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Member Reviews

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!

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✰ 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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3.5 stars rounded up!

Through an Emerald Gale is a Wizard of Oz and Snow White retelling mixed into one. It is also the start of a new series. We have Dorthy and Cami, both who are going through hard times. Dorthy is trying to save her cousin from the wicked witch and Cami is in trouble with the evil queen. They have to come together to save Oz and themselves.

I liked this story. It was full of adventure and high stakes. I think teens will really like this one. I liked the different POVs throughout. The setting was described nicely and I had a clear picture of the setting. I also really like the cover!

I do feel like the book was too long. I got a little bored toward the middle and wanted it to speed up a bit. I’m also not a big fairytale fan so this book wasn’t for me. I think people who like retellings will enjoy this one!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review!

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Through an Emerald Gale provided me with a unique twist from the well-known Wizard of Oz narrative, offering a refreshing twist that sets it apart from the classic tale we all know and love.

In the heart of Oz alongside Dorothy Gale, this time, her journey took an unexpected turn. Instead of venturing down the Yellow Brick Road alone, Dorothy became a captive of the Wicked Witch, sparking a series of events that kept me eagerly turning pages. We come to know this tale of adventure and suspense, bringing together an a team of characters that are well loved in the original tale: a sentient bag of straw, a lion-man with hidden courage, and a quick-witted teenager sporting a metal arm.
It's rare to find a book that takes a cherished classic and imbues it with a twist that elevates it to the status of a top-tier read. Through an Emerald Gale accomplishes precisely that, offering a retelling that, dare I say, may even surpass the allure of the original tale.

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a cute whymsical YA fantasy book with interesting characters and great world-building. Sometimes I struggled with the pacing a bit but nothing to severe. Knowing the Story of the Wizard of Oz this makes it an even more fun read!

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Thank you NetGalley, Jordan Riley Swan, and Story Garden Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Through an Emerald Gale. I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This story was an exciting ride from start to finish. The characters were interesting and the plot was well-developed. It did feel a little long winded in parts, but the fantasy/fairytale themes were entertaining. It was a nice change up from the classic version of Oz.

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This is a well-written fantasy book with compelling characters. It is The Wizard of Oz vs. the Evil Queen. The writing is beautiful when in its fantasy mode. The book is just not for me, though I am sure that it would be for many--true lovers of fantasy books and of fairy tales. I am just not one of them. I read the book because I was fascinated by anything having to do with the Wizard of Oz. I have been working my way through the children's books and also read Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. I was curious. I think the reason I love the Wizard of Oz is because although there are certainly fantasy elements to it, it is really about people (whether they are a tin man or cowardly lion) whereas in this book, there is more emphasis on the fantasy (or perhaps equal emphasis). This is something that many people like but it just wasn't for me.

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