The Foretelling

Excellent read for teens and adults alike

With the intriguing premise of being set among an Amazon tribe, I couldn't say no when a co-worker suggested this book. Hoffman writes a gripping story about bravery, survival, coming of age, finding one's identity, inner strength and a touch of love and understanding. The author obviously put in some anthropological research to provide a great feel and believable atmosphere for the story. With a relatable protagonist and themes this was a wonderful read! A definite gem among young adult lit section.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Wow

One of the most bizarre (and best)books ive ever read. It certainly does leave an impact on you.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent

A short but meaning-packed novel. Well-writen story. Worth the read for young women and adults alike. Very touching and gives you a lot to think about. A quick read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A child born in sorrow

Women who war against men, slice off a breast so they may become better archers,
carry on the population with drug induced orgies that often end in the death of their mates, is hard to accept. But, when one considers the fact that women are routinely raped, beaten and mutilated in third world countries and even here in the U.S. it does seem fitting that women should take on the face of the warrior. The heroine Rain, a child of rape, is born into sorrow. In this richly imagined coming of age story she achieves self-actualization, female empowerment and acceptance of self-life lessons we all must learn, male or female.

www.LindaBallouAuthor.com
Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawaii
Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler's Tales

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius" for TeensReadToo.com

In this intense yet complicated fantasy story, Rain attempts to gain her mother's notice and acceptance by being the best of warriors in their Amazonian tribe. The product of a rape when her mother, Alina, wasn't much more than a child herself, it is hard to gain the Queen's approval. Although Rain knows that she's been raised by Deborah, the wise priestess, to one day be Queen herself, she also pays attention to Deborah's promises of a much grander destiny.

Rain doesn't totally understand the Queen's desire to so thoroughly destroy her enemies, even though her own cousins, Astella and Asteria, are two of the fiercest warriors in the tribe. When Alina takes Penthe as her companion, and Penthe's daughter Io seeks to be Rain's sister, matters become even more complicated. Rain wants nothing more than to ride her horse, Sky, to garner her mother's approval, to earn the place as rightful Queen that will someday come upon her.

On her first journey alone, Rain comes upon a bear cub, which she takes back to camp. She names him Usha, and together with Io the two girls raise the cub as if he were a horse. Although Rain and Io soon discover the mistake of doing so, it's too late--Usha is killed in battle, and Rain still doesn't have the love and acceptance of her mother.

THE FORETELLING is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical land of the Amazons. Rain is a compelling character who, although she tries so hard to be vicious and fierce like her fellow tribe-members, always leans more towards peace for all men and compassion towards her enemies.

Not to be missed by lovers of fantasy stories!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful Coming of Age & Female Empowerment Novel

This novel is set in a time where a nation of women are feared warriors who never lose a battle to invaders because of one unique advantage: they have domesticated wild horses to ride into battle. Rain is born by the Queen, a woman who has no desire to interact or associate with her daughter at all. These women never question their lifestyle; it's what it always has been and they have no need for mercy, compassion, or protection from men. But Rain is different: as she grows up, she is plagued by dreams of a black horse. In their culture this is a foretelling of death, and when the "black horse" comes to them, Rain makes a choice that will forver change how she views her world. The story is an intriguing tale told from a unique first person perspective of Rain, who is an independent, strong-willed young woman who struggles to find her place as the Queen-to-be. A definite must-read for horse lovers and young adults alike.

Not a bad book

Not a bad book but I won't reread it.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Wondeful Read

I read this book in three hours!!! It is a short, but amazingly compelling story about the search for self. It speaks about suffering, lonliness and loss, but also about the beauty of self-realization. A very empowering read. Truly enjoyable.

Non-stop read!!!

OMG.. i loved this book..when i finished i turned the page to see if there was more..i was so sad to find out there wasn't!!!...i would recommand this book to anybody..great job to Alice..this was a great read!!!

A reviewer

I' havent yet finished but I love how she brings you into another world

An oustanding novel, about growing up!

The Fortelling, is Alice Hoffman at her best. Short, sweet, and to the point. You feel like you are part of the book. Even though it is set in ancient times, as a teenager I can relate to Rains' emotions. I most definatly suggest reading this, and other Alice Hoffman titles!

Depressing and Beatiful at the Same Time

I just love this book. It is amazing. I love Rain's journey of finding herself and figuring out if she's ready to become the queen or not. Alice Hoffman is just fantastic at weaving the words together, that I actually felt like Rain was my sister. Although some things in this book are a little, well, gross, it is still wonderful and I would recommend this book to anyone. (Also read Incantation by Alice Hoffman... It's even better.) Well... happy reading!

The Fortelling, a masterpiece

We really loved this book. It gives a mood of sorrow and pain, but also a mood of glory and pride. It is interesing how the people acted with eachother and how Rain felt about what her people did in history.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

In this intense yet complicated fantasy story, Rain attempts to gain her mother's notice and acceptance by being the best of warriors in their Amazonian tribe. The product of a rape when her mother, Alina, wasn't much more than a child herself, it is hard to gain the Queen's approval. Although Rain knows that she's been raised by Deborah, the wise priestess, to one day be Queen herself, she also pays attention to Deborah's promises of a much grander destiny. Rain doesn't totally understand the Queen's desire to so thoroughly destroy her enemies, even though her own cousins, Astella and Asteria, are two of the fiercest warriors in the tribe. When Alina takes Penthe as her companion, and Penthe's daughter Io seeks to be Rain's sister, matters become even more complicated. Rain wants nothing more than to ride her horse, Sky, to garner her mother's approval, to earn the place as rightful Queen that will someday come upon her. On her first journey alone, Rain comes upon a bear cub, which she takes back to camp. She names him Usha, and together with Io the two girls raise the cub as if he were a horse. Although Rain and Io soon discover the mistake of doing so, it's too late--Usha is killed in battle, and Rain still doesn't have the love and acceptance of her mother. THE FORETELLING is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical land of the Amazons. Rain is a compelling character who, although she tries so hard to be vicious and fierce like her fellow tribe-members, always leans more towards peace for all men and compassion towards her enemies. Not to be missed by lovers of fantasy stories!

A Compelling Read

Filled with love, loss, and war, this story captivates readers and holds onto them with a firm bear paw till the very end. It's powerful and moving in showing the life of a girl turned woman-warrior, to be more specific, a girl by the name of Rain. Alice has such an imaginative mind that always satisfies the eager eyes of readers. Although the ending leaves you hungry for more, the story itself is still enjoyable. It's also a quick-read. Highly reccommended.

Absolutely outstanding.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, once I picked it up I could not put it down, finishing it in one night. This is the first book I have read by Alice, and it will not be the last. One of, if not the best, tales concerning amazons I have ever read. Moving with a fast pace, yet, explaining the details superbly. This book is now one of my favorites.

Foretelling

Especially enjoyed the book because it showed the way people gather strength and courage through hardship and transformation. And also showed the wisdom that is passed to each generation. Overall, inspiring for young readers (and old readers, as well). Although it occurs in a different place and time, its theme can be applied to present day life.

Foretelling

A good story captures truth. Each sentence is delicately balanced each word 'tells'. This one's a keeper.

Very good, a wonderful book.

When I first heard about this book I though 'I know this book won't even amout to GREEN ANGEL', but surprizingly it did..... Alice Hoffman takes you along on Rain's journey to self-discovery. It is VERY good, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book. Props to Alice Hoffman for a great coming-of-age book.

amazing

alice hoffman writes amazing stories. this story is just one example. I loved it!