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The Prophecy Of The Gems
Three young girls, Jade, Amber and Opal, each from very different backgrounds, discover on the day of their fourteenth birthday that they are adopted. An ancient prophecy compels them to leave their families to complete their mission in a far-off kingdom. Each girl is given custody of a magic stone which corresponds to her name. Although they dislike each other on sight, they have to overlook their differences in order to escape the dangers that threatens them. They begin a long voyage to Oonagh, the mysterious oracle who becomes their guide. Their quest will lead them into a ferocious battle against the forces of evil. Present day… In a Parisian hospital a fourteen-year-old girl is dying. Joa no longer speaks, nor fights for her life, but she dreams and her thoughts carry her into a fairy-tale world where three heroines lead an epic war. The distant promise of their victory and the end of their adventures carries with it a secret which could return to her the will to live…
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
84 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Flavia Bujor
6 books131 followersFlavia Bujor (born August 8, 1988) is a French novelist of Romanian origin. Her first book was the children's story The Prophecy of the Stones or The Prophecy of The Gems (original title: "La Prophétie des Pierres"). She began writing this novel at the age of 12 and it became phenomanally successful and is being published in at least 24 different countries. She lived in Romania until the age of two, when she moved to France. Her parents taught her to read before she started school and told her Shakespeare's plays and Romanian fairy tales. Bujor is currently working on her second novel in France with her parents (her father is a sculptor, her mother is a psychoanalyst who works with young adults and teenagers). She currently lives in Paris, where she has resided since the age of two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
November 6, 2008
My faith in the public's ability to choose good literature has been completely destroyed by this book. Written by a 15 year old French writer, I cannot believe it has been published in multiple languages, and that it's average review is nearly a four. You must be kidding. The writing is incredibly stilted (I am feeling a great deal of pity for Middle School English teachers, if this passes for "really good" teen writing), and the plot has so many holes that it isn't even coherent in places. Nearly every major and minor conflict in the book is resolved in just a few pages, by some type of strange, miraculous plot twist. Just one example should convince you how bad this writing is: One of the main characters is killed in the first hundred or so pages. Her companions lament that she is "gone, never to return." (An actual quote. It gets worse.) But, surprisingly, we learn in just a couple of pages that she is NOT dead, because, of all things, "Death is on strike." And why would Death be on strike? Because no one "appreciates" her.
If you actually have read good young adult fiction, it is nearly torturous to force yourself through this book. Avoid it at all costs. I gave it one star, assuming that some of the awkardness is due to a bad translation- and a bad editor. They should both be fired.
If you actually have read good young adult fiction, it is nearly torturous to force yourself through this book. Avoid it at all costs. I gave it one star, assuming that some of the awkardness is due to a bad translation- and a bad editor. They should both be fired.
September 5, 2011
I first read this when I was 10 or 11, and rather liked it (probably partly because it was written by a teen, and I also want to be an author), so much so that when I saw it available in the used book store I shop at frequently a year or two later, I bought it. When I googled the book to learn more about the author, I was pretty surprised to find out that it had mainly negative reviews.
For the intended audience of ages 9-12, it is certainly an entertaining read (for example, I loved the idea of Death going on strike), though not a very well-written one. When I re-read it at around age 12 or 13 though, I didn't like it as much. The characters are somewhat generic, and the plot isn't overly original. For younger kids, it's a great novel to read, but I quickly outgrew it.
I do think Flavia Bujor deserves some credit for completing a novel and managing to publish it at her age, but I know plenty of teens who have also written novels, many of which are much better than this one was. I'm not sure why this has gotten the attention it has or why it has been translated into different languages, because it is not the best book. If you want a better book written by a teen, try the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini or the Swordbird series by Nancy Yi Fan.
I would recommend it for ages 9-12 (though the 12 may be pushing it for some kids). An okay read.
For the intended audience of ages 9-12, it is certainly an entertaining read (for example, I loved the idea of Death going on strike), though not a very well-written one. When I re-read it at around age 12 or 13 though, I didn't like it as much. The characters are somewhat generic, and the plot isn't overly original. For younger kids, it's a great novel to read, but I quickly outgrew it.
I do think Flavia Bujor deserves some credit for completing a novel and managing to publish it at her age, but I know plenty of teens who have also written novels, many of which are much better than this one was. I'm not sure why this has gotten the attention it has or why it has been translated into different languages, because it is not the best book. If you want a better book written by a teen, try the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini or the Swordbird series by Nancy Yi Fan.
I would recommend it for ages 9-12 (though the 12 may be pushing it for some kids). An okay read.
July 13, 2011
Jade, Opal and Amber are three totally different girls.
Jade is rich living with her father, spends half her time daydreaming, and the other half landed in reality.
Opal is living in with her aunts in a normal town, with everyday-life destroying her fantasy.
Amber is poor living with her sick mother, with her mind never in the real life, always dreaming.
They all have the same birth day, and when they turn 14 their parents tell them they are adopted and give them their birth stones. After that they are send to meet each other, with the warning that they are enemies, and the destination of a magical kingdom, to learn about their prophecy and stop the Council of Twelve.
With their story we also learn the one of Joa, a sick girl in the hospital. The girls are actually in her dreams.
The book has a fast, interesting plot and intoduces us to a magical world where the laws of nature don’t apply. The main subject is hope, that people can change everything, even fate, as long as the have faith.
Jade is rich living with her father, spends half her time daydreaming, and the other half landed in reality.
Opal is living in with her aunts in a normal town, with everyday-life destroying her fantasy.
Amber is poor living with her sick mother, with her mind never in the real life, always dreaming.
They all have the same birth day, and when they turn 14 their parents tell them they are adopted and give them their birth stones. After that they are send to meet each other, with the warning that they are enemies, and the destination of a magical kingdom, to learn about their prophecy and stop the Council of Twelve.
With their story we also learn the one of Joa, a sick girl in the hospital. The girls are actually in her dreams.
The book has a fast, interesting plot and intoduces us to a magical world where the laws of nature don’t apply. The main subject is hope, that people can change everything, even fate, as long as the have faith.
February 1, 2015
What the fuck?
I mean, what the fuck?
I'm not sure I've ever read a book this terrible before. The only one that could possibly be as bad as this one is Trapped by Michael Northrop. And even then, it's close. This is very close to the worst book I've ever read. I have so many issues with it that I'm afraid I'm going to forget some. But, here we go. Here is a list of things that made this a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad reading experience:
Black-and-white morality
I'm not sure if this is the biggest problem I had with this book, but it was certainly the most anger-inducing. I have talked before about why this is such a problem, and Bujor does it more hugely and more obviously than any other writer I've ever read. I mean, the bad guys are literally called the Army of Darkness, with the good guys being the Army of Light. The Army of Darkness seems to be trying to spread chaos for no good reason at all, whereas the Army of Light is only natural to try to stop them. The Council of Twelve, the other group of bad guys, is the one that we actually get to see a bit more, and they're no better. They completely rule with an iron first, for absolutely no good reason. There's no hints that any of the villains are human, no hints that the good guys are capable of doing wrong. (The one exception is the backstory of , and that barely even counts, since he doesn't remember it, and he's moved on now.) This shows a fundamental lack of humanity in Bujor's writing. In real life, there's no such thing as good guys and bad guys - it's never clear-cut. But Bujor refuses to allow that kind of complexity in her book. But it's hard to accuse Bujor of writing bad guys that lack complexity, because...
Flat characters
Her good guys lack complexity as well. Of the three protagonists (four if you count Nameless), the only one who has any actual characteristics is Jade, and only for the first hundred pages or so. For those pages, she reads like a caricature of a bratty princess - completely unrealistic and unsympathetic. The other protagonists have lots of informed characteristics, but they never quite come through onto the page. They're all boring and bland, not one of them transcending into humanity. They're just vehicles for the plot, not actual people. Any protagonists could've fit this story. Oh, and speaking of all those informed characteristics...
Telling
One of the most important rules in all of writing is, "Show, don't tell". You can't just say exactly how the characters are feeling. (That makes me feel angry!) You can't just tell the audience their exact personalities. You must be subtle. You must imply things. And Bujor fails at all of these. If this review were part of one of her books, she would've constantly said, "Mike was very angry" or, "Mike wrote the review with anger." There are distinct character arcs for all of the protagonists, but we never actually see the development. We just hear about it in the narration, and I guess we're supposed to assume that it actually happened.
This is especially problematic in the book's thematics. See, the biggest way that you can avoid making your themes feel preachy is to not shove them in the reader's face. You show them a set of honest events, and let them draw their own conclusions - if you've written well, and your theme is worth saying, they'll draw the one you want. Charles Dickens doesn't say, "See, Pip assumed Magwitch was bad, because he was a robber, but he actually felt bad for what he did! That's why you shouldn't judge people based on their social class without understanding them!" Suzanne Collins doesn't say, "See, the Capitol represents the first world, and the Districts represent the rest of the world, and that's why income inequality is bad!" But Bujor does. The message she sends in the story (about the value of hope in a bad situation) is so ham-fisted that it's impossible to take it seriously. Bujor constantly brings it up, to the point where the stones literally have the power of hope. (Which makes zero sense. Also, it's mentioned that hope will die with the girls if any of them lose their lives, which shows a lack of understanding as to how hope works.) Basically, the telling rather than showing ruined the themes, along with the flow of the character arcs and quite a few scenes. Although there might be another factor ruining the flow of the scenes...
Bad writing/translation issues
In case you couldn't tell from the author's name, this book was originally written in French and translated to English. That makes it a little ambiguous as to whether the horrendous writing was the fault of Bujor, or her translator. But it's pretty horrible, either way. The writing, throughout the entire book, is awkward, choppy, and distancing. It's kind of hard to describe what I mean by that, so here's a completely random sample of text:
There are... quite a few issues there, to say the least. It's repetitive ('green' was used twice as a description in two sentences), it's vague (just count the number of times words like 'stunning' and 'dazzling' were used instead of actual descriptive adjectives), it's a bit strange (she was in seventh heaven? What does that even mean?), and it has unnecessary details (why does it matter that the dress was made in Tyrel?). But most importantly, it does a terrible job of actually putting the reader in the ballroom. The descriptions are generic - they lack the substance and realism necessary for me to really imagine the event. And that's just a random passage - the entire book is like that. The prose is terribly awkward and distancing; almost unbearable at times. And it wasn't just the prose...
Clinical dialogue
The dialogue wasn't much better. When I say clinical, I mean that it doesn't reflect the characters in the least (not that they had personalities to reflect). It's all just... bland. It also delivers precisely - I mean, precisely what's necessary to advance the scene and the plot. It's blatantly calculated - Bujor isn't even trying. Basically, imagine the sample of prose I gave above in dialogue form. That's what the dialogue is like. And, of course, there are more problems in the way that the information was presented...
Infodumping
This time, the problem is the worldbuilding. Specifically, that Bujor is incapable of building her world subtlely, and instead relies on massive fucking infodumps. This isn't such a problem in the beginning, but once we make it into Fairytale, it was enormous. Long chunks, most notably an entire chapter, were all dedicated to infodumps of extraneous information. I feel like a lot of authors don't understand this: when you infodump, you stop the plot, if only for a few paragraphs. Your job is to keep the story moving - it can't stop for anything. Less is more - if you can ever avoid stopping the story to give extraneous and uninteresting information, avoid it. Of course, it's hard to criticize Bujor for stopping the plot, because...
Rushed plot
Maybe it's more a rushed flow of scenes than a rushed plot, but it's still an issue. Particularly towards the beginning of the book, lots of scenes only lasted a paragraph or two. Tiny chunks of events, with more narrative summary than action, combined with Bujor's clinical dialogue created distancing, boring scenes. It also meant that the plot moved too quickly to get a sense of tension - before a problem felt really fleshed out, it was already solved. It also prevented me from making any meaningful connection to the plot (that, and the flat characters). It just came and went, without me really processing it. And the plot wasn't all that was rushed...
Insta-love
Yes, this is a thing, too. And it's completely unnecessary, because the book isn't even a romance. But no, it happens. Okay, so at this point at the plot, the three girls had just met Adrien. All of their interactions had been of the same clinical sort that make up literally every other scene in the book. There was no sort of meaningful or emotional interaction. Yet, only around twelve hours later, when Opal , Adrien has declared his undying love for her. It makes no sense - they haven't even had the kind of interaction that would make way to superficial infatuation. Yet, we're actually meant to believe it: Adrien has fallen in love with someone he knew for a half of a day. Madly, desperately so. And this isn't even the only time it happens - much latter on, Nameless falls in love with Amber in much the same way. I guess this isn't particularly surprising, given the shallow characters, but it's still an incredibly inorganic and uninteresting way of writing. Oh, and speaking of things that are inorganic and uninteresting...
Cliches
You are not surprised. Come on. With everything else I've complained about, did you honestly think this would be an original and intelligent piece of writing? If so, you haven't been paying much attention. Anyway, when I set out to describe the cliches, I realized that all I have to do is describe the premise - there's not a single bit of this story that isn't littered with dozens and dozens of cliches. Alright, so the story is about three girls. The first, Jade, is the princess of a duke, and she's spoiled and bratty because of this. The second, Amber, has no father, and her mother just died. The third, Opal, recently found a mysterious orb with her parents, that is almost magical. Anywho, the three of them all find out that they're orphans, and they all meet up together to go on a magic quest to free the kingdom of an oppressive government that doesn't want them to believe in magic.
Jesus shit, was Bujor even trying?
I'll answer my own question: no, she wasn't. This is not the work of someone who cares a single bit about originality. I can't prove it, but I'll bet anything that the story was derived from some other, very cliched work. Either way, it doesn't matter if you haven't read this book - there's not a single thing you haven't seen before. This leads to its natural extension...
Predictability
There was one (and only one) mildly clever prophecy twist, but for the most part, this book was a straight line. Nothing bad happens to the good guys. The bad guys are defeated at the end. The Nameless guy that we've been following around despite the fact that he has no relation to the plot is the Chosen One. The quests are largely successful. It's so boring that I can barely even think of examples of its predictability. This book left so little impression on me - there's nothing new within its pages. If that's not a predictable book, I don't know what is. Probably the only thing about the plot that did stick out at me was...
No ending
This book had no ending. The book just kind of cuts off after the final battle. There's no sense of resolution - we don't find out what happens to the characters at all, the theme doesn't get any closure, we just get some shit about a tree. (Yes, really). I guess there isn't much of a point to the plot once the enemy is gone, since that's literally the only thing that makes it at all interesting. But the ending was painfully unresolved and cut off. Not at all conclusive.
Dues ex machinas
There's nothing I can do to describe this one, except to provide a quote. But first, a preamble: picture every cheap way that characters have cheated death in books, movies, and TV shows. Feel how annoying they are? Feel how stupid and frustrating it is?
It isn't as bad as what I'm about to show you:
What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck.
One more thing: the fact that Bujor was thirteen when she wrote this book doesn't get her off the hook with me. It's pretty clear that the company that published this book only bought the book as a gimmick, "Look at this thirteen year-old prodigy!" But that doesn't make this a good book. If Bujor is going to be published like an adult, then I'm going to criticize her like I would an adult. And under those standards... Jesus shit, this is one of the worst books I've ever read. I've read a lot of terrible books, and this tops nearly every single one. I want to forget I ever read it, as quickly as possible. (And clearly, the best way to do so is to write a long review about it.) I can't think of a single audience for it, a single type of person who would like it. Maybe get this as a gag gift for people you hate. That's all I can suggest.
I mean, what the fuck?
I'm not sure I've ever read a book this terrible before. The only one that could possibly be as bad as this one is Trapped by Michael Northrop. And even then, it's close. This is very close to the worst book I've ever read. I have so many issues with it that I'm afraid I'm going to forget some. But, here we go. Here is a list of things that made this a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad reading experience:
Black-and-white morality
I'm not sure if this is the biggest problem I had with this book, but it was certainly the most anger-inducing. I have talked before about why this is such a problem, and Bujor does it more hugely and more obviously than any other writer I've ever read. I mean, the bad guys are literally called the Army of Darkness, with the good guys being the Army of Light. The Army of Darkness seems to be trying to spread chaos for no good reason at all, whereas the Army of Light is only natural to try to stop them. The Council of Twelve, the other group of bad guys, is the one that we actually get to see a bit more, and they're no better. They completely rule with an iron first, for absolutely no good reason. There's no hints that any of the villains are human, no hints that the good guys are capable of doing wrong. (The one exception is the backstory of , and that barely even counts, since he doesn't remember it, and he's moved on now.) This shows a fundamental lack of humanity in Bujor's writing. In real life, there's no such thing as good guys and bad guys - it's never clear-cut. But Bujor refuses to allow that kind of complexity in her book. But it's hard to accuse Bujor of writing bad guys that lack complexity, because...
Flat characters
Her good guys lack complexity as well. Of the three protagonists (four if you count Nameless), the only one who has any actual characteristics is Jade, and only for the first hundred pages or so. For those pages, she reads like a caricature of a bratty princess - completely unrealistic and unsympathetic. The other protagonists have lots of informed characteristics, but they never quite come through onto the page. They're all boring and bland, not one of them transcending into humanity. They're just vehicles for the plot, not actual people. Any protagonists could've fit this story. Oh, and speaking of all those informed characteristics...
Telling
One of the most important rules in all of writing is, "Show, don't tell". You can't just say exactly how the characters are feeling. (That makes me feel angry!) You can't just tell the audience their exact personalities. You must be subtle. You must imply things. And Bujor fails at all of these. If this review were part of one of her books, she would've constantly said, "Mike was very angry" or, "Mike wrote the review with anger." There are distinct character arcs for all of the protagonists, but we never actually see the development. We just hear about it in the narration, and I guess we're supposed to assume that it actually happened.
This is especially problematic in the book's thematics. See, the biggest way that you can avoid making your themes feel preachy is to not shove them in the reader's face. You show them a set of honest events, and let them draw their own conclusions - if you've written well, and your theme is worth saying, they'll draw the one you want. Charles Dickens doesn't say, "See, Pip assumed Magwitch was bad, because he was a robber, but he actually felt bad for what he did! That's why you shouldn't judge people based on their social class without understanding them!" Suzanne Collins doesn't say, "See, the Capitol represents the first world, and the Districts represent the rest of the world, and that's why income inequality is bad!" But Bujor does. The message she sends in the story (about the value of hope in a bad situation) is so ham-fisted that it's impossible to take it seriously. Bujor constantly brings it up, to the point where the stones literally have the power of hope. (Which makes zero sense. Also, it's mentioned that hope will die with the girls if any of them lose their lives, which shows a lack of understanding as to how hope works.) Basically, the telling rather than showing ruined the themes, along with the flow of the character arcs and quite a few scenes. Although there might be another factor ruining the flow of the scenes...
Bad writing/translation issues
In case you couldn't tell from the author's name, this book was originally written in French and translated to English. That makes it a little ambiguous as to whether the horrendous writing was the fault of Bujor, or her translator. But it's pretty horrible, either way. The writing, throughout the entire book, is awkward, choppy, and distancing. It's kind of hard to describe what I mean by that, so here's a completely random sample of text:
Jade looked stunning in the blue-green gown that had been made specifically for her in the country of Tyrel. Her green eyes sparkled even more than usual, and her face glowed with pleasure. She moved across the ballroom like a queen among her subjects. All eyes were on her: she was the star of the evening, and she was in seventh heaven. She danced, chatted with the guests, and laughed to her heart's content. The party was even more of a success than she had hoped. The refreshments were delicious, the decor was sumptuous, and the splendor of it all was dazzling. This, she thought, is perfect happiness.
There are... quite a few issues there, to say the least. It's repetitive ('green' was used twice as a description in two sentences), it's vague (just count the number of times words like 'stunning' and 'dazzling' were used instead of actual descriptive adjectives), it's a bit strange (she was in seventh heaven? What does that even mean?), and it has unnecessary details (why does it matter that the dress was made in Tyrel?). But most importantly, it does a terrible job of actually putting the reader in the ballroom. The descriptions are generic - they lack the substance and realism necessary for me to really imagine the event. And that's just a random passage - the entire book is like that. The prose is terribly awkward and distancing; almost unbearable at times. And it wasn't just the prose...
Clinical dialogue
The dialogue wasn't much better. When I say clinical, I mean that it doesn't reflect the characters in the least (not that they had personalities to reflect). It's all just... bland. It also delivers precisely - I mean, precisely what's necessary to advance the scene and the plot. It's blatantly calculated - Bujor isn't even trying. Basically, imagine the sample of prose I gave above in dialogue form. That's what the dialogue is like. And, of course, there are more problems in the way that the information was presented...
Infodumping
This time, the problem is the worldbuilding. Specifically, that Bujor is incapable of building her world subtlely, and instead relies on massive fucking infodumps. This isn't such a problem in the beginning, but once we make it into Fairytale, it was enormous. Long chunks, most notably an entire chapter, were all dedicated to infodumps of extraneous information. I feel like a lot of authors don't understand this: when you infodump, you stop the plot, if only for a few paragraphs. Your job is to keep the story moving - it can't stop for anything. Less is more - if you can ever avoid stopping the story to give extraneous and uninteresting information, avoid it. Of course, it's hard to criticize Bujor for stopping the plot, because...
Rushed plot
Maybe it's more a rushed flow of scenes than a rushed plot, but it's still an issue. Particularly towards the beginning of the book, lots of scenes only lasted a paragraph or two. Tiny chunks of events, with more narrative summary than action, combined with Bujor's clinical dialogue created distancing, boring scenes. It also meant that the plot moved too quickly to get a sense of tension - before a problem felt really fleshed out, it was already solved. It also prevented me from making any meaningful connection to the plot (that, and the flat characters). It just came and went, without me really processing it. And the plot wasn't all that was rushed...
Insta-love
Yes, this is a thing, too. And it's completely unnecessary, because the book isn't even a romance. But no, it happens. Okay, so at this point at the plot, the three girls had just met Adrien. All of their interactions had been of the same clinical sort that make up literally every other scene in the book. There was no sort of meaningful or emotional interaction. Yet, only around twelve hours later, when Opal , Adrien has declared his undying love for her. It makes no sense - they haven't even had the kind of interaction that would make way to superficial infatuation. Yet, we're actually meant to believe it: Adrien has fallen in love with someone he knew for a half of a day. Madly, desperately so. And this isn't even the only time it happens - much latter on, Nameless falls in love with Amber in much the same way. I guess this isn't particularly surprising, given the shallow characters, but it's still an incredibly inorganic and uninteresting way of writing. Oh, and speaking of things that are inorganic and uninteresting...
Cliches
You are not surprised. Come on. With everything else I've complained about, did you honestly think this would be an original and intelligent piece of writing? If so, you haven't been paying much attention. Anyway, when I set out to describe the cliches, I realized that all I have to do is describe the premise - there's not a single bit of this story that isn't littered with dozens and dozens of cliches. Alright, so the story is about three girls. The first, Jade, is the princess of a duke, and she's spoiled and bratty because of this. The second, Amber, has no father, and her mother just died. The third, Opal, recently found a mysterious orb with her parents, that is almost magical. Anywho, the three of them all find out that they're orphans, and they all meet up together to go on a magic quest to free the kingdom of an oppressive government that doesn't want them to believe in magic.
Jesus shit, was Bujor even trying?
I'll answer my own question: no, she wasn't. This is not the work of someone who cares a single bit about originality. I can't prove it, but I'll bet anything that the story was derived from some other, very cliched work. Either way, it doesn't matter if you haven't read this book - there's not a single thing you haven't seen before. This leads to its natural extension...
Predictability
There was one (and only one) mildly clever prophecy twist, but for the most part, this book was a straight line. Nothing bad happens to the good guys. The bad guys are defeated at the end. The Nameless guy that we've been following around despite the fact that he has no relation to the plot is the Chosen One. The quests are largely successful. It's so boring that I can barely even think of examples of its predictability. This book left so little impression on me - there's nothing new within its pages. If that's not a predictable book, I don't know what is. Probably the only thing about the plot that did stick out at me was...
No ending
This book had no ending. The book just kind of cuts off after the final battle. There's no sense of resolution - we don't find out what happens to the characters at all, the theme doesn't get any closure, we just get some shit about a tree. (Yes, really). I guess there isn't much of a point to the plot once the enemy is gone, since that's literally the only thing that makes it at all interesting. But the ending was painfully unresolved and cut off. Not at all conclusive.
Dues ex machinas
There's nothing I can do to describe this one, except to provide a quote. But first, a preamble: picture every cheap way that characters have cheated death in books, movies, and TV shows. Feel how annoying they are? Feel how stupid and frustrating it is?
It isn't as bad as what I'm about to show you:
“...Opal is dead, and I don't see how a healer can change that! It's not something to joke about."
Joke?" Then Owen hit his forehead and cried, "That's right, you haven't heard!"
Heard what?" asked Adrien, who felt an insane glimmer of hope return to his heart.
Death is on strike! She hasn't done that for two centuries, and it's very annoying. Your friend is alive."
Very annoying?" repeated Amber. "I don't see what's so annoying about a miracle! What is Death on strike for?"
"Everyone knows that Death lives in Fairytale-in an inaccessible area, obviously. And just a few hours ago, she decided to stop working. So, for now, no one can die.”
What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck.
One more thing: the fact that Bujor was thirteen when she wrote this book doesn't get her off the hook with me. It's pretty clear that the company that published this book only bought the book as a gimmick, "Look at this thirteen year-old prodigy!" But that doesn't make this a good book. If Bujor is going to be published like an adult, then I'm going to criticize her like I would an adult. And under those standards... Jesus shit, this is one of the worst books I've ever read. I've read a lot of terrible books, and this tops nearly every single one. I want to forget I ever read it, as quickly as possible. (And clearly, the best way to do so is to write a long review about it.) I can't think of a single audience for it, a single type of person who would like it. Maybe get this as a gag gift for people you hate. That's all I can suggest.
June 15, 2016
Before I begin, I'll admit it. I haven't read this book in sometime and it is an old childhood favourite. This is, in fact, a review that I've edited from 2012. So forgive me for how terrible it is, but I really want to share with you one of the books that made my childhood special.
It was actually a giant fluke that I found this book. When I go to libraries and can't find anything to read I generally stand in front of a shelf, close my eyes and pull out a random book. Sometimes they're good, and sometimes they're not. This was how I found the Prophcey of the Gems. On first glance of the cover I thought it would be quite childish and immature. In spite of this, I borrowed the book out to read. Holy moly did I end up loving it! Truly, I did. The suspense, intrigue and fantasy that came within the pages of the book had me hooked. Flavia used a language that made me feel like I was there alongside the three protagonists: Jade, Opal, and Amber. I was there watching the whole thing unfold. When I finished, I looked this book up I saw it had a lot of negative criticism. I can't understand why? It was a delightful tale about trust, love, destiny, and staying true to yourself.
I recommended this book to many of my friends over the years, and they have all immensely enjoyed it.
Seriously, just read it. You won't regret it.
It was actually a giant fluke that I found this book. When I go to libraries and can't find anything to read I generally stand in front of a shelf, close my eyes and pull out a random book. Sometimes they're good, and sometimes they're not. This was how I found the Prophcey of the Gems. On first glance of the cover I thought it would be quite childish and immature. In spite of this, I borrowed the book out to read. Holy moly did I end up loving it! Truly, I did. The suspense, intrigue and fantasy that came within the pages of the book had me hooked. Flavia used a language that made me feel like I was there alongside the three protagonists: Jade, Opal, and Amber. I was there watching the whole thing unfold. When I finished, I looked this book up I saw it had a lot of negative criticism. I can't understand why? It was a delightful tale about trust, love, destiny, and staying true to yourself.
I recommended this book to many of my friends over the years, and they have all immensely enjoyed it.
Seriously, just read it. You won't regret it.
July 24, 2020
Rating: ⭐
Not to be absolutely horrible, but this book doesn't even deserve one star. I desperately wanted to DNF this, but I pushed through (by skimming a large, LARGE portion) because this was to complete two prompts for The Reading Rush.
Everything about this book I didn't enjoy. The characters were immature, irritating and horrible. The plot was so chaotic and up and down that it didn't make sense. The context of the plot, like the background as to why this whole story is even happening, isn't explained well or at all. I'm so confused about this book as a whole.
The characters. Jade (disgraceful), Amber and Opal. A story about gemstones! How fun! No. These characters are unlikeable in all senses, Jade being the worst of them all (oh the irony). She has no manners and is stuck up and snobby. She does not respect anyone and sees herself above everyone and everything. Personally, this doesn't change throughout the book for me. While she completes "selfless" acts, she only does so because she has to. The other girls are just forgetful and unimportant.
I don't understand what The Prophecy in this was or why The Council even cared about the girls. Their background hatred wasn't explained and how the girls even came into existence? Nope none of it was explained.
I don't want to talk about this anymore. I do not recommend at all.
Not to be absolutely horrible, but this book doesn't even deserve one star. I desperately wanted to DNF this, but I pushed through (by skimming a large, LARGE portion) because this was to complete two prompts for The Reading Rush.
Everything about this book I didn't enjoy. The characters were immature, irritating and horrible. The plot was so chaotic and up and down that it didn't make sense. The context of the plot, like the background as to why this whole story is even happening, isn't explained well or at all. I'm so confused about this book as a whole.
The characters. Jade (disgraceful), Amber and Opal. A story about gemstones! How fun! No. These characters are unlikeable in all senses, Jade being the worst of them all (oh the irony). She has no manners and is stuck up and snobby. She does not respect anyone and sees herself above everyone and everything. Personally, this doesn't change throughout the book for me. While she completes "selfless" acts, she only does so because she has to. The other girls are just forgetful and unimportant.
I don't understand what The Prophecy in this was or why The Council even cared about the girls. Their background hatred wasn't explained and how the girls even came into existence? Nope none of it was explained.
I don't want to talk about this anymore. I do not recommend at all.
October 3, 2011
This book was quite lacking, to say the least. The characters were underdeveloped, the plot was a little shaky and the two or three instances of love at first sight were what really made reading this book a chore. I think that there were some very good ideas and parts in this book, but the writing just wasn't very good. Honestly, I was relieved when I finished it.
October 11, 2023
( I do not actually condone book burning.)
July 8, 2011
I'm sure if this book had been written by an adult it never would have been published. I suppose it's well written for a teen, but as a teen myself, I know several people who could write books that were much more imaginative and well written. I'm not sure if the writing was so stilted in the original French, but even if it wasn't, the plot was still boring and predictable. I found this book very disappointing. This book was pretty good for being written by a fourteen year old, but not good enough to be published, raved about, and translated into so many different languages.
October 5, 2016
Onhan tämä nyt parempi kuin mitään mitä itse olisin kirjoittanut 12-vuotiaana, mutta ei tää nyt silti hyvä ole.
July 20, 2012
If you come to this book expecting great literature, or the next epic fantasy novel, you'll be disappointed. But if you come to it to read a story written by a thirteen year old girl who loves to write and has a healthy mix of creativity and imagination in her life, you'll probably be pleased with what you find. I've certainly read less solid works by adults. Sure there may be holes in the plot, or some other problems in the writing, but the story works just fine. The plot is pretty straightforward: good vs evil. In this case, the reader hopes that the good comes in the form of three fourteen year old girls who are to fulfill a prophecy in the land called Fairytale. Each girl bears the name of a stone she carries, Amber, Jade, and Opal, and bring a unique set life experiences which aid them on their quest. Plus there's the search for the chosen one, who will ride from the dark into the light.
One interesting twist is the interspersed story of Joa, a girl in a parallel world called Paris, who is dying. She draws strength from her dreams where three girls, whose names are that of stones, and are the initials of her own name, are on a quest to defeat evil.
I hadn't known there was a lot of hype about this book when it came out. I picked it up because the author was about the age of two of my granddaughters, and I was curious to see what was in the mind of a girl their age. I'll probably pass this on to them, along with some other books I collected that might help wean them from sparkly.
I got this book at Blue Bicycle Books on King St in Charleston.
One interesting twist is the interspersed story of Joa, a girl in a parallel world called Paris, who is dying. She draws strength from her dreams where three girls, whose names are that of stones, and are the initials of her own name, are on a quest to defeat evil.
I hadn't known there was a lot of hype about this book when it came out. I picked it up because the author was about the age of two of my granddaughters, and I was curious to see what was in the mind of a girl their age. I'll probably pass this on to them, along with some other books I collected that might help wean them from sparkly.
I got this book at Blue Bicycle Books on King St in Charleston.
June 5, 2015
Aren't you excited to read the book which was written when the author was 12? I think this book will crawl up to your Top 3 favourite book chart.
The book consists the three girls;Jade, Opal, and Amber but when they turned into 14, their life were changed. On their 14th birthday, they faced the tragic of knowing the people they thought that they were their parents turned out that they were their foster parents. They each were given red velvet pouches which contained stones that tells them about their pasts. Their guardians told them that there will be three girls including them. Three of them were told that they should never trust each other. They were assigned to search for the Chosen one and defeat the Council of Twelve who wanted to rule over Fairytale world just like they did to the other worlds.
Will they be able to defeat the Council of Twelve and save the fairytale world?
What kinds of adventures will they meet?
Flavia Bujor, a french author. She wrote this book when she was 12. I actually can't believe that she wrote it when she was young. The way she wrote is just so professional.
This book is in my Top 3 favourite book^^
Hope you guys have the same taste as me in books and actually enjoy reading this book^^
The book consists the three girls;Jade, Opal, and Amber but when they turned into 14, their life were changed. On their 14th birthday, they faced the tragic of knowing the people they thought that they were their parents turned out that they were their foster parents. They each were given red velvet pouches which contained stones that tells them about their pasts. Their guardians told them that there will be three girls including them. Three of them were told that they should never trust each other. They were assigned to search for the Chosen one and defeat the Council of Twelve who wanted to rule over Fairytale world just like they did to the other worlds.
Will they be able to defeat the Council of Twelve and save the fairytale world?
What kinds of adventures will they meet?
Flavia Bujor, a french author. She wrote this book when she was 12. I actually can't believe that she wrote it when she was young. The way she wrote is just so professional.
This book is in my Top 3 favourite book^^
Hope you guys have the same taste as me in books and actually enjoy reading this book^^
May 3, 2017
I was expecting a good read since I was hearing all these positive reviews about this book but I was extremely disappointed. And since appalled may be too strong of a word, I will just say that I was also unhappy with what I found. The story isn't too bad but this book itself was poorly written. I don't want to say that it's because a teen wrote it since I know that there are many talented teen authors out there, but you can definitely tell that the author was inexperienced. The writing was horrible and did not appeal to me at all. I wonder how it got published in the first place, and better yet, I wonder how it got all the positive attention it got.
Don't waste your time with this one.
Don't waste your time with this one.
October 22, 2018
Ένα αρκετά συμπαθητικό βιβλίο εφηβικής λογοτεχνίας που βασίζεται στο φανταστικό.
June 8, 2010
Quite possibly one of the worst books I've ever read. I should've known when I saw the title, but even badfiction can be compelling in a comedic sort of way.
The frame plot is about a girl in a hospital who is dying and she has some sort of dream in which she either dreams that the main story takes place or has some sort of past life regression, which turns out to be the main story. Now this concept in and of itself can be very interesting, if done well. It's a shame it wasn't because I'd loved reading something like it.
The dream the girl has revolves around 3 girls, from various social backgrounds and all with a distinct personality (you can smell the mary sueism from a mile away), who have something to do with a prophecy and have to go on an epic quest to find 3 gems and save the day. On the way there they do nothing more than bicker and bitch against each other, and, oh yes, whine. The exact problem they're hoping to solve is not clear and why there's some sort of war going on is also unclear. They also meet a few men and fall in love with them, which was both bewildering and an hilarious hyperbole of the whole love at first sight concept, though in all probability unintended.
The most hilarious part was when two of them freaked out over the death of the third, when apparently she wasn't because death had decided to go on strike. That slight hint of absurdism was refreshing to say the least, but overall the book lacked imagination and the climax was cliché at best, with the dying girl deciding that she needs to fight for her life like the three ladies of her dream.
That said, I did like reading it, because honestly, it's easy to read. Easy sentence structure, no subclauses that go on for 40 pages, easy vocabulary. It's sad that it couldn't have been applied to a better plot, but then again, the author was rather young. I hope she develops in her writing skills. and then maybe I'll be seduced to read another one of her novels. As things are though, I think not.
The frame plot is about a girl in a hospital who is dying and she has some sort of dream in which she either dreams that the main story takes place or has some sort of past life regression, which turns out to be the main story. Now this concept in and of itself can be very interesting, if done well. It's a shame it wasn't because I'd loved reading something like it.
The dream the girl has revolves around 3 girls, from various social backgrounds and all with a distinct personality (you can smell the mary sueism from a mile away), who have something to do with a prophecy and have to go on an epic quest to find 3 gems and save the day. On the way there they do nothing more than bicker and bitch against each other, and, oh yes, whine. The exact problem they're hoping to solve is not clear and why there's some sort of war going on is also unclear. They also meet a few men and fall in love with them, which was both bewildering and an hilarious hyperbole of the whole love at first sight concept, though in all probability unintended.
The most hilarious part was when two of them freaked out over the death of the third, when apparently she wasn't because death had decided to go on strike. That slight hint of absurdism was refreshing to say the least, but overall the book lacked imagination and the climax was cliché at best, with the dying girl deciding that she needs to fight for her life like the three ladies of her dream.
That said, I did like reading it, because honestly, it's easy to read. Easy sentence structure, no subclauses that go on for 40 pages, easy vocabulary. It's sad that it couldn't have been applied to a better plot, but then again, the author was rather young. I hope she develops in her writing skills. and then maybe I'll be seduced to read another one of her novels. As things are though, I think not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2017
3 stars!
Das Orakel von Oonagh is definitely an intersting book and I think the fact that it has been written my a teenage girl commands respect. The whole concept of three girls that have never met each other and are now forced to fight together in order to protect their world against evil forces has been intriguing and I loved the first few chapters, where we get to know the girls and where they finally meet.
I however had the feeling that the world they are living in has been a little underdeveloped - we got to know a lot about some aspects of this world, while questions on other elements remained unanswered. Unfortunately, I didn't like the chapters on the chosen one that much - maybe the balance was at odd - he felt like an intruder to me while I always wanted to know more about Jade, Amber and Ophale.
The characterization of death has been very well done and I still remembered the girls encounter with death from the first time I read the book. All in all, Das Orakel von Oonagh has been an entertaining story and I definitely think that Flavia Bujor is a very talented writer - I felt a little disappointed when I found no further books from this author here on Goodreads.
Das Orakel von Oonagh is definitely an intersting book and I think the fact that it has been written my a teenage girl commands respect. The whole concept of three girls that have never met each other and are now forced to fight together in order to protect their world against evil forces has been intriguing and I loved the first few chapters, where we get to know the girls and where they finally meet.
I however had the feeling that the world they are living in has been a little underdeveloped - we got to know a lot about some aspects of this world, while questions on other elements remained unanswered. Unfortunately, I didn't like the chapters on the chosen one that much - maybe the balance was at odd - he felt like an intruder to me while I always wanted to know more about Jade, Amber and Ophale.
The characterization of death has been very well done and I still remembered the girls encounter with death from the first time I read the book. All in all, Das Orakel von Oonagh has been an entertaining story and I definitely think that Flavia Bujor is a very talented writer - I felt a little disappointed when I found no further books from this author here on Goodreads.
April 30, 2011
... lost in translation?
I feel that that is what must have happened here. This book was terrible, I had to force myself through it. The plot it cliche to the extreme, the dialogue unwitty, the characters two dimensional, not to mention complete beeotches.
I think that must of this was lost in translation... because if it wasn't, then this is complete crap.
I feel that that is what must have happened here. This book was terrible, I had to force myself through it. The plot it cliche to the extreme, the dialogue unwitty, the characters two dimensional, not to mention complete beeotches.
I think that must of this was lost in translation... because if it wasn't, then this is complete crap.
March 13, 2018
This book was written by a 15 year old, and it definitely shows. It was so incredibly cheesy, totally unimaginative, and not very skillfully written. I read this when I was in middle school, and even back then I thought it was silly. I'm really confused as to why everyone loves it so much.
December 24, 2013
Awful.
October 22, 2015
Challenge #44 A book that was originally written in a different language (popsugar 2015 reading challenge: http://tinyurl.com/mmbkthd)
February 13, 2017
All of my reviews are spoiler free (unless stated otherwise) so you can go ahead and read my review!
First things first, I just want to point out that the author of this book first started writing it when she was 12 and by the time she was 14, it was a published book. Just let that sink in for a moment..........
WOW. The fact that a 12 year old can come up with such a cool idea and then put pen to paper and create a 400+ page book that is good enough to be published just blows my mind!
This is only going to be a short review because I don't really have much to say, so here it is.
I loved this book. The idea, the characters and the execution of the plot were all amazing for her age. However, because of her age, I felt as though I would have enjoyed this book so much more if I was younger, because that's just how it's written. It was quite predictable and the writing was a bit juvenile at times but what do you expect? It was written by a 12 year old who is extremely talented to be able to create this amazing piece of work that I believe should be read by all children because it's just such a great fantasy story that incorporates friendships, adventure, fantasy, magic and all those good things that children LOVE.
I highly recommend this to anyone with kids or teachers or anyone who wants a great fantasy middle grade story, really! It was excellent and I commend Flavia for having such beautiful writing and an really enjoyable story at such a young age! Brilliant!
First things first, I just want to point out that the author of this book first started writing it when she was 12 and by the time she was 14, it was a published book. Just let that sink in for a moment..........
WOW. The fact that a 12 year old can come up with such a cool idea and then put pen to paper and create a 400+ page book that is good enough to be published just blows my mind!
This is only going to be a short review because I don't really have much to say, so here it is.
I loved this book. The idea, the characters and the execution of the plot were all amazing for her age. However, because of her age, I felt as though I would have enjoyed this book so much more if I was younger, because that's just how it's written. It was quite predictable and the writing was a bit juvenile at times but what do you expect? It was written by a 12 year old who is extremely talented to be able to create this amazing piece of work that I believe should be read by all children because it's just such a great fantasy story that incorporates friendships, adventure, fantasy, magic and all those good things that children LOVE.
I highly recommend this to anyone with kids or teachers or anyone who wants a great fantasy middle grade story, really! It was excellent and I commend Flavia for having such beautiful writing and an really enjoyable story at such a young age! Brilliant!
October 8, 2013
Imagine a world in a parallel universe, where everything is owned and monitered by the shadowy 'Council of Twelve'
Three very different girls from three very different lives are brought together by the mysterious fate that changes everything, starting on the night of their fourteenth birthday. Suddenly, their lives are intertwined by 'The Prophecy' something so old and so important that it's secret is always guarded by the Council of Twelve. Why? Because it reveals the truth about Fairytale, the land that is to be kept hidden at all costs. Suddenly these three girls are caught up in a whirlwind of adventure to save Fairytale. Will they succeed, or will the glorious happiness of Fairytale die forever? Read The Prophecy of the Stones by Flavia Bujor to find out.
Three very different girls from three very different lives are brought together by the mysterious fate that changes everything, starting on the night of their fourteenth birthday. Suddenly, their lives are intertwined by 'The Prophecy' something so old and so important that it's secret is always guarded by the Council of Twelve. Why? Because it reveals the truth about Fairytale, the land that is to be kept hidden at all costs. Suddenly these three girls are caught up in a whirlwind of adventure to save Fairytale. Will they succeed, or will the glorious happiness of Fairytale die forever? Read The Prophecy of the Stones by Flavia Bujor to find out.
December 4, 2008
I randomly picked this book off the shelf and read the book note by the publisher. The author is 15 from Romania...he said "Once in a while a book emerges that is a truly captivating blend of adventure, powerful emotion and sensitivity, a novel that is going to be cherished for many years." I decided I HAD to read it...
Okay, so I am finished and was amazed that a 14 year old wrote it...there was some vocab I had to look up. :) I didn't give it a 5 because I felt that some of the conflicts were too easily resolved, but I felt for the characters. It was a good adventure that makes you think about good and evil.
Okay, so I am finished and was amazed that a 14 year old wrote it...there was some vocab I had to look up. :) I didn't give it a 5 because I felt that some of the conflicts were too easily resolved, but I felt for the characters. It was a good adventure that makes you think about good and evil.
May 25, 2011
Even though the book is nearly 400 pages, everything felt too rushed, like Bujor was trying to write the novel too quickly, just to get it over with. Had she taken her time and gone into more detail and plot explanation, the book would have been a lot better and not so much fluff. A rather disappointing read.
February 17, 2012
It isn't often that I come across my mother-in-law's maiden name, so I thought I'd give this book a try. And it was definitely trying. I looked up the author and discovered that she was young (not quite "The Young Visiters" young, but still) and managed to forgive many of the bizarre pieces in the story as simply immature. ... But I don't think I'd be willing to read this again.
December 2, 2015
5 Words: Prophecy, war, friendship, family, good.
I loved this book when I was a young teen. But reading it again over a decade later it just didn't have the same magic.
I loved this book when I was a young teen. But reading it again over a decade later it just didn't have the same magic.
June 12, 2024
Η αλήθεια είναι πως έβλεπα πολύ καιρό το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο στο ράφι του βιβλιοπωλείου και πολύ περισσότερο, στο ράφι της δικιάς μου βιβλιοθήκης ωστόσο, πάντα κάτι μεσολαβούσε και έπαιρνε προτεραιότητα. Αυτή τη φορά όμως αντιστάθηκα στον πειρασμό να καταπιαστώ με κάποιο άλλο στη θέση του, για πολλοστή φορά, και έτσι έκανα το μεγάλο βήμα. Και όχι, δεν το μετάνιωσα καθόλου γιατί, όσο παιδικό κι αν φοβόμουν ότι μπορεί να είναι, αποδείχτηκε εξαιρετικά ευχάριστο στην ανάγνωσή του. Δεν θα ισχυριστώ φυσικά ότι το έργο δεν χαρακτηρίζεται από κάποια παιδικότητα ωστόσο, είναι εκείνη η μορφή της που νοσταλγείς και αγαπάς, που χαίρεσαι όταν συναντάς και αφήνεις τον εαυτό σου να παρασυρθεί στη μαγεία της χωρίς γκρίνιες και περιστροφές. Γιατί αυτός είναι ο σκοπός της Bujor τελικά, να μας ταξιδέψει σε έναν μαγικό κόσμο, όπου όλα μοιάζουν απίθανα και όμως, όλα είναι δυνατά, αρκεί να πιστέψεις σε αυτά.
Τρία κορίτσια, τρεις πέτρες, μια προφητεία που τις ένωσε από την στιγμή κι όλας που γεννήθηκαν με σκοπό να τις κάνει να συναντηθούν και να πορευτούν με έναν κοινό στόχο, με μια αποστολή που κρύβει πολύ περισσότερα απ' όσα μπορούν να φανταστούν. Η Νεφρίτη, η Ηλέκτρα και η Οπάλη, είναι τρία κορίτσια που έχουν γεννηθεί την ίδια μέρα και εκείνη των 14ων γενεθλίων τους, ανακαλύπτουν ότι όλη τους η ζωή μέχρι τότε ήταν ένα μεγάλο ψέμα. Παρά τις διαφορές τους, παρά τις κοινωνικές τάξεις που τις χωρίζουν και τον τρόπο που έχουν μεγαλώσει, τα τρία αυτά κορίτσια έχουν ένα μεγάλο κοινό. Είναι υιοθετημένες, μεγαλωμένες από οικογένειες που δεν τους έφεραν στον κόσμο αλλά, ανέλαβαν να τις μεγαλώσουν και να τις προστατέψουν μέχρι την στιγμή αυτή όπου το κάλεσμα της μοίρας της φέρνει κοντά για πρώτη φορά. Πρέπει λοιπόν, πρώτα απ' όλα, να δεχτούν τη νέα κατάσταση και να συμβιβαστούν με το γεγονός πως ότι γνώριζαν δεν ήταν τίποτα άλλο παρά ένα ψέμα. Από 'κει κι έπειτα, πρέπει να ανακαλύψουν τι είναι η Προφητεία και το σημαντικότερο όλων, ποια είναι η δικιά τους θέση μέσα σε αυτήν.
Ξεκινάνε λοιπόν ένα ταξίδι, ένα οδοιπορικό στις πόλεις και τις εξοχές του τόπου τους με σκοπό να ανακαλύψουν ποιες πραγματικά είναι αλλά, και ποιο είναι το πεπρωμένο που πρέπει να ακολουθήσουν και να ολοκληρώσουν. Στο ταξίδι αυτό θα συναντήσουν φίλους που γνωρίζουν τα μυστικά τους και που είναι πρόθυμοι να τις βοηθήσουν. Όπως είναι όμως φυσικό, θα συναντήσουν και πολλούς εχθρούς που στόχο τους έχουν, όχι απλά να τις εμποδίσουν αλλά, να τις οδηγήσουν σε έναν φριχτό θάνατο. Είναι εκείνοι που κυβερνάνε κι ελέγχουν τα πάντα, εκείνοι που δεν μπορούν να αφήσουν την εξουσία τους να χαθεί εξαιτίας τριών ανήλικων κοριτσιών, εκείνοι που είναι ικανοί να κάνουν οτιδήποτε προκειμένου να κατέχουν τη δύναμη να καταδυναστεύουν τα πλήθη. Και ανάμεσα σε αυτά τα δυο στρατόπεδα, υπάρχει ο Εκλεκτός, εκείνος που ακόμα δεν έχει βρεθεί αλλά όταν το κάνει, θα είναι εκείνος που θα ηγηθεί του στρατού της ειρήνης και θα οδηγήσει το πλήθος στη μάχη. Είναι εκείνος με την αγνή καρδιά που ωστόσο, γνωρίζει καλά και το σκοτάδι, πράγμα λογικό αν αναλογιστούμε ότι το Φως δεν μπορεί να υπάρξει χωρίς το Σκότος.
Η ιστορία της Flavia Bujor κυκλοφόρησε για πρώτη φορά το 2002 στο Παρίσι και αμέσως έγινε μεγάλη επιτυχία, όχι μόνο στο νεανικό αλλά, και στο ενήλικο κοινό που αγαπάει την περιπέτεια και την φαντασία. Η ιστορία της άλλωστε εμπεριέχει όλα εκείνα τα στοιχεία που μπορούν να σου κεντρίσουν το ενδιαφέρον. Μια μαγική και μυστηριώδης χώρα μεσαιωνικών χαρακτηριστικών και ομορφιάς, κοινωνικές συνθήκες που επιβάλλουν κατώτερα και ανώτερα στρώματα, μέσα από τα οποία γεννιούνται σωτήρες και δυνάστες, νεαροί πρωταγωνιστές που έχουν ταυτόχρονα ευαισθησία και ενθουσιώδη παρορμητισμό, μαγικά πλάσματα και δυνάμεις πέραν από τα σύνορα του δικού μας κόσμου και μια προφητεία ζωντανή μέσα στους αιώνες μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην λύτρωση. Ναι, η Bujor πλάθει το δικό της, σύγχρονο παραμύθι, χρησιμοποιώντας όλα τα πεπαλαιωμένα συστατικά επιτυχίας, με μια δόση φρεσκάδας από τη μαγεία και τη φαντασία του σήμερα. Με απλό τρόπο, καταφέρνει να μιλήσει για θεμελιώδεις αξίες στη ζωή ενός ανθρώπου ενώ παράλληλα, ξετυλίγει το νήμα μιας ιστορίας γεμάτης μυστικά, συνεχείς ανατροπές κι εκπλήξεις, με αρκετές δόσεις συγκίνησης,ισορροπημένες με ισάξιες δόσεις έξυπνου χιούμορ.
Με πολύ απλά λόγια, "Η Προφητεία Της Πέτρας" είναι ένα γοητευτικό παραμύθι, τοποθετημένο σε μια μαγική χώρα, πεπαλαιωμένης αισθητικής που μας προκαλεί να ταξιδέψουμε σε αυτήν ανακαλύπτοντας κάθε μικρή ή μεγάλη ομορφιά που βρίσκεται κρυμμένη σε αυτήν ενώ παράλληλα, ο φόβος για το άγνωστο που πλησιάζει απειλητικό και άγριο δεν παύει λεπτό να μας κατατρέχει. Σκοτεινά μυστικά, καλά κρυμμένες αλήθειες που περιμένουν να δουν το φως, δράση, αγωνία, συνεχείς ανατροπές κι αποκαλύψεις που ορισμένες φορές σοκάρουν, συναντάνε τη νεανική αθωότητα αλλά και την πίστη που μπορεί να μας κάνει να πιστέψουμε ακόμα και στο αδύνατο. Η Bujor αγκαλιάζει με πολλή αγάπη τους πρωταγωνιστές της και αυτό είναι κάτι που βγαίνει προς τα έξω κι εμείς, ως αναγνώστες, το δεχόμαστε με χαμόγελο και ικανοποίηση, δίνοντας ένα είδος ελαφρυντικού στο κάπως βεβιασμένο φινάλε, το οποίο προσωπικά θα ήθελα να τράβαγε λίγο περισσότερο, έτσι ώστε να απολαύσω ακόμα πιο πολύ τη δράση και τον δρόμο προς την λύτρωση και την κορύφωση του αγώνα για ελευθερία.
Τρία κορίτσια, τρεις πέτρες, μια προφητεία που τις ένωσε από την στιγμή κι όλας που γεννήθηκαν με σκοπό να τις κάνει να συναντηθούν και να πορευτούν με έναν κοινό στόχο, με μια αποστολή που κρύβει πολύ περισσότερα απ' όσα μπορούν να φανταστούν. Η Νεφρίτη, η Ηλέκτρα και η Οπάλη, είναι τρία κορίτσια που έχουν γεννηθεί την ίδια μέρα και εκείνη των 14ων γενεθλίων τους, ανακαλύπτουν ότι όλη τους η ζωή μέχρι τότε ήταν ένα μεγάλο ψέμα. Παρά τις διαφορές τους, παρά τις κοινωνικές τάξεις που τις χωρίζουν και τον τρόπο που έχουν μεγαλώσει, τα τρία αυτά κορίτσια έχουν ένα μεγάλο κοινό. Είναι υιοθετημένες, μεγαλωμένες από οικογένειες που δεν τους έφεραν στον κόσμο αλλά, ανέλαβαν να τις μεγαλώσουν και να τις προστατέψουν μέχρι την στιγμή αυτή όπου το κάλεσμα της μοίρας της φέρνει κοντά για πρώτη φορά. Πρέπει λοιπόν, πρώτα απ' όλα, να δεχτούν τη νέα κατάσταση και να συμβιβαστούν με το γεγονός πως ότι γνώριζαν δεν ήταν τίποτα άλλο παρά ένα ψέμα. Από 'κει κι έπειτα, πρέπει να ανακαλύψουν τι είναι η Προφητεία και το σημαντικότερο όλων, ποια είναι η δικιά τους θέση μέσα σε αυτήν.
Ξεκινάνε λοιπόν ένα ταξίδι, ένα οδοιπορικό στις πόλεις και τις εξοχές του τόπου τους με σκοπό να ανακαλύψουν ποιες πραγματικά είναι αλλά, και ποιο είναι το πεπρωμένο που πρέπει να ακολουθήσουν και να ολοκληρώσουν. Στο ταξίδι αυτό θα συναντήσουν φίλους που γνωρίζουν τα μυστικά τους και που είναι πρόθυμοι να τις βοηθήσουν. Όπως είναι όμως φυσικό, θα συναντήσουν και πολλούς εχθρούς που στόχο τους έχουν, όχι απλά να τις εμποδίσουν αλλά, να τις οδηγήσουν σε έναν φριχτό θάνατο. Είναι εκείνοι που κυβερνάνε κι ελέγχουν τα πάντα, εκείνοι που δεν μπορούν να αφήσουν την εξουσία τους να χαθεί εξαιτίας τριών ανήλικων κοριτσιών, εκείνοι που είναι ικανοί να κάνουν οτιδήποτε προκειμένου να κατέχουν τη δύναμη να καταδυναστεύουν τα πλήθη. Και ανάμεσα σε αυτά τα δυο στρατόπεδα, υπάρχει ο Εκλεκτός, εκείνος που ακόμα δεν έχει βρεθεί αλλά όταν το κάνει, θα είναι εκείνος που θα ηγηθεί του στρατού της ειρήνης και θα οδηγήσει το πλήθος στη μάχη. Είναι εκείνος με την αγνή καρδιά που ωστόσο, γνωρίζει καλά και το σκοτάδι, πράγμα λογικό αν αναλογιστούμε ότι το Φως δεν μπορεί να υπάρξει χωρίς το Σκότος.
Η ιστορία της Flavia Bujor κυκλοφόρησε για πρώτη φορά το 2002 στο Παρίσι και αμέσως έγινε μεγάλη επιτυχία, όχι μόνο στο νεανικό αλλά, και στο ενήλικο κοινό που αγαπάει την περιπέτεια και την φαντασία. Η ιστορία της άλλωστε εμπεριέχει όλα εκείνα τα στοιχεία που μπορούν να σου κεντρίσουν το ενδιαφέρον. Μια μαγική και μυστηριώδης χώρα μεσαιωνικών χαρακτηριστικών και ομορφιάς, κοινωνικές συνθήκες που επιβάλλουν κατώτερα και ανώτερα στρώματα, μέσα από τα οποία γεννιούνται σωτήρες και δυνάστες, νεαροί πρωταγωνιστές που έχουν ταυτόχρονα ευαισθησία και ενθουσιώδη παρορμητισμό, μαγικά πλάσματα και δυνάμεις πέραν από τα σύνορα του δικού μας κόσμου και μια προφητεία ζωντανή μέσα στους αιώνες μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην λύτρωση. Ναι, η Bujor πλάθει το δικό της, σύγχρονο παραμύθι, χρησιμοποιώντας όλα τα πεπαλαιωμένα συστατικά επιτυχίας, με μια δόση φρεσκάδας από τη μαγεία και τη φαντασία του σήμερα. Με απλό τρόπο, καταφέρνει να μιλήσει για θεμελιώδεις αξίες στη ζωή ενός ανθρώπου ενώ παράλληλα, ξετυλίγει το νήμα μιας ιστορίας γεμάτης μυστικά, συνεχείς ανατροπές κι εκπλήξεις, με αρκετές δόσεις συγκίνησης,ισορροπημένες με ισάξιες δόσεις έξυπνου χιούμορ.
Με πολύ απλά λόγια, "Η Προφητεία Της Πέτρας" είναι ένα γοητευτικό παραμύθι, τοποθετημένο σε μια μαγική χώρα, πεπαλαιωμένης αισθητικής που μας προκαλεί να ταξιδέψουμε σε αυτήν ανακαλύπτοντας κάθε μικρή ή μεγάλη ομορφιά που βρίσκεται κρυμμένη σε αυτήν ενώ παράλληλα, ο φόβος για το άγνωστο που πλησιάζει απειλητικό και άγριο δεν παύει λεπτό να μας κατατρέχει. Σκοτεινά μυστικά, καλά κρυμμένες αλήθειες που περιμένουν να δουν το φως, δράση, αγωνία, συνεχείς ανατροπές κι αποκαλύψεις που ορισμένες φορές σοκάρουν, συναντάνε τη νεανική αθωότητα αλλά και την πίστη που μπορεί να μας κάνει να πιστέψουμε ακόμα και στο αδύνατο. Η Bujor αγκαλιάζει με πολλή αγάπη τους πρωταγωνιστές της και αυτό είναι κάτι που βγαίνει προς τα έξω κι εμείς, ως αναγνώστες, το δεχόμαστε με χαμόγελο και ικανοποίηση, δίνοντας ένα είδος ελαφρυντικού στο κάπως βεβιασμένο φινάλε, το οποίο προσωπικά θα ήθελα να τράβαγε λίγο περισσότερο, έτσι ώστε να απολαύσω ακόμα πιο πολύ τη δράση και τον δρόμο προς την λύτρωση και την κορύφωση του αγώνα για ελευθερία.
April 28, 2019
Το διάβασα όταν ήμουν μικρή και θυμάμαι μου άρεσε 💗
May 30, 2024
Meh. The writing is kinda wonky but that is most likely due to the fact that it is translated into English. Storyline isn't bad but I feel like most of the book is an after thought. But overall written well for a 12 year old (or 17 idk exactly:)
January 25, 2019
How did this half-baked, sloppily derivative mess get published?
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