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Hollow Mountain Butterfly #1
Girlgoyle
Tiffany Noboru has just awakened from her death, only to be drafted into the Gargoyle Ghost Hunter Corps. Soon she is fighting jealous rivalries within her own ranks, struggling to unravel the mystery of her recent death, and trying to avoid being killed a second time by a maniacal ghost named Bones who is seeking the destruction of the gargoyle world.
In this full-length novel, appropriate for teens and young adults, a new twist on the role of gargoyles is imaginatively brought to life in spellbinding fashion. Woven in are twenty original works of art by Miimork, which breathe life into its ghostly pages.
In this full-length novel, appropriate for teens and young adults, a new twist on the role of gargoyles is imaginatively brought to life in spellbinding fashion. Woven in are twenty original works of art by Miimork, which breathe life into its ghostly pages.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2015
About the author
Better Hero Army
16 books66 followersBetter Hero Army is the (really cool) pen name of American author Evan Ramspott. Under the Better Hero Army name, Evan writes about zombies, gargoyles, fairies, aliens, and pretty much anything that doesn't belong in the mainstream (i.e., he writes about cool stuff under the BHA name). He has a really cool website at www.betterheroarmy.com, he's sometimes active on Twitter @BetterHeroArmy, and he's in a bunch of cool GoodReads groups.
Evan's other (not so cool) works of fiction are mainstream stories about social inequities and hardships (and are real downers by comparison).
When Evan isn't being a (cool) writer, he has a family and a day job and enjoys all three equally. Oh, and he likes the beach because it's also cool.
Evan's other (not so cool) works of fiction are mainstream stories about social inequities and hardships (and are real downers by comparison).
When Evan isn't being a (cool) writer, he has a family and a day job and enjoys all three equally. Oh, and he likes the beach because it's also cool.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 20, 2015
I received this book free for review from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. Despite the wonderful opportunity of receiving a free book, I’m absolutely candid about it below because I believe authors and readers will benefit most from honest reviews rather than vacuous 5-star reviews.
Firstly, this is a YA novel and my criteria for judging those is fairly straightforward and three-pronged. First and foremost, I ask myself if there’s anything in the book that I would not want my own children to read or be exposed to. I have absolutely zero tolerance for sexual or drug references and this book has none of that. In fact the only thing I can find of even remote concern is some light non-graphic violence and exactly one profanity in the use of the phrase “p***ed off”. So this is a clean one for all but the youngest and most sensitive children who might have difficulty with the fight scenes.
Secondly, I ask myself if the book offers anything positive for the reader. In this case, it’s not effervescing with positive themes but it’s not entirely devoid of them. During the course of the book the female protagonist deals positively with and overcomes her own misgivings about her body and manages to overcome her initial misgivings about a group of girls that she had initially had difficulty with. There are strong themes of reconciliation and cooperation and shows the reader a good example of building trust. It also teaches the key idea of not judging people based on their appearances.
Thirdly, and most importantly to the reader, will it entertain them? I’d say the answer is a resounding positive. I pulled through the book in a few hours without difficulty and it has an early hook and brings you along quite steadily throughout the story. The 14-year-old female protagonist is relatable, kind and she finds herself in a varied and unique situation with engaging characters who are both friend and foe. I can easily imagine this as a prolonged series as the heroine develops into a woman.
The only negatives I can cite about the book I relate to overall story cohesion. At times the story makes reference to previous points in the story that just don’t exist. It feels as if the story was cut down from a longer version and in doing so lost some hunk of the story. I cannot prove that, of course, but in a few instances the text calls back to previous stories and plot points that just never happened. This is a fairly minimal concern, however, since context wins the day and one can make assumptions around the missing bits.
In summary, I was thoroughly entertained and the book is a positive one for the target audience. The plotline seems to be a mix of “Dead Like Me” and a standard youth exceptionalism tale like “Harry Potter”. I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
Firstly, this is a YA novel and my criteria for judging those is fairly straightforward and three-pronged. First and foremost, I ask myself if there’s anything in the book that I would not want my own children to read or be exposed to. I have absolutely zero tolerance for sexual or drug references and this book has none of that. In fact the only thing I can find of even remote concern is some light non-graphic violence and exactly one profanity in the use of the phrase “p***ed off”. So this is a clean one for all but the youngest and most sensitive children who might have difficulty with the fight scenes.
Secondly, I ask myself if the book offers anything positive for the reader. In this case, it’s not effervescing with positive themes but it’s not entirely devoid of them. During the course of the book the female protagonist deals positively with and overcomes her own misgivings about her body and manages to overcome her initial misgivings about a group of girls that she had initially had difficulty with. There are strong themes of reconciliation and cooperation and shows the reader a good example of building trust. It also teaches the key idea of not judging people based on their appearances.
Thirdly, and most importantly to the reader, will it entertain them? I’d say the answer is a resounding positive. I pulled through the book in a few hours without difficulty and it has an early hook and brings you along quite steadily throughout the story. The 14-year-old female protagonist is relatable, kind and she finds herself in a varied and unique situation with engaging characters who are both friend and foe. I can easily imagine this as a prolonged series as the heroine develops into a woman.
The only negatives I can cite about the book I relate to overall story cohesion. At times the story makes reference to previous points in the story that just don’t exist. It feels as if the story was cut down from a longer version and in doing so lost some hunk of the story. I cannot prove that, of course, but in a few instances the text calls back to previous stories and plot points that just never happened. This is a fairly minimal concern, however, since context wins the day and one can make assumptions around the missing bits.
In summary, I was thoroughly entertained and the book is a positive one for the target audience. The plotline seems to be a mix of “Dead Like Me” and a standard youth exceptionalism tale like “Harry Potter”. I’m excited to see where the series goes from here.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
September 30, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through Lovers of Paranormal.
Ugh. Where do I even start?
I know I've been on another warpath lately but if we're going to be honest, I probably would have hated this book regardless of when I was reading it or the mood I was in. Girlgoyle is about a fourteen year old girl who is killed by a ghost and becomes a gargoyle that protects the living from other ghosts. It's a cool premise...however...
...there are a shit ton of problems.
First of all, I supremely disliked the main character. Tiffany is young with no problems in her life. She has a few nightmares and is remarkably juvenile for her age. She is far too reliant on the strength of her parents and when she dies, she basically becomes as helpless as a newborn. Therefore, she spends the first quarter of the book feeling sorry for herself.
Then she realizes that everybody in her new little group hates her because she's the new kid. (This has other problems associated with it. Will return to the thought later.) So what is her solution? She becomes more whiny and really clingy onto one girl. Your commanding officer tells you to do something? She must hate you so it's cool to ignore.
There's the whole flying thing too. She can't fly well (understandable) and never really takes the time to learn properly. You know what? If I was given wings, I would learn how to use the damn things. I wouldn't just sigh and mope about not being able to use them. Then when everybody and their sister tells her to not sleep a certain way or she will hurt her wings, she doesn't listen to them because "it feels good".
How about you listen to people who know what they are talking about instead of just doing whatever the hell you want kid. You want the two edged sword thing because it is like Star Wars even though everybody tells her that she'll cut her wings off? Tough cookie. She needs to grow up.
And I guess that's the biggest problem that I had with the book. There was no growth. No learning. She doesn't evolve as a character. She is stagnant as hell.
And she body shames. She says that since the other girls change in front of each other, they aren't modest and the "parade" and "prance" around in sports bras. Yeah, if you live with other girls as long as these girls have lived with each other and it's either get used to seeing other people naked or change in the bathroom, you get over it pretty quickly. It isn't about modesty. It's about practicality. And if I worked out as much as they did and was fit, hell yeah I'd walk around in my sports bra! So red card for body shaming.
The final nail in the coffin was the point I was going to bring up earlier. If you have room inspections and you have a new kid, you make damn sure that you teach them the ropes so that not everybody suffers. You take them under your wing and you make them learn what they need to know. You don't ignore them because they're new because there is no self preservation in that. It's simply illogical.
So yeah, I hated this one and I have my reasons. It's an interesting premise and I think it would have been vastly improved by an older protagonist, more action, less bitching and no illustrations. I know I would have disliked this one, even as a kid or if I was in a good reading mood. To each their own but...
Ugh. Where do I even start?
I know I've been on another warpath lately but if we're going to be honest, I probably would have hated this book regardless of when I was reading it or the mood I was in. Girlgoyle is about a fourteen year old girl who is killed by a ghost and becomes a gargoyle that protects the living from other ghosts. It's a cool premise...however...
...there are a shit ton of problems.
First of all, I supremely disliked the main character. Tiffany is young with no problems in her life. She has a few nightmares and is remarkably juvenile for her age. She is far too reliant on the strength of her parents and when she dies, she basically becomes as helpless as a newborn. Therefore, she spends the first quarter of the book feeling sorry for herself.
Then she realizes that everybody in her new little group hates her because she's the new kid. (This has other problems associated with it. Will return to the thought later.) So what is her solution? She becomes more whiny and really clingy onto one girl. Your commanding officer tells you to do something? She must hate you so it's cool to ignore.
There's the whole flying thing too. She can't fly well (understandable) and never really takes the time to learn properly. You know what? If I was given wings, I would learn how to use the damn things. I wouldn't just sigh and mope about not being able to use them. Then when everybody and their sister tells her to not sleep a certain way or she will hurt her wings, she doesn't listen to them because "it feels good".
How about you listen to people who know what they are talking about instead of just doing whatever the hell you want kid. You want the two edged sword thing because it is like Star Wars even though everybody tells her that she'll cut her wings off? Tough cookie. She needs to grow up.
And I guess that's the biggest problem that I had with the book. There was no growth. No learning. She doesn't evolve as a character. She is stagnant as hell.
And she body shames. She says that since the other girls change in front of each other, they aren't modest and the "parade" and "prance" around in sports bras. Yeah, if you live with other girls as long as these girls have lived with each other and it's either get used to seeing other people naked or change in the bathroom, you get over it pretty quickly. It isn't about modesty. It's about practicality. And if I worked out as much as they did and was fit, hell yeah I'd walk around in my sports bra! So red card for body shaming.
The final nail in the coffin was the point I was going to bring up earlier. If you have room inspections and you have a new kid, you make damn sure that you teach them the ropes so that not everybody suffers. You take them under your wing and you make them learn what they need to know. You don't ignore them because they're new because there is no self preservation in that. It's simply illogical.
So yeah, I hated this one and I have my reasons. It's an interesting premise and I think it would have been vastly improved by an older protagonist, more action, less bitching and no illustrations. I know I would have disliked this one, even as a kid or if I was in a good reading mood. To each their own but...
August 19, 2015
"You have to know the difference between what you truly know, and what seems real. You have to harden your mind to resist them. A heart and will of stone. That's our way."
-Franklin
(Please note that this is a collaborative review with C.)
Book Description:
Tiffany Noboru is your typical determined, family loving, yet insecure girl with the usual ups and downs . . . except for the fact that she's dead. That's right! Tiffany was unjustly murdered by a sinister ghost by the name of Bones. Stripped from our world one night in a sudden act of malice, Tiffany awakens from death in a new world where all is like nothing she has ever seen before. To make matters even more confusing for Tiffany, massive wings have sprouted from her back. People around her are just as peculiar. Some individuals have wings, some have tails, some have both wings and tails, and some have neither of these assets. Certain individuals have skin like marble, as well, in all different types of colors. Welcome to the land of the gargoyles!
Now the clumsy Tiffany must learn how to fly, fit in with those her own age in her appointed housing unit, deal with the loss of never getting to see her family again, and come to terms with her own tragic demise. Then, Franklin comes into the picture. Franklin is Tiffany's instructor who is to help her learn the ways of the gargoyles, their history, and how to fight. Oh, and now she's being drafted into the Gargoyle Ghost Hunter Corps. The gargoyles have been given the duty to protect the human world by hunting the ghosts who terrorize it, which they have been doing dutifully for years. Franklin is one of the best of the best at hunting ghosts, and when Bones is the new target for him, things get a little chaotic. This ancient ghost has a driving desire to destroy the gargoyle world.
Tiffany thought her old life could be complicated! Will she find a way to fit in with her new peers? Can this young girl ever find a way to contact her loving parents on the other side? Is Bones going to destroy the gargoyles forever? Or is someone going to step up to the plate and destroy him once and for all? Tiffany has lots on her mind, and one of these many thoughts is figuring out how to keep Bones from killing her again. So, if you want to figure out what happens, pick up a copy of Girlgoyle and find out!
Our Thoughts:
Together, C and I have read several books by Better Hero Army, and we have two things to say about him. The first being that this book proves he is easily competent of being a diverse writer who can pen for all different ages, as well as explore all different genres with great detail and description. Secondly, he never disappoints us! Each and every one of his novels is a work of art that we love to delve into, exploring every little detail.
Girlgoyle was an original, fantasy/paranormal read that was chock-full of fascinating characters, possessing various, defining personalities and backgrounds, especially Tiffany who was of Japanese descent. On top of this, the world building was absolutely beautiful. The settings in this book, particularly where the gargoyles live, were skillfully portrayed. (Our favorite was the secret garden!) His fluid writing allowed us to easily depict and portray scenes in our mind's eye without confusion.
Tiffany, the main protagonist, was a delight to read about. We both connected with her in a special way for several reasons. To start off with, she was clumsy and awkward but still strong-willed which we could easily identify with. It's the story of our lives, in fact! Also, while it was not an entirely huge part of the novel, the sense of family/friendship between Tiffany and her parents and eventually Tiffany and Franklin, was extremely touching. Family comes in all different shapes and sizes, and Better Hero Army did an excellent job of painting that.
Also, we were interested to see just how the gargoyle universe differed from our own world, and we were happy to see that there was an equal balance between the supernatural elements unknown to Tiffany and yet a norm that could be translated between her old life and her new one. For example, the girls that Tiffany had to room with are just like the ones you'd meet in any other setting. Some are rude, judgmental, meddlesome, and cruel while others are caring, shy, and friendly. It definitely felt like something that was universal for teens, something that everyone could understand or relate too, especially because of high school.
Several other notable qualities incorporated into this novel were determination, courage, and dedication, all simulated by Tiffany herself. Yes, she was not the most coordinated individual, but she still practiced her flying even when people called her out on how horrible she was at it. It's true that she was small and awkward, but her bravery made her seem larger than life. It's also undeniable that she was forever separated from her family, but she still stayed dedicated to them and thought about them often.
Of course, we can't leave you without mentioning the twenty wonderful illustrations by Miimork. They expressed a manga-like feel that the two of us absolutely fell in love with! There's no denying how much Christian and I are obsessed with manga and anime. Miimork, to us at least, was slightly reminiscent of the exquisite Kazue Kato (Blue Exorcist). Miimork's illustrations presented a spectacular opportunity for us, as readers, to see the story come to life on an entirely different level!
The action and adventure packed into this book is plentiful and sure to keep MG and YA readers satisfied as they rip right through it. We hope that everyone can see what a crowd-pleaser that this book actually is. Better Hero Army wowed us yet again! This author has promising talent that you just have to check out! He set up Gargoyle so that it could open up an entire world of possibilities for sequels that we can't wait to hear about.
Please note that Knightingale Reviews was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Our thoughts and opinions are completely our own and were in no way influenced. Also, we would like to give a special thank you to Better Hero Army for allowing us the opportunity to read and review this book.
You can see reviews like this and more at:
-Franklin
(Please note that this is a collaborative review with C.)
Book Description:
Tiffany Noboru is your typical determined, family loving, yet insecure girl with the usual ups and downs . . . except for the fact that she's dead. That's right! Tiffany was unjustly murdered by a sinister ghost by the name of Bones. Stripped from our world one night in a sudden act of malice, Tiffany awakens from death in a new world where all is like nothing she has ever seen before. To make matters even more confusing for Tiffany, massive wings have sprouted from her back. People around her are just as peculiar. Some individuals have wings, some have tails, some have both wings and tails, and some have neither of these assets. Certain individuals have skin like marble, as well, in all different types of colors. Welcome to the land of the gargoyles!
Now the clumsy Tiffany must learn how to fly, fit in with those her own age in her appointed housing unit, deal with the loss of never getting to see her family again, and come to terms with her own tragic demise. Then, Franklin comes into the picture. Franklin is Tiffany's instructor who is to help her learn the ways of the gargoyles, their history, and how to fight. Oh, and now she's being drafted into the Gargoyle Ghost Hunter Corps. The gargoyles have been given the duty to protect the human world by hunting the ghosts who terrorize it, which they have been doing dutifully for years. Franklin is one of the best of the best at hunting ghosts, and when Bones is the new target for him, things get a little chaotic. This ancient ghost has a driving desire to destroy the gargoyle world.
Tiffany thought her old life could be complicated! Will she find a way to fit in with her new peers? Can this young girl ever find a way to contact her loving parents on the other side? Is Bones going to destroy the gargoyles forever? Or is someone going to step up to the plate and destroy him once and for all? Tiffany has lots on her mind, and one of these many thoughts is figuring out how to keep Bones from killing her again. So, if you want to figure out what happens, pick up a copy of Girlgoyle and find out!
Our Thoughts:
Together, C and I have read several books by Better Hero Army, and we have two things to say about him. The first being that this book proves he is easily competent of being a diverse writer who can pen for all different ages, as well as explore all different genres with great detail and description. Secondly, he never disappoints us! Each and every one of his novels is a work of art that we love to delve into, exploring every little detail.
Girlgoyle was an original, fantasy/paranormal read that was chock-full of fascinating characters, possessing various, defining personalities and backgrounds, especially Tiffany who was of Japanese descent. On top of this, the world building was absolutely beautiful. The settings in this book, particularly where the gargoyles live, were skillfully portrayed. (Our favorite was the secret garden!) His fluid writing allowed us to easily depict and portray scenes in our mind's eye without confusion.
Tiffany, the main protagonist, was a delight to read about. We both connected with her in a special way for several reasons. To start off with, she was clumsy and awkward but still strong-willed which we could easily identify with. It's the story of our lives, in fact! Also, while it was not an entirely huge part of the novel, the sense of family/friendship between Tiffany and her parents and eventually Tiffany and Franklin, was extremely touching. Family comes in all different shapes and sizes, and Better Hero Army did an excellent job of painting that.
Also, we were interested to see just how the gargoyle universe differed from our own world, and we were happy to see that there was an equal balance between the supernatural elements unknown to Tiffany and yet a norm that could be translated between her old life and her new one. For example, the girls that Tiffany had to room with are just like the ones you'd meet in any other setting. Some are rude, judgmental, meddlesome, and cruel while others are caring, shy, and friendly. It definitely felt like something that was universal for teens, something that everyone could understand or relate too, especially because of high school.
Several other notable qualities incorporated into this novel were determination, courage, and dedication, all simulated by Tiffany herself. Yes, she was not the most coordinated individual, but she still practiced her flying even when people called her out on how horrible she was at it. It's true that she was small and awkward, but her bravery made her seem larger than life. It's also undeniable that she was forever separated from her family, but she still stayed dedicated to them and thought about them often.
Of course, we can't leave you without mentioning the twenty wonderful illustrations by Miimork. They expressed a manga-like feel that the two of us absolutely fell in love with! There's no denying how much Christian and I are obsessed with manga and anime. Miimork, to us at least, was slightly reminiscent of the exquisite Kazue Kato (Blue Exorcist). Miimork's illustrations presented a spectacular opportunity for us, as readers, to see the story come to life on an entirely different level!
The action and adventure packed into this book is plentiful and sure to keep MG and YA readers satisfied as they rip right through it. We hope that everyone can see what a crowd-pleaser that this book actually is. Better Hero Army wowed us yet again! This author has promising talent that you just have to check out! He set up Gargoyle so that it could open up an entire world of possibilities for sequels that we can't wait to hear about.
Please note that Knightingale Reviews was given a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Our thoughts and opinions are completely our own and were in no way influenced. Also, we would like to give a special thank you to Better Hero Army for allowing us the opportunity to read and review this book.
You can see reviews like this and more at:
March 17, 2016
Check out my collaborative review with B here: http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
June 9, 2015
A relatively fresh and original urban fantasy, where gargoyles exist as protectors of children, guarding them from malicious ghosts. A charming read that feels geared for the middle grade market.
Would also make an awesome Studio Ghibli film, don't you agree? I can just image the creepy ghosts, and the slightly unusual girls in their elaborate and mysterious underworld.
Would also make an awesome Studio Ghibli film, don't you agree? I can just image the creepy ghosts, and the slightly unusual girls in their elaborate and mysterious underworld.
July 14, 2015
Had no clue what was going on for most of it.
August 22, 2024
I really like this take on the afterlife. I would give it 5 stars for concept. It was just lacking that extra something for me.
Tiffany’s mentor isn’t there when she wakes up in this afterlife with wings. Instead this cold woman who rarely speaks is there. Basically this is what everyone except her mentor will be like to her from this point on. She is in a dorm with other girls, and no one has been her “rank” in forever. No one tells her the rules until she messes up. Then they are like “what? You didn’t know?” And then they tell her in as few words possible, which does not help. She gets bullied and shunned. She sucks at flying. No one, not even her mentor, helps her with that. Sure her one and only friend gives her a tip, but that’s about it. Her mentor is obsessed with this one ghost, and takes her on dangerous missions with zero training. He doesn’t train her at all until the very end. And I’m not counting when she put her foot down and demanded to know how to make light, which was only an explanation and not a training session.
In all of this no sharing of any information, she doesn’t even know that something that she can do is special and uncommon / rare. And they are all freaking out when they notice that about her, but yet no one told her ANYTHING about what is normal and what to expect.
I did enjoy the story enough to think about reading the next book. But I could take it or leave it. Like I said before, the concept is 5 stars.
Song: Nobody’s Home by Avril Lavigne
Tiffany’s mentor isn’t there when she wakes up in this afterlife with wings. Instead this cold woman who rarely speaks is there. Basically this is what everyone except her mentor will be like to her from this point on. She is in a dorm with other girls, and no one has been her “rank” in forever. No one tells her the rules until she messes up. Then they are like “what? You didn’t know?” And then they tell her in as few words possible, which does not help. She gets bullied and shunned. She sucks at flying. No one, not even her mentor, helps her with that. Sure her one and only friend gives her a tip, but that’s about it. Her mentor is obsessed with this one ghost, and takes her on dangerous missions with zero training. He doesn’t train her at all until the very end. And I’m not counting when she put her foot down and demanded to know how to make light, which was only an explanation and not a training session.
In all of this no sharing of any information, she doesn’t even know that something that she can do is special and uncommon / rare. And they are all freaking out when they notice that about her, but yet no one told her ANYTHING about what is normal and what to expect.
I did enjoy the story enough to think about reading the next book. But I could take it or leave it. Like I said before, the concept is 5 stars.
Song: Nobody’s Home by Avril Lavigne
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2018
I feel like this is one of those books that would make me roll my eyes and groan, “puh-leeeez”, but it’s better than that. I haven’t read many stories featuring a girl who isn’t spunky/impossibly attractive/brilliant/insert-random-superlative. Tiffany is just a normal believable girl thrust into a bizarre situation. I’m not wild about the fantasy genre (except for Gaiman who IMO is da man), but this was satisfying.
January 29, 2018
I read Wingless first. I had won won Wingless in a Goodreads Giveaway and decided that I wanted to read Girlgoyle also. Even though I thought Wingless could be a stand alone book there is the mention of things that had happened to Tiffany before Wingless that drew me to wanting to read Girlgoyle. I enjoyed this book as much as I did Wingless. This book kept me wanting to keep on reading to find out what happens next.
December 29, 2023
I loved this book. I really liked how timeless and fantastical it was. I really can't express how much I liked it. I loved the plot twist and how her experiences were shared. I also really liked her friendship with, you know who from the barracks (I don't want to spoil it). I loved how I could just posted in it. Fair warning though, this book is on Kindle unlimited but the sequel is not (as of when I'm writing this).
March 10, 2024
New home new life
For a young girl who had been murdered and taken to a place and became a horrible life was hard,and to be threatened by the one that kill her she help to defeat him and saved the home and life's of all fouled and started to feel like home for the first w.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from,a bookworm .
For a young girl who had been murdered and taken to a place and became a horrible life was hard,and to be threatened by the one that kill her she help to defeat him and saved the home and life's of all fouled and started to feel like home for the first w.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from,a bookworm .
July 12, 2024
What an amazing story! The book follows young Tiffany as she is dead and finds herself a gargoyle. She is being educated on how to harness her powers and learn how to fly until she finds the ghost that killed her. Now she, her mentor Franklin and new friend Hedika must find a way to save Hollow Mountain. No Spoilers! I highly recommend this middle-grade book. I hope to continue on in the series!
January 3, 2020
Intriguing, good read, very exciting!
There was action or drama on every page. It really held my attention and I was absorbed in the book from start to finish. This was a great escape into a new world of gargoyles and ghosts!
I give this a big thumbs up and can't wait for the next one in the series.
There was action or drama on every page. It really held my attention and I was absorbed in the book from start to finish. This was a great escape into a new world of gargoyles and ghosts!
I give this a big thumbs up and can't wait for the next one in the series.
March 9, 2024
I want to fly!
This book was very different. I liked the main character and was shocked to see how she was changed in the first pages of the book. Imagine experiencing your own death, followed by “waking up” as a being with wings. Wings that actually allow you to fly. And that is just the start to this story. Recommend.
This book was very different. I liked the main character and was shocked to see how she was changed in the first pages of the book. Imagine experiencing your own death, followed by “waking up” as a being with wings. Wings that actually allow you to fly. And that is just the start to this story. Recommend.
August 19, 2019
Very Interesting Book! Loved it!
I loved this book very much. It's very unique story intrigued me and the rising tension was great! The rating i gave this was more than deserving! I kinda wish the author explained the story a little bit better but it was still amazing!
I loved this book very much. It's very unique story intrigued me and the rising tension was great! The rating i gave this was more than deserving! I kinda wish the author explained the story a little bit better but it was still amazing!
Read
August 6, 2020Amazing
With every page I turned I was there with tiffany and I was feeling what she was feeling and seeing what she was seeing and it was brilliant could not put the book down amazing ! You really should get it - it's for free
With every page I turned I was there with tiffany and I was feeling what she was feeling and seeing what she was seeing and it was brilliant could not put the book down amazing ! You really should get it - it's for free
September 12, 2020
I like fantasy and scifi books. However, I never did get the point for this book. She dies and becomes a live gargoyle with lots of preteen angst and a mission to kill a ghost. I forced myself to read it to the end...
February 27, 2017
I think this is the worst book I have ever read. I got lost in the story.
August 31, 2020
Lovely cover . Like that it makes gargoyles the spiritual protectors. This is best for its target audience range alone.
September 2, 2020
Nothing
This was awesome and i want the rest of the series and i love vampire books out was so cool.I love these type of books they are awesome girlgoyle.
This was awesome and i want the rest of the series and i love vampire books out was so cool.I love these type of books they are awesome girlgoyle.
November 30, 2020
Wonderfully crafted
Girkgoyle combinrd fantasy with enough hottor to give you that creeped out feeling but not so much you want to close your eyes and stop trading.
Girkgoyle combinrd fantasy with enough hottor to give you that creeped out feeling but not so much you want to close your eyes and stop trading.
January 29, 2019
I really wanted her to make it home! But she didn't make it...
March 19, 2017
This book pulls you in on the first page and keeps you in the whole ride. The plot is really unique and intriguing, putting a brand new twist to the traditional idea of gargoyles. The book itself has a macabre vibe but this is balanced with the overwhelmingly positive themes and lessons learned in the book. The characters are interesting and you learn to love and empathize with them. I want to learn more and read more and really am excited to read the next book in the series.
February 15, 2017
Girlgoyle is the story of 14 year old Tiffany who is killed in her bedroom by a ghost called Bones. The story continues as she is immersed into an unfamiliar world filled with gargoyles.
The plot isn’t very complex but it is intriguing regardless. It is different than anything I’ve read before and felt quite refreshing. The book gives a dark vibe and their are scary things happening right from the beginning. It also has beautiful illustrations that just add to the overall effect the book gives.
In the beginning, the book is a little slow paced and I couldn’t see where it was going. Eventually, it started getting more interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. It was not very predictable either. I was surprised to see a bit of a boarding school theme in the book as well. At times, the events get quite scary.
The writing was excellent. I also really liked the world created by the author. It is a world of gargoyles which is fascinating and something new for me. I constantly wanted to know more about it and wanted to see more world building.
I liked Tiffany’s spirit and bravery. However, it did seem unnatural that she wasn’t too freaked out at finding herself dead in an unfamiliar place with wings. At first, everything is too hard on her. She’s under a lot of stress and faces a lot of changes in her life. Despite all this, she doesn’t crumble at all.By the end, I felt attached to her and started to root for her. I wanted to know more about her and see more development in her character. We also see her struggling with some issues such as insecurity, bullying, and body image.
Other important characters in the book are Franklin and Hedika. Franklin is a little cold and uncaring in the beginning but we eventually see a softer side of him. Hedika is a girl that Tiffany befriends. I really enjoyed seeing them together. There is also the ghost Bones who is the villain in the book. He is the one who kills Tiffany and the fight in the book is against him.
The book is overall a very enjoyable read. It is perfect for Halloween or if you are just looking for something dark and creepy. It is a good start to a series that has potential to be something huge. I recommend it especially to those who like dark paranormal YA.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog: https://travellingthroughwords.wordpr...
The plot isn’t very complex but it is intriguing regardless. It is different than anything I’ve read before and felt quite refreshing. The book gives a dark vibe and their are scary things happening right from the beginning. It also has beautiful illustrations that just add to the overall effect the book gives.
In the beginning, the book is a little slow paced and I couldn’t see where it was going. Eventually, it started getting more interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. It was not very predictable either. I was surprised to see a bit of a boarding school theme in the book as well. At times, the events get quite scary.
The writing was excellent. I also really liked the world created by the author. It is a world of gargoyles which is fascinating and something new for me. I constantly wanted to know more about it and wanted to see more world building.
I liked Tiffany’s spirit and bravery. However, it did seem unnatural that she wasn’t too freaked out at finding herself dead in an unfamiliar place with wings. At first, everything is too hard on her. She’s under a lot of stress and faces a lot of changes in her life. Despite all this, she doesn’t crumble at all.By the end, I felt attached to her and started to root for her. I wanted to know more about her and see more development in her character. We also see her struggling with some issues such as insecurity, bullying, and body image.
Other important characters in the book are Franklin and Hedika. Franklin is a little cold and uncaring in the beginning but we eventually see a softer side of him. Hedika is a girl that Tiffany befriends. I really enjoyed seeing them together. There is also the ghost Bones who is the villain in the book. He is the one who kills Tiffany and the fight in the book is against him.
The book is overall a very enjoyable read. It is perfect for Halloween or if you are just looking for something dark and creepy. It is a good start to a series that has potential to be something huge. I recommend it especially to those who like dark paranormal YA.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog: https://travellingthroughwords.wordpr...
September 19, 2015
Girlgoyle by Better Hero Army (pen name of American author Evan Ramspott) is a young adult novel that will also appeal to mature middle graders. Tiffany Noboru has just died, and woke up. Now she has wings and has been drafted into the Gargoyle Ghost Hunter Corps. Soon she is trying to fit into her new home, dealing with her recent death, and trying to avoid being killed a second time by a maniacal ghost named Bones who is seeking the destruction of the gargoyle world. Woven in are twenty original works of art by Miimork, which breathes extra life into the story.
Girlgoyle is the story of a girl that has always struggled with fears others might deem to be irrational, and doubts about herself. When her death comes she is forced into a new world, one that forces her to deal with her fears. She considers herself small and clumsy, and has to figure out how to fly with her new wings. She has to navigate a new social structure and learn a whole new set of standards. Nothing seems to go smoothly for her, but she continues moving forward. Even when she considers giving up, she ends up facing up to her problems. I liked that Tiffany has relatable fears and struggles about herself, even while facing a fantastical set of problems. Forging friendships, finding her strengths, dealing with those who could be friends or bullies depending on which way the wind blows, and discovering the facts of the new reality she finds herself in would be enough for anyone to deal with. Adding the threat of the ghost that killed her destroying her new world, and possibly killing her (again) and her mentor makes figuring everything out even more important. I really enjoyed the character work and the work with mythology that is done within the story. I found myself fully emerged in the world while I was reading.
Girlgoyle takes a fresh look at the angel/demon mythology as well as the ghost and gargoyle legends from many cultures. I love getting a fresh look at legends and paranormal creatures, and found this angle felt very fresh and original compared to some of the other urban fantasies out there. The characters and world building were extremely well done. I was very glad this did not turn into a romance, although I can see a couple possible paths for that to happen in the future if this is continued into a series. I would love to see what happens, and how the characters grow and interact, in the aftermath of this book’s events.
Girlgoyle is the story of a girl that has always struggled with fears others might deem to be irrational, and doubts about herself. When her death comes she is forced into a new world, one that forces her to deal with her fears. She considers herself small and clumsy, and has to figure out how to fly with her new wings. She has to navigate a new social structure and learn a whole new set of standards. Nothing seems to go smoothly for her, but she continues moving forward. Even when she considers giving up, she ends up facing up to her problems. I liked that Tiffany has relatable fears and struggles about herself, even while facing a fantastical set of problems. Forging friendships, finding her strengths, dealing with those who could be friends or bullies depending on which way the wind blows, and discovering the facts of the new reality she finds herself in would be enough for anyone to deal with. Adding the threat of the ghost that killed her destroying her new world, and possibly killing her (again) and her mentor makes figuring everything out even more important. I really enjoyed the character work and the work with mythology that is done within the story. I found myself fully emerged in the world while I was reading.
Girlgoyle takes a fresh look at the angel/demon mythology as well as the ghost and gargoyle legends from many cultures. I love getting a fresh look at legends and paranormal creatures, and found this angle felt very fresh and original compared to some of the other urban fantasies out there. The characters and world building were extremely well done. I was very glad this did not turn into a romance, although I can see a couple possible paths for that to happen in the future if this is continued into a series. I would love to see what happens, and how the characters grow and interact, in the aftermath of this book’s events.
February 25, 2017
Would you want to be a gargoyle?
This book had so many things in a good way. You could feel the loneliness from Tiffany but she made you laugh just trying to fly. Corrine and the other girls in the bay gave the impression of being bullies. This is the first book in the series but did not leave you hanging
This book had so many things in a good way. You could feel the loneliness from Tiffany but she made you laugh just trying to fly. Corrine and the other girls in the bay gave the impression of being bullies. This is the first book in the series but did not leave you hanging
July 16, 2015
This review originally appears on What Am I Reading?
Rate: 1/DNF
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Similar to the few other books I did not finish (DNF), my rating is not a reflection of the quality of the story, but a reflection of my inability to engage with the book. I finished about 19% of Girlgoyle. The story began very slow and for some time I was confused about what was going on since Tiffany goes from being alive to dead to sort of alive in some limbo realm. That part, which should have been fleshed out better, went really fast and was, therefore, really confusing.
However, my main reason for not finishing Girlgoyle was simply that I couldn't get into it. I picked up and put down Girlgoyle so many times that I finished two other books and was about to start a third when I realized that the probability of me finishing it anytime soon would be slim. And I'd rather not have it looming over my head causing me to dislike it simply because I know I have to read it, but I haven't.
The one comment I will make about the story itself is about the art. Because of the art, and the young age of the protagonist, I think this story is best for early teens. Unlike the art presented in Colleen Hoover's Confess, which is used to illustrate a part of the story that cannot be easily expressed in words, the art in Girlgoyle is a visual aide to help with the imagining of scenes and the setting. The art in Girlgoyle reminds me of the art included in chapter books for elementary students to help them understand and visualize characters interacting. The art in Girlgoyle isn't a bad thing, but it caused me to conclude that this story may be better for a younger audience.
To summarize, I couldn't get in Girlgoyle because I thought the story's pace was too slow and the art within the story makes me think that it is good for early teens to read.
Rate: 1/DNF
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Similar to the few other books I did not finish (DNF), my rating is not a reflection of the quality of the story, but a reflection of my inability to engage with the book. I finished about 19% of Girlgoyle. The story began very slow and for some time I was confused about what was going on since Tiffany goes from being alive to dead to sort of alive in some limbo realm. That part, which should have been fleshed out better, went really fast and was, therefore, really confusing.
However, my main reason for not finishing Girlgoyle was simply that I couldn't get into it. I picked up and put down Girlgoyle so many times that I finished two other books and was about to start a third when I realized that the probability of me finishing it anytime soon would be slim. And I'd rather not have it looming over my head causing me to dislike it simply because I know I have to read it, but I haven't.
The one comment I will make about the story itself is about the art. Because of the art, and the young age of the protagonist, I think this story is best for early teens. Unlike the art presented in Colleen Hoover's Confess, which is used to illustrate a part of the story that cannot be easily expressed in words, the art in Girlgoyle is a visual aide to help with the imagining of scenes and the setting. The art in Girlgoyle reminds me of the art included in chapter books for elementary students to help them understand and visualize characters interacting. The art in Girlgoyle isn't a bad thing, but it caused me to conclude that this story may be better for a younger audience.
To summarize, I couldn't get in Girlgoyle because I thought the story's pace was too slow and the art within the story makes me think that it is good for early teens to read.
July 5, 2015
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A girl wakes up in the afterlife to find that she's turning into some kind of redemptive gargoyle. Along with others of her ilk, she must stop a creepy evil force known as Bones and his nefarious plan to use ghosts to cause posthumous trouble.
This is a unique take on the “afterlife” fantasy sub-genre and while the world-building is a little confusing at times (due in part to Tiffany’s own confusion over her untimely death) it’s not something you see every day. The first half of the book focuses on Tiffany unravelling the mystery of where she is (and learning how to fly!) and there’s plenty of action in the second half of the book, during which Tiffany and her fellow gargoyles attempt to bring low a seriously unhappy ghost and his army.
Because the gargoyley afterlife is such a different concept, a fair bit of time is devoted to steeping the reader in its workings and this does result in a slow start to the story. The pace does pick up eventually, but the leisurely pace in the beginning may put some readers off.
Overall, this was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the appearance of gargoyles in such a surprising and unexpected world, but I did feel a bit all at sea during the initial world-building phase. The artworks throughout the book really added to the reading experience, and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Tiffany learning how to fly (and plummet!). I would have liked to have seen a bit more personality from Tiffany in the beginning as I found it tricky to connect with her and therefore didn't engage with the story as quickly as I wanted to.
I suspect this might appeal to a niche market of fantasy fans looking for a twist on the angel/demon dichotomy.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A girl wakes up in the afterlife to find that she's turning into some kind of redemptive gargoyle. Along with others of her ilk, she must stop a creepy evil force known as Bones and his nefarious plan to use ghosts to cause posthumous trouble.
This is a unique take on the “afterlife” fantasy sub-genre and while the world-building is a little confusing at times (due in part to Tiffany’s own confusion over her untimely death) it’s not something you see every day. The first half of the book focuses on Tiffany unravelling the mystery of where she is (and learning how to fly!) and there’s plenty of action in the second half of the book, during which Tiffany and her fellow gargoyles attempt to bring low a seriously unhappy ghost and his army.
Because the gargoyley afterlife is such a different concept, a fair bit of time is devoted to steeping the reader in its workings and this does result in a slow start to the story. The pace does pick up eventually, but the leisurely pace in the beginning may put some readers off.
Overall, this was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the appearance of gargoyles in such a surprising and unexpected world, but I did feel a bit all at sea during the initial world-building phase. The artworks throughout the book really added to the reading experience, and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Tiffany learning how to fly (and plummet!). I would have liked to have seen a bit more personality from Tiffany in the beginning as I found it tricky to connect with her and therefore didn't engage with the story as quickly as I wanted to.
I suspect this might appeal to a niche market of fantasy fans looking for a twist on the angel/demon dichotomy.
June 9, 2015
Girlgoyle
I received a free copy, through LoP on Goodreads, in exchange for a review.
Strange things do go bump in the night, but Tiffany's parent made sure she felt as safe as can be. Until one night, the dark nothing stole into her room and poof, her life was changed forever. Not really understanding what is happening to her, Tiffany awakes into a strange place. Not only that, but all of a sudden she has these mysterious bat-like wings. So now, she has to figure out where she is, who is now is and how to get back home. Throw in some shady characters, an approaching war and flight – you've just wandered into what it's like to be a gargoyle.
“Gargoyles? Seriously?” Tiffany shook her head at the insanity of such a statement. “I liked the angels and demons thing. That...that one sounded convincing, but gargoyles? Gargoyles are statues they put on the sides of buildings-”
“To protect them,” Franklin pointed out. “There's a bond between those”statues” and our kind. Anything made of stone will work, really, but somewhere along the line people got the idea to make the things look like us. And it stuck, and we've been calling ourselves gargoyles to new-comers like you for as long as I can remember.
I feel like there are not enough books about gargoyles and this one really blew it out of the water! Tiffany's character is so likeable and you really feel her turmoil when she comes to this new sense of being. Add the great illustrations and you have a great, well rounded story. Being a fan of graphic novels, this one took it to a different level. A must read!!!
I received a free copy, through LoP on Goodreads, in exchange for a review.
Strange things do go bump in the night, but Tiffany's parent made sure she felt as safe as can be. Until one night, the dark nothing stole into her room and poof, her life was changed forever. Not really understanding what is happening to her, Tiffany awakes into a strange place. Not only that, but all of a sudden she has these mysterious bat-like wings. So now, she has to figure out where she is, who is now is and how to get back home. Throw in some shady characters, an approaching war and flight – you've just wandered into what it's like to be a gargoyle.
“Gargoyles? Seriously?” Tiffany shook her head at the insanity of such a statement. “I liked the angels and demons thing. That...that one sounded convincing, but gargoyles? Gargoyles are statues they put on the sides of buildings-”
“To protect them,” Franklin pointed out. “There's a bond between those”statues” and our kind. Anything made of stone will work, really, but somewhere along the line people got the idea to make the things look like us. And it stuck, and we've been calling ourselves gargoyles to new-comers like you for as long as I can remember.
I feel like there are not enough books about gargoyles and this one really blew it out of the water! Tiffany's character is so likeable and you really feel her turmoil when she comes to this new sense of being. Add the great illustrations and you have a great, well rounded story. Being a fan of graphic novels, this one took it to a different level. A must read!!!
May 22, 2015
(Advance copy for reviewing purposes)
This book gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling that some books give you, the sort that makes you look forward to go home and back to your novel. It actually has me hoping for a sequel (though it works fine as a stand-alone).
The main character is a japanese-american girl, which is in itself a nice change from the norm. I found all characters interesting – layered and nuanced, even the side characters – and the heroine is no exception. You can, for example, see the awkwardness that comes from her self-image and having been bullied, but also the strength of a child who fostered a sociable personality, had good parents and friends. I do, however, wish the secondary characters had had more time in the spotlight. Though they didn’t feel shallow, the secondary characters felt like they ended up mostly unknown.
The setting is one of the reasons I’d like a sequel, since I’d like to learn more about the history, rules and what have you of the gargoyle society. Though not a welcoming place children (and weirdo adults like myself) would dream to live in like Hogwarts, it is intriguing in a more dangerous way.
I am a bit torn about the illustrations. They are lovely, but they did clash with what I pictured while reading, which was a bit irritating. Still, once over the “shock” I enjoyed them, so overall I liked their inclusion.
A very enjoyable read that I would recommend for all ages.
This book gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling that some books give you, the sort that makes you look forward to go home and back to your novel. It actually has me hoping for a sequel (though it works fine as a stand-alone).
The main character is a japanese-american girl, which is in itself a nice change from the norm. I found all characters interesting – layered and nuanced, even the side characters – and the heroine is no exception. You can, for example, see the awkwardness that comes from her self-image and having been bullied, but also the strength of a child who fostered a sociable personality, had good parents and friends. I do, however, wish the secondary characters had had more time in the spotlight. Though they didn’t feel shallow, the secondary characters felt like they ended up mostly unknown.
The setting is one of the reasons I’d like a sequel, since I’d like to learn more about the history, rules and what have you of the gargoyle society. Though not a welcoming place children (and weirdo adults like myself) would dream to live in like Hogwarts, it is intriguing in a more dangerous way.
I am a bit torn about the illustrations. They are lovely, but they did clash with what I pictured while reading, which was a bit irritating. Still, once over the “shock” I enjoyed them, so overall I liked their inclusion.
A very enjoyable read that I would recommend for all ages.
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