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Forte
Back in New York City, piano filled Sami McGovern's life, but moving upstate has changed everything. Thanks to the coach at Skenesboro High, Sami's volleyball skills blossom like magic. But success comes at a cost, and the same sports drink that makes her a superstar silences her music. Worse still, to stay in the "in" crowd, she must betray the few true friends she has made in the tiny town. Her one hope: fulfill a prophecy to end the magic before it destroys her...and everyone else in its thrall.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
346 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2015
2 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Spero
8 books105 followersJohannah Davies (JD) Spero’s writing career took off when her first release, Catcher’s Keeper, was a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. Her small town mystery series has won similar acclaim. Boy on Hold won 2020 IPPY Gold for Best Mystery/Thriller ebook and Boy Released was a 2021 Indies Today Finalist. Check out her bestselling romantic suspense, The Secret Cure. Having lived in various cities from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Boston, she now lives with her family in the Lake George, NY region where she was born and raised.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 30, 2018
This is a very good book for Young and Older Adults alike. The author sets the scene so well, I could nearly smell the school setting. The plot is very cleverly written to include many issues experienced by teenagers, but does not patronise its audience. Teenage dishes, peer group pressure, social isolation, substance addiction/abuse and the challenging relationships between parents and young adults, are all interwoven in the story with a big dose of mystery and magic. I highly recommend this book. I found it touching and heartwarming.
January 27, 2018
Ah,teenage angst. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. The angst is palpable. More surprisingly, it is immediate and doesn't feel overly dramatic. That is a feat that many YA books cannot manage. I highly recommend this.
January 29, 2018
Forte by jd spero.
Back in New York City, piano filled Sami McGovern's life, but moving upstate has changed everything. Thanks to the coach at Skenesboro High, Sami's volleyball skills blossom like magic. But success comes at a cost, and the same sports drink that makes her a superstar silences her music. Worse still, to stay in the "in" crowd, she must betray the few true friends she has made in the tiny town. Her one hope: fulfill a prophecy to end the magic before it destroys her...and everyone else in its thrall.
A very good read with good characters. 4*.
Back in New York City, piano filled Sami McGovern's life, but moving upstate has changed everything. Thanks to the coach at Skenesboro High, Sami's volleyball skills blossom like magic. But success comes at a cost, and the same sports drink that makes her a superstar silences her music. Worse still, to stay in the "in" crowd, she must betray the few true friends she has made in the tiny town. Her one hope: fulfill a prophecy to end the magic before it destroys her...and everyone else in its thrall.
A very good read with good characters. 4*.
February 11, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Forte. Having a teenage daughter myself I found I could relate to the main character, the way Sami is portrayed is really up my street.
I haven't read anything like this for a while, so it took my brain a bit to adjust to the magic and intrigue. Once I was in the right mode I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love magic and fantasy, it is a welcome escape from the real world! The author has captured the teenage life without belittling the reader or the characters. I would recommend all suitable ages to read this, 'young adult' can and is thoroughly enjoyed by the not so 'young adult' too!
A fab read with a plot that will suck you in!
I haven't read anything like this for a while, so it took my brain a bit to adjust to the magic and intrigue. Once I was in the right mode I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love magic and fantasy, it is a welcome escape from the real world! The author has captured the teenage life without belittling the reader or the characters. I would recommend all suitable ages to read this, 'young adult' can and is thoroughly enjoyed by the not so 'young adult' too!
A fab read with a plot that will suck you in!
March 30, 2018
This is a YA book. I really enjoyed reading it, it weaved it’s magic around me. It’s beem a while since I read a YA book and can’t wait to read the next book. If you love a good fantasy book then this is for you.
September 24, 2015
J. D. Spero, author of Catcher’s Keeper, a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel quarter-finalist releases her second novel, Forte. Published by Xchyler Publishing, Forte is a young adult fantasy.
The story centers around Sami, a young piano prodigy whose world turns upside down after moving to Skenesboro, New York. A place so unlike New York City, Sami isn’t sure how she will fit in. Leaving her two best friends behind, she feels more alone than ever until something miraculous happens. Sami, who has never been much of an athlete suddenly becomes a pro on the volleyball court, taking everyone’s notice.
Sami puts aside piano practice for volleyball and slowly, she begins to realize fitting in isn’t necessarily the most important thing in high school.
What I loved about this book:
1. Mythology. Think Greek mythology meets twenty-first century high school. There is prophecy, betrayal and some interesting twists and turns. But one thing is clear, Sami’s story reminds me how tough it was growing up during fickle teenage years set nicely against modern-day mythos. Pretty crafty!
2. West Side Story. Bad blood between two rival factions at school, the Goshenites (artist, painters, musicians, creative types) and the Fashas (athletes) has tragic consequences. Yup, total West Side Story. I loved the reference to the musical in the book and its application in the story. It becomes the catalyst; driving Sami to make some realizations about what truly matters and again, the author adds a modern-twist to an age-old story.
3. Writing. I’ve read whatever the author has written and she has a special gift with words. Spero uses her experience as a teacher to delve into the psyche of teens, her interest in history and myth to add character and dimension and her imagination to vividly weave together a nicely written and very unique story.
What I didn’t love about this book:
1. Sami could be a bit one-dimensional at times and while I did feel a bit of frustration with her as a character, I think it was more a ploy on the author’s part to help shape and grow her. If that were the case, I wouldn’t penalize the author. Like I said before, teens are fickle.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed reading Forte. Spero aspires for different in her stories and different pays off with her latest release. For that reason, Forte earns a solid 5-stars.
Please visit The Author Visits for more reviews or to request a review.
The story centers around Sami, a young piano prodigy whose world turns upside down after moving to Skenesboro, New York. A place so unlike New York City, Sami isn’t sure how she will fit in. Leaving her two best friends behind, she feels more alone than ever until something miraculous happens. Sami, who has never been much of an athlete suddenly becomes a pro on the volleyball court, taking everyone’s notice.
Sami puts aside piano practice for volleyball and slowly, she begins to realize fitting in isn’t necessarily the most important thing in high school.
What I loved about this book:
1. Mythology. Think Greek mythology meets twenty-first century high school. There is prophecy, betrayal and some interesting twists and turns. But one thing is clear, Sami’s story reminds me how tough it was growing up during fickle teenage years set nicely against modern-day mythos. Pretty crafty!
2. West Side Story. Bad blood between two rival factions at school, the Goshenites (artist, painters, musicians, creative types) and the Fashas (athletes) has tragic consequences. Yup, total West Side Story. I loved the reference to the musical in the book and its application in the story. It becomes the catalyst; driving Sami to make some realizations about what truly matters and again, the author adds a modern-twist to an age-old story.
3. Writing. I’ve read whatever the author has written and she has a special gift with words. Spero uses her experience as a teacher to delve into the psyche of teens, her interest in history and myth to add character and dimension and her imagination to vividly weave together a nicely written and very unique story.
What I didn’t love about this book:
1. Sami could be a bit one-dimensional at times and while I did feel a bit of frustration with her as a character, I think it was more a ploy on the author’s part to help shape and grow her. If that were the case, I wouldn’t penalize the author. Like I said before, teens are fickle.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
I enjoyed reading Forte. Spero aspires for different in her stories and different pays off with her latest release. For that reason, Forte earns a solid 5-stars.
Please visit The Author Visits for more reviews or to request a review.
July 27, 2015
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Forte. Having seen small excerpts of this novel in its earlier stages, I was thrilled for the chance to read Forte before its official release. (July 25, 2015)
Piano is Sami McGovern's first love. But when she moves from New York City to her mom's upstate hometown of Skenesboro, she's not only thrust into a new environment, but right onto Skenesboro High's gymnasium floor, for volleyball tryouts. Sami's no athlete. She's a musician. But coach Payne insists she go out for the team. And when she touches Sami on the shoulders, a jolt of magic goes through her, allowing her to hold her own on the court, and make the team.
Sami quickly discovers that the school is divided into those who play sports, and those who make art. What she _doesn't_ immediately realize, is the polarity goes way beyond typical rivalry, to a decades old clash between the Goshenite (artists) and Fasha (sports players). And that the sparkling blue sports drink the volleyball players are drinking on the sidelines is Aquamarine — a powerful but dangerous magical substance that enhances performance, but has side effects — including slowly leeching away Sami's ability to play piano.
Through her friendship with Brenna, a Goshenite with strange scars on her neck, a romantic interest in Jason, an enigmatic painter and neighbor, and the struggle between her loyalty to them and her volleyball teammates, Sami slowly uncovers what's hiding behind the facade of this sleepy upstate town, and the role she is to play in the unraveling of its long held secrets.
With an engaging premise, swift pacing, and genuine characters, JD Spero's novel hums along with sweeps and sways one might liken to Sami's piano playing, building to a dramatic crescendo that will leave you unable to put the book down. I could easily see this novel being adapted to a feature film or Disney Channel Original!
Piano is Sami McGovern's first love. But when she moves from New York City to her mom's upstate hometown of Skenesboro, she's not only thrust into a new environment, but right onto Skenesboro High's gymnasium floor, for volleyball tryouts. Sami's no athlete. She's a musician. But coach Payne insists she go out for the team. And when she touches Sami on the shoulders, a jolt of magic goes through her, allowing her to hold her own on the court, and make the team.
Sami quickly discovers that the school is divided into those who play sports, and those who make art. What she _doesn't_ immediately realize, is the polarity goes way beyond typical rivalry, to a decades old clash between the Goshenite (artists) and Fasha (sports players). And that the sparkling blue sports drink the volleyball players are drinking on the sidelines is Aquamarine — a powerful but dangerous magical substance that enhances performance, but has side effects — including slowly leeching away Sami's ability to play piano.
Through her friendship with Brenna, a Goshenite with strange scars on her neck, a romantic interest in Jason, an enigmatic painter and neighbor, and the struggle between her loyalty to them and her volleyball teammates, Sami slowly uncovers what's hiding behind the facade of this sleepy upstate town, and the role she is to play in the unraveling of its long held secrets.
With an engaging premise, swift pacing, and genuine characters, JD Spero's novel hums along with sweeps and sways one might liken to Sami's piano playing, building to a dramatic crescendo that will leave you unable to put the book down. I could easily see this novel being adapted to a feature film or Disney Channel Original!
July 30, 2015
Despite not being a member of the target audience I enjoyed this book. The story is fluid and engaging. The setting is interesting since it is so close to home as well.
I did have trouble identifying with the main character a bit and I found her frustrating at times. Maybe that's how a teenage girls mind works though. Lol.
As a fan of epic fantasy I enjoyed this as a relaxing read that still held a bit of magic without bogging down the story with a lot of rules and complicated character arcs.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery and magic mixed in with everyday modern life. It was fun and I look forward to JD Spero's next effort. Take the time to read Catchers Keeper as well though these two books are not similar in style or content. You won't be disappointed.
I did have trouble identifying with the main character a bit and I found her frustrating at times. Maybe that's how a teenage girls mind works though. Lol.
As a fan of epic fantasy I enjoyed this as a relaxing read that still held a bit of magic without bogging down the story with a lot of rules and complicated character arcs.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery and magic mixed in with everyday modern life. It was fun and I look forward to JD Spero's next effort. Take the time to read Catchers Keeper as well though these two books are not similar in style or content. You won't be disappointed.
January 24, 2018
More reviews at: https://noemptyshelveshere.blogspot.c...
Young adult fiction has for a while become somewhat stagnant in the whole vampire, supernatural genre, which I must admit I do enjoy as one of my guilty pleasures. But after reading Flawed by Cecelia Ahern and then this book I feel like this genre is now getting much bigger and covering more of the modern day issues that youngster these days have to face.
Forte started off slightly confusing and I couldn’t really identify with the main character Sami until about third of the book through. I found her too easy to jump between the two sides and I also found her so-called new friends unhelpful in their multiple warnings with no explanations – I would be frustrated so no surprise that Sami was. Being a pianist all her life, suddenly she signs up to the volleyball team. Her mum warns her against the team and the fascinating blue drink the athletes seems to drink like water, but of course being a typical teenager, Sami knows better and has to learn from her own mistakes before it’s too late and she loses her ability to play the piano forever.
What was quite well portrayed in this book was the peer pressure young adults go through to be with the cool gang, to be athletic, to look a certain way and to be noticed by the ‘right’ crowd. There is a clear sense of hierarchy and class separation at the school Sami attends as the new girl.
It’s an enjoyable book and I would say quite unique in its storyline and ideas.
Thank you to the author and the wonderful TBConFB for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.
Young adult fiction has for a while become somewhat stagnant in the whole vampire, supernatural genre, which I must admit I do enjoy as one of my guilty pleasures. But after reading Flawed by Cecelia Ahern and then this book I feel like this genre is now getting much bigger and covering more of the modern day issues that youngster these days have to face.
Forte started off slightly confusing and I couldn’t really identify with the main character Sami until about third of the book through. I found her too easy to jump between the two sides and I also found her so-called new friends unhelpful in their multiple warnings with no explanations – I would be frustrated so no surprise that Sami was. Being a pianist all her life, suddenly she signs up to the volleyball team. Her mum warns her against the team and the fascinating blue drink the athletes seems to drink like water, but of course being a typical teenager, Sami knows better and has to learn from her own mistakes before it’s too late and she loses her ability to play the piano forever.
What was quite well portrayed in this book was the peer pressure young adults go through to be with the cool gang, to be athletic, to look a certain way and to be noticed by the ‘right’ crowd. There is a clear sense of hierarchy and class separation at the school Sami attends as the new girl.
It’s an enjoyable book and I would say quite unique in its storyline and ideas.
Thank you to the author and the wonderful TBConFB for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2018
A solid YA fantasy with some interesting spins.
Sami left NYC with her mother basically against her will. With not many friends even in NYC, she feels like an outcast at the new school; even the music teacher is a disappointment for her, since she is a very talented pianist. Drawn by the popularity of the volleyball team and their success in the states championship over the past decade, she decides to go to tryouts - and by a touch of magic, she suddenly knows how to play. But the starry athletic path takes its toll, and the risks are sometimes not worth it.
I generally liked the setup. Small town set next to a magical mountain, with hounted house, canal, and slightly creepy atmosphere. The interesting view of the aspects including ancient Greek gods also gained my attention, together with a feel of belonging as I am a musician too.
What bothered me was Sami's character. She felt flat, naive, craving attention and popularity, and willing to sacrifice everything for that. I never fully understood the motives for such behavior and was always repulsed by the hollow, vain popularity so desired by these teenage girls. I was never that type of person even in my teen ages, and will never understand it. Sami's decision-making was exceptionally poor, although I must admit, I approve of her learning from her own mistakes. But really, there were plenty signs and alerts that something was off and wrong, and even though she realized it, she was too much a coward to act on that. Thank goodness she came to her senses after all and I was finally able to connect with her.
On the other side, the other characters were really interesting. I instantly took liking in Jason, feeling his gentle artictic soul through the pages, and could very well identify with Brenna. I even understood why Sami's mother acted the way she did, and I am not sure if I would have acted differently in her place - maybe talk to the daughter sooner. The team girls create the right drama suitable for a book set to a high school, and the evil lurks also in the overlooking of a very serious issue. I liked many themes explored in this book - the meaning of true friendship, truth even when it is not what one wants to hear, second chances, thinking before making decision, and following the inner call. I personally would never give up music, and with someone as devoted as Sami was, I feel it's off to completely turn her back to it.
All in all, the pages humming subtly with magic and bursting with YA drama make for a very enjoyable read for teens, and after some time and about a half of the book consumed, even for older audience. I enjoyed the piece, so I decided to post a honest review even though I was under no obligation to do so. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Sami left NYC with her mother basically against her will. With not many friends even in NYC, she feels like an outcast at the new school; even the music teacher is a disappointment for her, since she is a very talented pianist. Drawn by the popularity of the volleyball team and their success in the states championship over the past decade, she decides to go to tryouts - and by a touch of magic, she suddenly knows how to play. But the starry athletic path takes its toll, and the risks are sometimes not worth it.
I generally liked the setup. Small town set next to a magical mountain, with hounted house, canal, and slightly creepy atmosphere. The interesting view of the aspects including ancient Greek gods also gained my attention, together with a feel of belonging as I am a musician too.
What bothered me was Sami's character. She felt flat, naive, craving attention and popularity, and willing to sacrifice everything for that. I never fully understood the motives for such behavior and was always repulsed by the hollow, vain popularity so desired by these teenage girls. I was never that type of person even in my teen ages, and will never understand it. Sami's decision-making was exceptionally poor, although I must admit, I approve of her learning from her own mistakes. But really, there were plenty signs and alerts that something was off and wrong, and even though she realized it, she was too much a coward to act on that. Thank goodness she came to her senses after all and I was finally able to connect with her.
On the other side, the other characters were really interesting. I instantly took liking in Jason, feeling his gentle artictic soul through the pages, and could very well identify with Brenna. I even understood why Sami's mother acted the way she did, and I am not sure if I would have acted differently in her place - maybe talk to the daughter sooner. The team girls create the right drama suitable for a book set to a high school, and the evil lurks also in the overlooking of a very serious issue. I liked many themes explored in this book - the meaning of true friendship, truth even when it is not what one wants to hear, second chances, thinking before making decision, and following the inner call. I personally would never give up music, and with someone as devoted as Sami was, I feel it's off to completely turn her back to it.
All in all, the pages humming subtly with magic and bursting with YA drama make for a very enjoyable read for teens, and after some time and about a half of the book consumed, even for older audience. I enjoyed the piece, so I decided to post a honest review even though I was under no obligation to do so. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
February 25, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. the characters are full and really likeable. The story is unusual and refreshing ams moves at a perfect pace to keep the reader enthralled. I loved the fantasy element to this book, (not my normal genre), just enough to make it real and fun.
July 15, 2018
So, J. D. Spero is excellent at capturing teenage angst and high school drama. Whew, the flashbacks I got while reading this... borderline discomforting. Did I read this series in the wrong order? Yep. Did it hurt my reading of the first 2 books? Not in the least.
Story is great. Characters are interesting.
Can't wait for the next installment... though, having read book 2 then book 1, I am a touch nervous about the fate of some of the MCs now.
Story is great. Characters are interesting.
Can't wait for the next installment... though, having read book 2 then book 1, I am a touch nervous about the fate of some of the MCs now.
August 1, 2015
J.D. (Johannah Davis) Spero has written an entertaining urban fantasy story that teens will love. This story brings to light real-life challenges teens have. Some of these include choosing who their real friends are and where they will fit in, whether it is in the band, the theater, or a sport, such as volleyball in the story. It also shows the conflict between Sami and her mother, even as her mother supports her, something every teen goes through. Teens will easily relate to the characters in this book as they face their own personal challenges in middle school and high school. This story also brings in a twist of urban legends adding more dynamic to this thrilling and amusing novel. I would recommend this novel to any teen looking for a fun, relatable read.
Note: There are few swear words in the novel, but they are not excessive.
Genre: urban fantasy
Publisher: Xchyler Publishing
Publication date: July 25, 2015
Number of pages: 253
Age: 12+
Grade level: 7+
Note: There are few swear words in the novel, but they are not excessive.
Genre: urban fantasy
Publisher: Xchyler Publishing
Publication date: July 25, 2015
Number of pages: 253
Age: 12+
Grade level: 7+
March 20, 2018
A very well written YA novel.
The combination of reality with legend has been done very well.
Sami is an interesting character dealing with the regular teenage angst along with having to choose between what she wants and what she thinks she should want.
I enjoyed this one.
The combination of reality with legend has been done very well.
Sami is an interesting character dealing with the regular teenage angst along with having to choose between what she wants and what she thinks she should want.
I enjoyed this one.
March 27, 2016
Couldn't put it down. Really captured the trauma of high school, and the short timespans that exacerbated the trauma. I wish I read this book 15 years ago!
January 24, 2017
excellent treatment of teen issues of belonging, young love, and alienation. Very interesting plot development.
January 4, 2022
My husband gave me a signed copy of Forte by JD Spero as a Christmas present. He was at our local bookstore trying to find a book that I would like (and haven’t read!) and Spero was signing her books at an event. The book takes place in his hometown and I couldn’t resist reading it as my first book in 2022 since I knew I’d make more connections than the average reader. At first, I was skeptical. I am NOT a fantasy reader and the story unraveling seemed to have elements of fantasy around a magical stone called aquamarine. But I’m glad I kept reading. Spero tells Sami’s story: a talented teenager who loses her ability to play the piano after moving across the state and falling for the allure of the aquamarine drink, a powerful drug that induces superhuman athletic powers, but reduces artistic ones. Over the course of the story, Sami comes to terms with who she is, what she was born to do and what her place in the world is. And call me crazy, but I couldn’t help but settle into my own purpose as I experienced Sami’s journey, too. It was unexpectedly the perfect book for me to read at the start of a new year and lucky for me, there’s a second book, too!
March 4, 2018
Sami moves with her mum from nyc to skenesbourgh where her mum grew up and is not happy about it. She has a talent for playing the piano and doesn’t believe that this talent will be nurtured in this small town. She’s also left her friends behind and starts her first day at school anxiously. She gets picked to be on the volleyball team, surprisingly as she’s not an athlete, and loses herself in the game and moves away from her piano. But things are not what they seem with the team. What is the energy drink that they before games and why is her mum warning her against volleyball ?
I enjoyed the story but Sami’s character really annoyed me at times. I think that her relationship with Jason and Breanna could’ve been given more depth as well. They just seemed to forgive her for each time she let Breanna down.
I enjoyed the book and am interested in finding out what happens in further books.
I enjoyed the story but Sami’s character really annoyed me at times. I think that her relationship with Jason and Breanna could’ve been given more depth as well. They just seemed to forgive her for each time she let Breanna down.
I enjoyed the book and am interested in finding out what happens in further books.
March 17, 2019
I received a review copy from the author through #ReviewPit. This does not affect my rating or opinions.
content warnings: addiction, substance use/abuse, some ableist language.
Although I was intrigued by the artist/athlete conflict and related to Sami's determination to pursue both, I had some trouble keeping up with her abrupt switches between desperately wanting to fit in with the volleyball team, and wanting to be friends (or more) with Brenna and Jason. The progression between major plot points also felt abrupt rather than natural, and Sami makes a lot of bad decisions (even knowing at the time that they're bad) — realistic for a teenager, perhaps, but exasperating to read over and over. Overall, it felt like a very binary setup (artist or athlete, Goshenite or Fasha, Aquamarine or sober, etc.) and the ending felt rushed.
content warnings: addiction, substance use/abuse, some ableist language.
Although I was intrigued by the artist/athlete conflict and related to Sami's determination to pursue both, I had some trouble keeping up with her abrupt switches between desperately wanting to fit in with the volleyball team, and wanting to be friends (or more) with Brenna and Jason. The progression between major plot points also felt abrupt rather than natural, and Sami makes a lot of bad decisions (even knowing at the time that they're bad) — realistic for a teenager, perhaps, but exasperating to read over and over. Overall, it felt like a very binary setup (artist or athlete, Goshenite or Fasha, Aquamarine or sober, etc.) and the ending felt rushed.
May 1, 2021
Very creative and interesting enough to make me want to keep reading. Some parts felt a little drawn out (some of the decisions Sami stresses over), but that’s true for the teen experience.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
December 3, 2016
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. This book creates a nostalgic experience for adults and a world young adults can relate to. Strained mother-daughter relationships, peer pressure, bullying, substance abuse, suburban living and the importance of nurturing your innate talents are all themes addressed in this book. The action moves steadily and there are a lot of suspense-filled moments that made me wonder "and then what?" in anticipation. Give your pre-teen something fun to read and download this book!
July 28, 2015
I got the opportunity to read this book early, and it was both an interesting and a frustrating experience for me.
Interesting, in part, because of the unique way the story incorporated some familiar figures from Greek mythology. In all my years of fascination in that area, I’ve never seen Hermes and Hephaestus portrayed quite like this, so that was an inventive spin. I also enjoyed the story’s location. Call me a sucker for a canal and creepy old houses in the mountains.
Frustrating, largely, because of the protagonist’s poor decision-making. I can perfectly understand loneliness and wishing to feel accepted. We’ve all been there. But I have little patience for those who think popularity is worth turning your back on your passions, blatant self-delusion, and either compromising your principles or going flatly against them. My number one thought for most of the novel was, “Sami, grow a spine!”
By the finale, though, there was hope for her. Hope for a number of the characters with their own sets of flaws. The story closed on a high note, and overall, the book’s got atmosphere. I wager there’s an audience who can gain much benefit and pleasure from “Forte”, particularly if they like a narrative permeated with athletics, or the arts – or, like Sami, desire the best of both.
Interesting, in part, because of the unique way the story incorporated some familiar figures from Greek mythology. In all my years of fascination in that area, I’ve never seen Hermes and Hephaestus portrayed quite like this, so that was an inventive spin. I also enjoyed the story’s location. Call me a sucker for a canal and creepy old houses in the mountains.
Frustrating, largely, because of the protagonist’s poor decision-making. I can perfectly understand loneliness and wishing to feel accepted. We’ve all been there. But I have little patience for those who think popularity is worth turning your back on your passions, blatant self-delusion, and either compromising your principles or going flatly against them. My number one thought for most of the novel was, “Sami, grow a spine!”
By the finale, though, there was hope for her. Hope for a number of the characters with their own sets of flaws. The story closed on a high note, and overall, the book’s got atmosphere. I wager there’s an audience who can gain much benefit and pleasure from “Forte”, particularly if they like a narrative permeated with athletics, or the arts – or, like Sami, desire the best of both.
August 24, 2015
Sami a young girl gifted with the skill of playing piano has been uprooted from her nyc home to a small town where her mum would like to do some research.
Sami is swept away into the world of volleyball when she is unexpectedly chosen to be on the school team.
As she starts to get more involved with volleyball and less with piano she finds her artistic skills slipping away could this be a coincidence that one skill is replacing the other.
I thought the book was ok the story line kept me mostly interested but also frustrated and sometimes a bit bored.
When I first started reading the book there was something about the style of writing that felt so much like a goosebump book.
I wasn't really attached to any of the characters. I feel that they didn't have enough depth, maybe this is why I got a little bored towards the end because I didn't care too much about what happened to the characters.
I have been a bit off YA books lately so maybe I'm a little biased.
But in saying that it is still a great little read for the YA group. With the typical dramas of high school life I'm sure they will relate to.
Sami is swept away into the world of volleyball when she is unexpectedly chosen to be on the school team.
As she starts to get more involved with volleyball and less with piano she finds her artistic skills slipping away could this be a coincidence that one skill is replacing the other.
I thought the book was ok the story line kept me mostly interested but also frustrated and sometimes a bit bored.
When I first started reading the book there was something about the style of writing that felt so much like a goosebump book.
I wasn't really attached to any of the characters. I feel that they didn't have enough depth, maybe this is why I got a little bored towards the end because I didn't care too much about what happened to the characters.
I have been a bit off YA books lately so maybe I'm a little biased.
But in saying that it is still a great little read for the YA group. With the typical dramas of high school life I'm sure they will relate to.
December 8, 2015
Good teen fantasy read. I liked the characters but felt the book dragged
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