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Spindrift and the Orchid
A girl finds herself entrenched in a dark mystery after the deaths of her parents in this fantastical novel from the author of The House of Months and Years .
When a man walks into her grandfather’s curiosity shop and asks about a black orchid, Spindrift turns him away. She’s never seen such a thing.
Until one night it appears. Spindrift, an orphan, has one keepsake from her parents…a clear glass orb. Except it’s not quite clear anymore. She watches as a black orchid forms inside the crystal. Then the flower blooms into a towering woman in a dress of midnight silk and air, a woman with the power to grant wishes.
It’s fun, at first.
But having everything you want is hard to hide. And soon, Spindrift—and her orchid—are being hunted.
Left running for her life, Spindrift must ask herself who her parents really were, and whether a wish is really just a curse in disguise.
When a man walks into her grandfather’s curiosity shop and asks about a black orchid, Spindrift turns him away. She’s never seen such a thing.
Until one night it appears. Spindrift, an orphan, has one keepsake from her parents…a clear glass orb. Except it’s not quite clear anymore. She watches as a black orchid forms inside the crystal. Then the flower blooms into a towering woman in a dress of midnight silk and air, a woman with the power to grant wishes.
It’s fun, at first.
But having everything you want is hard to hide. And soon, Spindrift—and her orchid—are being hunted.
Left running for her life, Spindrift must ask herself who her parents really were, and whether a wish is really just a curse in disguise.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
8 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Emma Trevayne
12 books212 followersScience fiction and fantasy author of novels for kids and teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 30, 2018
(I actually read this book last year when it was still a draft, but I'm also 5 books behind on my Goodreads challenge so...)
ANYWAY, this was great. It's a fantastical MG about a girl on a quest, magical orchids, a mysterious entity inside a glass globe, disappearing relatives, and seafaring adventures. Reading it feels kind of like watching a cozy Miyazaki adventure movie. I loved it.
ANYWAY, this was great. It's a fantastical MG about a girl on a quest, magical orchids, a mysterious entity inside a glass globe, disappearing relatives, and seafaring adventures. Reading it feels kind of like watching a cozy Miyazaki adventure movie. I loved it.
October 17, 2018
This is how you tell a story. Ending was a bit abrupt, but that didn’t bother me. Good choice for middle grade fantasy/adventure fans.
November 29, 2022
I read this aloud to Evie. I read a few chapters on my own because Evie thought it was going to get to scary. I gave her updates and then she wanted to read it together again. We enjoyed it. There is a mapping component, so that's cool.
January 9, 2019
It's absolutely amazing! It starts off slow, but it ends up better, and slightly creepy. I love the mix between fiction, reality, sadness, and creepiness.
August 1, 2018
My name is Spindrift, and I had a bad feeling about the customer in grandfather's shop asking if I'd ever seen a black orchid. I hadn't at the time, but that night a black orchid appeared in the glass ball my mother left to me. It changed into a woman who will grant me wishes, and she says there are six more hidden around the world! My grandfather has started sharing letters left by my mother before her death; she died in a shipwreck while searching for the other orchids. Then, that man returned to the shop and threatened us for our black orchid. He's trying to collect all seven orchids, which will make him the most powerful person in the world. I now know the only way to stop him is by getting all of the orchids first. The flowers created an obsession in my mother, and it eventually led to her insanity, and ultimately to her death. I feel the same compulsion and don't know if I can avoid the same fate.
Often, the adult characters in these situations try to control the younger characters with new abilities. The young characters then ignore advice and do their own things. Half of that is true in this book. It wasn't clear how much grandfather knew, but he gave Spindrift (her name comes from sea mist) clues and didn't do much to stop her. She then went off on her own to foil the plans of the mysterious man. There were a couple of unique ideas in this book. Seven sages were contained in the seven glass balls, and each one controlled a different power. The sages did this to put limitations on the wishes and so one person couldn't have all the power, but that obviously became the main conflict. Secondly, Spindrift's mother was overcome by the power of the orchids, and the change was displayed through her letters. She eventually considered killing in order to collect all the flowers. The conflict between Spindrift and the man became more threatening and wasn't settled until the very last chapter. The actual resolution was predictable, although the personality of the black orchid complicated things a little bit for Spindrift. Overall, it was an entertaining story, and I recommend you give it a chance.
Often, the adult characters in these situations try to control the younger characters with new abilities. The young characters then ignore advice and do their own things. Half of that is true in this book. It wasn't clear how much grandfather knew, but he gave Spindrift (her name comes from sea mist) clues and didn't do much to stop her. She then went off on her own to foil the plans of the mysterious man. There were a couple of unique ideas in this book. Seven sages were contained in the seven glass balls, and each one controlled a different power. The sages did this to put limitations on the wishes and so one person couldn't have all the power, but that obviously became the main conflict. Secondly, Spindrift's mother was overcome by the power of the orchids, and the change was displayed through her letters. She eventually considered killing in order to collect all the flowers. The conflict between Spindrift and the man became more threatening and wasn't settled until the very last chapter. The actual resolution was predictable, although the personality of the black orchid complicated things a little bit for Spindrift. Overall, it was an entertaining story, and I recommend you give it a chance.
May 29, 2019
i hate giving on star reviews, but i just won't round up because i feel bad for the author, who is so much better than this book... what a HUGE bummer! this book had all the elements of a great fantasy tale (no spoilers from me!) but it fell totally flat... Lux, the city Spindrift lives in, isn't really given any depth or life... Spindrift is a rather unlikeable protagonist... i will admit her personality changes could be due to being a teenager and/or the influence of magic, but neither option is given much room to fill out effectively... she comes across as petulant and mean and selfish and duplicitous, not exactly endearing qualities, even when you factor in she has a tragic past, of sorts (though at the time she doesn't know much of the truth)... the mystery at the core of the story is too neat and tidy and quite boring in its unspooling, and is neither cute/fun/whimsical enough to fit the MG genre, nor is it creepy or scary or enigmatic or fascinating for the YA genre... the entire book lacks any reason to care about anyone except maybe Grandfather, one would think there would be plenty of sympathy for him considering his past and what he knows... nowhere near enough detail or character development, which is sad considering the concept... no magic here at all for this reader... ugh.
November 16, 2019
Spindrift lives with her grandfather that sells magical things. Her parents died in an accident on the sea when she was a baby, and she miraculously survived. But after a strange man comes into her grandfather's shop asking for a black orchid, everything changes. Spindrift finds out that the glass ball she inherited from her mother is that very same black orchid that man was after, and it has powers; anything Spindrift wishes for the orchid gives her. We find out that there are other orchids, and the strange man has them all save two of them. Thus, begins Spindrift's quest to keep the man from destroying the world. The first half of this book is extremely slow, and it took me forever to get into this book. I really enjoyed reading the second half and I think it was me listening to Panic at the Disco Into the Unknown that pumped up the reading. The book went from a book about protecting the world to a book about resisting the pull of power, like Lord of the Rings. Which is a pleasant surprise for a tween book. As long as you can push past the first part of the book, I'm sure you'll enjoy Spindrift's adventure as much as I have.
March 13, 2021
Five things about Spindrift and the Orchid by Emma Trevayne. 3/5⭐️s
1. If you look up the word whimsical I’m pretty sure you’ll see a photograph of this book. It’s the very definition of whimsy while also pulling off a darkness that might seem incongruous.
2. The relationship between Spindrift and her grandfather is so well portrayed. I think it might be one of my favorite family relationships in middle grade literature. Right up there with Anne and the Cuthberts or The March girls and Marmee.
3. The pacing of this book is way off. The end is entirely too abrupt while the beginning takes a painfully long time to develop.
4. While I truly enjoyed reading this, I don’t anticipate ever reading it again and I do think that’s entirely down to the pacing. It was marked enough to be uncomfortable. The story’s concept was strong enough to keep me there but now that I know the story - I don’t want to reread it.
5. I’d definitely recommend this book for middle grade lovers of fantasy. It’s has a unique and adventurous plot, strong character development, and a positive message without being preachy.
1. If you look up the word whimsical I’m pretty sure you’ll see a photograph of this book. It’s the very definition of whimsy while also pulling off a darkness that might seem incongruous.
2. The relationship between Spindrift and her grandfather is so well portrayed. I think it might be one of my favorite family relationships in middle grade literature. Right up there with Anne and the Cuthberts or The March girls and Marmee.
3. The pacing of this book is way off. The end is entirely too abrupt while the beginning takes a painfully long time to develop.
4. While I truly enjoyed reading this, I don’t anticipate ever reading it again and I do think that’s entirely down to the pacing. It was marked enough to be uncomfortable. The story’s concept was strong enough to keep me there but now that I know the story - I don’t want to reread it.
5. I’d definitely recommend this book for middle grade lovers of fantasy. It’s has a unique and adventurous plot, strong character development, and a positive message without being preachy.
May 29, 2018
3.5 Stars
Spindrift is 15-years-old. Since her parent's death, she has lived with her grandfather and helped out in his curiosity shop. Spindrift has one special treasure from her parents - a simple, glass orb. One night the orb changes right before her very eyes. First a beautiful black orchid forms inside the glass. Then from the bloom of the flower a woman in a dress as black as the midnight sky. The "black orchid" can grant Spindrift many wishes. . .and does! Oh, what fun she has - for a little while. But you must be careful what you wish for!
What follows is an age-appropriate, action-packed, magical adventure. Her grandfather shares a box of old letters from her parents that open Spindrift's eyes to importance of the The Seven Sages and the Seven Orbs they placed at the time of creation. In the wrong hands, these orbs will cause a lot of harm. She also learns the true identity of the stranger that visited her grandfather's shop asking about the black orchid. He killed her parents.
The relationship between Spindrift and her grandfather is deep, meaningful, and easily relatable. The old letters is a wonderful way to have her parents' voice heard. The story moves steadily and only gets bogged down a few times. Roland is scary, but it is age appropriate. There's nothing here that will cause your middle-grade reader nightmares. A good "one-read" read book.
Spindrift is 15-years-old. Since her parent's death, she has lived with her grandfather and helped out in his curiosity shop. Spindrift has one special treasure from her parents - a simple, glass orb. One night the orb changes right before her very eyes. First a beautiful black orchid forms inside the glass. Then from the bloom of the flower a woman in a dress as black as the midnight sky. The "black orchid" can grant Spindrift many wishes. . .and does! Oh, what fun she has - for a little while. But you must be careful what you wish for!
What follows is an age-appropriate, action-packed, magical adventure. Her grandfather shares a box of old letters from her parents that open Spindrift's eyes to importance of the The Seven Sages and the Seven Orbs they placed at the time of creation. In the wrong hands, these orbs will cause a lot of harm. She also learns the true identity of the stranger that visited her grandfather's shop asking about the black orchid. He killed her parents.
The relationship between Spindrift and her grandfather is deep, meaningful, and easily relatable. The old letters is a wonderful way to have her parents' voice heard. The story moves steadily and only gets bogged down a few times. Roland is scary, but it is age appropriate. There's nothing here that will cause your middle-grade reader nightmares. A good "one-read" read book.
October 28, 2018
This was more of a 3.5 for me so I rounded up. Spindrift is an orphan living with her grandfather in a curio shop. A man stops by the shop to ask for a black orchid that blooms when you look at it, but Spindrift turns him away, not realizing what he was looking for was the crystal ball that is the only remaining thing she has of her parents. By discovering the secret magic of the black orchid, Spindrift races against the man to find the last orchid but risks losing herself to an all-consuming obsession to possess them, the same one that led her parents to their doom. A great middle grade fantasy even if it took awhile for Spindrift to start her adventure and it was over quite quickly but the ending is completely satisfying.
November 19, 2019
Something truly magical this way comes, and it’s not just in the orchids. Spindrift and the Orchid earned a solid 4 and a half stars from me with natural world building and beautiful, whimsical magic. I could truly imagine Lux, and I wished so badly for my own pair of wings so I could fly around with Spin, Max and Clemence. I did a lot of wishing- perhaps I need an Orchid of my own!
Readers of the Magic, Dragons and Swords guild will devour this quick, fantastical mystery. It checks all the boxes for early Harry Potter readers. But be warned- the ending was abrupt. Emma Trevayne wraps it up neatly, and I don’t imagine a series coming from the storyline though I wish really wish she would expand it.
Overall a fast and lovely, yet bittersweet read.
Readers of the Magic, Dragons and Swords guild will devour this quick, fantastical mystery. It checks all the boxes for early Harry Potter readers. But be warned- the ending was abrupt. Emma Trevayne wraps it up neatly, and I don’t imagine a series coming from the storyline though I wish really wish she would expand it.
Overall a fast and lovely, yet bittersweet read.
September 15, 2025
Spindrift and the Orchids had so much potential, with imaginative ideas, a touch of mystery, and whimsical magic that hinted at something special. The writing itself I liked, but the pacing dragged early on, making it hard to stay engaged. Just as the story began to build momentum, it abruptly ended, so fast and unfinished it felt like the author simply stopped mid-thought. The characters lacked depth, and the conclusion offered little payoff or satisfaction. It needed more time, more development, and a stronger sense of closure.
June 22, 2018
Dozier and cozier than new flannel sheets in October while you sleep in on a Saturday and someone already brought Dunkin Donut munchkins home so you wouldn't have to get wet and the window is just a little bit open so you can smell the leaves and the season's air and the whole day will go on just like that while you watch movies or read the Chicago Tribune with a few naps tucked in and then maybe lunch with a few drinks only to come home and continue where you left off.
January 2, 2020
I thought this was a nice cosy story to read I did enjoy it when I was reading but I was never really wanting to pick it up again to see what happens I never really felt like any of the characters were in that much danger and it didn't feel like there was enough action in the action scenes it kind of reminded me of reading Enid blyton books they're nice to read but just not very thrilling I also felt more bad for the bad character in the end than the good characters
November 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this fantasy world and the characters inside. It's not a series and part of me is happy while another is sad. I'm happy because I don't have to wait to find out what happens but sad because I really enjoyed the characters and story itself.
The main character is young but really thoughtful. I love her development and the development of her parents story alongside that of her grandfather. I enjoyed the easy to read adventure.
The main character is young but really thoughtful. I love her development and the development of her parents story alongside that of her grandfather. I enjoyed the easy to read adventure.
May 20, 2019
Part fantasy, part mystery, a young girl named Spindrift and her friends depart on a quest to find 6 orchid/genie type creatures that live inside small glass orbs. She discovers the strengths and weaknesses of her long-dead parents (who died while on this same quests) as well as herself. Original and interesting, perfect for your readers who like otherworldly adventure stories.
December 28, 2018
It took me longer than I like to get into it, and the excessive description at the beginning was not needed - but once I did, the plot was fun and interesting. Overly quick and neat wrap up at the end.
August 4, 2019
Sequoyah 2020
I found myself just wanting the book to be over already. It's mainly because I'm not a fan of journey fantasy. I enjoyed the book up to the point they went out on the ship. I do think this book will find its readers.
I found myself just wanting the book to be over already. It's mainly because I'm not a fan of journey fantasy. I enjoyed the book up to the point they went out on the ship. I do think this book will find its readers.
March 30, 2020
What started as a cute middle grade fantasy novel turned into much more. The themes of greed, sacrifice, obsession, and bravery added an unexpected depth to the story. I look forward to my kids reading this someday.
May 10, 2020
This story was actually very sweet and I really enjoyed it. The fact that she managed to get rid of the curse, get her revenge, rid herself of all the items and end the book in a page and a half was interesting, but a bit abrupt.
Still a good book and a cute read.
Still a good book and a cute read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
Love the magic here: the curiosity shop of magical items, the mystery behind Spindrift's survival, and the crystal ball. Also the writing itself is fantastic.
Taking off a star for the abrupt ending (definitely wanted more here) and the lack of connection I felt to the characters.
Taking off a star for the abrupt ending (definitely wanted more here) and the lack of connection I felt to the characters.
April 18, 2018
Great book for middle grade students. I immediately connected to Spindrift and the relationship she had with her grandfather. The friendships and family relationships in this book are very well written. Even though Spindrift is an orphan, she is able to get to know her parents through the letters her mom sent to her grandfather. This book has a little but if something for everyone.
June 28, 2018
This story's plot was original and beautifully written.
August 8, 2018
The ending was wayyyy too abrupt for the wonderful world building!
August 23, 2018
so good!!!!
April 13, 2019
I loved this book! Fantasy and some great characters! I couldn’t put it down!
July 17, 2019
2020 Children's Sequoyah Masterlist
July 20, 2019
More to come later
September 22, 2020
This was amazing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews