The Green Heights


Young Adult - Romance
331 Pages
Reviewed on 10/13/2018
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Green Heights is a work of romance written for young adults by author Zhila Berenji. The plot centers on high school senior Julia Brooke, a young lady of simple means, who is destined to become the centre of a love triangle that doesn’t just test her wits, but her strength to survive what soon becomes a huge battle for the fate of the world itself. For when Julia meets a young man dying of cancer and his rich, jet-setting brother, visitations begin to warn her of grave peril. As Julia struggles to cope with the bonds of love and the loyalty she feels to one of the brothers, the world falls into total chaos around her, calling her to save it.

Zhila Berenji has created a really interesting story line that blends the ordinary with the much more spiritual and philosophical as the plot goes on, which makes for an added layer of sophistication in the plot. The brothers that Julia encounters on their rich estate are not at all your typical blue-eyed heroes, and this princess has to kiss a few frogs before she finds what she believes to be her happy destiny. The Green Heights is an enjoyable read with an intriguing new twist on the romance tale. A must-read for fans of young adult romances with a difference.

Rabia Tanveer

The Green Heights by Zhila Berenji is a romance story that goes way beyond the genre and offers something more. The story is well written with some very well developed characters that add substance to the plot. The more I read it, the more I enjoyed it and wanted more. Although a love triangle at first sight, this story goes beyond the genre and delves into spiritual themes to offer more. I enjoyed how the author took the themes of love, loyalty, relationships and responsibility and gave them their own life.

This is the story of Julia, a young girl who falls in love with a guy dying of cancer. While she loves him dearly, his limited time remaining and his brother are complications that she does not even want to contemplate. Soon she finds herself intertwined in a love triangle with the two brothers, but something far more important needs her attention. Julia thought that she was trying to find a way to stay with her love for as much time as possible, but it turns out that she is now the only one who can save the world. What should Julia do?

Intense and very interesting, the story is fast paced yet not too fast to make me feel like I cannot understand what is happening. I liked Julia, her determination, her loyalty and her need to find the best solution for everything that happening around her. She grew, she adapted, and she brought something new to the story. This is a brilliant young adult novel that is very entertaining and enjoyable.

Kathryn Bennett

The Green Heights by Zhila Berenji introduces the reader to teenager Julia Brooke who, in her senior year of high school, finds herself thrust into a love triangle. This triangle has her torn between two wealthy brothers, one of whom is dying of cancer. Julia walks a path that takes her through heaven and hell, and her guide is a stranger that slowly reveals more to her as she seeks eternal love. Is Julia a saint as some call her or is she a sinner? Or is she something else, and will she be able to make the sacrifices needed?

A love triangle with good and evil beings around is not exactly a new concept for a young adult romance, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good one. When a writer can take something that is familiar and turn it into something that feels new, that is true talent and I feel that author Zhila Berenji has done just that. Julia is a compelling character and she truly does seem to be stuck in the middle of these two brothers. I have read enough books like this to know when it feels like you know exactly where the triangle is going to end up and I can say with this one that I was guessing until the final reveal and I loved that about this book.

You will be drawn into the story as it unfolds and this is a well-written, fast-paced novel. I really don't want to give too much away in this romantic battle, but I can tell you right now that if you like romance, coming of age and a dash of the supernatural, you will really like this book. Honestly, I kind of wish I was Julia in this situation! Give this book a try; you will be glad you did and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Kristy Vee

Julia Brooke and Liam Moore are young, in love with life, their futures, and each other. Out of nowhere, they’re dealt a blow so devastating, they’re positive their lives will never be the same. The sudden news of Liam’s pancreatic cancer thrusts them into a tailspin and both are hanging on by a thread, unsure of what to do next. How much time do you really have together when you’ve just learned you have the fourth deadliest disease in the world? As the pair try navigating through the sickness and despair, their families, and Julia’s mixed feelings about her love’s own brother, no one can fully understand what Julia is going through personally and spiritually. How exactly do you tell your friends and family you’ve been hanging out with angels? Through it all, will Julia learn that true love exists beyond the boundaries of time, space, and dimension?

The Green Heights by Zhila Berenji is a tale of love, loss, spirituality, and sacrifice. This story is a lovely change from the typical kind of young adult romance book out there. This imaginative, original, colorful story paints a different perspective of young love and the kind of sacrifice one must make to have it. The meaning of love is different for each individual, and no two loves are ever the same. I really enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of the Isle Of Light, its occupants, the other world, the angels -- it definitely added a sci-fi element to a sweet, well-written, down-to-earth romance. Well done!

Deborah Lloyd

Julia Brooke and Liam Moore are a young couple in love, but they face many difficulties. Liam is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and his wealthy family do not accept Julia’s behavior. In a story set in beautiful San Francisco settings, Julia struggles to cope with Liam’s brothers and a mysterious stranger who appears at the most unexpected times. Her father, a Stanford University professor, tries to protect his daughter from precarious situations. Julia’s desire to hold on to her true love forever propels her to unexpected visits to heaven and hell, and meeting Lucifer himself. In The Green Heights by Zhila Berenji, a complex and adventurous journey into unknown worlds is powerful and daunting. How this journey evolves is what makes the novel a unique read.

The plot of this young adult romance is creative and compelling. Although the main character, Julia, is driven by her emotions, she is also defined by her undying commitment to her true love and strong determination. At times, she may seem too spontaneous, but this is contrasted with thoughtful actions. Other characters in the story also reveal complex motivations and emotional needs. The author writes in a realistic style, even when she describes otherworldly settings and situations. Her portrayal of the mysterious stranger is riveting, as the reader is drawn into his unique aura. Author Zhila Berenji has written a captivating story in The Green Heights. This is a novel that will engage readers who desire more than a simple love story. The plot is complex and thought provoking, an engaging read.