My Rating : 4.5🌟

'When something doesn't go to plan, rather than moping around, sulking in your own self-defeat, you can take it as an opportunity to build your character. Making it through these things could be vital to making it through bigger things. That's the theory anyways. '

*The author sent me an e-book in exchange for an honest review. All the views are my own and is not influenced in any way*

The story revolves around our main character Abbey Shader, who finds a mysterious brooch in her bedroom one day, and gets transported to another world. It then progresses with her learning about the new world along with her new guide/friends, figuring out whether she should accept the really big responsibility that is being pushed upon her.

The first thing i really loved about this book is the relationship Abbey and her mother has. Not a lot of ya books deals with this kind of family connection. The second is the actual concept of Earth and Ethra! I really loved reading about the alternate universe and i could see a lot of effort put into the research for explaining certain things right.

The plot reminded me of the movie Inside Out in a way, but it was dealt with differently and i quite enjoyed it! As you read, you get to explore the new world along with Abbey, and it gave a sense of an adventure to me! And i am always in for some good fantasy adventure with a book. The whole story happens while they travel from the place Abbey gets transported to, till they reach the portal that can help her go back to Earth if she rejects her role as a Melder. My favourite characters were hands down Gwin & Pierce and Zac. Common, who can say no to the handsome dimple? Or as Abbey says, 'His crooked dimple'

Abbey has been picked as the 'Melder' who helps with the balance of Essences(depiction of feelings in the form of human in Ethra) between Earth and Ethra. She is the only one who can actually see the essence's human forms since she controls them in a way.The concept of Major and Minor essences that gets absorbed by the human spirit, it was such a cool concept! I was feeling quite sad for Zac when he couldnt see any of the other essences but only hear their voices, and has to rely on Abbey to show any kind of expression that he can understand. It gets really funny towards the end when many more essences get together with the group and he hears only voices fighting. I fell in love with Gwin & Pierce fights, and i could relate to real life situations with extreme point of views! The relationship between Abbey & Zac was the cutest! It's not a new concept, but i just loved the characters so much that i didn't mind it! This book just kept getting better with each chapter and at one point, i almost forgot i had to be working instead of reading.

The only thing that was a let down was the revelation of Balvinder's essence. I could actually figure out what it was, and it kind of put me in an off towards the ending. It was by no means bad, but it was not my awesome revelation moment since i could guess it before! Apart from that i think this book has the perfect combination of character & plot development, along with really cute scenes in between. The story was more about Abbey trying to understand Ethra, her emotions, gaining new knowledge and people while trying to fight the evil, rather than the good fighting the evil alone. I loved that about this book. This book did not end in a cliffhanger, but leaves you wanting to know more about her decision and what happens because of it.

The concept of this fantasy world is not too difficult to wrap your head around, but its not easy either. If you are looking for a good fantasy book which deals with a lot of emotions, a teenage girl trying to deal with an entirely new environment, guy with dimples, then i would definitely recommend this book to you! I can't wait to read the second book in this series! Thankyou so much Hayley for sending me a copy to read and fall in love with all the characters!