Hannah's Garden

Rating:
Summary: Hannah's Garden is a Mystical Story
Review: Midori Snyder's book Hannah's Garden is a wonderful journey through a mythical world where two ancient clans battle in a world hidden through out nature. This story draws the reader in through the eyes of Cassie Brittman, a typical teenager with a life that turns far from typical. Other colorful characters are added to the plot to build the suspence and interest. Some are realistic and others are strange and mysterious that keeps the reader wondering where they fit into the big picture.

I found this book very interesting and at times even a bit confusing, but it was a magical tale that made me keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next. This would be a wonderful book for anyone who likes fantasy tales that dance with magic and add a touch of the unusual.

Rating:
Summary: A charming story
Review: Midori Snyder's name fits her well, she seems to know the secrets of all things green. This book contains no elves, warriors, or wizards, and yet it is an enchanting fantasy story of love and friendship.

Cassie is forced to travel with her mother, Anne, and Anne's boyfriend, Gunnar (dubbed "The Viking" by Cassie), to her grandfather's old house. There she finds her great-grandmother Hannah's magical garden, and the more she explores, the more she finds out about the the war between the two clans and how it affects her and her family. In the end, Cassie learns not only how she can contribute to the Green Clan, but also how she can contribute to the lives of herself and others.

Snyder's writing is excellent. It pulled me in from the second I opened the book. Cassie's narration has its own definite voice and style, and this book made me laugh and made me cry. It also, at some points, made me stare at the page and wonder which I should be doing. At some times, the book was more than a little confusing and often the twists in the plot just seem very quickly introduced and generally very "out there." It also seemed like it took a very long time for the book to actually get to the main point. Other than this, I would suggest this book to anyone for a quick, light read to lift one's spirits.