Scan barcode
nataliejm's review
3.0
The Springsweet continues immediately after the events of The Vespertine, except this time it concerns Amelia's cousin, Zora. Trying to forget the tragic events of the last summer, Zora goes to stay with her aunt on a homestead in Oklahoma, where she discovers that, like Amelia, she has elemental powers and tries to use them for good, until people start to turn on her.
I think one of the story's main strengths was having Zora as the narrator. I liked Amelia enough in the first book but Zora is just more interesting as a character. She's flawed, she's recovering from a recent traumatic event, and she's fast-thinking and smart. And, of course, Saundra Mitchell's writing is as lovely as ever.
But, oh man, the love triangle was so bland. I just could not get invested in it, at all. It was obvious to me from the start who Zora was going to choose and it really ground the plot to a complete halt. Aside from the love triangle, this was still a great book, with surprisingly intense moments and a great main character.
(Also, the next book sounds awesome! I found a synopsis here and EEEEK it's set during WWI! So excited!!)
I think one of the story's main strengths was having Zora as the narrator. I liked Amelia enough in the first book but Zora is just more interesting as a character. She's flawed, she's recovering from a recent traumatic event, and she's fast-thinking and smart. And, of course, Saundra Mitchell's writing is as lovely as ever.
But, oh man, the love triangle was so bland. I just could not get invested in it, at all. It was obvious to me from the start who Zora was going to choose and it really ground the plot to a complete halt. Aside from the love triangle, this was still a great book, with surprisingly intense moments
Spoiler
I mean, HOLY SHIT SHE GETS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING!!(Also, the next book sounds awesome! I found a synopsis here and EEEEK it's set during WWI! So excited!!)
maidmarianlib's review
3.0
A very interesting companion book. I like the characters and the setting, there could have been a little more tension but overall it kept me interested.
andye_reads's review
4.0
You do NOT have to have read The Vespertine to read, understand, and enjoy The Springsweet.
At a Glance:
The Springsweet was a fantastic historical fiction novel, full of rich descriptions of the Old West, and loaded with hardships, learning, and love. Fans of The Vespertine will find something familiar, but altogether new in The Springsweet. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The Wild West:
I found this book to be such a good read. As Zora leaves her comfortable home in Baltimore and moves out to the new frontier in Oklahoma, I was completely captivated by the scenery. Some of my favorite movies are from this time period, and this book brought pieces of them back to my mind (especially Far and Away and Cold Mountain). I loved how there were details that made me see the land in my head, but not so many details that I got bored. Saundra has an elegant way of writing, and that really shines in this novel, and makes you feel like you might actually be a part of this wild frontier.
Paranormalcy:
Of course, The Springsweet isn't all about history. Saundra loves to add a paranormal twist to her books, and this one is no exception. Zora discovers that she has the ability to "see" the water that flows under the earth. She's a Springsweet, a Water Witch, a Dowser. This definitely comes in handy in the parched land of the Oklahoma Territories. I really liked the way that Saundra described this ability. It was something completely different than any other paranormal book I've read.
A New Family:
Something I really liked about this book was the family that Zora had. The relationship between Zora and her aunt and her little cousin was really great to read. I loved Birdie! Even though she could be a little stubborn, and rough around the edges, she was totally hardcore. You don't want to mess with that chick, if you know what's good for you. I also adored the way Zora took to Louella, her little cousin. She showed such incredible growth of character in the way that she treated Lou almost like her own child. And Lou was seriously adorable.
The Romance:
I wasn't sure how I would feel about romance in this book. Would I feel like Zora was betraying Thomas? I loved them in The Vespertine, and I hated to think of her just finding someone new and forgetting him. I have to say, this was handled really well. Zora thoroughly mourned the loss of Thomas. She didn't just pick up and move on to the next guy. In fact, she had no intention of ever loving again. She was blind-sided by the feelings she ended up having for the new guy in her life. Which guy? I'm not saying. Not a love-triangle, really, but let's just say, she has options, and I couldn't be happier with who she picked!
A Third Book:
I absolutely loved The Vespertine, and found something new and fantastic in The Springsweet, so I'm so excited that there will be a third book (especially after that ending)! It is called Aetherbourne and is set to come out in 2013. Can't wait!
-Andye
Readingteen.net
Content:
Sexual Content: Mild
Language: Minor
Violence: Mild/Moderate
Other Notables: Supernatural powers
For more details, check out The Springsweet on ParentalBookReviews.com
At a Glance:
The Springsweet was a fantastic historical fiction novel, full of rich descriptions of the Old West, and loaded with hardships, learning, and love. Fans of The Vespertine will find something familiar, but altogether new in The Springsweet. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The Wild West:
I found this book to be such a good read. As Zora leaves her comfortable home in Baltimore and moves out to the new frontier in Oklahoma, I was completely captivated by the scenery. Some of my favorite movies are from this time period, and this book brought pieces of them back to my mind (especially Far and Away and Cold Mountain). I loved how there were details that made me see the land in my head, but not so many details that I got bored. Saundra has an elegant way of writing, and that really shines in this novel, and makes you feel like you might actually be a part of this wild frontier.
Paranormalcy:
Of course, The Springsweet isn't all about history. Saundra loves to add a paranormal twist to her books, and this one is no exception. Zora discovers that she has the ability to "see" the water that flows under the earth. She's a Springsweet, a Water Witch, a Dowser. This definitely comes in handy in the parched land of the Oklahoma Territories. I really liked the way that Saundra described this ability. It was something completely different than any other paranormal book I've read.
A New Family:
Something I really liked about this book was the family that Zora had. The relationship between Zora and her aunt and her little cousin was really great to read. I loved Birdie! Even though she could be a little stubborn, and rough around the edges, she was totally hardcore. You don't want to mess with that chick, if you know what's good for you. I also adored the way Zora took to Louella, her little cousin. She showed such incredible growth of character in the way that she treated Lou almost like her own child. And Lou was seriously adorable.
The Romance:
I wasn't sure how I would feel about romance in this book. Would I feel like Zora was betraying Thomas? I loved them in The Vespertine, and I hated to think of her just finding someone new and forgetting him. I have to say, this was handled really well. Zora thoroughly mourned the loss of Thomas. She didn't just pick up and move on to the next guy. In fact, she had no intention of ever loving again. She was blind-sided by the feelings she ended up having for the new guy in her life. Which guy? I'm not saying. Not a love-triangle, really, but let's just say, she has options, and I couldn't be happier with who she picked!
A Third Book:
I absolutely loved The Vespertine, and found something new and fantastic in The Springsweet, so I'm so excited that there will be a third book (especially after that ending)! It is called Aetherbourne and is set to come out in 2013. Can't wait!
-Andye
Readingteen.net
Content:
Sexual Content: Mild
Language: Minor
Violence: Mild/Moderate
Other Notables: Supernatural powers
For more details, check out The Springsweet on ParentalBookReviews.com
alittlebookish's review
4.0
I read The Vespertine, the companion novel to this book, when it first came out and the writing in that book is beautiful so I was excited to get a copy of The Springsweet for review. For some reason it took me a long time to pick this book up. As much as I liked The Vespertine, I found myself hesitant to read this book. I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a ridiculous TBR pile and I kept wanting to read other ones. Anyhow, all this to say that while I kept putting off reading this book, it was a really good book. I love Mitchell's writing style and I also love how she infuses so much history into her stories. I liked reading about Zora's point of view this time around. Her story starts off and she is heartbroken over the death of her fiance. She doesn't want to enter society again and begins to explore her option of moving west to marry a widower. In the end, she does venture out west to live with her aunt. It is here that she discovers that she can see different water systems which is helpful when trying to dig a well.
This book paints a vivid description of the "wild west" but it also adds a little twist with some supernatural-like abilities. One thing that I found interesting is the relationship between the while settlers and the First-Nations people in this book. There is never any direct contact but there is some talk of people knowingly or unknowingly settling on First-Nations land. There is a lot of friction that went on between these two groups of people. What I find especially interesting is that both Zora and her love interest discover that they have abilities that bring them right back to nature. They are almost one with nature and this is a concept that is well-embraced among First-Nations people. I will note that this is not the main focus of the novel but it is just something that I remarked when reading it.
Zora is a really likable character. She has her moments but for the most part she is strong-willed, independent and loving. I loved seeing her interact with her younger cousin and also develop a relationship with her aunt.
I quite enjoyed this book but the one thing that I would change is it's length. While the description is beautiful and the writing is exquisite, I did find that it lagged in some parts. I think that if the book was a bit longer there could have been a little more action added to the novel. I also have to admit that when I read the last few lines of the book, I just wished that Mitchell had continued her story. I suppose I will have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens. Overall I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5 and I suggest that you give it a try.
This book paints a vivid description of the "wild west" but it also adds a little twist with some supernatural-like abilities. One thing that I found interesting is the relationship between the while settlers and the First-Nations people in this book. There is never any direct contact but there is some talk of people knowingly or unknowingly settling on First-Nations land. There is a lot of friction that went on between these two groups of people. What I find especially interesting is that both Zora and her love interest discover that they have abilities that bring them right back to nature. They are almost one with nature and this is a concept that is well-embraced among First-Nations people. I will note that this is not the main focus of the novel but it is just something that I remarked when reading it.
Zora is a really likable character. She has her moments but for the most part she is strong-willed, independent and loving. I loved seeing her interact with her younger cousin and also develop a relationship with her aunt.
I quite enjoyed this book but the one thing that I would change is it's length. While the description is beautiful and the writing is exquisite, I did find that it lagged in some parts. I think that if the book was a bit longer there could have been a little more action added to the novel. I also have to admit that when I read the last few lines of the book, I just wished that Mitchell had continued her story. I suppose I will have to wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens. Overall I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5 and I suggest that you give it a try.
julesgou's review
4.0
We get to see how Zora Stewart fared after the death of Thomas.
She hasn't fared well.
She hasn't gone out to nay balls, she hasn't called on people, she just stayed home. So, she goes all the way to West Glory. She then discovers that she has a gift of finding the perfect spot for wells. That, and there are two guys who would love to court her.
Zora has to learn what it means to be alive. Most of her friends have died and she feels all alone. When she goes to West Glory, she finds out that she enjoys all of the hard work that she has to do. So she discovers new things about herself all while trying to get over Thomas. Thomas and her friends will always be a part of her but she has to remember that she is alive.
I liked that this story was told differently then Amelia's, so it kept the story interesting. Definitely as good as 'The Vespertine', I can't wait for the next one!
She hasn't fared well.
She hasn't gone out to nay balls, she hasn't called on people, she just stayed home. So, she goes all the way to West Glory. She then discovers that she has a gift of finding the perfect spot for wells. That, and there are two guys who would love to court her.
Zora has to learn what it means to be alive. Most of her friends have died and she feels all alone. When she goes to West Glory, she finds out that she enjoys all of the hard work that she has to do. So she discovers new things about herself all while trying to get over Thomas. Thomas and her friends will always be a part of her but she has to remember that she is alive.
I liked that this story was told differently then Amelia's, so it kept the story interesting. Definitely as good as 'The Vespertine', I can't wait for the next one!
bookmaddie's review against another edition
5.0
A quick, sweet, romantic read. c: I really enjoyed this book, and nothing really bothered me.
I'm quite excited for the third book in this series, to see Zora and Amelia reunited.
I'm quite excited for the third book in this series, to see Zora and Amelia reunited.
lorny's review
4.0
For those that haven’t read The Vespertine, The Springsweet might be a bit confusing at first. After the first two chapters, though, The Springsweet comes into its own and focuses on Zora’s new life on the prairie. Even so, I’d recommend reading The Vespertine first for context. (Saundra Mitchell doesn’t waste time playing catch-up, so be warned.)
For those who have read The Vespertine, you’re in for a treat with The Springsweet. Like its cover, The Springsweet is summery and hopeful in overall tone—it contrasts the darker setting of The Vespertine. Saundra Mitchell’s writing is as beautiful as ever; she has such a handle on writing historical fiction that readers feel instantly transported to the time period. I like that the setting isn’t traditional, either: The Springsweet takes place on the prairie, many miles away from the big houses and glamorous balls we’re used to. I’m always up for a unique setting, and I’m sure readers will love learning about roughing it in a sod house, too.
This particular setting puts Zora in the right situation for some good old-fashioned character-building. Zora was one of my favorite characters in The Vespertine, but I like her even more in The Springsweet. We get to see more of her quick wit and hardworking attitude (which she keeps up despite her sorry state of heartbreak). Readers will enjoy Zora’s narration immensely.
But what’s a historical novel without a dashing young gentleman? Perfectly fine, apparently. The love interest in The Springsweet is one lady readers will definitely fall for, despite his lack of tie and tails.
If you’re looking for a slower-paced, yet completely absorbing read, try The Springsweet. If Zora’s narration doesn’t wheel you in, the concept of a springsweet—and the touches of magic in the story—definitely will.
For those who have read The Vespertine, you’re in for a treat with The Springsweet. Like its cover, The Springsweet is summery and hopeful in overall tone—it contrasts the darker setting of The Vespertine. Saundra Mitchell’s writing is as beautiful as ever; she has such a handle on writing historical fiction that readers feel instantly transported to the time period. I like that the setting isn’t traditional, either: The Springsweet takes place on the prairie, many miles away from the big houses and glamorous balls we’re used to. I’m always up for a unique setting, and I’m sure readers will love learning about roughing it in a sod house, too.
This particular setting puts Zora in the right situation for some good old-fashioned character-building. Zora was one of my favorite characters in The Vespertine, but I like her even more in The Springsweet. We get to see more of her quick wit and hardworking attitude (which she keeps up despite her sorry state of heartbreak). Readers will enjoy Zora’s narration immensely.
But what’s a historical novel without a dashing young gentleman? Perfectly fine, apparently. The love interest in The Springsweet is one lady readers will definitely fall for, despite his lack of tie and tails.
If you’re looking for a slower-paced, yet completely absorbing read, try The Springsweet. If Zora’s narration doesn’t wheel you in, the concept of a springsweet—and the touches of magic in the story—definitely will.
singinglight's review
4.0
Originally published here
I was going to talk about Siobhan Vivian's The List today, and I still will because I have Thoughts, but then I read The Springsweet and I can't talk about anything else, so that's what you're getting.
Because this book is fantastic. I was a bit worried, in that sequel-to-a-good-book way. Will it live up to the first book? Will I wish the story had gone in another direction? Answer: yes, and no.
After the events of The Vespertine, Zora Stewart has to get away from Baltimore, any way she can. If that means ruining her reputation and being sent to her aunt in Oklahoma Territory, so be it. But in Oklahoma, she will find that she has talents she didn't know she possessed.
Okay, first of all, I love the voice. Just as in The Vespertine, Mitchell absolutely nails the flavor of the language, the syntax and the rhythms, without making it sound all olde timey. It's a book where the writing is subtle, where the similes slip in almost unnoticed.
Second, there's a sort-of love triangle, except that it's never really in question. Zora knows her own mind and the tension that keeps the plot going comes, not from her own indecisive dilly-dallying, but from her aunt's insistence that she do the sensible thing. And the real love interest? Is awesome. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to risk spoilers, but trust me.
Speaking of Zora's aunt, I loved Birdie. The fact that she's not that much older than Zora, that she's tough without being hard, that she manages to carve a life for herself and her daughter (her husband has died). I believed in her as a real person, as someone who might easily have existed at that point in our history.
And finally, there's Zora. Zora who acts petulant sometimes, but who is also putting on act. Zora who's still grieving, but trying to find a way past her grief. She's a wonderful example of a character who feels absolutely of her time, while at the same time being very spunky and easily relatable to a modern audience. I read past most of this at the time and then realized that when she first takes her corsets off, she feels strange, where most characters in historical fiction would immediately feel liberated. She doesn't mind sewing. She's competent, in short, in the ways in which even a well-off girl of her time would have been. And all of that without sacrificing one ounce of agency or strength.
And I loved the descriptions of the magic, which are just pure loveliness.
So all that is basically to say, I loved this book! Go read it!
Book source: public library
Book information: Harcourt, 2012 (today!); YA fantasy
My brief review of The Vespertine
Other reviews of The Springsweet:
Proud Book Nerd
Red House Books
Leila Roy at Kirkus
I was going to talk about Siobhan Vivian's The List today, and I still will because I have Thoughts, but then I read The Springsweet and I can't talk about anything else, so that's what you're getting.
Because this book is fantastic. I was a bit worried, in that sequel-to-a-good-book way. Will it live up to the first book? Will I wish the story had gone in another direction? Answer: yes, and no.
After the events of The Vespertine, Zora Stewart has to get away from Baltimore, any way she can. If that means ruining her reputation and being sent to her aunt in Oklahoma Territory, so be it. But in Oklahoma, she will find that she has talents she didn't know she possessed.
Okay, first of all, I love the voice. Just as in The Vespertine, Mitchell absolutely nails the flavor of the language, the syntax and the rhythms, without making it sound all olde timey. It's a book where the writing is subtle, where the similes slip in almost unnoticed.
Second, there's a sort-of love triangle, except that it's never really in question. Zora knows her own mind and the tension that keeps the plot going comes, not from her own indecisive dilly-dallying, but from her aunt's insistence that she do the sensible thing. And the real love interest? Is awesome. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to risk spoilers, but trust me.
Speaking of Zora's aunt, I loved Birdie. The fact that she's not that much older than Zora, that she's tough without being hard, that she manages to carve a life for herself and her daughter (her husband has died). I believed in her as a real person, as someone who might easily have existed at that point in our history.
And finally, there's Zora. Zora who acts petulant sometimes, but who is also putting on act. Zora who's still grieving, but trying to find a way past her grief. She's a wonderful example of a character who feels absolutely of her time, while at the same time being very spunky and easily relatable to a modern audience. I read past most of this at the time and then realized that when she first takes her corsets off, she feels strange, where most characters in historical fiction would immediately feel liberated. She doesn't mind sewing. She's competent, in short, in the ways in which even a well-off girl of her time would have been. And all of that without sacrificing one ounce of agency or strength.
And I loved the descriptions of the magic, which are just pure loveliness.
So all that is basically to say, I loved this book! Go read it!
Book source: public library
Book information: Harcourt, 2012 (today!); YA fantasy
My brief review of The Vespertine
Other reviews of The Springsweet:
Proud Book Nerd
Red House Books
Leila Roy at Kirkus
More...