Cynder: in the Garden of Lapis

by C. Logan Anthony

“See the book that Writer's digest ” Cynder in the Garden of Lapis is a very readable and clever tale of a young teenager faced with the typical teen adolescent angst, a young woman who loves gardening and ponders endless questions about her missing father. The volume is dialogue-driven, and there are very nice touches involving fairies big and small, dreams, a strange box of tokens and symbols, and even a kidnapping. (I enjoyed) The whimsy of the first part of the book, as the protagonist comes to discover the spirits, and sprits of her garden, as well as her own personal powers. I especially liked the elements of discovery that are spread throughout the book as each time Cynder learns something new or meets someone different. There is an airy feel to the formatting, and the cover is especially impactful a very relevant image that teases to what may lie inside… I also liked the fact that some of the surprise discoveries happen to characters other than the protagonist. I also like the discussion and writing prompts at the end. The latter is an especially nice touch for this novel and its YA audience. Cynder in the Garden of Lapis, will open your mind to realms and dimensions that you didn’t know were possible. Join 14-year-old, Cynder Zappa, as she tries to figure out where she belongs in the world. Suspicious that her mother is practicing magic and may be a witch, she tries to stay clear of her mother’s realm of magic. Not knowing anyone in her family, but her mother, Cynder sets out to find her father and the story behind her maternal grandmother. What secret is so painful that her mother cannot talk about it? Cynder refuses to follow in the footsteps of the women in her family. Until now. Cynder meets a fairy in the garden who directs her to the magic box for answers. Cynder cautiously goes to the box and finds many life changing discoveries. She is thrown into a world that is dangerous and magical, and is compelled to help save an autistic boy that is in danger and cannot help himself. What special connection does she have with this boy? Will Cynder find all that she is looking for in a family? Will she put herself in danger to know more? Will she learn to focus on other things in life outside of her own needs?

Genres: Fantasy

238 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

Cynthia Logan Anthony is a psychologist who uses hypnosis and holistic therapies in her work. She writes a coloumn for Healthy & Fit Magazine on holistic psychology topics. She is passionate about writing and writes in many genres. She lives in Michian where her imagination keeps her up at night.

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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This may be a great read for teens. However, as an adult - I was looking for more depth.



SPOILER ALERT:
I found it disheartening that the guardian and police did not even search for the missing teenage girl.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cynder: In the Garden of Lapis by C. Logan Anthony

Cynder Zappa is a lonely, fourteen year old girl who only has one friend, Sheridan who she is talks with on a daily basis. She takes pride and comfort taking care of her garden. She has a way with her plants and is often talking to them when she is alone. Cynder's mom is always at her for not having enough friends, but Cynder is not bothered by that at all. Cynder wants to know about her past that is what bothers her the most. The grandmother she never got to know and her father. Every time she brings up that subject up her mother refuses to talk.
Cynder is in her garden and along comes a fairy name Gilly she tells Cynder the answers that she seeks can be found from her mother's Magic box. So Cynder checks out the box and finds a letter from a man that made pottery at a garden shop that begins with a J. That is one clue that Cynder can work on. Sheridan's mom works at the new Pleibes school for the Autistic and she had told Sheridan and Cynder she could use their help by volunteering their time. Cynder's job was to plant flowers out in front of the school and to help out with some of the children from the classes. There was one child in particular that Cynder took a shine to and his name was Grant.
Will this school change Cynder's life and let love fill her heart, to care for someone other than herself? Will she find the father that she never knew and renew her relationship with her mother?

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to mention that the cover to this book is beautiful. As a graphic design I admired the way the book looked on the outside and the way the type was on the inside made it easier to read and easier for the eyes

The cover really fits with the story inside it so let me breakdown the more important thing that needs to be reviewed: The story itself.
Not to give to much away but it seems to follow a girl named Cynthia aka Cynder and her journey to discover who she is and it all starts in a garden she has at her house. This book has magic and love and I love how the author includes a healing stone called Lapis. The book flows smoothly and introduces all the characters in a nice way within time. When the book comes to an end I was sad that the book was finished because I just wanted to read more. I love all the ideas and themes in the book and I love how it all ties together. It was a heart-warming story
I really will reread this book once I get a chance to do so again because I liked it that much. I would recommend it to anyone who likes fairies and the power of love and compassion.

[Ella Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to my daughter and other young readers.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story. It was unique and had some fun twists with fairies and magic!