Ah,
Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence
Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy
balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she
prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby,
has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions
of London, Gemma's visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed
in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the
realms can explain. . . .
The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are
turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms
that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls' great joy, their
beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of
friendship.
But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has
reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic,
else great disaster will befall her. Gemma's willing to do his
intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will
meet up with her mother's greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe.
Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding
Circe proves a most perilous task.
BOOK REVIEWS
BookBrowse
he setting and the book jacket blurb give the impression that this series might be long on melodrama but this is not the case. The writing is strong, as are the characters. However, this book does not stand alone, to properly follow the storyline it would be best to start with the first volume and, those who enjoy it, will be eager for the third, The Sweet Far Thing, which is due in September 2007. Full Review (375 words).
Media Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Bray provides a satisfying ending, yet she implies a further struggle for power. Fans will want to stay tuned. Ages 12-up.
Kirkus Reviews
While the characters and setting lack the lush richness and depth that made the first volume appealing, Gemma's shivery adventures, lacking easy answers, make for an exciting mystical quest. (Fantasy. YA)
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by Erin Amazing story This is my favorite book EVER!!!! I recommend this to any teenage girls who love a book about adventure, romance, and much, much more. I hope you enjoy:)
Rated of 5
by a 11 year old girl awsome - book This is one of the best books that i have ever read, if you are deciding to read this book or not, I surely recommend it.
War, natural disaster, reckless gods and the recognition of impermanence in the world are just some of the threads that AS Byatt weaves into this most timely of books. Linguistically stunning and imaginatively abundant, this is a landmark.
A beguiling, imaginative, inspiring story about the bigness of being alive as an individual, as a member of a tribe, and as a participant in history, exploring how we use storytelling to survive and shape our own truths.
Brilliantly evoking the long-vanished world of masters and servants, Margaret Powell's classic memoir of her time in service is the remarkable true story of an indomitable woman who, though she served in the great houses of England, never stopped aiming high.
Vivid, daring, and unforgettable, The Printmaker's Daughter shines fresh light on art, loyalty, and the tender and indelible bond between a father and daughter.
I read The Healing in two sittings it is a fascinating story of plantation life at the beginning of the Civil War. Granada, a slave newborn child...
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The Uncommon Reader is a novella by novelist and playwright, Alan Bennett. The story starts with the Queen coming across the mobile library van...
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Arizona bills Amazon for $53 million in uncollected sales tax(Feb 06 2012) The ongoing sales tax battle between many US states and large online retailers, most notably Amazon, continues with a thrust from Arizona which, last week,...
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Amazon rumored to be opening bricks and mortar stores(Feb 03 2012) There are mumblings in the blogosphere that Amazon is to open bricks and mortar stores. Launch.it offers four possible scenarios:
(375 words).
of 5
by Erin
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