I enjoyed this book right up to the end which I felt was rather sudden even for a book in a series. I did enjoy the world that was created though and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. ( )

I enjoyed this book right up to the end which I felt was rather sudden even for a book in a series. I did enjoy the world that was created though and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. ( )

I enjoyed this book right up to the end which I felt was rather sudden even for a book in a series. I did enjoy the world that was created though and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. ( )

This is at the start to a great book. I was late leaving for work 2 days because I was reading and got to bed late the 2ed day because I had to finish it. But it is unfinished. It is a if the author couldn't think of an ending and stopped writing. ( )

Review from my blog: http://everythingatoc.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-gaias-secret-by-barbara-kloss....

First of all, I want to thank Goodreads and Ms. Barbara Kloss for that giveaway that sent me this little gem. I honestly didn't even remember entering the giveaway and I was so surprised to have this sitting on my mailbox!
Let me calm down for a second before I say this.... How is it possible that this is not on everybody's TBR or currently-reading shelf? I can't say that the story was very original but the execution of it was way better than I expected! This book held my attention from the beginning to its end. The story was action packed yet full of emotions that will send you through a thrilling roller coaster ride to figure out the mystery of Daria's identity.
One of the things that made this book potent was its characters. Daria can probably land on the Top 50 head-strong female characters that I can think of. With that, she's the type of character whom you'll be drawn to whether for the good or the bad. In this case, both. She is a coming-of-age woman who has dreams of seeing the world after being shunned from it by her father. I love that she has dreams, and wants to prove to the world she is anything than just. It's hard not to sympathize with her on that since don't we all have those feelings of anxiety over our untold futures? It's also easy to feel the frustration budding from her character over a lot things. Some things I just don't like about her, is that for someone who supposedly bright, she asks very obvious questions and does very stupid selfish things sometimes.
I loved loved loved Alex. Although I have my fair share of love over stalker-ish male protagonists, it's nice to read about a guy who don't have to be controlling to be memorable. He was patient, sacrificing and all in all, loyal.
"Daria." He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "When it comes to protecting you, I never have a second thought. Your life is so precious to me that I don't trust anyone else with it. If any of them harmed you- touched you- I can't explain it but giving them a quick death would've been a difficult favor to grant. It surprises me- scares me a little. I've never... felt that way before."
Oh, the romantic tension in this book had me fanning myself! It was subtle but from the beginning, the moment I heard Alex's name, I. felt. it. Constant denials usually bug me but I loved the hesitations in this book. It made them more.. realistic. Their relationship is heartbreaking as it was beautiful. Why you ask? You're gonna have to find that out for yourself.
I've watched Avatar before so when I saw the word "Pandora", I immediately went giddy inside. It's fun for me to imagine a place as best as I can and with the word "Pandora", it's limitless! The imagery presented in the descriptions did help me see Gaia but I had fun picturing it for my own. There's the strange mix of historical and modernity that really makes you wonder about their world.
Barbara Kloss was able to pull off a breathtaking ending and turn it into the a nerve-wracking cliffhanger but I definitely didn't close the book with anger. I felt satisfied actually but I know I want more. I can only hope that as my heart is hurting, it will be mended in the sequel. I can't wait to get my hands on The Keeper's Flame! ( )