Forest Born (Books of Bayern Series #4)

by Shannon Hale

Overview

In this beloved fourth book in the Books of Bayern, from New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale, Rin will leave the forest she loves behind to find herself.

Ever since her brother Razo introduced her to the trees, Rin has turned to them for peace or reassurance, even direction—that is, until the day they seem to reject her. Rin is sure something is wrong with her, something that is keeping her from feeling at home in the Foreat, from trusting herself with anyone at all.

Determined to find a new sense of self, Rin accompanies Razo into the city, where she discovers that a mysterious threat haunts Bayern. She joins with three magical girls—Isi, Enna, and Dasha—as they venture toward the kingdom of Kel . . . where someone wants them dead.

The fourth book in master storyteller Shannon Hale's beloved Books of Bayern series is equal parts fantastical and thrilling, with unforgettable characters to root for at its center.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681193199
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	08/29/2017
Series:	Books of Bayern Series , #4
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	113,021
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Shannon Hale is the Newbery Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Academy series, Book of a Thousand Days, The Books of Bayern, Dangerous, and the graphic novels Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack, among other books. She also wrote three novels for adults, including Austenland, now a major motion picture starring Keri Russell. She and her husband, the author Dean Hale, have four children and live near Salt Lake City, Utah.

www.shannonhale.com
@HaleShannon

Editorial Reviews

"One doesn't need to have read the earlier books to become enraptured by this one, but doing so adds to the richness of these very satisfying tales." - Kirkus Reviews

"As usual, Hale's vivid, poetic language; romantic and action-filled plot twists; and friendship themes create a rich, satisfying read. But it's Rin's sensitively drawn struggle to recognize and accept her own power that will stay with readers most." - Booklist

"All is told in Hale's assured voice, drawing the details of her invented countries with precision and depth. Strong characters define the series. . . Newcomers will find this book an easy entry point, and fans will need no excuse to dive back into Hale's fantasy world." - The Horn Book

"Fans of the earlier titles as well as admirers of the genre will find Rin's journey a compelling read." - School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Gr 7–11—In her fourth fantasy about the land of Bayern, Hale has created a strong stand-alone companion to The Goose Girl (2003), Enna Burning (2004), and River Secrets (2006, all Bloomsbury). Forest Born centers on Razo's sister, Rin, and her special abilities. The struggle that she goes through as she begins to recognize her talent of persuasion and her elemental connection to the forest brings the typical fantasy themes of good vs. evil to a place that makes them very personal. Rin discovered as a child that her words could be powerful. But that power left her feeling confused and wrong. Since that time, the wrongness has curled up like a snake inside her, making her doubt whether she can ever find peace. Rin encounters Isi, Enna, and Dasha from the previous Bayern stories and through them she finds hope; perhaps what makes her different could be a blessing, if she is able to find balance in her gifts. Lurking throughout the story is the tumultuous backdrop of diplomatic negotiations and threats of war. Everything finally comes to a head when Isi's nemesis from Goose Girl returns and kidnaps her son. All four women need to work together to defeat Selia, who has been completely corrupted and consumed by her people-speaking power of persuasion. Fans of the earlier titles as well as admirers of the genre will find Rin's journey a compelling read.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

School Library Journal

Hale, like her readers, has clearly been enchanted with the characters she brought forth in her Books of Bayern (The Goose Girl, 2003, etc.). This fourth volume centers on Razo's little sister Rinna, who adores her Ma and her siblings' babies and finds peace among the trees but cannot get her words and feelings right. When Rin is 15, Razo brings her to the castle where he is guard. Rin finds a place caring for the two-year-old princeling and learns from Isi, the queen who can control the wind. Isi, Enna, who wields fire, and Razo's own Dasha, who hears water, are immediately called upon to save a fragile peace. Rin's inner demons-connected to powers she does not yet grasp-are fascinatingly explored. An evil nemesis rises again from an earlier tale, and while she is not as fully drawn as the other characters she will be recognized. One doesn't need to have read the earlier books to become enraptured by this one, but doing so adds to the richness of these very satisfying tales. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

Kirkus Reviews

This full-cast production enhances Hale’s engrossing story as the fantasy world of Bayern continues. Rin loves her forest home, but she follows her brother, Razo, to the city when her magical powers swirl out of control. Along with the queen and her magical friends, Rin confronts a vicious traitor. Especially noteworthy performances come from narrators Camille Cady-McCrea as Rin and Terry LeCass as Razo. While maintaining a measured pace, Cady-McCrea ably conveys Rin’s internal conflict. LeCass cleverly portrays Razo, whose ridiculous posturing and wiseacre personality create a good foil to the serious Rin. Production shows an equally high standard. In particular, the sound effect used for Rin’s thoughts is subtle, and twists of music seamlessly connect story segments. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

MAY 2013 - AudioFile