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The Tribe #3
The Foretelling of Georgie Spider
A storm was stretching out across futures to swallow everything in nothing, and it was growing larger, which meant it was getting nearer... Georgie Spider has foretold the end of the world, and the only one who can stop it is Ashala Wolf. But Georgie has also foreseen Ashala's death. As the world shifts around the Tribe, Ashala fights to protect those she loves from old enemies and new threats. And Georgie fights to save Ashala. Georgie Spider can see the future. But can she change it?
441 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
About the author
Ambelin Kwaymullina
39 books324 followersAmbelin Kwaymullina belongs to the Palyku people of the eastern Pilbara region of Western Australia. She is a writer, illustrator and law academic who works across a range of genres including YA, science fiction, verse and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 20, 2019
This was probably my favourite of the three books. This is likely because after reading the two previous books I'm invested in the characters and had a certain level of expectation going in, which was happily met.
One of my favourite things about this series is the take away message that the world can be made better through caring. So much can be achieved when people let go of their fear.
One of my favourite things about this series is the take away message that the world can be made better through caring. So much can be achieved when people let go of their fear.
March 21, 2019
Though a darker book than the previous two, this installment was still enjoyable. This book, we spend time with Georgie, as she discovers that Ash is in terrible trouble, and enlists various Tribe members to avert Ash's fate.
I really liked how over this series we've seen Ash, Ember and Georgie and how they are the centre of The Tribe. Their bond is unshakeable, and is what helps keep The Tribe together and strong. Each brings a different perspective on situations, and this time around, the situation is dire. Terence and Neville Rose are working hard to undermine everything The Tribe, with Prime Willis, have achieved over the previous months. The Tribe awakens Hoffman (yes, that Hoffman, whose ideas about Balance govern this world) in an effort to deal with the destructive plans of the other two. Hoffman provides us with an interesting contrast to Ashala, as he is a product of the past, and unlike The Tribe, is able to justify the expedient when necessary.
While much of this book is filled with horrible and sad things happening, the story ends on a hopeful note for this world, and brings us back also to the deep love between Ash, Ember and Georgie.
I really liked how over this series we've seen Ash, Ember and Georgie and how they are the centre of The Tribe. Their bond is unshakeable, and is what helps keep The Tribe together and strong. Each brings a different perspective on situations, and this time around, the situation is dire. Terence and Neville Rose are working hard to undermine everything The Tribe, with Prime Willis, have achieved over the previous months. The Tribe awakens Hoffman (yes, that Hoffman, whose ideas about Balance govern this world) in an effort to deal with the destructive plans of the other two. Hoffman provides us with an interesting contrast to Ashala, as he is a product of the past, and unlike The Tribe, is able to justify the expedient when necessary.
While much of this book is filled with horrible and sad things happening, the story ends on a hopeful note for this world, and brings us back also to the deep love between Ash, Ember and Georgie.
January 20, 2016
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/09/t...
The Tribe series has been an incredibly journey. Engaging, enthralling and so incredibly unique. It follows the story of three girls, Ashala, Ember and now Georgie. All three girls hold the unique ability to see into the past, the present and future, using their insight to guide not only The Tribe but for humanity. Woven throughout the series is the beautiful and mesmerising history of the Aboriginal Dreaming, passing on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations. It made my heart soar. Not often in Australian young adult do we see the inclusion of indigenous beliefs, making the series a phenomenal experience.
But woven throughout is the story of three girls who will ultimately change the world, the world is on the verge of dying. The Firstwood where The Tribe call home is thriving, members feeding the soul of the forest and the forest giving them life in return. In The Foretelling of Georgie Spider, we finally learn about Georgie and her gift to weave maps, foreseeing into the future. She dwells in the caves of the Firstwood, weaving the futures of The Tribe, along with Daniel and her masses of helper spiders. She committed and frenzied in her work, staying behind while others fight against the oppression of the ruling Primes, and the illegal ruling to outcast and detain those with special abilities. But when one of their own is in trouble, The Tribe rally around their leader and vow to keep her safe.
The Tribe series is phenomenal. It blends the magical Dreaming with relatable characters and an underlying message of to take care of our environment and each other. Ambelin Kwaymullina is a beautiful and haunting voice in Australian young adult fiction, and I can't wait to discover what she's working on next.
The Tribe series has been an incredibly journey. Engaging, enthralling and so incredibly unique. It follows the story of three girls, Ashala, Ember and now Georgie. All three girls hold the unique ability to see into the past, the present and future, using their insight to guide not only The Tribe but for humanity. Woven throughout the series is the beautiful and mesmerising history of the Aboriginal Dreaming, passing on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations. It made my heart soar. Not often in Australian young adult do we see the inclusion of indigenous beliefs, making the series a phenomenal experience.
But woven throughout is the story of three girls who will ultimately change the world, the world is on the verge of dying. The Firstwood where The Tribe call home is thriving, members feeding the soul of the forest and the forest giving them life in return. In The Foretelling of Georgie Spider, we finally learn about Georgie and her gift to weave maps, foreseeing into the future. She dwells in the caves of the Firstwood, weaving the futures of The Tribe, along with Daniel and her masses of helper spiders. She committed and frenzied in her work, staying behind while others fight against the oppression of the ruling Primes, and the illegal ruling to outcast and detain those with special abilities. But when one of their own is in trouble, The Tribe rally around their leader and vow to keep her safe.
The Tribe series is phenomenal. It blends the magical Dreaming with relatable characters and an underlying message of to take care of our environment and each other. Ambelin Kwaymullina is a beautiful and haunting voice in Australian young adult fiction, and I can't wait to discover what she's working on next.
March 6, 2016
What a great end to this amazing series. This series has made such an important and positive impact on my life and my feeling of connection with the world around me. The characters are strong and brave and the story is heartbreaking and gut-wrenching while also being full of inspiration and hope. Ashala is a girl, a teenage girl but she is also everything. She holds this story together, connecting all of the pieces until everything is interwoven. She is the rock that holds Ember and Georgie together, who each are important in their own right, with their own stories and their own connections and Ashala is the strength of what people, and the earth can be. I cried a few times during this last story, grieving for people, animals and the land and the evil that was in full force reminded me so much of our current world, but I still finished with a sense of hopefulness.
"...this man. There were thousands like him, in my time. People who could wrap foul deeds in righteous words. Men and women who made it acceptable for others to give voice to their hate and their petty desire to hurt or humiliate or exclude." pg. 413
".....global interconnection of those who choose compassion over intolerance, courage over fear, and love over hate. Perhaps this could be the real world." Author note
"...this man. There were thousands like him, in my time. People who could wrap foul deeds in righteous words. Men and women who made it acceptable for others to give voice to their hate and their petty desire to hurt or humiliate or exclude." pg. 413
".....global interconnection of those who choose compassion over intolerance, courage over fear, and love over hate. Perhaps this could be the real world." Author note
March 25, 2019
Georgie Spider sees the future. More accurately, she sees multiple possible futures depending on choices branching from every action. When nearly all of the futures she sees show the death of Ashala Wolf and corresponding doom for the world, Georgie has to enlist help from specific people who will need to make just the right choices at the right times for Ashala to be saved. A particularly diffifcult problem when Ashala is all about being the one to save others.
Moving onto Georgie Spider's book means writing a character whose point of view encompasses multiple potential futures, which for obvious reasons, makes for a difficult narrative problem. The author solves this by simply not putting a lot of Georgie in the book, instead leaving most of the heavy lifting to Ashala, and having Georgie's actions through all the people around Ashala and Connor.
This provides a wonderful conclusion to the whole series, with resolutions to both the aingl Terence and the evil Neville Rose, as well as putting Hoffman and his goal to create Balance front and center and looking at what the world must become to attain that.
A great conclusion to a pretty consistently great series.
Moving onto Georgie Spider's book means writing a character whose point of view encompasses multiple potential futures, which for obvious reasons, makes for a difficult narrative problem. The author solves this by simply not putting a lot of Georgie in the book, instead leaving most of the heavy lifting to Ashala, and having Georgie's actions through all the people around Ashala and Connor.
This provides a wonderful conclusion to the whole series, with resolutions to both the aingl Terence and the evil Neville Rose, as well as putting Hoffman and his goal to create Balance front and center and looking at what the world must become to attain that.
A great conclusion to a pretty consistently great series.
September 29, 2015
I loved this a lot. Very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
My review is now at Reading Time.
My review is now at Reading Time.
January 23, 2016
Deeply satisfying conclusion to a terrific Aussie dystopian series.
August 17, 2017
that was incredibly intense and also incredibly satisfying *clutches face*
July 14, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This book was on par with the last two for me; nothing particularly wrong with it, it just didn't blow me away or excite me as much as it could have. Just a good, solid read. My favourite thing about this trilogy has been the strong friendship between Ashala, Ember and Georgie. I'll never get enough of strong female friendships in YA. I love the idea of one of them looking forward to the future, one looking to the past, and the third keeping watch of the present; their connection created a strong parallel to Grandfather's explanation that everything is, indeed, connected.
A solid ending to the trilogy that concluded mostly happy and hopeful, though some characters are not without their fair share of heartbreak. I'd recommend these books for fans of YA dystopia/science fiction, and those looking to diversify their reading list and support a BIPOC author.
This book was on par with the last two for me; nothing particularly wrong with it, it just didn't blow me away or excite me as much as it could have. Just a good, solid read. My favourite thing about this trilogy has been the strong friendship between Ashala, Ember and Georgie. I'll never get enough of strong female friendships in YA. I love the idea of one of them looking forward to the future, one looking to the past, and the third keeping watch of the present; their connection created a strong parallel to Grandfather's explanation that everything is, indeed, connected.
A solid ending to the trilogy that concluded mostly happy and hopeful, though some characters are not without their fair share of heartbreak. I'd recommend these books for fans of YA dystopia/science fiction, and those looking to diversify their reading list and support a BIPOC author.
May 9, 2020
Kwaymullina really sticks the landing in the final instalment of the Tribe series. Once again themed around a key character's power set, Georgie's power of seeing into futures - effectively seeing consequences - provides a structure for a tightly paced, tense built up of threat and opportunity. It is the utopian aspects of this series which grab me - we need more writers willing to imagine us into better, not just warn us off worse.
August 13, 2015
‘The Foretelling Of Georgie Spider’ is the third and final instalment in Ambelin Kwaymullina epic YA Aussie dystopian series, ‘The Tribe’.
I have been both dreading and anticipating this book, probably since I first read ‘The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf’ way back in 2012 (OMG!). Because I both didn’t want the series to end, and I also needed to know what happens next … this is the conundrum of any series’ conclusion.
And now I’m on the other side, having closed the final chapter on ‘The Tribe’ and I can say I’m both bereaved and satisfied, languishing in that weird fangirl in-between of being both happy for such a grand finale, and sad that a little fictional universe is now finished for me. And now I’m trying to write a review for ‘The Foretelling Of Georgie Spider’ and I’m struggling to say anything that won’t completely spoil it for everyone else.
So instead I’ll talk about what a gift this entire series has been, and how this final book has rounded it out to a truly superb trilogy that I’ll be re-reading for many years to come, and recommending to everyone.
Y’know, there aren’t many Australian YA books in which our heroine’s warrior cry is: “Let’s go free a detention centre!” And that one line should tell you something about how clever and important an author Kwaymullina is, and what a statement this whole series has been. Read this interview I did with Ambelin back in 2013 (seriously, time – it flies!) to get some ideas of how much this series is a layered science fiction, eco-dystopic saga that also draws on Stolen Generation history and Indigenous mythology, that is all so tied to the Australian natural landscape.
It’s amazing that in one series readers can be confronted with ideas and themes around Australia’s dark history – particularly the oppression of our First Peoples and Indigenous history – and then also be able to connect the sci-fi aspects to global warming and current asylum seeker debates. And that it’s all tied up beautifully in this intense story, about a Tribe of kids who reject the way their world currently is, and truly believe they can change it for the better;
Connor came over to me. He circled his arms around my waist and I leaned back against him with a sigh.
“Fixing the world, Ashala?” he asked. He was watching Em and Jules too.
“Fixing our world,” I replied. “Our Tribe. With any luck.”
Em was still talking, although she seemed to be taking longer breaks between sentences. She’d started to run out of words, and Jules still wasn’t speaking at all. She jabbed at his chest, and I didn’t need to be able to hear her to know what she’d said. Aren’t you going to say something?
Jules caught her hand and finally spoke. Not much, just a couple of words. I knew what he’d said as well. Forgive me.
For a second longer they stood where they were, Jules clasping Ember’s hand and Ember staring at Jules. Then Em tore her hand from his so she could take hold of the front of his shirt and pull his head down to hers for a long, deep kiss.
“World fixed,” Connor said, and I could hear the laughter in his voice. And the regret, for what neither of us had been able to fix.
This final book is a gorgeous crescendo to the whole series – there’s suspense and heartbreak to be sure, but there’s also real enjoyment in looking back through ‘Ashala’ and ‘Ember Crow’ and seeing all the groundwork Kwaymullina has been laying from book #1, and appreciating just how complex this series has always been.
The entire ‘Tribe’ series has been a real gift to this reader, and ‘The Foretelling Of Georgie Spider’ was the sometimes heartbreaking, always thrilling finale I knew it would be. I can’t wait to read whatever Ambelin Kwaymullina comes up with next, I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for it!
5/5
I have been both dreading and anticipating this book, probably since I first read ‘The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf’ way back in 2012 (OMG!). Because I both didn’t want the series to end, and I also needed to know what happens next … this is the conundrum of any series’ conclusion.
And now I’m on the other side, having closed the final chapter on ‘The Tribe’ and I can say I’m both bereaved and satisfied, languishing in that weird fangirl in-between of being both happy for such a grand finale, and sad that a little fictional universe is now finished for me. And now I’m trying to write a review for ‘The Foretelling Of Georgie Spider’ and I’m struggling to say anything that won’t completely spoil it for everyone else.
So instead I’ll talk about what a gift this entire series has been, and how this final book has rounded it out to a truly superb trilogy that I’ll be re-reading for many years to come, and recommending to everyone.
Y’know, there aren’t many Australian YA books in which our heroine’s warrior cry is: “Let’s go free a detention centre!” And that one line should tell you something about how clever and important an author Kwaymullina is, and what a statement this whole series has been. Read this interview I did with Ambelin back in 2013 (seriously, time – it flies!) to get some ideas of how much this series is a layered science fiction, eco-dystopic saga that also draws on Stolen Generation history and Indigenous mythology, that is all so tied to the Australian natural landscape.
It’s amazing that in one series readers can be confronted with ideas and themes around Australia’s dark history – particularly the oppression of our First Peoples and Indigenous history – and then also be able to connect the sci-fi aspects to global warming and current asylum seeker debates. And that it’s all tied up beautifully in this intense story, about a Tribe of kids who reject the way their world currently is, and truly believe they can change it for the better;
Connor came over to me. He circled his arms around my waist and I leaned back against him with a sigh.
“Fixing the world, Ashala?” he asked. He was watching Em and Jules too.
“Fixing our world,” I replied. “Our Tribe. With any luck.”
Em was still talking, although she seemed to be taking longer breaks between sentences. She’d started to run out of words, and Jules still wasn’t speaking at all. She jabbed at his chest, and I didn’t need to be able to hear her to know what she’d said. Aren’t you going to say something?
Jules caught her hand and finally spoke. Not much, just a couple of words. I knew what he’d said as well. Forgive me.
For a second longer they stood where they were, Jules clasping Ember’s hand and Ember staring at Jules. Then Em tore her hand from his so she could take hold of the front of his shirt and pull his head down to hers for a long, deep kiss.
“World fixed,” Connor said, and I could hear the laughter in his voice. And the regret, for what neither of us had been able to fix.
This final book is a gorgeous crescendo to the whole series – there’s suspense and heartbreak to be sure, but there’s also real enjoyment in looking back through ‘Ashala’ and ‘Ember Crow’ and seeing all the groundwork Kwaymullina has been laying from book #1, and appreciating just how complex this series has always been.
The entire ‘Tribe’ series has been a real gift to this reader, and ‘The Foretelling Of Georgie Spider’ was the sometimes heartbreaking, always thrilling finale I knew it would be. I can’t wait to read whatever Ambelin Kwaymullina comes up with next, I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for it!
5/5
June 12, 2017
First sentence: I floated, adrift in my own consciousness. All alone in the peaceful dark. Except I wasn't really alone and I wasn't in the dark. Or my body wasn't.
What you should know about the series:
This is the third book in Ambelin Kwaymullina's Tribe series. The first two books are The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf and The Disappearance of Ember Crow. It is absolutely essential that you read the books in order.
It is YA speculative fiction. I'd say somewhere between dystopian and post-apocalyptic. Post-apocalyptic because it is set hundreds of years after 'the reckoning' that almost destroyed the planet and wiped out humanity. Dystopian because of the ordered--often cruel--society or government that has restructured the world. So if you like or love either genre, then you should pick this one up. It is also science fiction. Not all characters are flesh-and-blood humans. There is some romance, some mystery, a good bit of fantasy, and a LOT of action.
The premise is simple perhaps to make up for the complex storytelling and intense plot. The premise? Well, some people are born with special powers or abilities. These abilities manifest themselves over time, so, you essentially grow into your power/ability. Strength (intensity/power) and control (ability to direct, use at will) vary from person to person. These people are labeled 'illegal' and are targeted by the government. The book is about the conflict between Illegals and the Powers That Be. Questioning Authority and Being True To Yourself are some of the themes explored.
Premise/plot: This third book while not told strictly from Georgie's point of view certainly focuses more on Georgie than the previous two books have. Georgie's special gift is seeing the future. The animals she has a special bond with are spiders. (Ashala, the main heroine, is bonded with wolves; Ember, another heroine, is bonded with crows. You'll find that most characters--each Illegal--have a special bond with a specific animal.)
Georgie's seeing the future--all the many, many, many possibilities of the future. And the future is bleak. In all of the futures she sees, Ashala dies, and, the world is thrown into what she calls a 'blizzard.' It is a future too cold, too bleak, too disconnected, too unbalanced to foresee anymore. Georgie has always thought that she could not, should not, try to change the future, to pick any one future over the others. But. She finds herself NEEDING to save her friend's life...if possible. And she can't do it alone. The future depends on the choices of her friends. And Georgie informs each friend that their choices MATTER, so they should choose wisely.
Enemies were introduced in the first two books, and, this is THE BOOK where it all comes together and the BIG SHOWDOWN has to happen.
My thoughts: I was drawn into the story with the first book. But I can't say that I love, love, love everything about the series. As a fantasy-influenced sci-fi novel, it works well. But the world-building is really world-view-building as well. And this one has a lot of elements that I personally don't care for. Let's just say that the "theology" of this one is more influenced by "I Am the Walrus" than the Bible. Everything--every animal, every human, every plant, every speck of dirt, every breath of air--is connected in a spiritual, philosophical way. So the well-being of everything is interconnected. Ashala and the others interact with an ancient spirit or too. And Ashala even believes that her ancient spirit guide is her "grandfather." One of the ancient spirits is actually my favorite character. I love Starbeauty. I don't love her because she's an ancient spirit; I don't love her because she's oh-so-wise. I love her because she's a cat, and she acts like a cat in many ways.
What you should know about the series:
This is the third book in Ambelin Kwaymullina's Tribe series. The first two books are The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf and The Disappearance of Ember Crow. It is absolutely essential that you read the books in order.
It is YA speculative fiction. I'd say somewhere between dystopian and post-apocalyptic. Post-apocalyptic because it is set hundreds of years after 'the reckoning' that almost destroyed the planet and wiped out humanity. Dystopian because of the ordered--often cruel--society or government that has restructured the world. So if you like or love either genre, then you should pick this one up. It is also science fiction. Not all characters are flesh-and-blood humans. There is some romance, some mystery, a good bit of fantasy, and a LOT of action.
The premise is simple perhaps to make up for the complex storytelling and intense plot. The premise? Well, some people are born with special powers or abilities. These abilities manifest themselves over time, so, you essentially grow into your power/ability. Strength (intensity/power) and control (ability to direct, use at will) vary from person to person. These people are labeled 'illegal' and are targeted by the government. The book is about the conflict between Illegals and the Powers That Be. Questioning Authority and Being True To Yourself are some of the themes explored.
Premise/plot: This third book while not told strictly from Georgie's point of view certainly focuses more on Georgie than the previous two books have. Georgie's special gift is seeing the future. The animals she has a special bond with are spiders. (Ashala, the main heroine, is bonded with wolves; Ember, another heroine, is bonded with crows. You'll find that most characters--each Illegal--have a special bond with a specific animal.)
Georgie's seeing the future--all the many, many, many possibilities of the future. And the future is bleak. In all of the futures she sees, Ashala dies, and, the world is thrown into what she calls a 'blizzard.' It is a future too cold, too bleak, too disconnected, too unbalanced to foresee anymore. Georgie has always thought that she could not, should not, try to change the future, to pick any one future over the others. But. She finds herself NEEDING to save her friend's life...if possible. And she can't do it alone. The future depends on the choices of her friends. And Georgie informs each friend that their choices MATTER, so they should choose wisely.
Enemies were introduced in the first two books, and, this is THE BOOK where it all comes together and the BIG SHOWDOWN has to happen.
My thoughts: I was drawn into the story with the first book. But I can't say that I love, love, love everything about the series. As a fantasy-influenced sci-fi novel, it works well. But the world-building is really world-view-building as well. And this one has a lot of elements that I personally don't care for. Let's just say that the "theology" of this one is more influenced by "I Am the Walrus" than the Bible. Everything--every animal, every human, every plant, every speck of dirt, every breath of air--is connected in a spiritual, philosophical way. So the well-being of everything is interconnected. Ashala and the others interact with an ancient spirit or too. And Ashala even believes that her ancient spirit guide is her "grandfather." One of the ancient spirits is actually my favorite character. I love Starbeauty. I don't love her because she's an ancient spirit; I don't love her because she's oh-so-wise. I love her because she's a cat, and she acts like a cat in many ways.
December 16, 2018
Indigenous spec fic trilogy FTW!
August 7, 2016
I've really enjoyed this series. It's such a unique, fresh version of a dystopian story, heavily influenced by Indigenous culture and society. The Tribe have a very strong connection to country, with each kid having a connection to a particular animal. It was fascinating to read the author's note at the back saying that the restrictions placed on those with powers in the series are modelled on Australian government regulations for Aboriginal Australians, particularly in Western Australia.
This was probably my least favourite of the three books, but there really wasn't much separating the three. There were times, though, when this felt a little bit rushed, especially when it was jumping between Ashala and Georgie. That said, the ending was pretty stinking great. And I really loved that the series featured a different protagonist for each of past, present and future - Georgie can see the future, Ashala can change the present, and Ember can help people revisit the past. That was damned cool.
So yeah. A pretty different dystopian series, but definitely one that's worth checking out!
This was probably my least favourite of the three books, but there really wasn't much separating the three. There were times, though, when this felt a little bit rushed, especially when it was jumping between Ashala and Georgie. That said, the ending was pretty stinking great. And I really loved that the series featured a different protagonist for each of past, present and future - Georgie can see the future, Ashala can change the present, and Ember can help people revisit the past. That was damned cool.
So yeah. A pretty different dystopian series, but definitely one that's worth checking out!
July 21, 2017
A satisfying conclusion to the series, but not quite as strong a novel by itself as the previous two in the series were. Georgie was never as strongly present as Ashala and Ember were in their stories, and the structure didn't really offer the big reveals. (Or rather, the big reveals were all character deaths, and we knew some deaths were coming, and once they're on the table like that, that roulette wheel isn't something I find particularly compelling.)
But I'm rounding it back up to the overall four stars because what I really needed right now was a fantasy where the big emotional finale point was, "Seriously, just be fucking nice to each other ffs."
But I'm rounding it back up to the overall four stars because what I really needed right now was a fantasy where the big emotional finale point was, "Seriously, just be fucking nice to each other ffs."
January 15, 2018
I love this series so much. One thing I haven't made nearly a big enough deal about in my comments on the first two books is how wonderfully vivid the animal characters are, right down to their names and naming systems.
April 23, 2019
Solid ending to the trilogy.
December 27, 2018
I think this is a series that everyone should read. Very good. Many feels. Much sad. Very satisfaction. 😭😱😍
December 28, 2015
Disclaimer: This review may contain spoilers for previous books.
The Foretelling of Georgie Spider is the final book in Ambelin Kwaymullina's series The Tribe. It picks up a short time after The Disappearance of Ember Crow. Ember and the Tribe are safe for now but her brother is still waiting to destroy them. He is aided by the sadistic former government official Neville Rose, who has a vendetta against Ashala Wolf, leader of the Tribe. The future is looking uncertain to seer Georgie Spider as she struggles envision a way through the wide-spread disaster that is looming.
The book sticks to the narrative patterns set out in the rest of the series, creating a strong continuity. Returning readers will know what to expect. The book dives headlong into the action by starting at the ending and then delving into the characters' memories to show how they arrived at that point. Although I enjoyed this approach in the previous books, there was a somewhat disingenuous note to it this time around that created some false expectations.
Like the previous book, The Foretelling of Georgie Spider is told in first person from two points of view--Georgie's and Ashala's. Ashala's voice has been present from the very beginning of the series and provides an excellent anchor. However, it does tend to overwhelm Georgie's voice; despite the title, this is really Ashala's story more than Georgie's. While this was a little disappointing, it was also handled well. Early on, Ashala herself recognises that something has been going on behind the scenes while she has been at the centre of all the action. The interweaving of viewpoints means we get to see how Georgie has been preparing the way for Ashala. I liked this because it shows that not all heroes have to be flashy and action-oriented.
Having said that, the action scenes were nicely handled and I especially enjoyed seeing some creative uses of the Illegals' Abilities.
There was a lot going on in this book. Being the final book, it had to wrap up threads from the rest of the series even as it introduced new characters. While it would have been nice to get to know the new characters a little better, there was only so much space and overall I think the balance was as it should be. Honourable mention goes to Mr Puggles, the dog, as my favourite new character.
The series tackles diversity and humanitarian issues with maturity, unafraid to ask difficult questions. It holds particular relevance for Australia, given the Government's current stance on human rights, and highlights some very unflattering aspects of Australian culture. However, it still manages to do so with sensitivity and hope. The Foretelling of Georgie Spider was a satisfying conclusion to a series I would highly recommend to both young adult and adult readers.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
The Foretelling of Georgie Spider is the final book in Ambelin Kwaymullina's series The Tribe. It picks up a short time after The Disappearance of Ember Crow. Ember and the Tribe are safe for now but her brother is still waiting to destroy them. He is aided by the sadistic former government official Neville Rose, who has a vendetta against Ashala Wolf, leader of the Tribe. The future is looking uncertain to seer Georgie Spider as she struggles envision a way through the wide-spread disaster that is looming.
The book sticks to the narrative patterns set out in the rest of the series, creating a strong continuity. Returning readers will know what to expect. The book dives headlong into the action by starting at the ending and then delving into the characters' memories to show how they arrived at that point. Although I enjoyed this approach in the previous books, there was a somewhat disingenuous note to it this time around that created some false expectations.
Like the previous book, The Foretelling of Georgie Spider is told in first person from two points of view--Georgie's and Ashala's. Ashala's voice has been present from the very beginning of the series and provides an excellent anchor. However, it does tend to overwhelm Georgie's voice; despite the title, this is really Ashala's story more than Georgie's. While this was a little disappointing, it was also handled well. Early on, Ashala herself recognises that something has been going on behind the scenes while she has been at the centre of all the action. The interweaving of viewpoints means we get to see how Georgie has been preparing the way for Ashala. I liked this because it shows that not all heroes have to be flashy and action-oriented.
Having said that, the action scenes were nicely handled and I especially enjoyed seeing some creative uses of the Illegals' Abilities.
There was a lot going on in this book. Being the final book, it had to wrap up threads from the rest of the series even as it introduced new characters. While it would have been nice to get to know the new characters a little better, there was only so much space and overall I think the balance was as it should be. Honourable mention goes to Mr Puggles, the dog, as my favourite new character.
The series tackles diversity and humanitarian issues with maturity, unafraid to ask difficult questions. It holds particular relevance for Australia, given the Government's current stance on human rights, and highlights some very unflattering aspects of Australian culture. However, it still manages to do so with sensitivity and hope. The Foretelling of Georgie Spider was a satisfying conclusion to a series I would highly recommend to both young adult and adult readers.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
April 24, 2016
The Tribe trilogy has to be one of the best Young Adult fantasy series I've read in a long time - beginning with
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf
and then
The Disappearance of Ember Crow
, the trilogy is fresh and original, very well-written and peopled with characters I quickly came to love and care for. Not only that, but it interweaves Aboriginal culture and philosophy to present a less westernised view of the world, and as flawed and tragic as this post-apocalyptic world is, I actually want to live there, in this place where the trees and the spiders are just as valued as human life.
In The Foretelling of Georgie Spider the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Georgie is Ashala's friend from her old life; the two fled rather than be captured and held forever in a detention centre. Yes, this series goes straight to the heart of a cruel and inhumane government policy of Australia's: holding refugees and asylum seekers in awful detention centres both on-shore and off-shore, where they are subjected to abuse and fall into severe depression. Here, the "mutated" children of this world are treated in this way, because they are different and declared "unlawful", again speaking so clearly to the ease with which white people decide who is worthy and who is not (I say "white people" deliberately, because this is an Australian series and speaks so empathetically to this cultural practice, and because the Aboriginal author, Ambelin Kwaymullina, is also directly addressing past government policy in which Aboriginal peoples were classed among the flora and fauna, not as human beings).
As political and philosophical as the story truly is, it is also the compelling story of human determinism, love and courage, trust and an appreciation for life in all its forms. Having finished the trilogy, I feel both bereft and impatient to re-read it (Which, sadly, will have to wait). If I could endlessly recommend any book or series to you, it would be this one. It has all the things I love in fiction, and the only negative is that Kwaymullina took it down from an original four-book series to a trilogy. But it was a good call; no drawn-out, padded and over-bloated story here! I'm eager for what she writes next, though, that's for sure!
In The Foretelling of Georgie Spider the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. Georgie is Ashala's friend from her old life; the two fled rather than be captured and held forever in a detention centre. Yes, this series goes straight to the heart of a cruel and inhumane government policy of Australia's: holding refugees and asylum seekers in awful detention centres both on-shore and off-shore, where they are subjected to abuse and fall into severe depression. Here, the "mutated" children of this world are treated in this way, because they are different and declared "unlawful", again speaking so clearly to the ease with which white people decide who is worthy and who is not (I say "white people" deliberately, because this is an Australian series and speaks so empathetically to this cultural practice, and because the Aboriginal author, Ambelin Kwaymullina, is also directly addressing past government policy in which Aboriginal peoples were classed among the flora and fauna, not as human beings).
As political and philosophical as the story truly is, it is also the compelling story of human determinism, love and courage, trust and an appreciation for life in all its forms. Having finished the trilogy, I feel both bereft and impatient to re-read it (Which, sadly, will have to wait). If I could endlessly recommend any book or series to you, it would be this one. It has all the things I love in fiction, and the only negative is that Kwaymullina took it down from an original four-book series to a trilogy. But it was a good call; no drawn-out, padded and over-bloated story here! I'm eager for what she writes next, though, that's for sure!
January 28, 2016
I went straight onto the third book from reading the second and I’m so glad I was able to do this because I don’t know how I’d have waited for the stunning conclusion to this series! Wow. I loved this book, I loved this series, I hope that it is being read and loved by so many people across Australia and the world because it’s well deserved. I have fallen in love with Ambelin Kwaymullina’s writing style – I don’t think I’ve had a writer crush develop this quickly since I came late to Juliet Marillier’s work! And that’s a reasonable comparison to make in terms of the quality of writing, how beautiful the prose is and how much it draws you deeply into the story, allows you to feel like you really know the characters, almost like you’re in the story yourself. The worldbuilding in this series is also astounding, I can picture this post-apocalyptic world, the cities and the society and the Firstwood, and the way this comes to life in my imagination is absolutely a testament to Kwaymullina’s skill.
And the story! Oh the story! I loved Georgie in the first book, and I’m so glad she’s got her own book and she gets to be a hero in her own way! I love the way this story was put together, both happening in the present, and happening in the past – this really emphasises Georgie’s connection to her ability and how time is a bit fuzzy for her. I love the way that she focuses on what she considers important, but also discovers more about herself. I loved getting to know Georgie, and through her, also Daniel. This book is not as simple as the premise simply to save Ashala Wolf, it’s about an idea, about change, about the future and about making a difference. Everything comes together in such an interesting way, it’s less twisty than book 2, but the story has you absolutely in its grasp from the first page and you just have to see how it all comes together, how the story concludes.
(This is an excerpt from my review at The Conversationalist)
October 12, 2017
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 13 October 2017:
I really wish I could tell you why I wasn’t more into this series. It ticked all the right boxes. Interesting premise, well-developed characters and tight plot, and yet I was never invested. I actually probably found this to be the case with this third instalment most of all.
While Ashala was still a strong narrative voice, I didn’t really connect with Georgie Spider, which made it difficult reading her POV. I liked the theme of the series coming together, that there is one person to look to the past, one to be in the now and one to look to the future, but I found Georgie’s naivety a little too much at times.
The action scenes were really good in this book; as I said, it was tightly-plotted and I loved the way it was structured. That was the one point where I did think Georgie’s POV worked – when she was seeing futures that were only a minute or so ahead of her present and helped the Tribe to be in the right place at the right time to defeat them.
Also, just a ilttle thing, but I loved that this series uses terms like “Detention centre”, terms we’re all too familiar with here in Australia at the moment when it comes to asylum seekers and refugees.
As I said, I think this series suffered from a case of “It’s not you, it’s me” as I was reading it. I would definitely recommend other fans of dystopia checking it out, even if I didn’t have the best run of it.
(This review is part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2016. Click here for more information).
I really wish I could tell you why I wasn’t more into this series. It ticked all the right boxes. Interesting premise, well-developed characters and tight plot, and yet I was never invested. I actually probably found this to be the case with this third instalment most of all.
While Ashala was still a strong narrative voice, I didn’t really connect with Georgie Spider, which made it difficult reading her POV. I liked the theme of the series coming together, that there is one person to look to the past, one to be in the now and one to look to the future, but I found Georgie’s naivety a little too much at times.
The action scenes were really good in this book; as I said, it was tightly-plotted and I loved the way it was structured. That was the one point where I did think Georgie’s POV worked – when she was seeing futures that were only a minute or so ahead of her present and helped the Tribe to be in the right place at the right time to defeat them.
Also, just a ilttle thing, but I loved that this series uses terms like “Detention centre”, terms we’re all too familiar with here in Australia at the moment when it comes to asylum seekers and refugees.
As I said, I think this series suffered from a case of “It’s not you, it’s me” as I was reading it. I would definitely recommend other fans of dystopia checking it out, even if I didn’t have the best run of it.
(This review is part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2016. Click here for more information).
September 23, 2015
Though I thought this was BETTER than the two previous installments, overall I'm sadly not a fan of the series :( It just doesn't mesh well with me!
__________________________________________
With THE FORETELLING OF GEORGIE SPIDER, I finally felt like I was understanding this series.
Yep, it took me three books, but it felt a lot clearer and less…clouded, this time around. You’ve got plot points like freeing a detention centre, so this multi-layered dystopian focuses on SO many things you wouldn’t normally see – oppression and the topical asylum seeker debate, as well as global warming, and learning to love each other better.
Again, I wasn’t a big fan of the flashbacks, but that’s a personal preference.
We also have a return to the dual-POV style, but this time we have Georgie’s voice. Again, they didn’t connect for me and that hindered my enjoyment.
As an ending to the series, though, it did a good job in wrapping up the plot threads of the previous books, as well as reinforcing the symbolism that has become an integral part of this series.
THE SERIES AS A WHOLE:
I’m always honest in my reviews, and to be perfectly honest, this wasn’t the series for me. I was disconnected from the story from the beginning, and stumbled my way through the first book not really knowing what was happening (the flashbacks didn’t help with this). Then with the dual POVs in the next two books, I wasn’t such a big fan.
However, if you like dystopians, I’m almost certain that you’ll enjoy this, because it’s not like any other dystopians out there. Weaving together Australian history with Indigenous stories and current political issues, it’s relevant in a way that most other dystopians are not. Plus, all the teenagers have got awesome abilities, and that’s cool.
__________________________________________
With THE FORETELLING OF GEORGIE SPIDER, I finally felt like I was understanding this series.
Yep, it took me three books, but it felt a lot clearer and less…clouded, this time around. You’ve got plot points like freeing a detention centre, so this multi-layered dystopian focuses on SO many things you wouldn’t normally see – oppression and the topical asylum seeker debate, as well as global warming, and learning to love each other better.
Again, I wasn’t a big fan of the flashbacks, but that’s a personal preference.
We also have a return to the dual-POV style, but this time we have Georgie’s voice. Again, they didn’t connect for me and that hindered my enjoyment.
As an ending to the series, though, it did a good job in wrapping up the plot threads of the previous books, as well as reinforcing the symbolism that has become an integral part of this series.
THE SERIES AS A WHOLE:
I’m always honest in my reviews, and to be perfectly honest, this wasn’t the series for me. I was disconnected from the story from the beginning, and stumbled my way through the first book not really knowing what was happening (the flashbacks didn’t help with this). Then with the dual POVs in the next two books, I wasn’t such a big fan.
However, if you like dystopians, I’m almost certain that you’ll enjoy this, because it’s not like any other dystopians out there. Weaving together Australian history with Indigenous stories and current political issues, it’s relevant in a way that most other dystopians are not. Plus, all the teenagers have got awesome abilities, and that’s cool.
June 26, 2016
The final book of The Tribe trilogy is amazing. Told in two voices (Ahala and Georgie's memories given to Ashala), it is a moving, emotional and heart-wrenching in many ways. As the author notes at the end of the book, while this is framed within a sci-fi/fantasy dystopian context, it mirrors the real world, past and present. Hate and fear are all too real, as is the over-consumption and misuse of natural resources. If only we had the ability like Ashala to dream compassion and the sense of connectedness with the planet into everyone around the globe. It may not be as simple, but being an example through living with compassion for others, respect for the planet, can make the world a better place. Small actions cause ripples, as Georgie's webs and visions of the futures demonstrate multiple times throughout the books.
October 31, 2016
Once I read the previous two books in the series, I had to read the third book to find out what happened. I think it is really clever of Ambelin Kwaymullina to have a different strong character (and female too!) to lead it each story in the series. I have to say that this one was my favourite of the series - partly because it ties up a lot of loose ends, but also because this character was wonderfully engaging to understand and get to know through the book.
Probably in some ways she has the most difficult life to lead, and although there are many sad moments in this book Ambelin writes these books with many courageous characters. I like happy endings, but I also like that this author did not write that everything works out perfectly, because life doesn't.
Thank you for a wonderful and unique book series. :)
Probably in some ways she has the most difficult life to lead, and although there are many sad moments in this book Ambelin writes these books with many courageous characters. I like happy endings, but I also like that this author did not write that everything works out perfectly, because life doesn't.
Thank you for a wonderful and unique book series. :)
December 20, 2017
In a very satisfying conclusion to The Tribe series, the narration shifts between Georgie and Ashala as they each try in their own way to save the world from ending. Though there is still plenty of action, my favorite part of the series is the philosophy and indigenous worldview and there is more of that in this last installment. Bucking the trend, this series which the author originally conceived as a four-book series is well wrapped up in three books without unnecessarily dragging it out. The positive, hopeful ending involving Ashala's dreamwalking ability to create a planetary shift in consciousness is also a welcome shift from the usual in post-apocalyptic young adult novels. This is a series that celebrates connection and community, not only among humans but all life-forms and the planet itself.
October 5, 2015
A worthwhile conclusion to the series with a gripping climax. I love the conceptual framework of the series, the worldviews at the heart of it, the futures it extrapolates from there. I think it's an important intervention in YA dystopias, not only in terms of the diversity of its characters and the landscapes, but also for its optimism and its emphasis on the now as the time of change. I just wanted to go a little more in-depth with character relationships and dynamics. Loved Starbeauty's and Wanders' roles in this novel though - two of my favourite characters!
June 21, 2018
This novel is the third in the Tribe series. I was super excited to read this book as I couldn't wait to find out how the story would end. I loved how this book was significantly different to the other two. This was by telling the story through both Ashala's and Georgie's points of view. This meant there was a lot more depth and anticipation in the story line. I really hope that Ambelin Kwaymullina writes another book, because I'm not all that pleased with how it finished. It felt rushed and I think she could come up with a better ending in another novel.
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February 16, 2017A storm was stretching out across futures to swallow everything in nothing, and it was growing larger, which meant it was getting nearer... Georgie Spider has foretold the end of the world, and the only one who can stop it is Ashala Wolf. But Georgie has also foreseen Ashala's death. As the world shifts around the Tribe, Ashala fights to protect those she loves from old enemies and new threats. And Georgie fights to save Ashala. Georgie Spider can see the future. But can she change it?
December 3, 2017
A satisfying conclusion to the Tribe series that began with The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf. Georgie Spider has seen a near-infinite number of futures that leave the world in disaster, all of which begin because Ashala Wolf has died. Desperate to save her friend (and the world), Georgie sets in motion has many plans as she can to ensure that Ashala survives. I love this series and its ethos of caring about people and the land.
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