What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tree of Seasons
When Josh, Michael and Beth Lotts catch sight of some mysterious lights one summer’s evening, they are drawn into a dense forest near their home where no one dares ever go. What they find there is incredible.
The Tree of Seasons is a doorway into another world. There are four kingdoms in this world, each forever stuck in spring, summer, autumn and winter and each with its own ruler. The tree and the world it conceals have existed for hundreds of years and have never been uncovered by anyone, until now.
The Lotts find that peace has been shattered in this magical world. One ruler, who bears a remarkable resemblance to their aunt is intent on power at all costs. She causes destruction and suffering that threaten to tear worlds apart. Josh, Michael and Beth have arrived just in time to take part in the battle that the other three kingdoms have to fight in order to survive.
The Tree of Seasons is a beautiful story of good and evil and a vividly imagined portrait of a world beyond our own.
The Tree of Seasons is a doorway into another world. There are four kingdoms in this world, each forever stuck in spring, summer, autumn and winter and each with its own ruler. The tree and the world it conceals have existed for hundreds of years and have never been uncovered by anyone, until now.
The Lotts find that peace has been shattered in this magical world. One ruler, who bears a remarkable resemblance to their aunt is intent on power at all costs. She causes destruction and suffering that threaten to tear worlds apart. Josh, Michael and Beth have arrived just in time to take part in the battle that the other three kingdoms have to fight in order to survive.
The Tree of Seasons is a beautiful story of good and evil and a vividly imagined portrait of a world beyond our own.
306 pages, Hardcover
First published May 13, 2010
23 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Gately
9 books15 followersStephen Patrick David Gately (17 March 1976 – 10 October 2009) was an Irish pop singer-songwriter, actor, children's writer and dancer, who you might know best as one of two lead singers from the pop group Boyzone. He performed for millions of fans globally.
Gately was an LGBT author; he made his sexuality known in 1999 and came out which given his celebrity status was met with a wave of publicity.He wed Andrew Cowles, first in a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas in 2003 and more formally in a civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.
Gately died of a congenital heart defect on 10 October 2009, in a flat that he and Cowles owned in Mallorca, Spain. During the three years prior to his death, Gately had begun writing what turned out to be his first and only work, the children's fantasy novel The Tree of Seasons. In an April 2009 interview with the Press Association he declared that he was nearly finished, had publisher interest, and hoped for a Christmas 2009 release. His fellow Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating promised at Gately's funeral that "by hook or by crook" the book would be finished.
The Tree of Seasons was written in collaboration with June Considine and Jules Williams. Based on Gately's handwritten notes – the day he died he had just worked out the ending. The book released in the UK and Ireland on 13 May 2010, published by Hodder & Stoughton. It contains heartfelt acknowledgements written by his widower Andrew Cowles, and a foreword by friends Sir Elton John and David Furnish. It is illustrated by Keith Wilson. The Tree of Seasons remained a best seller and a top ten seller for three consecutive weeks. The paperback version was released in April 2011.
Gately was an LGBT author; he made his sexuality known in 1999 and came out which given his celebrity status was met with a wave of publicity.He wed Andrew Cowles, first in a commitment ceremony in Las Vegas in 2003 and more formally in a civil partnership ceremony in London in 2006.
Gately died of a congenital heart defect on 10 October 2009, in a flat that he and Cowles owned in Mallorca, Spain. During the three years prior to his death, Gately had begun writing what turned out to be his first and only work, the children's fantasy novel The Tree of Seasons. In an April 2009 interview with the Press Association he declared that he was nearly finished, had publisher interest, and hoped for a Christmas 2009 release. His fellow Boyzone bandmate Ronan Keating promised at Gately's funeral that "by hook or by crook" the book would be finished.
The Tree of Seasons was written in collaboration with June Considine and Jules Williams. Based on Gately's handwritten notes – the day he died he had just worked out the ending. The book released in the UK and Ireland on 13 May 2010, published by Hodder & Stoughton. It contains heartfelt acknowledgements written by his widower Andrew Cowles, and a foreword by friends Sir Elton John and David Furnish. It is illustrated by Keith Wilson. The Tree of Seasons remained a best seller and a top ten seller for three consecutive weeks. The paperback version was released in April 2011.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 29, 2010
I heard this book's existence for the first time from one of my customers (I work in a bookstore) and found out that it was written by Stephen Gately, the late member of Boyzone. I was not a fan of Boyzone although I did grow up to their songs and remember on a few occasions singing along to the more popular tunes. Ironically enough, my favorite song of theirs is the one they did with a French boyband called Alliance, Te Garder Pres De Moi. But I digress. I merely want to tell you that my reason for picking up and reading this book is not because I'm a die-hard Gately fan. I picked up and read the book because of its status a 'buzzing' book that is published posthumously. Written by a former member of a boyband, no less. If this is not something that would entice anyone to read, I don't know what is.
The story is simple enough: a trio of siblings - Josh, Michael and Beth - found a gateway to another world and soon became embroiled in the war politics and battles of that other world. In this case, the gate is called the Tree of Seasons, a tree that holds four doors to the winter land of Icefroztika (ruled by King Darkfrost), spring land of New Blossomdale (ruled by King Leafslear), summer land of Brightisclearen (ruled by Queen Glendalock) and the autumn land of Duskcanister, whose ruler is, well, evil. There are elves, there are goblins, there are ghouls, there are fairies and there is Forester, whom I suspect is a reincarnation of Tolkien's Tom Bombadil (if you'll excuse the parallel). Oh, there is also an evil gargoyle who is a sidekick to the head villain. In other words: Human children. Magical creatures. Welcome back to Narnia, Stephen Gately-style.
It would of course be too much to call this book the second 'Narnia'. Gately's writing is nowhere near as poetic or as imaginative as C. S. Lewis'. At times, the author didn't properly explain on circumstances, situations or even character backgrounds. The standard on-the-trail-of-important-magical-artefacts is also employed, making it not entirely original. So Gately's first book came across as, unfortunately, what it is: a debut novel. He didn't get it right the first time. Nor will he ever get it right... ever.
But beneath the quirks and kinks of this posthumously published book, that was completed not by the author himself but by two collaborators called June Considine and Jules Williams, lies a world of rich imagination that I am pretty sure, had Gately lived, he would've been able to develop into something more. The worlds Gately created may sound childish (Icefroztica? Brightisclearen?) but they also sound oddly charming. Each of these season-based lands is said to exist because of a Shard belonging to that world that carries the essence of each season, spring, summer, autumn and winter. I got teary-eyed reading how Gately, through Josh, Michael and Beth's voices, describing what the best things were with every season. They all sound so innocent, reminding me of the good things in life I used to enjoy when I was a child before I became a cynical adult that I am. So, the story may be single and the writing amateur, but the essence of the story is nostalgia for that wonderful childhood we all had when everything did seem that simple and that nice.
If anyone wants to accuse this book of following the standard mold of young adult or fantasy fiction of today, I would gladly point out several things that will make them think otherwise. First of all, Gately may have used fairies and elves, but remember what I said earlier? The villain's minion is a gargoyle. How many times have we read about gargoyles in fantasy books? I come across them very rarely (and definitely not in mainstream fiction; the last and only time in the last 5 years I read a book containing gargoyles in it is in m/m fiction). So kudos to Gately for bringing gargoyle from stoic anonymity to major villainy. And we even got to see some sylphs with dialogue in this book -- I don't recall ever reading a book where sylphs were talking. So Gately's choice of creatures is not exactly typical.
Furthermore, Winter is usually associated with evil. C. S. Lewis' The White Witch is the representation of an evil winter. But here, Gately used Autumn as the season most connected to evil. He used autumn's characteristics to show that cold is not bad, but rot and decay are. I should actually feel rather insulted by this as autumn is my favorite of the four seasons. But, strangely enough, it all makes sense.
Out of the children, I sympathize most with Michael, the middle child. Too bad he's not so much in the starring role as his older brother Josh or his younger sister Beth. He seems very much like the underdog here and was glad to see that he received some courageous moments. But on the whole, these three children have won my hearts because they reminded me so much of Enid Blyton's Famous Five characters Julian, Dick and Anne (and yes, I was very much Team Dick and not really on Team Julian). Beth is a lot more likable than Anne, though, as she is a lot more modern and seems to have that impish quality about her that I love.
Josh's story is a bit more complicated than that of his siblings', particularly because a real world rivalry between him and a schoolmate called Johnny Welts also factor in the story. Johnny and Josh brawl in school and they started out as enemies in the book. As it turned out, there is a reason for Johnny's unpleasantness and it has very much to do with Josh's own experience. Immediately from the start their relationship reminded me of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy's. It's hard not to go that way with my line of thought. I'm a major Harry Potter fan and their rivalry is similar to that (although it has a lot more violence). I suspect, had Gately been able to develop the story, there would be a more profound connection between Josh and Johnny.
In a way, I'm somewhat glad that the book is not... as developed as it should be. Other people may see this as a weakness but I always love a book that gives me a lot of room for the readers to imagine the world it is. Melissa Marr's faery series is guilty of the same thing. Although she eventually gave us a more in-depth look at the world of faeries, Wicked Lovely didn't start as a book you would call 'rich and detailed'. And yet, I love it anyway because I find the characters compelling and the story likable. The same is true of Tree of Seasons. Sometimes, you just have to use your imagination a bit more to get into the story and not depend solely on the writer's words.
I am quite satisfied with Tree of Seasons. I was entertained for the whole week while reading it (I would've finished this book in a few hours if it hadn't been for my busy schedule). If I were producer or director wanting to make a movie for a holiday season, I'd pick this book as a source material. It is a fun read and perfect for the summer and I'm happy.
So Gately had what would have been a solid start to a writing career. It's such a pity he couldn't have one. But to him, wherever he is, I would say, "Thank you, Stephen, for your contribution in this publishing world that is filled with vampires and werewolves. To have three kids, Forester, a gargoyle and several sylphs, you've made it look brighter even for a while."
The story is simple enough: a trio of siblings - Josh, Michael and Beth - found a gateway to another world and soon became embroiled in the war politics and battles of that other world. In this case, the gate is called the Tree of Seasons, a tree that holds four doors to the winter land of Icefroztika (ruled by King Darkfrost), spring land of New Blossomdale (ruled by King Leafslear), summer land of Brightisclearen (ruled by Queen Glendalock) and the autumn land of Duskcanister, whose ruler is, well, evil. There are elves, there are goblins, there are ghouls, there are fairies and there is Forester, whom I suspect is a reincarnation of Tolkien's Tom Bombadil (if you'll excuse the parallel). Oh, there is also an evil gargoyle who is a sidekick to the head villain. In other words: Human children. Magical creatures. Welcome back to Narnia, Stephen Gately-style.
It would of course be too much to call this book the second 'Narnia'. Gately's writing is nowhere near as poetic or as imaginative as C. S. Lewis'. At times, the author didn't properly explain on circumstances, situations or even character backgrounds. The standard on-the-trail-of-important-magical-artefacts is also employed, making it not entirely original. So Gately's first book came across as, unfortunately, what it is: a debut novel. He didn't get it right the first time. Nor will he ever get it right... ever.
But beneath the quirks and kinks of this posthumously published book, that was completed not by the author himself but by two collaborators called June Considine and Jules Williams, lies a world of rich imagination that I am pretty sure, had Gately lived, he would've been able to develop into something more. The worlds Gately created may sound childish (Icefroztica? Brightisclearen?) but they also sound oddly charming. Each of these season-based lands is said to exist because of a Shard belonging to that world that carries the essence of each season, spring, summer, autumn and winter. I got teary-eyed reading how Gately, through Josh, Michael and Beth's voices, describing what the best things were with every season. They all sound so innocent, reminding me of the good things in life I used to enjoy when I was a child before I became a cynical adult that I am. So, the story may be single and the writing amateur, but the essence of the story is nostalgia for that wonderful childhood we all had when everything did seem that simple and that nice.
If anyone wants to accuse this book of following the standard mold of young adult or fantasy fiction of today, I would gladly point out several things that will make them think otherwise. First of all, Gately may have used fairies and elves, but remember what I said earlier? The villain's minion is a gargoyle. How many times have we read about gargoyles in fantasy books? I come across them very rarely (and definitely not in mainstream fiction; the last and only time in the last 5 years I read a book containing gargoyles in it is in m/m fiction). So kudos to Gately for bringing gargoyle from stoic anonymity to major villainy. And we even got to see some sylphs with dialogue in this book -- I don't recall ever reading a book where sylphs were talking. So Gately's choice of creatures is not exactly typical.
Furthermore, Winter is usually associated with evil. C. S. Lewis' The White Witch is the representation of an evil winter. But here, Gately used Autumn as the season most connected to evil. He used autumn's characteristics to show that cold is not bad, but rot and decay are. I should actually feel rather insulted by this as autumn is my favorite of the four seasons. But, strangely enough, it all makes sense.
Out of the children, I sympathize most with Michael, the middle child. Too bad he's not so much in the starring role as his older brother Josh or his younger sister Beth. He seems very much like the underdog here and was glad to see that he received some courageous moments. But on the whole, these three children have won my hearts because they reminded me so much of Enid Blyton's Famous Five characters Julian, Dick and Anne (and yes, I was very much Team Dick and not really on Team Julian). Beth is a lot more likable than Anne, though, as she is a lot more modern and seems to have that impish quality about her that I love.
Josh's story is a bit more complicated than that of his siblings', particularly because a real world rivalry between him and a schoolmate called Johnny Welts also factor in the story. Johnny and Josh brawl in school and they started out as enemies in the book. As it turned out, there is a reason for Johnny's unpleasantness and it has very much to do with Josh's own experience. Immediately from the start their relationship reminded me of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy's. It's hard not to go that way with my line of thought. I'm a major Harry Potter fan and their rivalry is similar to that (although it has a lot more violence). I suspect, had Gately been able to develop the story, there would be a more profound connection between Josh and Johnny.
In a way, I'm somewhat glad that the book is not... as developed as it should be. Other people may see this as a weakness but I always love a book that gives me a lot of room for the readers to imagine the world it is. Melissa Marr's faery series is guilty of the same thing. Although she eventually gave us a more in-depth look at the world of faeries, Wicked Lovely didn't start as a book you would call 'rich and detailed'. And yet, I love it anyway because I find the characters compelling and the story likable. The same is true of Tree of Seasons. Sometimes, you just have to use your imagination a bit more to get into the story and not depend solely on the writer's words.
I am quite satisfied with Tree of Seasons. I was entertained for the whole week while reading it (I would've finished this book in a few hours if it hadn't been for my busy schedule). If I were producer or director wanting to make a movie for a holiday season, I'd pick this book as a source material. It is a fun read and perfect for the summer and I'm happy.
So Gately had what would have been a solid start to a writing career. It's such a pity he couldn't have one. But to him, wherever he is, I would say, "Thank you, Stephen, for your contribution in this publishing world that is filled with vampires and werewolves. To have three kids, Forester, a gargoyle and several sylphs, you've made it look brighter even for a while."
August 14, 2010
So simply and beautifully written. The heart of a child wrote this, and I think that's why it would appeal to someone who likes an adventure story, at any age.
January 15, 2012
Summer holiday starts in Ireland and Beth, Michael and Josh are looking forward to their holiday at home in the Wicklow region (South of Dublin). A place with nature, small mountains, lakes and a beach. They want fun and adventure and they wish their aunt wouldn't have changed so dramatically and evil after her accident. For once they will get all they wanted.
Beth believes in magic, her two older brothers don't ... until they see lights and hear noises coming from in the forbidden forest behind their aunt's house.
They decide to find out what is happening, not believing their eyes when they get stopped by Foreter, a little man coming out of the woods which he protects.
This woods and the little funny man will take them on an adventure in which they will play a very important and difficult part. They will experience a summer holiday which will change them at a young age and give them new and strong feelings to go on with.
I bought the book for my sister because the writer Stephen Gately used to be her favourite Boyzone member. Luckily it wasn't as I expected, a lame and boring story. I read it in less than two days and I was completely absorbed and enjoying the story.
Beth believes in magic, her two older brothers don't ... until they see lights and hear noises coming from in the forbidden forest behind their aunt's house.
They decide to find out what is happening, not believing their eyes when they get stopped by Foreter, a little man coming out of the woods which he protects.
This woods and the little funny man will take them on an adventure in which they will play a very important and difficult part. They will experience a summer holiday which will change them at a young age and give them new and strong feelings to go on with.
I bought the book for my sister because the writer Stephen Gately used to be her favourite Boyzone member. Luckily it wasn't as I expected, a lame and boring story. I read it in less than two days and I was completely absorbed and enjoying the story.
May 22, 2011
The Tree of Seasons by Stephen Gately
Until I found this book in my local library, I was unaware that Stephen Gately had written a book. He's a man I very much admired and I was saddened to hear about his passing.
The book was a great surprise. It started off a little slow, but for these last few days I've been reading it as much as possible. He's a good writer, which somewhat suprised me, and the story was excellent, full of wonder and magic. My only criticism is that there are some events which I wish were told with more detail. Instead they're passed by rather quickly. It's not a masterpiece, but it is a lovely novel. It will be adored by children. I just don't understand how it wasn't promoted in the months after his death, maybe then more people will of heard of it and read it.
Until I found this book in my local library, I was unaware that Stephen Gately had written a book. He's a man I very much admired and I was saddened to hear about his passing.
The book was a great surprise. It started off a little slow, but for these last few days I've been reading it as much as possible. He's a good writer, which somewhat suprised me, and the story was excellent, full of wonder and magic. My only criticism is that there are some events which I wish were told with more detail. Instead they're passed by rather quickly. It's not a masterpiece, but it is a lovely novel. It will be adored by children. I just don't understand how it wasn't promoted in the months after his death, maybe then more people will of heard of it and read it.
January 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this magical story, it takes you back to that age when you believed in fairies and goblins and all the other magical creatures, overall a great fantasy story.
February 19, 2023
3/5 stars.
Josh, Michael and Beth thought their Summer holiday would be like the rest of the holidays. When they stumble upon the Tree of Seasons and meet the guardians of the seasons, they get tasked to help them defeat the wicked Gridelda. She wants to destroy all the seasons and only leave room for the Season of Decay. With the help of Forester, the guardian of the Tree of Seasons and Bellathinks the wise and strong fairy, they need to collect two Shards of the season of Winter and Fall to help right all the wrongs of Gridelda.
Review:
This was a really cute fantasy read, which reminded me a lot of the Spiderwick Chronicles. Looking for a quick read, but still action packed than you have to read this book!
Josh, Michael and Beth thought their Summer holiday would be like the rest of the holidays. When they stumble upon the Tree of Seasons and meet the guardians of the seasons, they get tasked to help them defeat the wicked Gridelda. She wants to destroy all the seasons and only leave room for the Season of Decay. With the help of Forester, the guardian of the Tree of Seasons and Bellathinks the wise and strong fairy, they need to collect two Shards of the season of Winter and Fall to help right all the wrongs of Gridelda.
Review:
This was a really cute fantasy read, which reminded me a lot of the Spiderwick Chronicles. Looking for a quick read, but still action packed than you have to read this book!
November 11, 2017
What a lovely book! Although this book is probably aimed more at older children, I really enjoyed it. It was an easy read and almost a one sitting book. I think it would also make a magical bedtime read, a couple of chapters a night would keep children gripped. I am sure Stephen could have turned this into numerous adventures for the children in the story, and am saddened that he never will. So glad I accidentally discovered this book and so glad it made it onto shelves.
February 12, 2021
A fantastic book, easy to read and I finished it within a few days. The description of the characters brings them to life and I escaped into another world for a few days. I loved the mystical fairy/elves theme and was really rooting for Josh, Michael and Beth. Great moral to the story too. Recommend everyone to read this book.
December 14, 2023
Full of magic & mystical creatures! The book is written for tweens with the characters ages 8, 10 & 12. There are many great lessons weaved into the storyline including a nod to climate change & preserving nature. I thought there were parts that were pretty intense for a younger age. Classic good vs evil plot with a happy ending. Great young fantasy book!
March 26, 2020
My sister and I went to the launch of this book .. beautiful art inside , such a wonderful read , beautifully written . The world sadly lost such a talented soul with a huge heart . So happy it made it to print . God bless u steo Xx ❤
July 24, 2025
Me being who I am really did not enjoy the book at first, but since my sister insisted that I give it a try, I eventually gave in and read it and I had no regrets. Great book by a great writer KING
RIP.
RIP.
December 31, 2018
Wonderful story.
July 10, 2020
A quick read of magical beings, not my usual read but a quick and easy distraction
February 3, 2022
sweet fantasy story for people who are young or young at heart. I did not know he wrote a book. I wish he had had the time to write more!
July 25, 2024
I’ve read this book 4 times, one of my favourite books ever written. A true childhood classic.
July 29, 2010
Jujur, saat tahu Stephen Gately menulis buku saya tidak ingin menaruh ekspetasi yang sangat tinggi. Ya memang karena saya merasa tidak yakin dengan kemampuan Sang Penulis dalam membuat cerita.
Ternyata dugaan saya salah besar, saat membuka buku ini di halaman pertama saya sudah disuguhkan cerita yang indah. Ceritanya simpel, sangat simpel malahan. Tipikal cerita anak yang penuh dengan fantasi, petualangan. Dan penuh dengan makna tersirat.
Saya takjub dengan penuturan kata-kata dalam buku ini, mantra-mantra yang dibuat dalam bentuk puisi dan berima. Indah.
Petualangan 3 anak yang tanpa sengaja masuk ke dalam hutan dan bertemu dengan berbagai macam makhluk legenda; Goblin, peri, kurcaci,ghaoul, dan lain-lain.
Saya suka saat Penulisnya mulai menggambarkan keindahan dari alam, keindahan dari setiap musim. Seakan tempat tersebut merupakan tempat terindah di alam semesta.
Penulisnya memberitahukan dengan gaya cerita anak-anak bahwa kerusakan alam itu terjadi karena satu tokoh jahat bernama Gridelda yang serakah. Pada bagian ini saya berpikir, toh orang-orang yang serakah lha yang memang senang merusak alam.
Saat saya sampai di akhir cerita saya menemukan satu pesan yang tersirat dari Penulisnya yang sejak awal sudah dihembuskan perlahan. Bahwa semua makhluk hidup di bumi harus hidup berdampingan dan saling menghormati.
Mortals must also appreciate that they have to exist in harmony with their climate. If they do not cherish the natural earth they share, and take responsibility for its natural earth they share, there are many others like Gridelda who wait for the right opportunity to destroy what humankind takes for granted. p.295
Ternyata dugaan saya salah besar, saat membuka buku ini di halaman pertama saya sudah disuguhkan cerita yang indah. Ceritanya simpel, sangat simpel malahan. Tipikal cerita anak yang penuh dengan fantasi, petualangan. Dan penuh dengan makna tersirat.
Saya takjub dengan penuturan kata-kata dalam buku ini, mantra-mantra yang dibuat dalam bentuk puisi dan berima. Indah.
Petualangan 3 anak yang tanpa sengaja masuk ke dalam hutan dan bertemu dengan berbagai macam makhluk legenda; Goblin, peri, kurcaci,ghaoul, dan lain-lain.
Saya suka saat Penulisnya mulai menggambarkan keindahan dari alam, keindahan dari setiap musim. Seakan tempat tersebut merupakan tempat terindah di alam semesta.
Penulisnya memberitahukan dengan gaya cerita anak-anak bahwa kerusakan alam itu terjadi karena satu tokoh jahat bernama Gridelda yang serakah. Pada bagian ini saya berpikir, toh orang-orang yang serakah lha yang memang senang merusak alam.
Saat saya sampai di akhir cerita saya menemukan satu pesan yang tersirat dari Penulisnya yang sejak awal sudah dihembuskan perlahan. Bahwa semua makhluk hidup di bumi harus hidup berdampingan dan saling menghormati.
Mortals must also appreciate that they have to exist in harmony with their climate. If they do not cherish the natural earth they share, and take responsibility for its natural earth they share, there are many others like Gridelda who wait for the right opportunity to destroy what humankind takes for granted. p.295
June 2, 2010
I have just finished the book and its amazing! I bought it at the book launch and being a primary teacher haven't had time until this week to read it. I read it on the train to and from London today and was mesmerised... didn't want to leave the train for my stop because I hadn't quite finished it!
Its a creative fantasy which has captured the essence of what it is like to be a child and the insecurities we all face in life. It tells the story of three children Josh, Michael and Beth and I completely identify with Josh in particular; as the eldest out of my siblings you feel the need to protect them.
Steo has taken the magic of other worlds quite clearly from Narnia and The Lord of the Rings but has concentrated on the idea of courage. We don't have to 'look' brave to know we are courageous - Johnny Welts showed this - it took more courage for him to shake Josh's hand in apology than beating others.
As well as being magical and a great book to escape to, it has a serious message - we are the carers of this world and effect the seasons too.
All in all The Tree of Seasons is a great book for young and old and perfect for any fantasy fan.
Its a creative fantasy which has captured the essence of what it is like to be a child and the insecurities we all face in life. It tells the story of three children Josh, Michael and Beth and I completely identify with Josh in particular; as the eldest out of my siblings you feel the need to protect them.
Steo has taken the magic of other worlds quite clearly from Narnia and The Lord of the Rings but has concentrated on the idea of courage. We don't have to 'look' brave to know we are courageous - Johnny Welts showed this - it took more courage for him to shake Josh's hand in apology than beating others.
As well as being magical and a great book to escape to, it has a serious message - we are the carers of this world and effect the seasons too.
All in all The Tree of Seasons is a great book for young and old and perfect for any fantasy fan.
May 25, 2011
I bought this book only because I used to love Boyzone when I was younger and because the cover is really really pretty. I din't expect it to be well written and so I wasn't surprised when I found out that I was right about that. The idea of the story is quite nice and if I would actually be a child (and therefor wouldn't really pay attention to the writing style)I probably liked it better. I find the book wasn't well thought through, the story is jumpy and the different parts of it aren't really developed. It's like a chain of things is put together one after another without developing each part fully.
I started the book probably in June (I think it was June) and finished it today, just to be finished. I always picked it up, read a chapter or two and put it aside to read something else first.
I started the book probably in June (I think it was June) and finished it today, just to be finished. I always picked it up, read a chapter or two and put it aside to read something else first.
April 14, 2014
This book caught my attention in a recent book fair just because of the authors name. I wasn't a huge Boyzone fan back then but I did grow up with their songs. I was just curious on how someone transforms into a author after being on the music scene for so long.. not that I was expecting much!
However, I was pleasantly surprised and am very glad I bought it despite my doubts.
Those who grew up with Enid Blyton books would love this book. I've always been partial to the fairy world so I definitely loved seeing someone else than Ms Blyton writing about fairys, elves, goblins and such. The concept of different fairyfolk for different seasons also appealed to the child in me.
To me, it was written beautifully, easy for a child to understand and relaxing enough for an adult to enjoy. I'm going to enjoy reading this book to my children in the future =)
However, I was pleasantly surprised and am very glad I bought it despite my doubts.
Those who grew up with Enid Blyton books would love this book. I've always been partial to the fairy world so I definitely loved seeing someone else than Ms Blyton writing about fairys, elves, goblins and such. The concept of different fairyfolk for different seasons also appealed to the child in me.
To me, it was written beautifully, easy for a child to understand and relaxing enough for an adult to enjoy. I'm going to enjoy reading this book to my children in the future =)
June 27, 2010
I'm not sure how to review this book. I probably wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been by Stephen Gately and I hadn't seen his partner talking about it on TV.
I've given it 2 stars for "it was okay". I did nearly give up on it part way through but decided to finish it in the end. The writing style was quite childlike (and I don't mean childish when I say that) and I can imagine Stephen being like that in real life. Almost as if he wanted to go back to a life of running around in the woods meeting magical creatures, to get away from the madness that is worldwide fame in a boy band!
I'm sure children will enjoy this book, it is very innocent and also has an environmental aspect although this is not obvious or rammed down your throat.
I've given it 2 stars for "it was okay". I did nearly give up on it part way through but decided to finish it in the end. The writing style was quite childlike (and I don't mean childish when I say that) and I can imagine Stephen being like that in real life. Almost as if he wanted to go back to a life of running around in the woods meeting magical creatures, to get away from the madness that is worldwide fame in a boy band!
I'm sure children will enjoy this book, it is very innocent and also has an environmental aspect although this is not obvious or rammed down your throat.
November 3, 2010
That rating is really 3.5.
This is a very good story that could have done with a major re-write and a better editor. But, considering that it is also a first book and that the author died (aged just 33, way too young)while working on the book, those faults are easy to forgive.
I also think that editing points that I picked up on would probably not bother the targetted age group (9 -11)at all. They would just get lost in the adventures of three kids trying to safe a magical wood and the four seasons.
This is a very good story that could have done with a major re-write and a better editor. But, considering that it is also a first book and that the author died (aged just 33, way too young)while working on the book, those faults are easy to forgive.
I also think that editing points that I picked up on would probably not bother the targetted age group (9 -11)at all. They would just get lost in the adventures of three kids trying to safe a magical wood and the four seasons.
February 25, 2015
I'll admit as a huge Boyzone fan, I picked this book up purely because of the who the author is. The acknowledgements from his husband and forward by Sir Elton John bought tears to my eyes. While Stephen Gately was never able to see the completion and release of his book, I firmly believe he had a lot to be proud of. I don't want to spoil anything about the story, but the cast of characters were charming and well written I am eager to re-read this with my children and more than a little sad that he never got the chance to pen more delightful children's stories.
May 30, 2010
Yes, yes I know this is a) a childrens book and b) written by someone who was a member of one of the biggest boybands ever.
Curiosity made me reserve this book from the library after reading the plot outline. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. The writing is not as sophisticated as JK Rowling's, but there is plenty of food for the imagination in its pages. Looks like there's plenty of Enid Blyton influence (The Faraway Tree). I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could.
Curiosity made me reserve this book from the library after reading the plot outline. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. The writing is not as sophisticated as JK Rowling's, but there is plenty of food for the imagination in its pages. Looks like there's plenty of Enid Blyton influence (The Faraway Tree). I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could.
June 12, 2015
I only picked this book up because I liked the cover and the blurb made it sound interesting but I didn't actually finish this book
I did not know it was a Childers book when I bought it so the language really annoyed me and couldn't read it, it would probably be enjoyed by kids but I think you can tell it was not written by a proper author as the writing style was quite poor.
2/5 stars but would be enjoyed by younger children
I did not know it was a Childers book when I bought it so the language really annoyed me and couldn't read it, it would probably be enjoyed by kids but I think you can tell it was not written by a proper author as the writing style was quite poor.
2/5 stars but would be enjoyed by younger children
September 21, 2015
A nice children's story. The five stars are because the audiobook is done very well, with appropriate well known classical music always playing in the background. It could be used for introducing children to classical music as the music and the scene are always very well matched.
If my son was still young, I would listen to it with him twice, the first time for the story and the second time for the music and how it relates to the story.
If my son was still young, I would listen to it with him twice, the first time for the story and the second time for the music and how it relates to the story.
March 31, 2012
Beautiful story. If you ever want to escape back to a place were innocence and magic exist read this beautiful story by the late great Stephen Gately. Shame that he was taken from us so soon as I feel this would have been the start of many more adventures for the Lotts' children and the Tree of Seasons.
September 26, 2012
excellent children's book. I enjoyed the Tree of Seasons much more than I expected. I have to say, Stephen Gately would probably have gone on to write more great books. I found the story exciting, the characters very likeable (except for the baddie of course) and I just really liked the style of writing.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I would definitely recommend this book.
January 2, 2017
I love this book. Have read it 3 times. I no there are millions to read why re read over and over?
I don't care and I will probably read again at some point and I will pass to my children to read.
I loved and still love Stephen Patrick David Gately.
I just wish he were still here to write more lovely Magical stories.
Night night good bless
I don't care and I will probably read again at some point and I will pass to my children to read.
I loved and still love Stephen Patrick David Gately.
I just wish he were still here to write more lovely Magical stories.
Night night good bless
Want to read
October 19, 2010Passed by one of my old favorite songs of Boyzone by coincidence
I didn't know about Stephen's death. I'm not a big fan , however, I think I'm curios about his book.
I wonder what he had to write for children!
I didn't know about Stephen's death. I'm not a big fan , however, I think I'm curios about his book.
I wonder what he had to write for children!
June 20, 2011
recently read this because i love fantasy and science fiction books, i thought it was pretty good story line. but then again you can very rarely go wrong with fairys in my opinon lol. thought it was pretty good, it was inteneded for a younger audiance than myself but i still enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews