Stone Guardian (Entwined Realms #1)

A collision of two separate realms - our own and one based on magic - has happened and neither world is truly at peace with the other. Our world has to adjust to real magic and werewolves, vampires, gargoyles and elves being real; and their world is faced with normal humans being the biggest population. It hasn’t been an easy or comfortable 26 years.  Larissa, who was born in the middle of the actual collision, is in for a rude awakening - her normal world, contrived by her over-protective father, is about to crumble.

The first in a series that will, no doubt, become hugely popular, "Stone Guardian" tells the story of a collision of two realms in our universe and sets up innumerable avenues of the paranormal and fantasy that can be taken.  Larissa is normal, for the most part, but her protector and guardian, a gargoyle, is not.  As she learns more about her world, her family, and her own identity, the reader is taken on a journey of discovery right along with her.  This makes the entire trip realistic, and Ms. Monsch's tale is fresh and ringing with authenticity - truly a marvel in a crowded field!  Each species is old, but new, with every character so distinct and vivid, you feel as though you are in Larissa’s shoes seeing it all for the first time.  One of the first fantasy tales in a long time that uses Earth as the setting, creatures that are well-known to fantasy readers of any kind, and yet with just enough of a tweak to be brand new and make the most jaded fantasy lover excited. Bravo!

Julie York