An immortal race needs her help … if she believes they exist. Cara has never been normal, but she’s about to change that. She has finally learned to ignore the animals no one else sees – well, mostly – and a new school is her chance to start over and fit in. She should have known it was doomed the minute she heard the first voice.Now there’s a weird gleam in her dog’s eye, two suspicious guys … eye, two suspicious guys who keep turning up, and a voice in her head. While it tells her of a hidden race of immortal beings known as the Pyx, Cara does her best to ignore it. She really can’t afford to lose her mind right now.
But the voice is insistent. Across Portland, Pyx are disappearing, and Cara is the only one who can help them. As bizarre encounters pile up, Cara decides to listen – anything to stop the voices. Before long, she’ll be forced to wonder …
What if it’s real?
Because if the Pyx are real, then so is the danger. Can she embrace who – and what – she is before it’s too late to save them?
SECRETS is the first book in the GREEN & GOLD series, perfect for fans of modern young adult fantasy, hidden worlds, and unexpected friendships, with a bit of whimsy and mystery.
Join Cara’s surprising journey of discovery in this coming-of-age fantasy novel, where strangeness and suspense ride alongside spirit and hope.
“One of the most unique new fantasies you’ll read this year – modern, mysterious, and gripping.”
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I loved this! It’s a younger reading level than I usually read (lower YA and could even pass for upper middle grade; would be appropriate for my 9yo) but Cara is a great character and I’m going to enjoy reader about her as she grows up. There’s a lot of making-of and losing friends as Cara gets used to her new school and all the extra things that come along with the Pyx. I’m excited to keep reading this series.
A YA “must read” for people who love pets!
Cara Ransome, 14, use to see very weird things no one else can see.
Her mother think it’s due to her overactive imagination.
BUT Cara knows it’s not true…
With her beautiful golden eyes Cara SEE something else, something mysterious, unknown, and quite frightening…
———————-
A very beautiful, delicate, sensitive, mysterious Book 1 about the story of a teenager with golden eyes who have the ability to see weird things.
She has a specific relation with animals.
BUT I don’t want to spoil the story…
This Book will suits to people who love animals/pets and would like to communicate with them 😉
I do recommend this Book.
Cara is a fourteen-year-old girl who is afraid that others will see her as too different, because she has the ability to see and speak with the Pyx, magical creatures who usually hide in animals. The story captures the anxiety of adolescence, that constant fear that people will think you’re weird and overanalyzing every conversation or facial expression to make sure that no one is judging you. It’s a common struggle to learn how to accept yourself and not put too much weight on the opinions of others.
Cara also worries that there is something wrong with her and spends a lot of time doubting the things that she sees and hears. That makes the story slow to progress in the first half. It’s satisfying when she finally starts to grow in confidence and accept her gifts, instead of trying to suppress them.
The story is slow to get going, and it focuses more on typical school drama instead of the secret magical crisis. Some of this was still interesting like Cara’s involvement in cross-country which culminates in the Skai run, but I didn’t care for her fickle roommate. I’m glad that she found a better friend in the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for YA fantasy with a younger feel, more coming-of-age than an emphasis on dating and romance. Also, if you like animals, it’s fun that the animal companions can speak because of their Pyx. I’m curious to see what will happen in the next book.
Jo Holloway’s “Secrets of Green & Gold” is a hidden gem in the oversaturated genre of YA fantasy. The story revolves around Cara, a high school girl who does wish for nothing more that be “normal”. With her golden eyes and her seemingly ability to hear “voices”, that it is exactly what Cara is not: normal. The “voices” speak of another world, a fantasy world inhabited by long forgotten creatures, that implore Cara help to escape oblivion.
While trying to adapt to boarding school, Cara find herself strained between trying to ignore the voices and need to face a decision: ignore the “voices” and condemn their world or embrace her gift and help them.
Cara is a likeable – and even more important – credible character, who succeeds in fighting teenager angst, while trying to save a whole world from literally disappearing. Along her journey Cara’s determination grows and she realizes that her initial “weaknesses” are what makes her stronger and unique. Cara finds friendship and confidence along the way and I for one cannot wait to see what comes next
The story is very well written with fully developed characters (Jenner specially is a joy), with the strong world development of Michael Ende “The Never-Ending Story” without the circular plots and with a much stronger main character. Cara is the epitome of everything a girl should be courageous, wise, resolute while embracing her own flaws and changing her weakness into strong suits.
It is a wonderful book… one of this books that entice you right with the cover (wonderful) and hold everything it promises. A great beginning in a new YA fantasy series.
ONE ENGAGING ADVENTURE!!!
Fantastic! Jo came busting through shattering the mold, pulling the strings and severing the cord with this prize winning delight that fuses this gem together seamlessly. Amazing well rounded scenario’s, ramping up the excitement and adrenaline with such intensity and precision, melding this gem together flawlessly. Effectively ripping through the trials and tribulations, contending with the drama, intrigue and surging suspense, blasting this baby into the eye of the storm, breaking it down, throwing it into a tailspin with stunning impacts. Add turmoil and distress along perplexing situations and you have one intense rollercoaster ride. The characters are genuine and original with depth and qualities with just enough flaws to add diversity. The scenes are strikingly sharp with such colorful descriptions it gives you a full understanding and realism that flow smoothly. Remarkable job Jo, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel with us.