Rating: ★★★★☆
Title: Forest of Whispers
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pub. Date: September 9, 2014
Genre: Historical, Fantasy
Review Spoilers: Moderate
GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes and Nobel
Synopsis
This book centers around Rune, a mysterious girl who lives beyond the hedge with an old lady. The old lady is whispered to be a witch, a fortune teller and healer of all maladies. Rune has lived with her since she was a baby, never knowing much about her past but desires to know more. After accidentally misidentifying a mushroom, Rune suddenly finds herself in the middle of a witch hut. The old lady bids Rune to run far away, not to look back, and under no circumstances to return to the cottage or town. Instead of running, Rune hides, and returns later to witness the old lady’s sentencing. With all of her family gone, Rune is alone. Or is she?
A mysterious voice comes to Rune in the forest. Her mother. She learns she is a witch, and her mother wants revenge. Rune battles against her, while also fighting to live through this witch hunt. With the help of a handsome, young man, Rune is able to uncover secrets about her past. She discovers who she is, what she is, and what her inheritance will be. With the help of the young man, Rune is able to complete her mission, find herself, and come to terms with her new self.
My thoughts
If you are a fan of historical books, and a bit of magic, this will be right up your alley. Mind you, this is not your Harry Potter type of magic. It’s more of a Practical Magic type. More subtle, seamlessly written in, and not all up in your face. It does help that the main character doesn’t really want to be a witch. It gives it more of a realistic tone. I mean, if you lived way back when witches were feared, would you want to find out that you can do magical things? Yeah. Me either.
The book is set in Germany, near Bavaria, and has a few German words in it. Don’t let these scare you off! There is a handy guide at the beginning of the book that tells you the right pronunciation, and gives the definition of these words. Most of them are simple enough that with just the context, you can figure them out. There is a bit of romance in here too. It’s an innocent type, and isn’t cheesy or overly done. It’s classy. Speaking of the writing, this book keeps you interested. Right away I was drawn in, and hooked. Never once did I feel like a chapter was there just for filler time. It’s smart, and has an ending you might not be able to guess. I sure didn’t see it coming, which is a big deal. Normally I can guess the ending by the middle of the book. Not this one.
Honestly, I really liked this book. Since finishing it, I haven’t been able to pick up any thing else. Do hope to get a sequel to the story! I’d love to see where Rune goes from here and how she grows into her own person.
Enter the Rockstar Forest of Whispers giveaway!
One winner will receive a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a witchy swag item. Enter by clicking HERE! Good luck!
Want to follow the tour? Check out these blogs for more reviews, interviews, and guest posts!
Week One:
9/1/2014- A Dream Within A Dream– Interview
9/1/2014- Her Book Thoughts!– Review
9/2/2014- Pieces of Whimsy– Guest Post
9/2/2014- Nerdophiles– Review
9/3/2014- Addicted Readers– Interview
9/3/2014- Realm of the Sapphired Dragon– Review
9/4/2014- Literary Meanderings – Guest Post
9/4/2014- Heather Hearts Books– Review
9/5/2014- YaReads– Interview
9/5/2014- Word to Dreams– Review
Week Two:
9/8/2014- Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, and Romance– Guest Post
9/8/2014- Everything Marie– Review
9/9/2014- Pen and Muse– Interview
9/9/2014- Arkham Reviews– Review
9/10/2014- Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf– Guest Post
9/10/2014- Amaterasu Reads– Review
9/11/2014- Fire and Ice– Guest Post
9/11/2014- As the page turns– Review
9/12/2014- Mom With A Kindle– Interview
9/12/2014- Curling Up With A Good Book– Review
Description:
Raised by an old fortune-teller within the dark veil of the Bavarian Black Forest, Rune has learned two valuable lessons: only take from the forest that which you can use, and never, never look anyone in the eye in the village. For something terrible happened in the forest long ago… and now, the whispers of a long-dead mother with a vengeful secret have come haunting.
Forced to flee all she has ever known, Rune soon learns of a legacy she is bound to–one that is drenched in fear, witchcraft and murder–a birthright that stretches beyond the grave to the trees where Rune is no longer safe.
About the Author:
Jennifer Murgia writes Young Adult paranormal and contemporary fiction.
Her latest novel, FOREST OF WHISPERS, will release September 9, 2014 from Spencer Hill Press.
She is the author of ANGEL STAR, LEMNISCATE & THE BLISS (Lands Atlantic Publishing)
and BETWEEN THESE LINES (Playlist Fiction).
In 2012, Jennifer Co-Founded YA FEST with fellow YA author/friend, Cyn Balog. She coordinates this unique annual festival, bringing teens and fellow Young Adult authors together at her hometown library in Easton PA.
To contact Jennifer try:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
English
What a great review! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Murgia wanted to leave a comment but she can’t seem to get into her WordPress account so here’s what she has to say: “: Thank you so much for joining my tour and offering such a fabulous review! Rune’s story continues in CASTLE OF SIGHS, due out in Fall 2015. There’s magic, secrets, darkness… And another twist!”