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The Forbidden #1
Forbidden Sister
From bestselling author V.C. Andrews comes a story of a young woman in search of her older sister—and the dark truth that threatens to tear her family apart.
I HAD EVERY REASON TO HATE HER, MY FORBIDDEN SISTER. SHE WAS LIKE SOMEONE WHO HAD DIED BUT WOULDN’T STAY BURIED. . . .
Bestselling author V.C. Andrews unlocks an adventure of intrigue and temptation that shatters the innocence of a girl in search of the sister she’s never known.
Emmie Wilcox was only six when her older sister, Roxy, was thrown out of their New York City apartment. Their stern father’s military-style rules left no room for rebellion, and Roxy was continually defiant and rebellious. Emmie, now an outstanding student at a private school, is obedient, respectful, a fille parfaite, as her Parisian-born mother lovingly calls her. Two sisters, total opposites—yet Emmie is secretly obsessed with the mystery and imposed silence surrounding What had she finally done to deserve being cast out of her home? Where is she now? Emmie can’t help but wonder if there is a hidden side to her that resembles Roxy’s defiant nature. Sometimes she fantasizes that she is more like Roxy than she appears. Sometimes she wants to be. She wants excitement, and being a good girl all the time is harder than it seems. Finally learning that Roxy is a highly paid escort to wealthy and powerful men, Emmie goes behind her father’s back to track down and spy on the sister she can’t help but be fascinated with, a sister whose influence might run deeper than Emmie ever dreamed.
In a tale twisting with heart-pounding suspense, shocking revelations, and the compelling family drama for which V.C. Andrews is known, Forbidden Sister introduces two new original heroines to capture any reader’s imagination.
I HAD EVERY REASON TO HATE HER, MY FORBIDDEN SISTER. SHE WAS LIKE SOMEONE WHO HAD DIED BUT WOULDN’T STAY BURIED. . . .
Bestselling author V.C. Andrews unlocks an adventure of intrigue and temptation that shatters the innocence of a girl in search of the sister she’s never known.
Emmie Wilcox was only six when her older sister, Roxy, was thrown out of their New York City apartment. Their stern father’s military-style rules left no room for rebellion, and Roxy was continually defiant and rebellious. Emmie, now an outstanding student at a private school, is obedient, respectful, a fille parfaite, as her Parisian-born mother lovingly calls her. Two sisters, total opposites—yet Emmie is secretly obsessed with the mystery and imposed silence surrounding What had she finally done to deserve being cast out of her home? Where is she now? Emmie can’t help but wonder if there is a hidden side to her that resembles Roxy’s defiant nature. Sometimes she fantasizes that she is more like Roxy than she appears. Sometimes she wants to be. She wants excitement, and being a good girl all the time is harder than it seems. Finally learning that Roxy is a highly paid escort to wealthy and powerful men, Emmie goes behind her father’s back to track down and spy on the sister she can’t help but be fascinated with, a sister whose influence might run deeper than Emmie ever dreamed.
In a tale twisting with heart-pounding suspense, shocking revelations, and the compelling family drama for which V.C. Andrews is known, Forbidden Sister introduces two new original heroines to capture any reader’s imagination.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 26, 2013
156 people are currently reading
3617 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,094 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
May 29, 2016
I admit, I got sucked in by the pretty cover. It looked really promising, despite the fact that I knew the real V.C. Andrews wasn't writing this, but hey, how bad could this new guy be if he'd been churning out these books like butter? There must be something going on if his books were selling.
Unfortunately, NO.
Forbidden Sister sounds more intriguing than it actually is. It boasts a truck load of forbidden secrets, sexual exploration, as well as messed-up family dynamics; but the awful narration, the boring protagonist and her repetitive musings, as well as an anti-climatic build up really bored me. I got through it, but it was for Roxy. Maybe I'm too used to Andrew's previous works, which was darker, and I was expecting something more dramatic than just a militant and dominant father who drove his daughter out to the streets. I thought family secrets meant sexual abuse and incest, but it was just prostitution. It wasn't even a turning of age story because our protagonist didn't actually grow. She still read the same from the beginning till the end, except sounding even more redundant and naive.
A pretty girls book with no substance and plot. Don't bother. You won't find what you're looking for here.
Unfortunately, NO.
Forbidden Sister sounds more intriguing than it actually is. It boasts a truck load of forbidden secrets, sexual exploration, as well as messed-up family dynamics; but the awful narration, the boring protagonist and her repetitive musings, as well as an anti-climatic build up really bored me. I got through it, but it was for Roxy. Maybe I'm too used to Andrew's previous works, which was darker, and I was expecting something more dramatic than just a militant and dominant father who drove his daughter out to the streets. I thought family secrets meant sexual abuse and incest, but it was just prostitution. It wasn't even a turning of age story because our protagonist didn't actually grow. She still read the same from the beginning till the end, except sounding even more redundant and naive.
A pretty girls book with no substance and plot. Don't bother. You won't find what you're looking for here.
dnf
August 25, 2025DNF @8%. Verhaallijn boeit me nu al niet
February 23, 2013
Emmie had only heard back things about his older sister, Roxy. How she was a trouble maker and this is why she left. Emmie’s father will not let Emmie follow in Roxy’s footsteps. Emmie is curious about who Roxy is. She decides to do some investigation of her own into her sister. Will Emmie have a happy reunion or heartache?
I have read a couple books by the ghost writer for V.C. Andrews. I have to say that while it is a nice gesture, the books are not the same. However I thought I would give them another chance. This latest book sounded good. Also, the cover caught my eye.
It is sad when I am more intrigued to get to know more about Roxy then I am her sister, Emmie. Especially when Roxy is the main focus in the next book. Part of the problem was that I felt that Emmie had no back bone. Her father was awful and I can see why Roxy ran away. He may not be physically abusive but he is almost as bad by being somewhat emotionally abusive. So, I wanted to see Emmie grow and stand up to her father. Instead she tried to be the good daughter but used her mother as her crutch to stand on. Also, I did feel she was gullible. Emmie did grow a little backbone in the end but by then it was too late for me.
My other issue I had with this book is that it moved too slowly for my taste. It too a long time for the story to pick up about mid way. The ending was a nice lead into Roxy’s story.
I have read a couple books by the ghost writer for V.C. Andrews. I have to say that while it is a nice gesture, the books are not the same. However I thought I would give them another chance. This latest book sounded good. Also, the cover caught my eye.
It is sad when I am more intrigued to get to know more about Roxy then I am her sister, Emmie. Especially when Roxy is the main focus in the next book. Part of the problem was that I felt that Emmie had no back bone. Her father was awful and I can see why Roxy ran away. He may not be physically abusive but he is almost as bad by being somewhat emotionally abusive. So, I wanted to see Emmie grow and stand up to her father. Instead she tried to be the good daughter but used her mother as her crutch to stand on. Also, I did feel she was gullible. Emmie did grow a little backbone in the end but by then it was too late for me.
My other issue I had with this book is that it moved too slowly for my taste. It too a long time for the story to pick up about mid way. The ending was a nice lead into Roxy’s story.
March 4, 2013
When I was a kid my sister and I devoured the Flowers in the Attic series about the Dollanganger family. Our love of this writer is still as fresh as it was when we were 12 & 13 years old. Unlike a lot of the other reviews I have seen, saying the book has flat characters, I really enjoyed getting to know Emmie and Roxy.
In this book, Emmie longs to know her black sheep sister Roxy who was sent packing after her father threw her out 8 years prior. Emmie has always tried to make her parents proud and felt it was her duty after what they supposedly had to endure with Roxy. When She finally gets a moment to spy on her sister, she sees a beautiful, refined woman, who lives in a great apartment and takes limo rides.
Emmie learns that Roxy is an escort and wishes she could get to know her sister.
When a turn of events put the sisters in each others presence after 8 years, Emmie and Roxy must find a way to help each other out of they allow themselves to feel for the other. Can the girls put aside their early years and learn to love and lean on each other like siblings do? Only time will tell, I can't wait for book 2.
While it is not VC, the feeling is still there and we are happy her family is continuing to put out these books.
March 10, 2013
ARC reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
I haven’t read a VC Andrews book in a long time and while I realize the book wasn’t written by her since she has passed on, I really enjoyed the ones I had read in the past and hoped I would enjoy this one as well. The synopsis of the book had intrigued me and I thought the secrets would add to the mystery, but everything was clear cut and dry.
The “best friend” was pathetic, whiny, and annoying. The father was ridiculous and faulty the entire time. The main character Emmie was OK at times, but more often than not she wasn’t someone I would care to know, wish-washy, fake, easily manipulated, and just plain blah.
So why did I keep reading? Well, I kept hoping. I hoped that there would be big secrets, a big twist that turned everything upside down, and at least a big ending. Instead it just trailed along, repeating everything we already knew, moving down that road of safe predictability in order to end up at a very obvious and annoying place.
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review
I haven’t read a VC Andrews book in a long time and while I realize the book wasn’t written by her since she has passed on, I really enjoyed the ones I had read in the past and hoped I would enjoy this one as well. The synopsis of the book had intrigued me and I thought the secrets would add to the mystery, but everything was clear cut and dry.
The “best friend” was pathetic, whiny, and annoying. The father was ridiculous and faulty the entire time. The main character Emmie was OK at times, but more often than not she wasn’t someone I would care to know, wish-washy, fake, easily manipulated, and just plain blah.
So why did I keep reading? Well, I kept hoping. I hoped that there would be big secrets, a big twist that turned everything upside down, and at least a big ending. Instead it just trailed along, repeating everything we already knew, moving down that road of safe predictability in order to end up at a very obvious and annoying place.
Book Received: For free from publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 30, 2017
Really didn't like it that much
January 9, 2014
I've been particularly generous with these comfort-read ratings, so even these two stars are probably over-the-top. But this Forbidden series is especially dodgy, as I learned from The Forbidden Heart novella last year.
There is so much shaming, it's hard to know where to begin. Virgin shaming, slut shaming, fat shaming, French shaming, escort shaming, sister-of-escort shaming, non-military shaming, orphan shaming, and those are just off the top of my head - there's probably more. So many unlikable characters, stereotyping, and generalising.
For many unexplained reasons, Roxy Wilcox's parents kicked her out, or she left, when she was fifteen. During the next six years, she became a high-priced escort (because of course she's too beautiful to work the streets or whatever). That's right, ladies and gentleman - a sex worker named Roxanne. I can't remember the lyrics to that Police song, but I know Flight of the Conchords' "You Don't Have to Be a Prostitute", so I've got the gist of it.
Roxy's mother, Vivian, is from Paris, and reportedly she had an older sister who was quite like Roxy. So Roxy's dad clearly figures the "bad behaviour" is genetic. And French. Not American. So therefore not his fault, or whatever. I just don't believe that Americans are any less prudish than the French. YOU'RE ALL AS PRUDISH AS EACH OTHER, PEOPLE - HUG IT OUT!
So, how French is this family? So French that Emmie (six years younger than Roxy, and who narrates this novel) has been having wine with dinner for years. Because the French are winos, seems to be the insinuation. But I don't believe that Americans are any less drunk than the French. YOU'RE ALL AS DRUNK AS EACH OTHER, PEOPLE - HUG IT OUT! How much of a wino is Emmie? Enough that at her boyfriend's family dinner, she gives an instructional demonstration of how to properly taste wine, and how to pronounce if it's any good. Which of course it is, because rich folk aren't drinking to get drunk on cheap plonk. You know on Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure when James blows a whistle anytime someone (including himself) is being a "wine ponce"? This scene in the book is one big whistle-blow.
You don't have to be a promiscuous French wino to be offended by this novel. I'm hoping the sequel will be a little less awful, but it likely won't be.
P.S. Relevant links: You Don't Have to Be a Prostitute and Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure.
There is so much shaming, it's hard to know where to begin. Virgin shaming, slut shaming, fat shaming, French shaming, escort shaming, sister-of-escort shaming, non-military shaming, orphan shaming, and those are just off the top of my head - there's probably more. So many unlikable characters, stereotyping, and generalising.
For many unexplained reasons, Roxy Wilcox's parents kicked her out, or she left, when she was fifteen. During the next six years, she became a high-priced escort (because of course she's too beautiful to work the streets or whatever). That's right, ladies and gentleman - a sex worker named Roxanne. I can't remember the lyrics to that Police song, but I know Flight of the Conchords' "You Don't Have to Be a Prostitute", so I've got the gist of it.
Roxy's mother, Vivian, is from Paris, and reportedly she had an older sister who was quite like Roxy. So Roxy's dad clearly figures the "bad behaviour" is genetic. And French. Not American. So therefore not his fault, or whatever. I just don't believe that Americans are any less prudish than the French. YOU'RE ALL AS PRUDISH AS EACH OTHER, PEOPLE - HUG IT OUT!
So, how French is this family? So French that Emmie (six years younger than Roxy, and who narrates this novel) has been having wine with dinner for years. Because the French are winos, seems to be the insinuation. But I don't believe that Americans are any less drunk than the French. YOU'RE ALL AS DRUNK AS EACH OTHER, PEOPLE - HUG IT OUT! How much of a wino is Emmie? Enough that at her boyfriend's family dinner, she gives an instructional demonstration of how to properly taste wine, and how to pronounce if it's any good. Which of course it is, because rich folk aren't drinking to get drunk on cheap plonk. You know on Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure when James blows a whistle anytime someone (including himself) is being a "wine ponce"? This scene in the book is one big whistle-blow.
You don't have to be a promiscuous French wino to be offended by this novel. I'm hoping the sequel will be a little less awful, but it likely won't be.
P.S. Relevant links: You Don't Have to Be a Prostitute and Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2013
I have to admit this one took me a bit to get in to. This is not a fast-paced book but instead is a window in to a family that is fundamentally flawed. We have a father that is incredibly rigid, a mother that is loving but unable to stand up to him, a daughter that cannot be mentioned and another daughter that is trying so hard to be the perfect child. I felt for Emmie as she tried to navigate being a teenager while living under the shadow of what Roxy did.
This is a book that explores the end of childhood innocence and also is everything truly perfect under the facade that money and status create. Emmie grows up in a hurry as tragedy strikes her immediate family but she has an amazingly strong backbone when her friendship is exposed to be a false one, her new romantic interest proves to be scum, and her classmates all show themselves to be unworthy of her time and attention. There is a boy who could have been found to be a great friend/something more but that was not explored as the story takes some unexpected turns instead. I liked seeing her realize that life isn't pretty at times but what matters is family and your own heart.
Roxy comes across as extremely cold but as you get more glimpses of her I just felt incredible sadness for her. She didn't have a childhood due to her inability to play the company line at home and had to grow up quickly in the world of high-priced escorting in New York. She's forced to examine what truly is important when Emmie comes back in to her life and while she was cruel at times to the fragile teenager she actually did mean well and ultimately did the right thing by her.
I found this to be an interesting read even though it took a bit for me to warm up to it.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books for letting me have a chance to read this early in exchange for my honest review.
This is a book that explores the end of childhood innocence and also is everything truly perfect under the facade that money and status create. Emmie grows up in a hurry as tragedy strikes her immediate family but she has an amazingly strong backbone when her friendship is exposed to be a false one, her new romantic interest proves to be scum, and her classmates all show themselves to be unworthy of her time and attention. There is a boy who could have been found to be a great friend/something more but that was not explored as the story takes some unexpected turns instead. I liked seeing her realize that life isn't pretty at times but what matters is family and your own heart.
Roxy comes across as extremely cold but as you get more glimpses of her I just felt incredible sadness for her. She didn't have a childhood due to her inability to play the company line at home and had to grow up quickly in the world of high-priced escorting in New York. She's forced to examine what truly is important when Emmie comes back in to her life and while she was cruel at times to the fragile teenager she actually did mean well and ultimately did the right thing by her.
I found this to be an interesting read even though it took a bit for me to warm up to it.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books for letting me have a chance to read this early in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2019
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Review also found here. I just can't seem to learn from the flaws of this era of "V.C. Andrews", you know? Time and time again, I get lured in by promising plotlines (family secrets, a sister who left home at a young age and became an escort; overbearing families and tangled friendships) and a summary that leaves you dangling in suspense. There have been few releases in recent years that I have genuinely enjoyed from Andrews--most recently, it was the startling and disturbingly fun introduction to a new series: The Mirror Sisters and its even better sequel Broken Glass--and there is really no going around and tip toeing that. My longtime followers and friends know why I take issue with the name being used long after the author has passed and I won't get into it.
The Forbidden Sister had something to it beyond that beautiful cover art. I was fascinated by the very premise. There was something between the lines of the summary that called to me and I just couldn't resist. However, where I thought there would be more thrilling intrigue and secrets; the novel was lackluster and the premise gave away the entire plot-line. Further, I just found it to be dull and choppy; boring, boring, boring. No substance. Nothing. Even the plots that came to pass felt weirdly undone, like they were happening at a glacial speed yet no details to be found.
I think that, in my opinion, the only saving grace of The Forbidden was in Roxy. Emmie is not a bad character by any means, it just felt like she was there but not. Which is never a good sign when it comes to the lead character of a novel. Roxy's backstory interested me from the get-go and I would have loved to see more of the tangled family relationships that the sisters had with not only one another, but their parents. It wasn't twisted at all--it was just unfortunate and I can't say I was all that wild about the parents, obviously, but it just felt like the detailing and each circumstance was lacking.
And the ending was no better! Much like the rest of the book, it was just kind of there. A dud. Not a single way to escape it. I felt very unsatisfied with it and, well, it's definitely up there as one of the dullest (but maybe not worst) V.C. Andrews novels of late. I don't know that I would recommend it to anyone unless they just feel like reading something, without a care towards the plot. It wasn't my cup of tea.
Review also found here. I just can't seem to learn from the flaws of this era of "V.C. Andrews", you know? Time and time again, I get lured in by promising plotlines (family secrets, a sister who left home at a young age and became an escort; overbearing families and tangled friendships) and a summary that leaves you dangling in suspense. There have been few releases in recent years that I have genuinely enjoyed from Andrews--most recently, it was the startling and disturbingly fun introduction to a new series: The Mirror Sisters and its even better sequel Broken Glass--and there is really no going around and tip toeing that. My longtime followers and friends know why I take issue with the name being used long after the author has passed and I won't get into it.
The Forbidden Sister had something to it beyond that beautiful cover art. I was fascinated by the very premise. There was something between the lines of the summary that called to me and I just couldn't resist. However, where I thought there would be more thrilling intrigue and secrets; the novel was lackluster and the premise gave away the entire plot-line. Further, I just found it to be dull and choppy; boring, boring, boring. No substance. Nothing. Even the plots that came to pass felt weirdly undone, like they were happening at a glacial speed yet no details to be found.
I think that, in my opinion, the only saving grace of The Forbidden was in Roxy. Emmie is not a bad character by any means, it just felt like she was there but not. Which is never a good sign when it comes to the lead character of a novel. Roxy's backstory interested me from the get-go and I would have loved to see more of the tangled family relationships that the sisters had with not only one another, but their parents. It wasn't twisted at all--it was just unfortunate and I can't say I was all that wild about the parents, obviously, but it just felt like the detailing and each circumstance was lacking.
And the ending was no better! Much like the rest of the book, it was just kind of there. A dud. Not a single way to escape it. I felt very unsatisfied with it and, well, it's definitely up there as one of the dullest (but maybe not worst) V.C. Andrews novels of late. I don't know that I would recommend it to anyone unless they just feel like reading something, without a care towards the plot. It wasn't my cup of tea.
July 9, 2013
A new V.C. Andrews book - who can say no that has read them before? I loved the Flowers in the Attic books but the later series didn't do it for me. Then when Andrews passed away, I picked one up again. Entertaining, to say the least, but I wasn't as invested as I was previously. However, something about sisters (me being one of three) always perks my interest, so I picked up Forbidden Sister.
Emmie and Roxy are sisters, but Roxy is the 'bad' child and Emmie the 'good girl'. Roxy's father tossed her out a few years ago and Emmie never understood why. Her father implores her to be a good girl and Emmie has done a decent job of it. But in the back of her mind she always wonders where her sister is and what she did that was so bad, she left.
Older now, she decides to find her sister and her reasons for being so defiant. But when she finds Roxy and what her current profession is, she is not only intrigued, she wonders if she is anything like her sister at all. She doesn't approach her at first, but watches. What transpires is unexpected.
I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series. Although Emmie is a bit spineless, she eventually does become into her own, but I'm really intrigued with Roxy. The characters are well developed, even if I didn't like the parents. The pace is steady and the writing was seamless, leaving the reader with a drama-filled, intriguing read. Definitely enjoyed this one!
March 12, 2013
I grew up reading V.C. Andrews and still continue to read the books put out under her name all these years after her death. And they are all pretty dull. You can't compare this shallow, vague writing to the details I loved in Flowers in the Attic or the Casteel family series, unfortunately. If you are looking to read something by her, go with either of those series. That being said, out of loyalty, I will be reading the sequel when it comes out...with no expectations.
January 6, 2018
I always wanted to read a V.C. Andrews book, and there is a chance that I may have read one in the past when I was a lot younger. I thought the story was decent, a bit juvenile at times.
I will most likely continue the series.
Okay Read!
I will most likely continue the series.
Okay Read!
June 5, 2023
After the detour of Capturing Angels, this novel returns to the usual V.C. Andrews style/theming. However, the inclusion of French culture/language and better defined characters elevated this 1st book of The Forbidden series much above the two prior series (March Family and Kindred).
This book fulfilled the 2023 PopSugar prompt #48 - A book that features two languages.
This book fulfilled the 2023 PopSugar prompt #48 - A book that features two languages.
November 4, 2021
The problem here isn't the story itself -- which, by Ghostwriter standards, is decent -- so much as the way it's told. Quite simply, it's about 75% boring, flatly-written tedium (particularly all the crap about Evan, Chastity, & school) & 25% interesting interactions/scenarios, most of which arrive in the final third. There's nothing risqué here, y'all; Roxy isn't even in the story until 60% through, & even when Emmie lives at her flat literally everything is behind closed doors except one brief scene with a sleazy come-on.
I did like Alain & Maurice, the gay uncle & his chef bf, who have a natural feel to their sexuality (as opposed to 98% of VCA males, who are either psychotic horrors or limp strips of bacon). And I liked Roxy, who was an unapologetic bitch & survivor. I even liked the girls' father; he wasn't really a creep, just overprotective & a bit rash to pass judgment, which is probably why he often allowed himself to be maneuvered by the sisters' more liberal, gentle mother. Unlike most VCA books, theirs was a happy & balanced marriage.
...But, the writing is so incredibly meh. Emmie is boring & blah with only brief flashes of personality -- perhaps because the Ghostwriter is male, but more likely due to his habitually clinical, stilted, & cookie-cutter narration. One reason I liked DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS was because that style actually fit a young, emotionally stunted, inexperienced-with-humans vampire...but Emmie is NOT a vampire. She's a sheltered teenager with an overprotective dad & a fashion-savvy mom.
Also, there is Chastity. Rarely have I wanted to murder such a pointless straw-man character -- she isn't even necessary to the story, ffs -- but I just loathed her. Every time she appeared on-page I wished Bruce Lee would bust through the wall & kick her in the face. What an obnoxious twat. She & Evan were a pointless waste of pages.
So. I can only award a weak 3.
I did like Alain & Maurice, the gay uncle & his chef bf, who have a natural feel to their sexuality (as opposed to 98% of VCA males, who are either psychotic horrors or limp strips of bacon). And I liked Roxy, who was an unapologetic bitch & survivor. I even liked the girls' father; he wasn't really a creep, just overprotective & a bit rash to pass judgment, which is probably why he often allowed himself to be maneuvered by the sisters' more liberal, gentle mother. Unlike most VCA books, theirs was a happy & balanced marriage.
...But, the writing is so incredibly meh. Emmie is boring & blah with only brief flashes of personality -- perhaps because the Ghostwriter is male, but more likely due to his habitually clinical, stilted, & cookie-cutter narration. One reason I liked DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS was because that style actually fit a young, emotionally stunted, inexperienced-with-humans vampire...but Emmie is NOT a vampire. She's a sheltered teenager with an overprotective dad & a fashion-savvy mom.
Also, there is Chastity. Rarely have I wanted to murder such a pointless straw-man character -- she isn't even necessary to the story, ffs -- but I just loathed her. Every time she appeared on-page I wished Bruce Lee would bust through the wall & kick her in the face. What an obnoxious twat. She & Evan were a pointless waste of pages.
So. I can only award a weak 3.
July 29, 2016
The release of a new VC Andrews novel is an exciting time. For diehard fans like me, there is always that tiny spark of hope that finally, this will be the novel that lives up to the legacy created by the original author. Although there have been a few disappointing releases in recent years, a part of me always feels that tiny spark of hope.
And for me, Forbidden Sister, most definitely did not disappoint. Set in New York, Forbidden Sister tells the story of Emmie, a fifteen-year-old from a strict family. Emmie has an older sister, Roxy, who she is forbidden to speak about since her father cast her out of their home. When Emmie learns that Roxy is living nearby and working as a high class call girl she cannot resist learning more about her wicked, forbidden older sister.
While by no means perfect, I found Forbidden Sister to be one of the most enjoyable V.C. Andrews novels I have read since Into the Garden was released in the late 1990s. The novel contained a female lead that I cared about and I wanted to learn more about the dreadful Roxy. The novel has its flaws, however, the deaths of each of the Wilcox parents seemed to be a bit too convenient for the plot and I would have liked to have seen some conflict or some kind of meeting between Roxy and her father before he died--just as I would have liked to have seen Emmie stand up to her father.
Overall, this one was an enjoyable enough read for a public holiday weekend and remains the best VC Andrews release in recent years. And once again, Mr Neiderman, I love the fact that you slipped a "No worries" in there.
Here's hoping that the sequel, Roxy's Story is just as enjoyable if not better.
This review previously appeared on my blog http://kathrynwhiteauthor.blogspot.com
And for me, Forbidden Sister, most definitely did not disappoint. Set in New York, Forbidden Sister tells the story of Emmie, a fifteen-year-old from a strict family. Emmie has an older sister, Roxy, who she is forbidden to speak about since her father cast her out of their home. When Emmie learns that Roxy is living nearby and working as a high class call girl she cannot resist learning more about her wicked, forbidden older sister.
While by no means perfect, I found Forbidden Sister to be one of the most enjoyable V.C. Andrews novels I have read since Into the Garden was released in the late 1990s. The novel contained a female lead that I cared about and I wanted to learn more about the dreadful Roxy. The novel has its flaws, however, the deaths of each of the Wilcox parents seemed to be a bit too convenient for the plot and I would have liked to have seen some conflict or some kind of meeting between Roxy and her father before he died--just as I would have liked to have seen Emmie stand up to her father.
Overall, this one was an enjoyable enough read for a public holiday weekend and remains the best VC Andrews release in recent years. And once again, Mr Neiderman, I love the fact that you slipped a "No worries" in there.
Here's hoping that the sequel, Roxy's Story is just as enjoyable if not better.
This review previously appeared on my blog http://kathrynwhiteauthor.blogspot.com
May 6, 2013
"Emmie Wilcox was only six when her older sister, Roxy, was thrown out of their New York City apartment. Their stern father’s military-style rules left no room for rebellion, and Roxy was as defiant as Emmie—now an outstanding student at a private school—is compliant: a perfect daughter, un fille parfaite, as her Parisian-born mother lovingly calls her. Two sisters, total opposites—yet Emmie is secretly obsessed with the mystery surrounding Roxy: What had she done? Where is she now? And is there a hidden side to Emmie that resembles Roxy’s spiteful nature? Knowing only that Roxy is a highly paid escort to the city’s wealthiest men, Emmie goes behind her father’s back to track down the sister she fears, despises, and inexplicably clings to . . . and whose influence might run deeper than Emmie ever imagined."- Amazon.ca
This was my first V.C. Andrews reading experience and so I cannot really say if it is better or worse than any of her other books. What I will say is that it was a nice read to relax with in the tub. Nothing too thought provoking here. The writing tends to be a little repetitive with Emmie always seeming to wonder over and over again about her sister, Roxy. When the two sisters finally do get meet to each other over the first time in years, there is absolutely no resolution or hint as to what prompted Roxy into leaving her home in the first place. There are clues in terms of the father's overbearing and sometimes emotionally abusive behavior. I would even suspect some physical abuse because the mother always seems so timid and unsure of herself throughout the course of the book. I guess that would be author strategy because there is apparently a sequel which will focus more on Roxy's story.
This was my first V.C. Andrews reading experience and so I cannot really say if it is better or worse than any of her other books. What I will say is that it was a nice read to relax with in the tub. Nothing too thought provoking here. The writing tends to be a little repetitive with Emmie always seeming to wonder over and over again about her sister, Roxy. When the two sisters finally do get meet to each other over the first time in years, there is absolutely no resolution or hint as to what prompted Roxy into leaving her home in the first place. There are clues in terms of the father's overbearing and sometimes emotionally abusive behavior. I would even suspect some physical abuse because the mother always seems so timid and unsure of herself throughout the course of the book. I guess that would be author strategy because there is apparently a sequel which will focus more on Roxy's story.
February 27, 2013
Forbidden sister, V. C. Andrews
It’s interesting how this book begins with the younger sister wondering, and longing for a connection to her older sister, whom she hasn't seen since she was seven years old. I find the connection too close to home, my older sister moved out when I was five; she was going to her last year of high school in the US while my dad moved to Germany because of the military. I can understand the desire to share your thoughts, and your life lessons with someone else who would know more then you. I wish I could have had the opportunity to share those growing pains with my sister, but with her so far away it never came true. I find the darkness in the book as a blow to the heart, how will the family survive the loss of the father? How Emmie deals with her father’s death and her mother’s health problems would inspire many children. She learns that she cannot handle everything herself, despite her parents’ good upbringing, she needs someone to rely on. But who could she trust, the family she does not remember in France, or the Aunt and Uncle here who are estranged from the family? This is a dynamic captivating story, of life’s lessons and learning to gain your own footing despite the hardships placed in front of you.
It’s interesting how this book begins with the younger sister wondering, and longing for a connection to her older sister, whom she hasn't seen since she was seven years old. I find the connection too close to home, my older sister moved out when I was five; she was going to her last year of high school in the US while my dad moved to Germany because of the military. I can understand the desire to share your thoughts, and your life lessons with someone else who would know more then you. I wish I could have had the opportunity to share those growing pains with my sister, but with her so far away it never came true. I find the darkness in the book as a blow to the heart, how will the family survive the loss of the father? How Emmie deals with her father’s death and her mother’s health problems would inspire many children. She learns that she cannot handle everything herself, despite her parents’ good upbringing, she needs someone to rely on. But who could she trust, the family she does not remember in France, or the Aunt and Uncle here who are estranged from the family? This is a dynamic captivating story, of life’s lessons and learning to gain your own footing despite the hardships placed in front of you.
February 28, 2014
I haven't read a V.C. Andrews book since she actually wrote them. I do remember how much I loved stealing them from my Grandma. With all of the hoopla surrounding the new Flowers in The Attic Lifetime movie I guess V.C. was on my mind and when I saw this new series on the shelf of my library I impulsively picked it up. The plot was not as complex as I remember the Flowers and Heaven series being and thankfully not as incestuous. One sister is a good school girl and one is a prostitute. The first book is told from the "good" sister Emmie's perspective. Apparently their is a sequel told from the "bad" sister Roxy's perspective which is probably the more interesting story in my opinion. I didn't find anything very engrossing about the story. It was much tamer than the real V.C. Stories. It was a quick read but I don't think I will be picking up any of the newer books. My curiosity about what has been going on in the world marketed as "V.C. Andrews" has been satisfied. I'll instead treasure the memories of having been shocked by Grandma's Flowers in the Attic Books. Like the real V.C. Andrews my Grandma is no longer with us and the world is a sadder place with both ladies gone.
May 3, 2013
Poorly thought out plot, predictable story line, severe lack of character development, and another rushed attempted at a book by V.C. Andrew's "ghost writer". The quality and depth of each subsequent book that is rushed out by this writer continues to get poorer and poorer.
This was the WORST of ANY I've read to date, and I have read them all.
I don't understand why rush a series into only two books, when so much more story, and development of the characters and storyline could be used to make a series.
I guess I just don't consider a prequel and sequel with no books inbetween a true "series".
This was a total disappointment and waste of time.
Perhaps "Roxy's Story" (what a bland boring title for the next book), will be better.
This was the WORST of ANY I've read to date, and I have read them all.
I don't understand why rush a series into only two books, when so much more story, and development of the characters and storyline could be used to make a series.
I guess I just don't consider a prequel and sequel with no books inbetween a true "series".
This was a total disappointment and waste of time.
Perhaps "Roxy's Story" (what a bland boring title for the next book), will be better.
February 24, 2013
I was delighted to receive this book as Goodreads giveaway! The author, V.C. Andrews, takes the reader on a spell-binding, suspenseful journey that involves two sisters. Older sister Roxy is rebellious and was thrown out of their parent’s apartment, she has leaded a life as an Escort to wealthy men. Younger sister, Emmie, is the perfect daughter and never causing any trouble. However, Emmie wants to know why her sister was kicked-out and the all of the mystery surrounding the event and where is her sister now. Emmie proceeds to find her sister and is unaware of the effects this will have on her life. This was fantastic read.
April 10, 2013
I didn't have the heart to finish this book. I was very disappointed in it. True, it was V.C. Andrews's idea, but it simply wasn't her writing style. It sounded like an ongoing description of some girl's sister. And I couldn't pick a time period it took place in. One minute they were dressing and speaking like it was 1965 and the next they're wearing skinny jeans and exchanging cell phone numbers. It fell short of my expectations, and I'm glad I got it from the library and didn't pay money. Who knows, maybe one day I'll pick it up again and finish. But until then, I have better things to read!
April 12, 2013
Not terrible, but not memorable either. I've been reading a lot of heavy-handed literary classics lately and just wanted to read something kind of "easy" and, yes, a little trashy for a change of pace. V.C. Andrews is always good for that. I haven't decided if I'll read the follow-up when it's out. I guess that depends on what kind of mood I'm in and what books I have in my "to read" stack when it's released. Again, this isn't one I'll remember or come back to. It was just a good "brain break" kind of story, and it was a quick read.
August 3, 2013
Goodreads win.
Really nice book. Funny and sad. Might just be my emotional side this past few weeks but I was tearing when I was reading a certain part of the novel. It was definitely touching during some part. However, I felt that there was so many missing parts of the story. The events skip. It's like suddenly theres a death but doesn't tell you why and how that person dies.
I enjoyed the book and I want to read the next book of the series...also learned a few French words too :-)
Really nice book. Funny and sad. Might just be my emotional side this past few weeks but I was tearing when I was reading a certain part of the novel. It was definitely touching during some part. However, I felt that there was so many missing parts of the story. The events skip. It's like suddenly theres a death but doesn't tell you why and how that person dies.
I enjoyed the book and I want to read the next book of the series...also learned a few French words too :-)
Want to read
November 27, 2012Eh...This will probably be just like every VCA book over the past few years: the plot seems good but the book turns out to be disappointing. I'll probably sit in Barnes and Noble and read this one and not actually buy it.
April 12, 2013
It is funny how all V.C. Andrew books feature a young female who speaks and thinks a dozen years older than her age.
This is the typical V.C. Andrews story of a family with secrets ends that ends withmore questions than answers... Okay read, but far from old school juicy, Flowers in the Attic.
This is the typical V.C. Andrews story of a family with secrets ends that ends withmore questions than answers... Okay read, but far from old school juicy, Flowers in the Attic.
Read
May 21, 2013I'm trying to read all the new books in our library A to Z, and this one came up pretty fast. I'll be honest, it was a slog. It was also rough, alternating between uninteresting and going for the emotional throat. While there were a few highlight moments, for the most part, I'd give this a pass.
June 3, 2013
Ditto to all that has been said by other goodreads reviewers that gave this 1 star... Highly disappointing. Held out hope it would have some suspenseful bc Andrews twist all the way til the end....until I turned the page and it said "epilogue". No bueno
Read
March 19, 2013I can't. I did give it a fair shot.
January 19, 2022
It was kind of boring, but luckily no incest. It’s obviously not written by VC herself, but I will continue the series.
May 15, 2013
Not nearly as good as Flowers in the Attic series !!!
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