A mystical spiral garden that is also a gateway to another world blooms at the center of Snyder's (The Innamorati) tightly woven fantasy, a potent blend of faery and family conflicts. Cassiopeia Emma Brittman, 17, and Anne, who's more like a sister than a mom, haven't visited her grandfather, Daniel Brittman, in over two years, due to his serious illness. When the hospital calls to let them know the famous artist's condition has worsened, they rush to his side, accompanied by Anne's new boyfriend. They are shocked to find Poppie not only seriously ill but possibly in danger from his secretive caregiver. The family farm has been systematically vandalized, as has the elaborate garden planted by Cassie's great-grandmother, Hannah. The discovery sends a wake-up call to Cassie, who has been preparing for a violin recital, finals and the prom, wholly unaware that two faerie factions, the Green Clan and the Red Clan, have been waging a war for control of the all-important garden. Her mom, the late-blooming college student, receives a similar jolt, and both learn that power of love makes the real magic. Thanks to Snyder's gift for description, readers may feel as if they can hear the music or smell the fragrance of the garden's rare woodland species; the audience will be hooked. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-This inventive, beautifully written fantasy tells the story of a seemingly ordinary 17-year-old swept up in the battle between two clans of supernatural beings. Cassie Brittman lives with her mother, Anne, a self-absorbed college student. Despite an unusual family history, she struggles to be a regular teen, practicing her violin and spending time with her boyfriend. When her reclusive grandfather falls ill, her mother forces her to drop everything so that they can rush back to the farm where she was raised. The first half of the story centers on the conflict between Cassie and Anne, whose irresponsible ways often push her daughter into the parental role. However, Snyder drops hints from the beginning-Cassie's green thumb, her odd encounter with a winter hare, a dangerous but strangely alluring boy on a motorcycle-that this is more than a novel about a dysfunctional family. Eventually, Cassie learns the truth: the Brittmans are linked by blood to nature spirits who want her help in fighting a dark and threatening rival clan. Some readers may grow impatient as these secrets are slowly revealed, but they will be riveted by the thrilling battle in the final chapters. Snyder's use of language is especially poetic in describing nature, including the farm's flora and fauna and the magical creatures of the Green Clan. This satisfying mix of real-life problems and lovingly described magic will please most fantasy readers.
Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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