Gargoyles, immortals and teenagers--oh my!

I love the plot in this book--it's innovative, creative, and very funny. The characters could live next door, they are so believable--yes, even the stowaway gargoyle that is fighting permanently becoming stone and the immortal alchemist looking for a new home. As the characters developed and the story unfolds, they become overly involved with murder and with searching for the book that will help the gargoyle Dorian become a real boy again, minus the encroaching stone that is overtaking his body.

Zoe, our main protagonist, just wants to leave her life in France and stay in Oregon for a spell, relaxing and creating a new life. It's hard for her to have to move around due to her age, and the curiosity and suspicion that overcomes her world when people notice she isn't aging.

A couple of other reviewers have mentioned author Gigi Pandian's strong stance on veganism. To me, part of the joy of being an author is to be able to share personal feelings and opinions within their works, even fictional ones. Perhaps it is a bit intense, but since Dorian does the cooking, it simply feels charming and part of the give-and-take between Dorian and Zoe.

The other residents in Portland who come into Zoe's world are mostly teenagers. It is a fun spin on a quirky story to have the kids vandalizing her home (thinking it empty) and becoming staunch friends and allies. Keeping Dorian a secret is not too easy, though!

This book feels unique and trendsetting, and I hope to read more of Zoe and Dorian's escapades and mysteries.