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The Seer #4
Sword Play
"Help her," insists the spirit of Kip, the jock from her old school who died in a car accident. But his cryptic message is the last thing on Sabine's mind as she packs up to move back home. She's not happy about leaving her friends, her boyfriend, and Nona who's gravely ill, but won't dare challenge her mother's orders. Besides, Sabine's also harboring hope that she can become close to her family again.
Reuniting with her fencing club brings back painful memories of getting kicked out of school and betrayed by her former best friend Brianne, now too entangled with her boyfriend to notice Sabine . . . unlike Kip's ghost who continues to nag her about someone in trouble. But Kip died alone, so who needs her help? As Sabine researches the events of that tragic night, she pieces together a shocking revelation-knowledge that leads to a dangerous duel with a surprising foe.
Reuniting with her fencing club brings back painful memories of getting kicked out of school and betrayed by her former best friend Brianne, now too entangled with her boyfriend to notice Sabine . . . unlike Kip's ghost who continues to nag her about someone in trouble. But Kip died alone, so who needs her help? As Sabine researches the events of that tragic night, she pieces together a shocking revelation-knowledge that leads to a dangerous duel with a surprising foe.
233 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Linda Joy Singleton
92 books470 followersI started writing at 8 years old and when I speak to kids at schools or libraries I show them the stories I wrote as a child. I loved mystery series like Judy Bolton and Nancy Drew, and my DREAM was to write a series of my own. This happened when My Sister the Ghost was published by Avon books in 1994.
Since then I’ve been fortunate to write other series like The Seer, Dead Girl trilogy, Strange Encounters, Regeneration and Curious Cat Spy Club. I recently added a mini mystery to the Curious Cat Spy Club series titled Dog Rescue Time Warp which has a surprise ending.
I love hearing from fans and always write back. And I’ll send a spy activity packet to anyone that asks. Email link at www.LindaJoySingleton.com
Since then I’ve been fortunate to write other series like The Seer, Dead Girl trilogy, Strange Encounters, Regeneration and Curious Cat Spy Club. I recently added a mini mystery to the Curious Cat Spy Club series titled Dog Rescue Time Warp which has a surprise ending.
I love hearing from fans and always write back. And I’ll send a spy activity packet to anyone that asks. Email link at www.LindaJoySingleton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 22, 2018
The series has enough action, drama, humour and interesting characters to make it good. The only problem is the main character and narrator, Sabine. I find her incredibly irritating and a bit thick at points.
July 11, 2017
This is my favorite book in the series, the others fall kind of flat.
December 10, 2018
In this book, we get to see a little bit of where Sabine came from; while for the most part, this series has focused on her being basically exiled from home and adjusting living with her grandmother, things take a turn when her mother decides it’s time for her to come back home.
It was really nice meeting old hometown friends of Sabine and getting a bit more backstory as to what exactly happened to make Sabine leave her family and live with her grandmother. I like that we got to see more of her sisters; they are fun characters and I hope they get to be fleshed out a little bit more. However, I do think that this book suffers from middle book syndrome. It’s just setting things up and plodding along until we can get to the end of the series. While the main conflict of this book is dramatic and intriguing, it’s conveniently wrapped up so that there’s little payoff for such a long stretch of suspense as to what’s actually happening.
The most suspenseful thing for me is the romance between Sabine and her boyfriend. While Josh seems like a nice guy, I’m not convinced he actually is, and I love that Dominic keeps coming back at exactly the right moment to help her out. I hope this tension is continued in the next book, or that we get some answers about Josh.
Overall, though, I’m excited to see how this series ends. Just two more books before the finish!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
It was really nice meeting old hometown friends of Sabine and getting a bit more backstory as to what exactly happened to make Sabine leave her family and live with her grandmother. I like that we got to see more of her sisters; they are fun characters and I hope they get to be fleshed out a little bit more. However, I do think that this book suffers from middle book syndrome. It’s just setting things up and plodding along until we can get to the end of the series. While the main conflict of this book is dramatic and intriguing, it’s conveniently wrapped up so that there’s little payoff for such a long stretch of suspense as to what’s actually happening.
The most suspenseful thing for me is the romance between Sabine and her boyfriend. While Josh seems like a nice guy, I’m not convinced he actually is, and I love that Dominic keeps coming back at exactly the right moment to help her out. I hope this tension is continued in the next book, or that we get some answers about Josh.
Overall, though, I’m excited to see how this series ends. Just two more books before the finish!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
October 23, 2015
Sword Play is the fourth book in
The Seer
series. In this book Sabine is thrown back into the world she has been working so hard to put behind her. She’s back to living with her parents and her twin sister’s in San Jose (I believe that's the place). Soon she is hanging with her old fencing club friends, having uncomfortable moments with her ex-best friend, and has taken a job working for her ex-fencing instructor. Although Sabine is sad to have left Nona, her friends, her boyfriend, and even Dominic, she is happy to be with her twin sister’s Ashley and Amy.
Before coming back to live with her parents a ghost from Sabine’s past Kip visits asking her to “help her”. The “her” is a bit confusing since she isn’t sure who he is talking about, and before she can ask, Kip is gone. It soon comes down between Kip’s girlfriend and his little sister. But are they the right ones she should be focusing on? Well of course I know, but I won’t spill the goods.
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous three. There is a lot going on in this book and a lot is being revealed. The ending is a jaw dropper. I couldn’t believe it! It’s getting interesting!
Before coming back to live with her parents a ghost from Sabine’s past Kip visits asking her to “help her”. The “her” is a bit confusing since she isn’t sure who he is talking about, and before she can ask, Kip is gone. It soon comes down between Kip’s girlfriend and his little sister. But are they the right ones she should be focusing on? Well of course I know, but I won’t spill the goods.
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous three. There is a lot going on in this book and a lot is being revealed. The ending is a jaw dropper. I couldn’t believe it! It’s getting interesting!
February 5, 2022
4.5 stars
Reread in Jan. 2019
This was one of the most fascinating in the series in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing Sabine’s backstory…her origins…It was nice getting a glimpse of Sabine's old hometown friends and her family. It made me appreciate her friends Manny, Thorn and Dominic that much more. I love how good they are to her. Just as the others, this had action, drama, humour and romance! I cannot wait to see how it will all fold out.
1st Review
This novel had everything. It was so captivating, because of the mystery, the actions and the romance. I loved this and I would totally recommend it to all witch fans. It was also an easy read.
Reread in Jan. 2019
This was one of the most fascinating in the series in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing Sabine’s backstory…her origins…It was nice getting a glimpse of Sabine's old hometown friends and her family. It made me appreciate her friends Manny, Thorn and Dominic that much more. I love how good they are to her. Just as the others, this had action, drama, humour and romance! I cannot wait to see how it will all fold out.
1st Review
This novel had everything. It was so captivating, because of the mystery, the actions and the romance. I loved this and I would totally recommend it to all witch fans. It was also an easy read.
March 27, 2018
Original review can be read at Izy's book dream - Seer series
I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole idea of Sabine moving back. It turns out okay and interesting, but at first I really wasn't sure how to feel about this. This book had a totally different theme. It was nice to get more explanations about Sabine's past and to see the reactions of her old friends when they see her.
I liked how we got to see Sabine's old life and experience her rekindling with old friends and her family. I also really enjoyed Amy's part in this book. I also liked to see which friends were putting in the efforts to entertain their friendship with Sabine and I loved Dominic's slow increase in importance as the books and Sabine evolve. I also loved to see Josh's attitude towards her move. I fell in love with Kevin and I really liked Sabine's fencing coach.
I liked that Sabine doesn't know who to help and can't quite figure it out quickly, if at all. It felt nice to see that sometimes, the messages received aren't clear, but she still tries her best.I should have seen coming the twist in this plot, but honestly, I did not expect it at all. I was really surprised when a 3rd girl appeared towards the end leaving Sabine trying to figure out who's the "her" Kip wants her to help.
I liked that her mother seems to be warming up to her but I really hated the whole atmosphere in this household. This book surprised me in many ways and I think it was a nice move by Linda Joy Singleton to shake things up a little bit this far off into the series. This is usually a part were us readers start to lose interest in a long series.
Although it was really interesting, I felt like this book was way too short. It felt more like a short story than an actual book.
I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole idea of Sabine moving back. It turns out okay and interesting, but at first I really wasn't sure how to feel about this. This book had a totally different theme. It was nice to get more explanations about Sabine's past and to see the reactions of her old friends when they see her.
I liked how we got to see Sabine's old life and experience her rekindling with old friends and her family. I also really enjoyed Amy's part in this book. I also liked to see which friends were putting in the efforts to entertain their friendship with Sabine and I loved Dominic's slow increase in importance as the books and Sabine evolve. I also loved to see Josh's attitude towards her move. I fell in love with Kevin and I really liked Sabine's fencing coach.
I liked that Sabine doesn't know who to help and can't quite figure it out quickly, if at all. It felt nice to see that sometimes, the messages received aren't clear, but she still tries her best.I should have seen coming the twist in this plot, but honestly, I did not expect it at all. I was really surprised when a 3rd girl appeared towards the end leaving Sabine trying to figure out who's the "her" Kip wants her to help.
I liked that her mother seems to be warming up to her but I really hated the whole atmosphere in this household. This book surprised me in many ways and I think it was a nice move by Linda Joy Singleton to shake things up a little bit this far off into the series. This is usually a part were us readers start to lose interest in a long series.
Although it was really interesting, I felt like this book was way too short. It felt more like a short story than an actual book.
August 21, 2018
Repeating myself a little bit from my review of tome 3, but oh well. Good book. Since I'm in my late 20s, I know I'm not the target audience for this serie, but read it anyway. I enjoyed it. Not the best book I've ever read but I know that teen me would have loved it. A girl that over analyses things and has magical powers? Heck yes! I put only 3 stars (which means I liked it, but nothing more) because I feel like it is very repetitive? A lot of times during the book, Sabine express the same emotion over the same situation. Over and over. Like, yes, we get it, you are incredibly stressed over your Nana's situation. No need to say if for 3 pages straight. Also, yes, it feels weird to see your former best friend with that specific guy. You say it every time you see them together..... it's what annoyed me during my reading. Nothing too intense, but still worth mentioning.
Also, I want to mention that I read the french translation of this book. Sometimes I know that translations aren't perfectly aligned with the original version in the terms chosen and whatnot, so this is also worth mentioning.
I want to end this on a last note: the end of this book left me speechless. Did not see that coming.
Also, I want to mention that I read the french translation of this book. Sometimes I know that translations aren't perfectly aligned with the original version in the terms chosen and whatnot, so this is also worth mentioning.
I want to end this on a last note: the end of this book left me speechless. Did not see that coming.
September 8, 2017
This book was good, well written, and worth the read.
Since I've been on this adventure with Sabine (the main character) for four books now. I have grown fond of the characters and ghostly personas in this series and I enjoyed it
But
I feel like the author could have given more commentary to the CLIFF HANGER at the end....oy
Since I've been on this adventure with Sabine (the main character) for four books now. I have grown fond of the characters and ghostly personas in this series and I enjoyed it
But
I feel like the author could have given more commentary to the CLIFF HANGER at the end....oy
December 3, 2020
This series has really been growing one me. It still really bothers me that all the interesting drama tends to happen right at the end. Also events that were really hyped up were kind of breezed over. Otherwise pretty good series and book and eager to keep reading about Sabine and her psychic abilities.
August 22, 2021
This book still feels like a side quest when the all the focus should be on Nona's health right now. I don't like that the actual major storyline that I care about isn't even playing into Sabine's story. It's sad that she's not doing anything to actually help her grandma and instead is being dragged across the state by her parents
July 18, 2018
Je trouve dommage que le dénouement de ce livre ne se déroule que dans les 10 dernières pages du roman, mais j'ai bien aimé les nouveaux personnages qui ont été introduits.
May 25, 2011
Sabine is not happy to find Kip, the boy whose death she predicted at her old school, thereby leading to her being kicked out when it came true, as a ghost sitting at the end of her bed and asking for her to "help her". After all, her mother has decided that she should come back home now instead of living with Nona, and the last thing Sabine wants is to face the people at her old school, especially the best friend who betrayed her. And Sabine is not happy to be leaving Nona and all her new friends, especially boyfriend Josh. But Josh promises to visit her every weekend, and Dominic, Nona's farm hand/apprentice vows to continue looking for the silver charms they need to find the remedy book to help Nona overcome her illness.
Upon returning home, Sabine is happy to be close to her twin sisters, and begins working for her old fencing teacher, helping with classes and reconnecting with the sport she loved. But also feels lonely and misses being "home" with Nona and her friends. While she enjoys seeing some of her old friends again, and discovers that they have missed her, she and her former best friend, Brianne, still can't get along. Josh, despite his promise to come see her every weekend, is getting more and more involved in his magician training and never does come. And then strange and dangerous things begin to happen, as she tries to figure out who the "her" is Kip wants her to help and then doing so. Someone is out for Sabine, as well. And Brianne has a secret that may cause them both serious harm.
This is the one that hooked me, even though some things were confusing because I hadn't read the earlier ones. Sabine really starts thinking about who she is and who her friends are, as well as still struggling with wanting to fit in and not be ostracized again with realizing that she needs to be herself and likes helping others with her gift. She also struggles with really liking Josh and thinking that he's such a nice, great guy who helps others but he's also very much against the idea of ghosts or psychics so she doesn't want him to know about her gift. And she is also realizing her growing connection to and attraction for Dominic, with whom she can really be herself.
Upon returning home, Sabine is happy to be close to her twin sisters, and begins working for her old fencing teacher, helping with classes and reconnecting with the sport she loved. But also feels lonely and misses being "home" with Nona and her friends. While she enjoys seeing some of her old friends again, and discovers that they have missed her, she and her former best friend, Brianne, still can't get along. Josh, despite his promise to come see her every weekend, is getting more and more involved in his magician training and never does come. And then strange and dangerous things begin to happen, as she tries to figure out who the "her" is Kip wants her to help and then doing so. Someone is out for Sabine, as well. And Brianne has a secret that may cause them both serious harm.
This is the one that hooked me, even though some things were confusing because I hadn't read the earlier ones. Sabine really starts thinking about who she is and who her friends are, as well as still struggling with wanting to fit in and not be ostracized again with realizing that she needs to be herself and likes helping others with her gift. She also struggles with really liking Josh and thinking that he's such a nice, great guy who helps others but he's also very much against the idea of ghosts or psychics so she doesn't want him to know about her gift. And she is also realizing her growing connection to and attraction for Dominic, with whom she can really be herself.
April 23, 2021
*BOOK SUMMARY, MAY HAVE SPOILERS*
After her big accident, Sabine returns back home on her mother's demand. She gets to reunite with her friends of the fencing performance groupe in which she used to be in. Brianne, her ex-best friend totally ignores her and it hurts Sabine because she was the only one that she trusted before the whole story appeared. Kip, the boy whom she predicted the death, appears to her and tells her "help her". Sabine doesn't know who she has to help. At first she thinks it's Kip's girlfriend that can't get over him. Sabine helps her find someone new. After that, she finds out that Kip's little sister feels guilty of his death because they argued and she never said that she was sorry. Sabine helps her find peace. At the same time, Sabine has vision of the night of Kip's death. She is with him in his car, he is speeding. Finally, Sabine finds out that Brianne met with Kip, but Tony, Brianne's new boyfriend, found out and hit her. Tony took her to his car to bring her back home. The reason Kip died was because he was speeding to try to save Brianne.
*END OF SUMMARY*
This is a really good book series for people who love fiction and easy reading. Plus, there is never a boring moment while reading this book. The action never stops. You always want to know what's going to happen next. Each book of the series has between 300 and 500 small pages with small chapters so you read through them super fast. I find that the first book is a good introduction to all the characters of the series. Also, everything is really well-described and super easy to read. I've first read this series at 14 years old... Now I'm 18 and I loved it even more than I did back then. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story with non-stop action.
After her big accident, Sabine returns back home on her mother's demand. She gets to reunite with her friends of the fencing performance groupe in which she used to be in. Brianne, her ex-best friend totally ignores her and it hurts Sabine because she was the only one that she trusted before the whole story appeared. Kip, the boy whom she predicted the death, appears to her and tells her "help her". Sabine doesn't know who she has to help. At first she thinks it's Kip's girlfriend that can't get over him. Sabine helps her find someone new. After that, she finds out that Kip's little sister feels guilty of his death because they argued and she never said that she was sorry. Sabine helps her find peace. At the same time, Sabine has vision of the night of Kip's death. She is with him in his car, he is speeding. Finally, Sabine finds out that Brianne met with Kip, but Tony, Brianne's new boyfriend, found out and hit her. Tony took her to his car to bring her back home. The reason Kip died was because he was speeding to try to save Brianne.
*END OF SUMMARY*
This is a really good book series for people who love fiction and easy reading. Plus, there is never a boring moment while reading this book. The action never stops. You always want to know what's going to happen next. Each book of the series has between 300 and 500 small pages with small chapters so you read through them super fast. I find that the first book is a good introduction to all the characters of the series. Also, everything is really well-described and super easy to read. I've first read this series at 14 years old... Now I'm 18 and I loved it even more than I did back then. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves a good story with non-stop action.
May 7, 2010
Sword Play begins with Sabine being forced to moved back home to San Jose by her mother. She makes the move and is surprised to discover some of her old acquaintances actually missed her including her old fencing teacher. She has a visit from the ghost of the student she predicted would die and he gives her the task of helping an unknown female. Sabine then must try to figure out who "her" actually is. Additionally, someone is trying to attack Sabine. Her old friends Manny, Thorn, and Dominic have not forgotten her and come to visit but her boyfriend, Josh has broken two dates. She continues to search for the missing charm in order to help cure her grandmother. Will the drama ever end? You will have to read it to find out.
November 10, 2016
Well, this one was good, it kept it interesting. And they are also closer to finding the cure, which is awesome. BUT!!! Sabine!! Gosh dang it, Sabine was even more annoying than the rest of the other books combined. Josh didn't visit her so she was all like... "Oh my gosh Josh doesn't love me anymore because he hasn't come to see me" absolutely annoying!! So Sabine, with that in mind finally decided that she loved Dominic, all because Josh didn't visit her... Dumb. But I am happy that she finally realized that Dominic is better... Never liked Josh.. Anyways, the story is getting better and more interesting, I mean how are they going to find a lost cure for Nonna...?
March 11, 2012
**** Small SPOILERS..... I found this book to be a touch slower than the others at the beginning, but it finally took off and once it did man did it take off! I usually can figure out what is going on and pick up on the author's hinting at things to come, but I was completely blown away with the secrets shared in this book! It was from left field and I love those rare books when a book completely blindsides me! I am so ready for her to get rid of Josh in this book, he is really starting to get on my nerves. However, I am excited that she gets to move back to Nona's!
June 9, 2011
OMG!!!! This one was awesome!!! and with that ending!!! I did not see this coming!!! I mean!!! what happened!!.
Sabine is a very nice girl, I can totally understand her dilemmas, the twins sometimes I thought they seem older than they are, I love Amy :D. Dominic makes me sigh everytime <3. The other character are awesome too specially Thorn and Manny.
I can't believe her dad, but I guess I'll find out more in the next book.
Sabine is a very nice girl, I can totally understand her dilemmas, the twins sometimes I thought they seem older than they are, I love Amy :D. Dominic makes me sigh everytime <3. The other character are awesome too specially Thorn and Manny.
I can't believe her dad, but I guess I'll find out more in the next book.
September 28, 2010
I'm always pleasantly entertained by the works of this author. She doesn't know it, but I feel a bond with her because I've met her, she lives in my area, and we write for the same audience (and she had the same name as my mother:). This wasn't my favorite of the series, so far I like Witch Ball the best, but was excited to read this book and hope to get to book 5 as soon as I can.
June 11, 2011
This was so far my least favorite of The Seer series. I find the authors need to constantly remind us every little detail about every character annoying. We remember from the last book and if we don't then maybe we should read it again. Though as usual the author leaves me dying to find out what is next...
"Daddy!"
"Daddy!"
August 12, 2011
Sword Play was a continuation of Sabine's psychic journey. She's learning to trust herself and her psychic guide.
Sabine moves back home and while she is grateful to be back with her sisters she misses her life back with Nona. She finds her life at home to be lonely and struggles to understand her new mission from Kip, the same Kip who's death she predicted six months ago.
Sabine moves back home and while she is grateful to be back with her sisters she misses her life back with Nona. She finds her life at home to be lonely and struggles to understand her new mission from Kip, the same Kip who's death she predicted six months ago.
January 31, 2012
Out of all in this series, this was my favourite. I loved the fact that she went back home to confront her fears [well okay, forced to confront her, it was well written - adventurous, mysterious, romantic and fun. Thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable read.
August 23, 2012
10*s. I recently borrowed this fabulous book from my local library.
I totally LOVE this series and I was intrigued to find out the story behind the boy who died and Sabine and her past before moving in with her grandmother. A very refreshing MUST read story and series!!
I totally LOVE this series and I was intrigued to find out the story behind the boy who died and Sabine and her past before moving in with her grandmother. A very refreshing MUST read story and series!!
July 16, 2013
this book wasn't my favorite. it was good but kind of a let down considering the one before was really good. it was kind of slow and didn't feel like it had enough. although I loved the end which I suspected right when I found out her father was busy all the time. 3.5 stars
October 12, 2013
This book was very slow going. Everything came out and all the action in the last 30 pages, along with a cliff hanger. I wasn't going to finish the series but now have changed my mind. I guess in book series sometimes you need a book to transition with and this is the one.
September 8, 2007
varacious
July 17, 2008
i couldnt believe wat the father did to her such a shame
May 17, 2009
I like it so far!
November 5, 2009
It was okay...
November 14, 2009
Supernatural,YA,The Seer Series
June 20, 2011
The only thingI found annoying about this book was the poor editing job. I found spelling mistakes and even I an not a great speller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews