this was my first reimagining of this tale that I grew up loving. I was not sure how the writer would be able to write the characters in a more modern way that actually made sense but I was not disappointed at all. Such a unique and fun story that follows Dorothy through the world of OZ in service of the Wicked Witch in hopes of rescuing her nephew from her evil clutches.

I really enjoyed the Snow White elements as well and Cami's arc in this story. After being taken by the Evil Queen when she was just a young girl, but events that happen send her on her own journey to where the two girls worlds are destined to collide.

Looking forward to the next book in the series, and if you enjoy the Wizard of OZ world, or fairytale retellings then you will enjoy this story.

A modern twist on The Wizard of OZ. I loved this book! Once I started reading the book I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes similar kinds of stories. The writing is wonderful and I love the twist on the characters.

3.5 🌟

It’s been years since I’ve read a Wizard of Oz retelling and this one was so fun and unique! It’s a lovely mix of Oz and Snow White and keeps you entertained throughout the whole novel.

We follow three perspectives: Dorothy, Camellia (Snow White), and Prince Marcus. Dorothy is forced to go on a quest by the Wicked Witch to save her cursed cousin with the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow. Meanwhile Camellia is a heartmaiden whose heart has been stolen by the evil queen because she fell for Prince Marcus and true love’s kiss.

With two huge villains at the core of the story – the Evil Queen and the Wicked Witch – it’s an intense race to the end to see if the girls are able to overcome the forces against them. The plot was interesting and I liked how the author entwined the Snow White and Wizard of Oz elements. It’s a very action-packed, exciting ride and easy to get through once you have the mechanics of the world down.

I enjoyed Dorothy’s perspective the most but liked Camellia’s as well. I personally didn’t care for Marcus’s perspective even though it did add information and intrigue to the plot overall. I would have preferred more Dorothy chapters than Marcus. I enjoyed reading Camellia’s arc in terms of the betrayals she faces and loved seeing her fight back and rise above it. And with that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!

I’d definitely recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of either classic tale!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!

✰ 3 stars! ✰
I liked the premise of fusing The Wizard of Oz and Snow White! It was an interesting read, but I didn't really connect with the characters or the pacing. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy fairytale retellings and fusions.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise of "Through an Emerald Gale", but the writing didn't really work for me and especially the second half of the book dragged on for a little too long for my tastes. I probably won't continue the series.

3,5 upped to 4
You shouldn't judge a book by the cover but I fell in love with this cover.
It's an entertaining story a mix of different fairy tales, Oz and Snow White.
I found it a well plotted story even if the character are a bit flat at times.
It's a book that can suffer because Oz is quite popular due to Gregory Maguire's story.
This is another type of story and I think there's a lot of potential.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you to NetGalley and Story Garden Publishing LLC for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available October 23,2023!

It’s a different takes the Wizard of Oz lore. I honestly did not jive with this book. I didn’t enjoy it and I struggled to finish it.