Jade Strings (Gemstones of Fate Trilogy Book 1) by Elen Gait -review & guest post

 Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2024

Azriel is a talented guitarist with a rebellious streak, often the source of tension within his struggling band. Meanwhile, Seraphina, a university student haunted by the loss of her parents, is trying to move forward while holding on to their memory. When their paths unexpectedly cross, an undeniable connection forms, one that feels both new and strangely familiar, as if from a shared dream.

Falling for Azriel wasn’t in Seraphina’s plans. She’s always found it difficult to open up, afraid of the heartache that comes with loss. But as their bond deepens, Seraphina starts to believe in a future with him, something she never thought she’d be ready for. Yet with each step toward that future, she’s reminded of how easily life can change.

Can she risk her heart for a chance at real love, or will fate have a different plan, one that could change everything?

••••••

REVIEW: A debut author/book for me. The cover drew my eye, and the blurb had me one-clicking it.

Azriel

Ryder/Asher/Cade are members of the band with Azriel. They’ve been friends for a while. They dream of making it big. But fortune has not been kind lately, down on their luck, they just want a break….

Seraphina

“Sera” works in a bar, she’s also in her last year at University studying an option that wasn’t her first choice! (Sera and her best friend Mia lodge/work together) She was a singer/songwriter, until parents died 5 years ago. After they died she just couldn’t face all those memories that her music brought back to her! 😞

Meeting at the bar where Sera works was just electric ⚡️ sparks flew…. And they both realised their lives had changed…. But for the better? You need to read on 😉

It’s very much one step forward, two steps back… I understand where Sera was scared, but it did get just a little tedious 🙄 I kept shouting at my kindle (which for me usually signals I’m immersed in the world that’s being created) for her to seize the day. Azriel also made mistakes, but was willing to try and make this new connection that they had work.

It’s almost a small town romance vibe, with a splash of angst, well until the end…. Then I’d say it became a deluge!

Loved the banter within the boys on the band, and how they had each other’s backs. And the friendship between Sera and Mia was just so close, a true friendship/sisterhood.

We also have a mystery to solve….. who’s sending the flowers? And why are Azriel and Sera dreaming of one another? And there may or may not be another budding romance 🥰 could that be the next book? 🤞

OMG!!! The cliffhanger….. my kindle nearly went out the window!!! That second book had better be released soon 😱

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

From Dream to Reality: Crafting Seraphina and Azriel in Jade Strings

Every story starts somewhere, and for me, Jade Strings began with a dream, twice, in fact. I found myself dreaming of a moment so vivid that it stayed with me long after I woke up, a guy with light green eyes approached me and offered his hand. The dream felt so real, and it left me wondering: What if? When I didn’t meet that person in real life, I realized I had a choice: hold on to the lingering “what if,” or explore it through writing. Instead of letting it fade, I chose to turn it into a story.

Seraphina: A Journey of Fear and Impulse

I began to imagine Seraphina as a young woman navigating the loss of her parents, which left her reserved and uncertain about letting new people in. She’s cautious, but when emotions run high, her impulsive side takes over. Her fear of loss makes her hesitant to trust others and risk the heartache of losing someone again.

Before the tragedy, music was a significant part of her life, but now, those talents lie hidden beneath the weight of her past. Her journey isn’t just about confronting her pain, but also about rediscovering the pieces of herself she once lost.

Azriel: A Rebel with a Passion for Music

Azriel came to life as a rebellious spirit with a deep connection to music. Growing up in a challenging environment, he learned to rely on himself, which shaped his defiance and desire to break free from limitations.

His journey is marked by setbacks and a relentless drive to prove his worth, which built walls around him higher than even Seraphina’s. At first, success was his only goal, but meeting Seraphina changed his perspective, making him question what it means to be worthy, not just of achievement, but of someone who believes in him.

Side Characters: Adding Depth and Real Connections

While Seraphina and Azriel’s connection is at the heart of Jade Strings, the story wouldn’t be complete without the presence of the side characters who bring warmth and tension to their world.

Seraphina’s best friend, Mia, isn’t just a confidant; she’s like family. The two have faced so much together that their bond feels unbreakable. Mia is the bold risk-taker who pushes Seraphina to step outside of her comfort zone and embrace what life has to offer, encouraging her to follow her heart instead of letting fear hold her back.

On Azriel’s side, his bandmates, Ryder, Asher, and Cade, create a lively dynamic that contrasts with the emotional intensity of the main story. Ryder is more rebellious than Azriel, unafraid of anyone or anything, with a fierce personality that often leads the group. Asher is the grounded “good boy” who balances out the group’s energy. Then there’s Cade, the ultimate romantic with a sense of humor, who lightens the mood but often finds himself on the receiving end of teasing. Despite the teasing, the bandmates’ loyalty runs deep. They push each other’s buttons, but when things get tough, they show up for each other without hesitation.

Embracing the Role of Fate and Luck

In Jade Strings, I wanted to show how life, fate, and luck often intersect in unexpected ways. Seraphina once had everything, stability, family, and a clear path, only to have it all taken away in an instant. Meanwhile, Azriel, who had nothing, faced constant struggles and rejection until he found success. Their stories are a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we hold on, what isn’t meant to be will slip away, and at other times, fate and luck can offer us something we never expected.

Finding Inspiration in Unanswered Questions

Writing Jade Strings allowed me to explore the idea of unexpected connections and the courage it takes to open up to new possibilities. Seraphina’s journey isn’t just about facing her past, and Azriel’s isn’t only about breaking through his struggles, it’s about finding someone who understands you in a way that feels almost destined. And with side characters like Mia and the bandmates, I wanted to create a world that feels rich with real-life dynamics and lasting bonds.

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I hope that in Jade Strings, you find something that resonates with your own experiences and a reminder that every “what if” can be a doorway to something new.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amazon Author/ Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/

How It All Began

Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the power of words. I started my writing journey in high school, crafting poems and short, humorous stories for fun. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions, and I loved seeing how stories could make people laugh, think, and feel. Later, with some unexpected spare time on my hands, I decided to dive deeper into my love for storytelling and began writing full-length novels.

What Fuels My Creativity

I draw inspiration from countless books and literary works, and when I’m not writing, you’ll often find me reading, listening to music, or watching my favorite TV series. These moments of relaxation and inspiration help me recharge and often spark new ideas for my stories.

My Big Debut: Jade Strings

My debut novel has a rather interesting origin, it all began with a dream. I had this recurring, mysterious dream about a guy I didn’t know, and it left me curious. When I didn’t encounter this person in real life, I thought, what if? That simple question sparked an idea: what if two people dream about each other and then meet in real life? How would their lives unfold from there? This thought became the foundation of my first book, and I’ve been excited to bring this story to life ever since.