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Sage's Eyes
From V.C. Andrews, bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic (the first in a series of Lifetime movie events about the Dollanganger family), comes the tale of a young girl kept under the watchful eye of her adoptive parents, as if they fear who—or what—she’ll become…
Sixteen-year-old Sage is a lonely child. Her adoptive parents watch her obsessively, as if studying her for warning signs of…something. And maybe they’re right to—even she can’t make sense of the strange things she sees and hears. She possesses knowledge that other teenagers don’t, that her parents and teachers—no adult—could possibly have. So when Sage finally makes a friend who understands her alarming gift, he becomes her confidant, a precarious link to the truth about who she really is. For Sage and the alluring new boy at school share many things in common. Perhaps, they’ll learn, far too many things.
Sixteen-year-old Sage is a lonely child. Her adoptive parents watch her obsessively, as if studying her for warning signs of…something. And maybe they’re right to—even she can’t make sense of the strange things she sees and hears. She possesses knowledge that other teenagers don’t, that her parents and teachers—no adult—could possibly have. So when Sage finally makes a friend who understands her alarming gift, he becomes her confidant, a precarious link to the truth about who she really is. For Sage and the alluring new boy at school share many things in common. Perhaps, they’ll learn, far too many things.
400 pages, Library Binding
First published January 26, 2016
115 people are currently reading
2413 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,119 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 210 reviews
October 25, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I have loved so many V.C. Andrews books over the years and some I only felt "meh" about. When I first started this one I was really into the book. I wanted to know what was going on with Sage, but then it just fell into the "meh" stage and I really hate that. Now don't get me wrong, I liked the book just fine, it just wasn't the "wow" factor for me, but I'm sure it will for many out there.
Sage hears ghosts whispering to her in the night to comfort her, but her adoptive parents tell her it's not real and to not talk about it. They have all kinds of secrets from her and they watch her all of the time.....
Every birthday since I was ten made me aware that they were looking for some sign, something to confirm a suspicion or a fear. Age was slowly uncovering what was inside me and who I really was. I felt like some bird emerging out of a shell.
Sage could feel things about people, she could see things that happened to them in their lives. She could do other things as well. She tried to keep as much as she could hidden from her friends at school and of course her family.
Then a new boy arrives at school, Summer Dante. He becomes good friends with Sage, but he is not all that he seems either.
It all comes together at the end when her parents and family members finally tell her what she is and what she needs to watch out for in her life.
I think this book is not going to be a part of a series, but don't quote me on that :)
*I would like to thank NETGALLEY and GALLERY, THRESHOLD, POCKET BOOKS for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.*
I have loved so many V.C. Andrews books over the years and some I only felt "meh" about. When I first started this one I was really into the book. I wanted to know what was going on with Sage, but then it just fell into the "meh" stage and I really hate that. Now don't get me wrong, I liked the book just fine, it just wasn't the "wow" factor for me, but I'm sure it will for many out there.
Sage hears ghosts whispering to her in the night to comfort her, but her adoptive parents tell her it's not real and to not talk about it. They have all kinds of secrets from her and they watch her all of the time.....
Every birthday since I was ten made me aware that they were looking for some sign, something to confirm a suspicion or a fear. Age was slowly uncovering what was inside me and who I really was. I felt like some bird emerging out of a shell.
Sage could feel things about people, she could see things that happened to them in their lives. She could do other things as well. She tried to keep as much as she could hidden from her friends at school and of course her family.
Then a new boy arrives at school, Summer Dante. He becomes good friends with Sage, but he is not all that he seems either.
It all comes together at the end when her parents and family members finally tell her what she is and what she needs to watch out for in her life.
I think this book is not going to be a part of a series, but don't quote me on that :)
*I would like to thank NETGALLEY and GALLERY, THRESHOLD, POCKET BOOKS for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.*
November 21, 2015
DNF @ 63%
I have always had fond memories of V.C Andrews, and enjoyed her books a lot during high school. When I saw this latest offering I was very excited, but unfortunately it appears as if her earlier magic just isn't present in this book. The plot was way too slow for me and I felt that the writing was oddly formal. I actually thought that this book took place at least 60 or more years ago until I saw a reference to a modern band.
I am still interested in finding out the resolution of the plot, but I am just finding the writing to not work for me. If anyone reading this review has finished this book, I would appreciate it if you could message me with what happens at the end. I am still a fan of V.C Andrews old books,but I doubt that I will continue reading the newer books under her name.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I have always had fond memories of V.C Andrews, and enjoyed her books a lot during high school. When I saw this latest offering I was very excited, but unfortunately it appears as if her earlier magic just isn't present in this book. The plot was way too slow for me and I felt that the writing was oddly formal. I actually thought that this book took place at least 60 or more years ago until I saw a reference to a modern band.
I am still interested in finding out the resolution of the plot, but I am just finding the writing to not work for me. If anyone reading this review has finished this book, I would appreciate it if you could message me with what happens at the end. I am still a fan of V.C Andrews old books,but I doubt that I will continue reading the newer books under her name.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2016
That I barely remember anything from this book is likely a blessing, because what I do remember of it is terrible.
Put short, this novel would've fared better had it been written in the 1990s. That it's been published twenty years later does not serve it well. V. C. Andrews is not good at writing paranormals, as evidenced here in Sage's Eyes.
But worse than the pitiful attempt at supernatural activity is...the self-referencing. The characters go to see a movie adaptation of Ruby - yes, based on the V. C. Andrews novel. I can handle shoddy writing, but this wankery was too much.
Skip Sage's Eyes. It's not even "so bad, it's good". It's just bad.
Put short, this novel would've fared better had it been written in the 1990s. That it's been published twenty years later does not serve it well. V. C. Andrews is not good at writing paranormals, as evidenced here in Sage's Eyes.
But worse than the pitiful attempt at supernatural activity is...the self-referencing. The characters go to see a movie adaptation of Ruby - yes, based on the V. C. Andrews novel. I can handle shoddy writing, but this wankery was too much.
Skip Sage's Eyes. It's not even "so bad, it's good". It's just bad.
August 22, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I thought that this book was okay. I decided to pick this book up largely because of nostalgia. I was a fan of V.C. Andrews back in the days when it was actually V.C. Andrews writing the books. I have read quite a few of the books penned by the ghostwriter as well but those just quit appealing to me at some point. This book wasn’t bad but I was never completely hooked by it either.
Sage seems to know things. She lives with her adoptive parents who are very strict. She is trying to make friends at school and the fact that she has some pretty insightful advice seems to be helping. When a new boy comes to school, they seem to click right away. Before long, Sage and Summer are spending quite a bit of time together. I was very curious about what was going on with Sage but when everything was finally revealed it felt very anti-climatic.
I thought that the narrator did a wonderful job with this book. I am honestly not sure if I would have finished the book if it wasn’t for the quality of the narration. I thought that the various character voices that she used added a lot to the story. She has a very pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I think that some readers will have more luck with this one than I did. It was a nice way to pass the time even if it wasn’t a favorite. I think that the next time I pick up a V.C. Andrews book, I will make sure that it is one that she actually wrote.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Initial Thoughts
I was a fan of V.C. Andrews back in the days when it was actually V.C. Andrews writing the books. I have read quite a few of the books penned by the ghostwriter as well but those quit appealing to me at some point. This book wasn't bad but I was never completely hooked by it either. I was very curious about what was going on with Sage but when everything was finally revealed it felt very anti-climatic. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story.
I thought that this book was okay. I decided to pick this book up largely because of nostalgia. I was a fan of V.C. Andrews back in the days when it was actually V.C. Andrews writing the books. I have read quite a few of the books penned by the ghostwriter as well but those just quit appealing to me at some point. This book wasn’t bad but I was never completely hooked by it either.
Sage seems to know things. She lives with her adoptive parents who are very strict. She is trying to make friends at school and the fact that she has some pretty insightful advice seems to be helping. When a new boy comes to school, they seem to click right away. Before long, Sage and Summer are spending quite a bit of time together. I was very curious about what was going on with Sage but when everything was finally revealed it felt very anti-climatic.
I thought that the narrator did a wonderful job with this book. I am honestly not sure if I would have finished the book if it wasn’t for the quality of the narration. I thought that the various character voices that she used added a lot to the story. She has a very pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I think that some readers will have more luck with this one than I did. It was a nice way to pass the time even if it wasn’t a favorite. I think that the next time I pick up a V.C. Andrews book, I will make sure that it is one that she actually wrote.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Initial Thoughts
I was a fan of V.C. Andrews back in the days when it was actually V.C. Andrews writing the books. I have read quite a few of the books penned by the ghostwriter as well but those quit appealing to me at some point. This book wasn't bad but I was never completely hooked by it either. I was very curious about what was going on with Sage but when everything was finally revealed it felt very anti-climatic. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a great job with the story.
March 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book via the publishers at netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! It will be released on Janurary 26, 2016
:: 4 Dramatic Stars ::
Sage isn’t the normal teenage girl that she wished she could be. She seeing things from the past, she see’s other people’s future, and she acts like a person from another century. Her adoptive parents don’t appreciate Sage’s gifts and instead of accepting her for who she they keep her from living a normal teenage life. Sage also has a hard time fitting in with her peers at school. This has a little to do with both the way her parents treat her and her visions. So where do these visions come from? Was her birth mother just like her? Or is she delusional. These are the answers that Sage seeks in V.C. Andrews’s newest novel Sages Eyes.
For most of my life I have been a huge fan of V.C Andrews and my feelings have stayed the same for each and every book. I like to dark atmosphere, the intrigue, the mystery, the family drama, and the unusual plot. Additionally, I feel like her books (this one included) are timeless and classic. They will never get old or go out of style. I suppose this is what makes Andrews such a popular novelist. How many readers can say this about other books? Not too many! Keep on writing Andrews, your books are fantastic.
I should also add that V.C Andrews is my “go to” author when I am looking for something unique and different. Her books series are all equally unique but told in the same writing style that we readers crave. Fans of the author, you will want to pick this book up. I am hoping for a sequel as this one ended abruptly-but not without answering our questions about Sage first! Awesome book- preorder/buy it now. I can’t imagine anyone would regret it!
Check out my full review, recommendations, giveaways and MORE on my blog: www.prettylittlebookreviews.com
:: 4 Dramatic Stars ::
Sage isn’t the normal teenage girl that she wished she could be. She seeing things from the past, she see’s other people’s future, and she acts like a person from another century. Her adoptive parents don’t appreciate Sage’s gifts and instead of accepting her for who she they keep her from living a normal teenage life. Sage also has a hard time fitting in with her peers at school. This has a little to do with both the way her parents treat her and her visions. So where do these visions come from? Was her birth mother just like her? Or is she delusional. These are the answers that Sage seeks in V.C. Andrews’s newest novel Sages Eyes.
For most of my life I have been a huge fan of V.C Andrews and my feelings have stayed the same for each and every book. I like to dark atmosphere, the intrigue, the mystery, the family drama, and the unusual plot. Additionally, I feel like her books (this one included) are timeless and classic. They will never get old or go out of style. I suppose this is what makes Andrews such a popular novelist. How many readers can say this about other books? Not too many! Keep on writing Andrews, your books are fantastic.
I should also add that V.C Andrews is my “go to” author when I am looking for something unique and different. Her books series are all equally unique but told in the same writing style that we readers crave. Fans of the author, you will want to pick this book up. I am hoping for a sequel as this one ended abruptly-but not without answering our questions about Sage first! Awesome book- preorder/buy it now. I can’t imagine anyone would regret it!
Check out my full review, recommendations, giveaways and MORE on my blog: www.prettylittlebookreviews.com
dnf-or-not-for-me
November 1, 2015This book wasn't for me. Although I do like Virginia Andrews/VC Andrews writing style this book just didn't keep my interest at this time.
January 13, 2016
I received an advanced reading copy of this publication in exchange for an honest review.
3/5 Stars
When this publication first popped up in my Netgalley search, I was drawn to it immediately. The name V.C. Andrews holds a lot of sentimental value because I grew up reading these hand me down books from my mother and my grandmother. I was completely elated when I was approved for the title. That being said, this is technically the first publication I've read that was written by her ghost writer. While the writing is certainly not bad, it just doesn't quite have that V.C. Andrews feel that I grew up reading.
Sage is a fifteen year old girl growing up in small town Massachusetts. Adopted by an overprotective family, Sage struggles to find a healthy balance between a home and social life. It doesn't help that she's a little different from anyone else she's ever met. Ever since she can remember, she's had memory-like visions that couldn't possibly be from her lifetime. While growing up, she has a bad habit of talking about her visions at the wrong times, thus creating a lot of tension in her parents.
When her parents decide to move Sage to a new school after a particular instance at her old one, Sage meets some new friends. She also becomes quickly enamored with another new student, Summer Dante. After a series of events, Sage suspects her parents may no more about her than she ever thought.
If there is one thing that really bothers me about this book, and it would appear I'm not alone on this one, it's that there doesn't seem to be an established timeline. I went at least a good third of the novel thinking it took place about 40+ years back to suddenly realizing we were in a modern day. A lot of the language and sayings that come from Sage really only reinforce that, and while I now feel that it was to reinforce her own character which becomes more clear towards the end of the novel, it still helped to throw me off a bit in the beginning.
Another thing I'd like to point out, especially for you thrill seekers out there, is that this book is extremely slow paced. I'm actually quite disappointed because I had myself convinced that it was okay that it was a slow start because they were laying groundwork for what would likely become a bigger series in V.C. Andrews fashion. Having looked into that more now that I've actually finished the book, I see no inclination that this book is meant to be a part of a series. Now I could be wrong, but it seems that this book is meant to be a stand alone novel, and if that's the case my justification for a slow build up is no longer valid. So if I'm reconsidering this than the first 3/5th's of the novel are slower paced. The next 1/5th picks up the pace a little bit as Sage gains more freedom and develops a bit more of a social life. But the last 1/5th felt so rushed. Fast paced, sure, but it felt like they were trying to rush a conclusion. And that might have worked for me if this book had been part of a series, but as a stand alone it just feels like poor planning.
If this is an author you've read and enjoyed, I would say pick up the book. If you're someone who has a lot of patience when it comes to world building, I'd say pick up the book. The story is entertaining enough. But if you're someone looking for an indulgent paranormal feel paired with the moral questioning that keeps you on the edge of your seat like a good old fashioned V.C. Andrews book provides, you're not going to find that here.
3/5 Stars
When this publication first popped up in my Netgalley search, I was drawn to it immediately. The name V.C. Andrews holds a lot of sentimental value because I grew up reading these hand me down books from my mother and my grandmother. I was completely elated when I was approved for the title. That being said, this is technically the first publication I've read that was written by her ghost writer. While the writing is certainly not bad, it just doesn't quite have that V.C. Andrews feel that I grew up reading.
Sage is a fifteen year old girl growing up in small town Massachusetts. Adopted by an overprotective family, Sage struggles to find a healthy balance between a home and social life. It doesn't help that she's a little different from anyone else she's ever met. Ever since she can remember, she's had memory-like visions that couldn't possibly be from her lifetime. While growing up, she has a bad habit of talking about her visions at the wrong times, thus creating a lot of tension in her parents.
When her parents decide to move Sage to a new school after a particular instance at her old one, Sage meets some new friends. She also becomes quickly enamored with another new student, Summer Dante. After a series of events, Sage suspects her parents may no more about her than she ever thought.
If there is one thing that really bothers me about this book, and it would appear I'm not alone on this one, it's that there doesn't seem to be an established timeline. I went at least a good third of the novel thinking it took place about 40+ years back to suddenly realizing we were in a modern day. A lot of the language and sayings that come from Sage really only reinforce that, and while I now feel that it was to reinforce her own character which becomes more clear towards the end of the novel, it still helped to throw me off a bit in the beginning.
Another thing I'd like to point out, especially for you thrill seekers out there, is that this book is extremely slow paced. I'm actually quite disappointed because I had myself convinced that it was okay that it was a slow start because they were laying groundwork for what would likely become a bigger series in V.C. Andrews fashion. Having looked into that more now that I've actually finished the book, I see no inclination that this book is meant to be a part of a series. Now I could be wrong, but it seems that this book is meant to be a stand alone novel, and if that's the case my justification for a slow build up is no longer valid. So if I'm reconsidering this than the first 3/5th's of the novel are slower paced. The next 1/5th picks up the pace a little bit as Sage gains more freedom and develops a bit more of a social life. But the last 1/5th felt so rushed. Fast paced, sure, but it felt like they were trying to rush a conclusion. And that might have worked for me if this book had been part of a series, but as a stand alone it just feels like poor planning.
If this is an author you've read and enjoyed, I would say pick up the book. If you're someone who has a lot of patience when it comes to world building, I'd say pick up the book. The story is entertaining enough. But if you're someone looking for an indulgent paranormal feel paired with the moral questioning that keeps you on the edge of your seat like a good old fashioned V.C. Andrews book provides, you're not going to find that here.
January 30, 2016
Not knowing what to expect in this book I went into this with open mind. You get hints of the subject matter throughout the entire book. Something creepy and weird is going on the main character and most of the book revolves around of the strangeness of her ability to see what’s going to happen with other people plus her ability to hear and see things no one else can. Not only that, but the reactions her parents have to her – watching and questioning every move that she makes, is weird too.
Then she meets a new boy in school who is immediately drawn to her. He seems to know just what she sees and feels. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Can this be the beginnings of a fight between good and evil?? What is seen and unseen??
Not giving way anything of the plot, I need to say that while the book was a good read, I found it could have been a lot more engrossing. This came off to me as more of a young adult book and while that’s not necessarily bad, I was expecting a bit more intrigue, thrills, and suspense. It felt like the plot was not fully fleshed out and some of the history of the subject could have been developed a little bit better.
Since this is my first V.C. Andrews book I don’t have anything to compare it to. While an entertaining, quick and easy read, I was looking for more depth overall – in the characters, the plot, and background.
Then she meets a new boy in school who is immediately drawn to her. He seems to know just what she sees and feels. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Can this be the beginnings of a fight between good and evil?? What is seen and unseen??
Not giving way anything of the plot, I need to say that while the book was a good read, I found it could have been a lot more engrossing. This came off to me as more of a young adult book and while that’s not necessarily bad, I was expecting a bit more intrigue, thrills, and suspense. It felt like the plot was not fully fleshed out and some of the history of the subject could have been developed a little bit better.
Since this is my first V.C. Andrews book I don’t have anything to compare it to. While an entertaining, quick and easy read, I was looking for more depth overall – in the characters, the plot, and background.
October 6, 2016
Truthfully I was disappointed by this one. It started off SO well, and I thought it would be super eerie and chilling.
Not so much. The plot was predicable, but it was enjoyable so I'll give it that. And there's a hope for a darker (hopefully) sequel. We'll see.
Not so much. The plot was predicable, but it was enjoyable so I'll give it that. And there's a hope for a darker (hopefully) sequel. We'll see.
January 5, 2016
I received a copy from Netgalley.
I haven't read a VC Andrews book in years. Initially I discovered them whilst volunteering in a charity shop one summer when I was home from university and kept seeing the books donated. And I devoured them. But eventually stopped when I got to the DeBeers series as I realised the plots all seem to follow the same formula.
I've noticed some newer ones floating around the last couple of years, but when I saw this one pop up on Netgalley, I figured, what the hell - I would give it a shot. I would either love it or hate it. I most certainly did not love it - I really don't quite know what to make of it. This review will be ranty and spoilery. Spoilers will be hidden.
(Trigger Warnings - book contains sexual abuse and incest)
We're introduced to Sage who guides us through her early childhood to her teen years. Starting off with some info dumpy information on how she has some sort of clairvoyance/sixth sense. She just seems to know things - she has vivid dreams that seem like memories and hears voices - whispers in the dark. She knows things that a small child shouldn’t know. Something else she also goes on and on and on about is the fact that she’s adopted and this makes her different from everyone else because she has no connection to her birth parents or any idea of her family history or why she sees things. She can see people’s futures as well. She knows when they’ve done something bad.
Granted, she has a few fair points in regards to adoption, and not knowing anything about where she came from other than what her adopted parents tell her. She has some sensible and lots of reasonably logical points. All about her connection to her parents and some of her feelings regarding whether they really wanted her after all. They are ridiculously strict with her, not quite cruel, but makes for uncomfortable reading. The problem is she goes on about it so much and in such a dramatic way it’s really hard to care. The whole tone of her voice is weird, it’s either so formal it’s boring or it’s so purple prosey it’s laughable. She’s such a goody two shoes, but of course, she’s so much more special and pretty than she could possibly realise.
As a child Sage would always talk about her strange vivid dreams and her visions, much to her parent’s horror. Particularly the very strict mother, who controls everything Sage does. She’s questioned constantly about what she does, who she talks to, where she goes. Her mother even chooses her outfits up to when she’s 15. The formality of the tone makes it hard to determine the setting off the novel. Is it sometime in the past or more modern day? Because of her sixth sense and the font of knowledge and strange dreams she has Sage appears much more mature and older than her 15 years. The setting is supposed to be modern day. Though the formality and strangeness of Sage’s tone and attitude makes it hard to grasp at certain times it is a modern day setting.
Somehow, this gets back to Sage’s parents who transfer her to a private school. Sage doesn’t see that she’s done anything wrong. And really, she hasn’t. She’s just not sure where this knowledge comes from and doesn’t quite know what to do with it. She’s of course, not like all the other girls. She doesn’t have any friends, she’s not allowed to go to parties or movies or to the mall. While parental interaction in YA is usually non-existent, in this book it’s the other extreme. Sage is so controlled, particularly on her mother’s side (don’t ask questions, don’t do this, don’t do that, do what I tell you, you’re old enough to know better etc) it’s obsessive boarding on creepy. Her mother has some seemingly odd superstitions. Putting a wreath of garlic on the front door, gives her some sort of stone with holes in to hang by her bed to keep the vivid dreams away. She sends Sage to a child psychiatrist at some point when she keeps talking about her visions and just won’t listen to anything she says. Though the general consensus from everyone else seems to be ‘she’ll grow out of it’. Eventually she does stop talking to everyone about what she sees. Any time Sage shows the slightest sign of rebellion or voicing an opinion she’s cut down immediately and harshly.
She’s now 15 and in her freshman year of high school, she’s a bright student, never been in trouble, liked by teachers, empathetic and musically gifted at singing (of course). On transferring to a new school she does finally make some friends and gets a small amount of freedom when she finally manages to convince her mother that it’s okay for her to go to a party or to the mall. She has of course to be dropped off and picked up by her dad, but at least she’s got a little bit of freedom. The girls she hangs out with talk about boys and parties and sexual experiences.
Then that all goes to hell when good looking new boy Summer Dante arrives. He’s the sexiest thing since sliced bread and every girl wants him. But unsurprisingly, its only Sage he’s got eyes for and Sage can’t understand why and doesn’t seem to get why the other girls are very very jealous. As she gets to know Dante better and finds herself falling for him, even though she’s telling herself, there’s something not quite right about Dante. He’s got unusual talents like she does. He knows things he shouldn’t too. Sage even starts to have sexual thoughts mostly relating to him. Now it should be a good thing that she’s starting experience a sexual awakening, however, but it’s so terribly written it’s like it’s trying to be sensual and romantic and really it’s just terrible! And doesn’t sound at all like a teenager’s thoughts. But of course, Sage has always been much older than she appears to be and talked different. Again, it’s all eye-rollingly stupid.
There’s one rather funny bit where Sage’s friends convince her to go to another party and tell her to tell her parents she’s going to the mall and the movies with her friends. The movie is ‘Ruby’ one of them will lend her the book. This of course all goes pear shaped, but on route back to the mall to meet her dad in time for pickup she discusses the movie with Summer who tells her the plot – a girl who’s got a secret twin in new Orleans part of a really rich family and Ruby goes to live with her. The more the story was described the more it was like – why is this so familiar? Any VC Andrews fan can tell you – it’s the first book in the Landry family saga! Usually it annoys the hell out me when authors use their books in novels for whatever reason. I saw it in a scifi novel I read a while back where the author used her novel earlier dystopian novels in a futuristic English as an example of a really bad government – this one made me completely disgusted and I have never read that author since. In this case it was quite funny when it twigged. Who knows, maybe we’ll eventually get a Lifetime Landry saga movie.
And here’s where it gets disturbing. This is going to be a major spoiler but I need to rant about it because it’s just beyond weird.
For a VC Andrews novel this type of incest isn’t exactly unusual. It’s just bizarre when from the second Summer Dante arrives about half way through, the novel has the tone of a paranormal romance. And this is supposed to be marketed to teenagers?!?
That all being said, in spite of how utterly absurd the plot was and how ridiculous the characters were, I couldn’t put down. I did find myself skimming through some parts I found dull and wordy, mostly of Sage making the same point in different ways. But it was still like regardless of how much it made me giggle with the overall idiocy of it all, after reading the first 5% or so one day, I finished the rest in a day. It was terribly addictive. And will still be looking for the next instalment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for approving my request to view the title.
I haven't read a VC Andrews book in years. Initially I discovered them whilst volunteering in a charity shop one summer when I was home from university and kept seeing the books donated. And I devoured them. But eventually stopped when I got to the DeBeers series as I realised the plots all seem to follow the same formula.
I've noticed some newer ones floating around the last couple of years, but when I saw this one pop up on Netgalley, I figured, what the hell - I would give it a shot. I would either love it or hate it. I most certainly did not love it - I really don't quite know what to make of it. This review will be ranty and spoilery. Spoilers will be hidden.
(Trigger Warnings - book contains sexual abuse and incest)
We're introduced to Sage who guides us through her early childhood to her teen years. Starting off with some info dumpy information on how she has some sort of clairvoyance/sixth sense. She just seems to know things - she has vivid dreams that seem like memories and hears voices - whispers in the dark. She knows things that a small child shouldn’t know. Something else she also goes on and on and on about is the fact that she’s adopted and this makes her different from everyone else because she has no connection to her birth parents or any idea of her family history or why she sees things. She can see people’s futures as well. She knows when they’ve done something bad.
Granted, she has a few fair points in regards to adoption, and not knowing anything about where she came from other than what her adopted parents tell her. She has some sensible and lots of reasonably logical points. All about her connection to her parents and some of her feelings regarding whether they really wanted her after all. They are ridiculously strict with her, not quite cruel, but makes for uncomfortable reading. The problem is she goes on about it so much and in such a dramatic way it’s really hard to care. The whole tone of her voice is weird, it’s either so formal it’s boring or it’s so purple prosey it’s laughable. She’s such a goody two shoes, but of course, she’s so much more special and pretty than she could possibly realise.
As a child Sage would always talk about her strange vivid dreams and her visions, much to her parent’s horror. Particularly the very strict mother, who controls everything Sage does. She’s questioned constantly about what she does, who she talks to, where she goes. Her mother even chooses her outfits up to when she’s 15. The formality of the tone makes it hard to determine the setting off the novel. Is it sometime in the past or more modern day? Because of her sixth sense and the font of knowledge and strange dreams she has Sage appears much more mature and older than her 15 years. The setting is supposed to be modern day. Though the formality and strangeness of Sage’s tone and attitude makes it hard to grasp at certain times it is a modern day setting.
Somehow, this gets back to Sage’s parents who transfer her to a private school. Sage doesn’t see that she’s done anything wrong. And really, she hasn’t. She’s just not sure where this knowledge comes from and doesn’t quite know what to do with it. She’s of course, not like all the other girls. She doesn’t have any friends, she’s not allowed to go to parties or movies or to the mall. While parental interaction in YA is usually non-existent, in this book it’s the other extreme. Sage is so controlled, particularly on her mother’s side (don’t ask questions, don’t do this, don’t do that, do what I tell you, you’re old enough to know better etc) it’s obsessive boarding on creepy. Her mother has some seemingly odd superstitions. Putting a wreath of garlic on the front door, gives her some sort of stone with holes in to hang by her bed to keep the vivid dreams away. She sends Sage to a child psychiatrist at some point when she keeps talking about her visions and just won’t listen to anything she says. Though the general consensus from everyone else seems to be ‘she’ll grow out of it’. Eventually she does stop talking to everyone about what she sees. Any time Sage shows the slightest sign of rebellion or voicing an opinion she’s cut down immediately and harshly.
She’s now 15 and in her freshman year of high school, she’s a bright student, never been in trouble, liked by teachers, empathetic and musically gifted at singing (of course). On transferring to a new school she does finally make some friends and gets a small amount of freedom when she finally manages to convince her mother that it’s okay for her to go to a party or to the mall. She has of course to be dropped off and picked up by her dad, but at least she’s got a little bit of freedom. The girls she hangs out with talk about boys and parties and sexual experiences.
Then that all goes to hell when good looking new boy Summer Dante arrives. He’s the sexiest thing since sliced bread and every girl wants him. But unsurprisingly, its only Sage he’s got eyes for and Sage can’t understand why and doesn’t seem to get why the other girls are very very jealous. As she gets to know Dante better and finds herself falling for him, even though she’s telling herself, there’s something not quite right about Dante. He’s got unusual talents like she does. He knows things he shouldn’t too. Sage even starts to have sexual thoughts mostly relating to him. Now it should be a good thing that she’s starting experience a sexual awakening, however, but it’s so terribly written it’s like it’s trying to be sensual and romantic and really it’s just terrible! And doesn’t sound at all like a teenager’s thoughts. But of course, Sage has always been much older than she appears to be and talked different. Again, it’s all eye-rollingly stupid.
There’s one rather funny bit where Sage’s friends convince her to go to another party and tell her to tell her parents she’s going to the mall and the movies with her friends. The movie is ‘Ruby’ one of them will lend her the book. This of course all goes pear shaped, but on route back to the mall to meet her dad in time for pickup she discusses the movie with Summer who tells her the plot – a girl who’s got a secret twin in new Orleans part of a really rich family and Ruby goes to live with her. The more the story was described the more it was like – why is this so familiar? Any VC Andrews fan can tell you – it’s the first book in the Landry family saga! Usually it annoys the hell out me when authors use their books in novels for whatever reason. I saw it in a scifi novel I read a while back where the author used her novel earlier dystopian novels in a futuristic English as an example of a really bad government – this one made me completely disgusted and I have never read that author since. In this case it was quite funny when it twigged. Who knows, maybe we’ll eventually get a Lifetime Landry saga movie.
And here’s where it gets disturbing. This is going to be a major spoiler but I need to rant about it because it’s just beyond weird.
For a VC Andrews novel this type of incest isn’t exactly unusual. It’s just bizarre when from the second Summer Dante arrives about half way through, the novel has the tone of a paranormal romance. And this is supposed to be marketed to teenagers?!?
That all being said, in spite of how utterly absurd the plot was and how ridiculous the characters were, I couldn’t put down. I did find myself skimming through some parts I found dull and wordy, mostly of Sage making the same point in different ways. But it was still like regardless of how much it made me giggle with the overall idiocy of it all, after reading the first 5% or so one day, I finished the rest in a day. It was terribly addictive. And will still be looking for the next instalment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for approving my request to view the title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2015
Ugh! Seriously? The first 50% of the book took some getting used to, and didn't have enough conflict to keep me interested. I had to put the book down for a while and read something else before picking it back up again. After a few times of doing this, it became more interesting. I had all sorts of theories going on in my head trying to guess the ending and tie everything together, but I have to admit that the ending was possibly the cheesiest, most bogus ending I had ever read before. I was totally expecting much more from a V.C Andrews book. It wasn't researched enough to be plausible.
** SPOILERS**
I am going to say for the record that I am a Pagan, and a practicing witch, although not 'Wiccan' and this book was equivalent to the nonsense in the movie 'The Craft.' The least that the author could have done was research the topic a bit more. I understand that this book is fiction, but even fiction is best received when well known religions aren't exploited and totally fabricated. I will not let my teenagers read this book because it puts silly ideas in their heads like the following excerpts from the book:
'We are all Wiccans. We were born into it. You were born of a mother who wasn't one of us, but your father was."
Seriously? and ...
"We're both old enough to be beyond our Wiccan powers. They weaken with age but not for the first hundred years or so," he said."
First of all, one is not simply born Wiccan. Any religion that one follows during their lifetime is a choice. We all have the same blood running through our veins, and this implies otherwise. Some of us are born with special gifts it is true, but this doesn't make us Wiccan or any other religion.
Secondly, Wiccan isn't the name given to ancient practices of witchcraft, but instead it is the new age movement, and the first recorded use of the word didn't appear until 1962, even though the 'Wiccans' in this family are immortal (apparently) and beyond 100 years old.
The story would have been better received by me had it not used the word 'Wicca' or 'Wiccan' at all. One can be a witch and not be Wiccan.
All the silly symbolism in the book and special emphasis on the 'pentacle' and 'pentagram' made it more phony. You can write a good story about witches and having powers etc without throwing in ridiculous stereotypical stuff. Witches from a hundred years ago didn't wear industrial produced jewelry with pentacles on them, and had they lived an immortal life, they wouldn't concern themselves with such symbols just because they could. Instead they'd probably find them quite useless.
The way that the parents critiqued Sage's every move was too strange and repetitive. It was the only thing that kept the story moving forward, and the entire plot of the book. Is she good or bad? Will she be one of us, or won't she? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
The whole time I was reading I expected them to be shapeshifters or vampires or something more inspiring. This book is a big let down. The author is apparently running out of ideas. Two thumbs down. I give it two stars but only because the author knows how to write, and it's easy to read her work.
This book was given as an advanced copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.
** SPOILERS**
I am going to say for the record that I am a Pagan, and a practicing witch, although not 'Wiccan' and this book was equivalent to the nonsense in the movie 'The Craft.' The least that the author could have done was research the topic a bit more. I understand that this book is fiction, but even fiction is best received when well known religions aren't exploited and totally fabricated. I will not let my teenagers read this book because it puts silly ideas in their heads like the following excerpts from the book:
'We are all Wiccans. We were born into it. You were born of a mother who wasn't one of us, but your father was."
Seriously? and ...
"We're both old enough to be beyond our Wiccan powers. They weaken with age but not for the first hundred years or so," he said."
First of all, one is not simply born Wiccan. Any religion that one follows during their lifetime is a choice. We all have the same blood running through our veins, and this implies otherwise. Some of us are born with special gifts it is true, but this doesn't make us Wiccan or any other religion.
Secondly, Wiccan isn't the name given to ancient practices of witchcraft, but instead it is the new age movement, and the first recorded use of the word didn't appear until 1962, even though the 'Wiccans' in this family are immortal (apparently) and beyond 100 years old.
The story would have been better received by me had it not used the word 'Wicca' or 'Wiccan' at all. One can be a witch and not be Wiccan.
All the silly symbolism in the book and special emphasis on the 'pentacle' and 'pentagram' made it more phony. You can write a good story about witches and having powers etc without throwing in ridiculous stereotypical stuff. Witches from a hundred years ago didn't wear industrial produced jewelry with pentacles on them, and had they lived an immortal life, they wouldn't concern themselves with such symbols just because they could. Instead they'd probably find them quite useless.
The way that the parents critiqued Sage's every move was too strange and repetitive. It was the only thing that kept the story moving forward, and the entire plot of the book. Is she good or bad? Will she be one of us, or won't she? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
The whole time I was reading I expected them to be shapeshifters or vampires or something more inspiring. This book is a big let down. The author is apparently running out of ideas. Two thumbs down. I give it two stars but only because the author knows how to write, and it's easy to read her work.
This book was given as an advanced copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.
November 3, 2015
I'm a long time fan of V.C. Andrews books, I have read many over the last 20 years and loved them all so I was delighted to be given the chance to read an early copy of this latest book Sage's Eyes.
What a great book this was. Such a brilliant storyline full of secrets and lies with wonderful characters who you can't help but care about. I read this all in one go, I couldn't put the book down as I just had to find out more.
This is a must read for all fans old and new.
What a great book this was. Such a brilliant storyline full of secrets and lies with wonderful characters who you can't help but care about. I read this all in one go, I couldn't put the book down as I just had to find out more.
This is a must read for all fans old and new.
October 15, 2015
Copy from netgalley
Whilst this has moved away from the formulaic novels written before it, it is not a great book. It has so much potential but is poorly executed. Nothing happens until the last 5% where you find out the reason behind all the secrecy but then BANG! story is over. It's like the author was writing a really long book, got bored so just ended it. The finale just didn't match the build up. Disappointed.
Whilst this has moved away from the formulaic novels written before it, it is not a great book. It has so much potential but is poorly executed. Nothing happens until the last 5% where you find out the reason behind all the secrecy but then BANG! story is over. It's like the author was writing a really long book, got bored so just ended it. The finale just didn't match the build up. Disappointed.
February 14, 2016
I’ve actually never read any VC Andrews books and I’ve only ever seen the Lifetime movie for Flowers in the Attic so consider this my first foray into Andrews’ work. Perhaps I should have started at the beginning because SAGE’S EYES just wasn’t very good.
None of the characters are all that likable. The parents are overbearing and intrusive to the point of being Sage’s jailers. Sage herself comes across as a bit pompous, a bit above everyone else but to that, at least as the story goes on this starts to break down and she starts getting frustrated with how she’s been raised and how abnormal she is. As the reader you do get to see that Sage just wants to be normal, have a normal social life, normal friends, a normal boyfriend. It’s not a lot to ask but as far as her parents are concerned she might as well be asking for the world.
Sage’s issues are dragged on for far too long without any indication as to what’s going on with her. She has these visions that appear to be from the past, she can see into people’s futures, she can get glimpses into their present if she has the right touch to get access to them. The big reveal isn’t until the last or penultimate chapter and by then I’m just so over what’s going on with Sage that I barely care anymore.
And the big reveal? It’s so hokey and laughable that I can’t take it seriously at all. I can’t absorb myself into the story and it just comes off preposterous. I don’t have anything to compare SAGE’S EYES to but it reminds me of campy 90s books or made-for-TV movies that are B or lower. Considering the current social climate regarding things like accuracy to take this major plot element and pretty much just turn it into a cheesy pseudo-horror get-up doesn’t really work. And the elements to how everything works are just absurd and seem like things thrown into the story for shock value.
The other part of the big reveal regarding Summer (seriously, what kind of name is that for a boy? I had a really hard time keeping genders straight on that one, I try not to get too hung up on this like that but god, what an awful name)? Ick. And what made it even worse is that everyone either knew or didn’t react in a way that I think normal people would react. Sage was just like ‘oh.’ Considering what the two of them almost did I think more than an oh is rendered. But that’s just me.
I just wasn’t into SAGE’S EYES. Didn’t really like the characters, didn’t like Sage’s voice, the plot was way too drawn out and then ended up being totally campy and hokey and cheesy in a not good way. It was just blah. I still want to read FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC because it’s made such an impression on the reading world. But this one? I don’t see it sticking.
1.5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
None of the characters are all that likable. The parents are overbearing and intrusive to the point of being Sage’s jailers. Sage herself comes across as a bit pompous, a bit above everyone else but to that, at least as the story goes on this starts to break down and she starts getting frustrated with how she’s been raised and how abnormal she is. As the reader you do get to see that Sage just wants to be normal, have a normal social life, normal friends, a normal boyfriend. It’s not a lot to ask but as far as her parents are concerned she might as well be asking for the world.
Sage’s issues are dragged on for far too long without any indication as to what’s going on with her. She has these visions that appear to be from the past, she can see into people’s futures, she can get glimpses into their present if she has the right touch to get access to them. The big reveal isn’t until the last or penultimate chapter and by then I’m just so over what’s going on with Sage that I barely care anymore.
And the big reveal? It’s so hokey and laughable that I can’t take it seriously at all. I can’t absorb myself into the story and it just comes off preposterous. I don’t have anything to compare SAGE’S EYES to but it reminds me of campy 90s books or made-for-TV movies that are B or lower. Considering the current social climate regarding things like accuracy to take this major plot element and pretty much just turn it into a cheesy pseudo-horror get-up doesn’t really work. And the elements to how everything works are just absurd and seem like things thrown into the story for shock value.
The other part of the big reveal regarding Summer (seriously, what kind of name is that for a boy? I had a really hard time keeping genders straight on that one, I try not to get too hung up on this like that but god, what an awful name)? Ick. And what made it even worse is that everyone either knew or didn’t react in a way that I think normal people would react. Sage was just like ‘oh.’ Considering what the two of them almost did I think more than an oh is rendered. But that’s just me.
I just wasn’t into SAGE’S EYES. Didn’t really like the characters, didn’t like Sage’s voice, the plot was way too drawn out and then ended up being totally campy and hokey and cheesy in a not good way. It was just blah. I still want to read FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC because it’s made such an impression on the reading world. But this one? I don’t see it sticking.
1.5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2016
Sage learned early on in life that she was adopted when she was only a baby. As a child she would have these visions which she would tell everyone of things that had happened to her but her parents would correct her that she had never done any of it. Because of this her adoptive parents became completely overprotective and strict compared to other parents.
When Sage starts a new school her parents urge her to make friends but question every move Sage makes asking in extreme detail about any interaction she has with others her age. They seem to be waiting for Sage to do something wrong even though she is an A student and follows all their rules. When a new boy enters the school Sage feels that they are a lot alike and she wants to get her parents to let her spend time with him.
I had hopes that Sage's Eyes would pull me out of a funk I'd been in with reading V.C. Andrews novels. Unfortunately after finishing this one I just feel let down yet again. The story started off fine and felt like it might just break the mold and be just a bit different to some of the other books which in a way it was but some of that normal formula still pops in there too.
What I first noticed with this story was the incredibly slow pacing. I think the entire book could have been half the length and easily told the same story. The first half if not a bit more was completely about how Sage's parents treated her. It got incredibly repetitive to me so much so that I had to force myself to continue reading to see how this would all turn out.
For the majority of the story I was also leaning towards three stars as my only real complaint would be the slowness of it. But then I actually finished the entire book and so as not to spoil the story I will just say that for one the ending felt rushed to a conclusion after the too slow beginning. It also felt as if the author picked something out of the air and just rushed a conclusion based on that and didn't put any research into it or find something more plausible to explain the entire story up to that point.
Overall, another disappointment for me in the V.C. Andrews catalog. I keep hoping to find another gem but I think honestly what seems to be lacking is Ms. Andrews herself as anything later works with the ghostwriter just haven't stood out to me in any way.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Sage starts a new school her parents urge her to make friends but question every move Sage makes asking in extreme detail about any interaction she has with others her age. They seem to be waiting for Sage to do something wrong even though she is an A student and follows all their rules. When a new boy enters the school Sage feels that they are a lot alike and she wants to get her parents to let her spend time with him.
I had hopes that Sage's Eyes would pull me out of a funk I'd been in with reading V.C. Andrews novels. Unfortunately after finishing this one I just feel let down yet again. The story started off fine and felt like it might just break the mold and be just a bit different to some of the other books which in a way it was but some of that normal formula still pops in there too.
What I first noticed with this story was the incredibly slow pacing. I think the entire book could have been half the length and easily told the same story. The first half if not a bit more was completely about how Sage's parents treated her. It got incredibly repetitive to me so much so that I had to force myself to continue reading to see how this would all turn out.
For the majority of the story I was also leaning towards three stars as my only real complaint would be the slowness of it. But then I actually finished the entire book and so as not to spoil the story I will just say that for one the ending felt rushed to a conclusion after the too slow beginning. It also felt as if the author picked something out of the air and just rushed a conclusion based on that and didn't put any research into it or find something more plausible to explain the entire story up to that point.
Overall, another disappointment for me in the V.C. Andrews catalog. I keep hoping to find another gem but I think honestly what seems to be lacking is Ms. Andrews herself as anything later works with the ghostwriter just haven't stood out to me in any way.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 5, 2016
Sage’s Eyes by V.C. Andrews is set in Dorey, Massachusetts. Sage Healy has heard voices since she was child (she finds them comforting). Her adoptive parents (cold and clinical people) told her to ignore them. Sage also seems to know things about people and situations (and liked to blurt them out as a child). Her parents keep an eagle eye her like she is a bomb that will go off at any moment (or like she is a scientific experiment and they are taking notes). There is a new student at school named Summer Dante. He is intriguing and Sage is drawn to him. He seems to understand Sage’s gifts and he has a few of his own. He encourages her to use her gifts. However, his ideas of right and wrong are a little different than Sage’s. Sage is extremely tired of her parent’s secrets and wants to find out what they are hiding. Will Sage like the answers when she gets them? Will Sage use her gifts for good or will she be drawn to the dark side?
I was so excited when I received the opportunity to read Sage’s Eyes (my daughter loves V.C. Andrews books), and I was looking forward to reading a good paranormal novel. I was extremely let down by Sage’s Eyes. There is very little paranormal action in the book. It is a very blah (boring, dull) book. The book is confusing (things are not really explained until the very end of the book) and it is so hard to get into it (I never did). Most of the book is devoted to Sage’s thinking (especially about how cute Summer is). Her internal dialogue took up the majority of the book (and it was monotonous). I give Sage’s Eyes 2 out of 5 stars (I did not like it). The book had so much potential but none of it was realized. We are also left with a very unsatisfying ending (like there will be another book to pick up where this one left off).
I received a complimentary copy of Sage’s Eyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog: The Avid Reader (http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...)
I was so excited when I received the opportunity to read Sage’s Eyes (my daughter loves V.C. Andrews books), and I was looking forward to reading a good paranormal novel. I was extremely let down by Sage’s Eyes. There is very little paranormal action in the book. It is a very blah (boring, dull) book. The book is confusing (things are not really explained until the very end of the book) and it is so hard to get into it (I never did). Most of the book is devoted to Sage’s thinking (especially about how cute Summer is). Her internal dialogue took up the majority of the book (and it was monotonous). I give Sage’s Eyes 2 out of 5 stars (I did not like it). The book had so much potential but none of it was realized. We are also left with a very unsatisfying ending (like there will be another book to pick up where this one left off).
I received a complimentary copy of Sage’s Eyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog: The Avid Reader (http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...)
January 30, 2016
Sage’s Eyes by V.C. Andrews is set in Dorey, Massachusetts. Sage Healy has heard voices since she was child (she finds them comforting). Her adoptive parents (cold and clinical people) told her to ignore them. Sage also seems to know things about people and situations (and liked to blurt them out as a child). Her parents keep an eagle eye her like she is a bomb that will go off at any moment (or like she is a scientific experiment and they are taking notes). There is a new student at school named Summer Dante. He is intriguing and Sage is drawn to him. He seems to understand Sage’s gifts and he has a few of his own. He encourages her to use her gifts. However, his ideas of right and wrong are a little different than Sage’s. Sage is extremely tired of her parent’s secrets and wants to find out what they are hiding. Will Sage like the answers when she gets them? Will Sage use her gifts for good or will she be drawn to the dark side?
I was so excited when I received the opportunity to read Sage’s Eyes (my daughter loves V.C. Andrews books), and I was looking forward to reading a good paranormal novel. I was extremely let down by Sage’s Eyes. There is very little paranormal action in the book. It is a very blah (boring, dull) book. The book is confusing (things are not really explained until the very end of the book) and it is so hard to get into it (I never did). Most of the book is devoted to Sage’s thinking (especially about how cute Summer is). Her internal dialogue took up the majority of the book (and it was monotonous). I give Sage’s Eyes 2 out of 5 stars (I did not like it). The book had so much potential but none of it was realized. We are also left with a very unsatisfying ending (like there will be another book to pick up where this one left off).
I received a complimentary copy of Sage’s Eyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited when I received the opportunity to read Sage’s Eyes (my daughter loves V.C. Andrews books), and I was looking forward to reading a good paranormal novel. I was extremely let down by Sage’s Eyes. There is very little paranormal action in the book. It is a very blah (boring, dull) book. The book is confusing (things are not really explained until the very end of the book) and it is so hard to get into it (I never did). Most of the book is devoted to Sage’s thinking (especially about how cute Summer is). Her internal dialogue took up the majority of the book (and it was monotonous). I give Sage’s Eyes 2 out of 5 stars (I did not like it). The book had so much potential but none of it was realized. We are also left with a very unsatisfying ending (like there will be another book to pick up where this one left off).
I received a complimentary copy of Sage’s Eyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2016
I am a huge fan of Virginia Andrews, ever since I first read Flowers in the Attic. Her style of writing and her imagination know no boundaries and i've always felt drawn to her stories. They're powerful and dark, which is what the News is full of and why Thrillers and True Crime are so popular.
Sage's Eyes is another story. It is powerful and it does have a dark concept to it, however, it didn't read like a Virginia Andrews story. BUT, in saying that, it is still a brilliant read and I devoured it. I loved how it was modern, keeping in with the times we are living and yet still had the old school style to it as well.
Sage is a beautiful character who is well grounded despite growing up with extremely strict parents who gruel her about every decision she makes, from the colour of her sweater to why she wants to be friends with those particular girls. She has no social life to speak of, has never had a boyfriend or close friend and yet she is wise beyond her years. She grew up with her parents disapproving looks and her mother admonishing her to the point where she was very careful and concious about what she said and constantly worrying about disappointing her parents, who were very guarded and secretive at the best of times.
So, will Sage ever find out why her parents don't seem to trust her, why they never speak of their families apart from from her Uncle Wade, or the many secrets they seem to hold close to their chests? That is the mystery you will have to read the book to solve.
Sage's Eyes is another story. It is powerful and it does have a dark concept to it, however, it didn't read like a Virginia Andrews story. BUT, in saying that, it is still a brilliant read and I devoured it. I loved how it was modern, keeping in with the times we are living and yet still had the old school style to it as well.
Sage is a beautiful character who is well grounded despite growing up with extremely strict parents who gruel her about every decision she makes, from the colour of her sweater to why she wants to be friends with those particular girls. She has no social life to speak of, has never had a boyfriend or close friend and yet she is wise beyond her years. She grew up with her parents disapproving looks and her mother admonishing her to the point where she was very careful and concious about what she said and constantly worrying about disappointing her parents, who were very guarded and secretive at the best of times.
So, will Sage ever find out why her parents don't seem to trust her, why they never speak of their families apart from from her Uncle Wade, or the many secrets they seem to hold close to their chests? That is the mystery you will have to read the book to solve.
October 9, 2015
This was a quick read. It is the engrossing story of an adopted child who feels different to everyone else. Poor Sage wants so badly to fit in and have friends and be like other teens. Though not so badly that she can stop talking about things she should have no knowledge of. Sage has vivid memories of things that could not possibly have happened to her, at least not in this lifetime. She knows things about other people that she has no way of knowing. Every time she opens her mouth she seems to be a constant source of embarrassment to her parents who warn her repeatedly not to speak of these visions she has. She is barely allowed out of the house and always under interrogation by her parents over every little detail. They seem to be studying her and treat her more like an exhibit or a lab rat than a daughter. She is never allowed to question her parents or know her relatives other than an uncle. They refuse to answer any questions about her birth mother. Sage begins to suspect that all is not what it seems with her adoptive parents and she is determined to discover the truth about them and about herself. The relationship between the parents seemed somewhat underdeveloped to me but I enjoyed this story and wonder what the future has in store for Sage. She is a very strong character and I doubt this will be the last we hear of her.
I received an advance copy for review
I received an advance copy for review
January 15, 2016
Well I'm not sure I have read much from this author before. I have heard great things about this author though. So I wanted to give this book a try. I was a little let down by this book. Sage has some interesting abilities but I was not caught up in this book as I hoped I would be. Sometimes when you hear a lot about something of someone.....I don't know maybe I excepted too much from this author. It was just ok for me. * I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 28, 2016
I felt this book took a little while to warm up- but ended up being an enjoyable read.
Sage is a teenager who sees things that other people don't, but her parents are very strict with her. She finds it hard to make friends because her parents won't let her socialise.
She experiments a little with her powers and tries to help other people. There is an undertone to the book and you are wondering which path it is going to take.
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
Sage is a teenager who sees things that other people don't, but her parents are very strict with her. She finds it hard to make friends because her parents won't let her socialise.
She experiments a little with her powers and tries to help other people. There is an undertone to the book and you are wondering which path it is going to take.
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2015
I have read VC Andrews through the years and enjoyed Sage's Eyes. The heroine is adopted and her parents always seem on the edge of their seats waiting to see if she turns evil. She has memories of events that occurred long before she was born and special powers. Her parent's overprotectiveness makes it hard for her to have a normal life. The book was an easy read, was interesting and held my interest. I do recommend it. I received this for an honest review via Net Galley.
May 20, 2018
It's good. I kind of hate some parts.
June 4, 2018
El libro tenia mucho potencial, pero cuando iba llegando al final no podía creer que aun no estaba cerca de la verdad, el final dano todo, pudo haber sido maravilloso. El final fue super meh.
April 10, 2020
Is it really a V.C. Andrews book without someone falling down a staircase?
Overall the book had a slow wind up; the prologue wasn't necessary because the story could have naturally been built up without it. There were a lot of moving parts in the story, but finally everything came together at the end as a cohesive unit. The writing was typically flowery for a V.C. Andrews novel; it wasn't bad and kept my intrigue.
Overall the book had a slow wind up; the prologue wasn't necessary because the story could have naturally been built up without it. There were a lot of moving parts in the story, but finally everything came together at the end as a cohesive unit. The writing was typically flowery for a V.C. Andrews novel; it wasn't bad and kept my intrigue.
December 7, 2024
Listened to the audiobook over the course of the day and it was actually so good! I think Neiderman-era VC Andrews might be most enjoyable audibly.
February 4, 2016
If there had been any other name on this book I would have given it 3 stars, but this is a sad attempt to pitch off of a great authors name. While I can't say I totally hated it, since I was able to finish the book in a day, it did start falling flat halfway through the book to the point that I was skimming.
First, there'sMary Sue Sage Healy. Sage already starts the book with the maturity of a 50 year old when physically she's 5, so that leaves little room for personal growth other than emerging out of her naivety. If anything her maturity regresses, throwing normal teenage tantrums at her adoptive parents later on when she doesn't get the answers she wants, and yet it gets labeled as Sage's strength. I wish I could say more about her, good or bad, but that's about all the book gives me. Sage is about as generic and flawless as the protagonists in the last several VC Andrews books I've attempted to read through.
Then there's her adoptive parents (though this also applies to the whole family as well). They spend the first half of Sage's life trying to repress her psychic gifts then turns around and suddenly encourages it when she enters her teen years, all while keeping a hot mess of secrets from Sage regarding her birth and their own family history. If that weren't contradictory enough it gets worse in later details, and it doesn't help that it uses the very old "we keep secrets to protect you" trope. If this plan had really been thought through then perhaps a little more honesty could have gone a long way.
There's a lot I could say about the school environment but I'll try to keep it as brief as possible: When was the last time Andrew Neiderman stepped foot in a high school? I really have to put them all in one category because with the exception of the few students meant for the "outcast" stereotype they're all pretty much the same. They're vain, self centered, and their interests are limited to partying, alcohol, and the opposite sex. Sage's friends aren't even nice to her half the time, and she judges them constantly for the reasons just stated so you're constantly wondering why she's even friends with them to begin with.
Oh, and that new boy at school who "understands her alarming gifts" and "becomes her confident"? Good thing this isn't a drinking game because here is where you'd take a shot for the main character swapping spit with her blood relative. Shocking, right? The one other person Sage meets that also happens to have psychic powers just so happens to be related to her, and in a VC Andrews book of all authors! Sometimes I feel like it's the only trope that makes any new books ever relevant to the name plastered on it. Honestly, anyone who's read at least a couple of VC Andrews series could smell the DNA off Summer from the other side of the planet, and it only got more obvious the more he and Sage made out.
But of all the things that ticked me off, what really made me downright dislike this book is the big reveal at the end. After passing out for reasons I don't care to recall Sage wakes up to be surrounded by her parents, two uncles, and an aunt like they're in some cult. Wait: it gets better. They reveal that the reason behind their powers is that they're all Wiccans! Yep, but because only Sages dad (also Summer's dad) is a Wiccan they had to keep all the secrets to see if she'd become a good Wiccan or a bad Wiccan. Because morality is completely reliant on DNA and not on your environment or personal nature. Honestly, as a Wiccan myself, I'm kind of used to the literary world fictionalizing what goes with the title but this had to be the worst one with the laziest delivery. They also try to tie in the pseudo vampire trait in by having the parents be over 100 years old and the fact that Sage gets visions of past lives, but Neiderman doesn't actually go anywhere with it. At least there were no blood sacrifices?
When VC Andrews died Andrew Neiderman was hired to finish the work that she had left behind. It was a hit or miss for the most part, but at least you could tell by the style of the plot that it was still her voice. But over time her voice has become weaker and weaker, and Sage's Eyes is clearly the result of an old writer trying to profit off of a well known name. If I were the Andrews Family I would terminate whatever contract they have with Neiderman because he is now tarnishing the Andrews name.
First, there's
Then there's her adoptive parents (though this also applies to the whole family as well). They spend the first half of Sage's life trying to repress her psychic gifts then turns around and suddenly encourages it when she enters her teen years, all while keeping a hot mess of secrets from Sage regarding her birth and their own family history. If that weren't contradictory enough it gets worse in later details, and it doesn't help that it uses the very old "we keep secrets to protect you" trope. If this plan had really been thought through then perhaps a little more honesty could have gone a long way.
There's a lot I could say about the school environment but I'll try to keep it as brief as possible: When was the last time Andrew Neiderman stepped foot in a high school? I really have to put them all in one category because with the exception of the few students meant for the "outcast" stereotype they're all pretty much the same. They're vain, self centered, and their interests are limited to partying, alcohol, and the opposite sex. Sage's friends aren't even nice to her half the time, and she judges them constantly for the reasons just stated so you're constantly wondering why she's even friends with them to begin with.
Oh, and that new boy at school who "understands her alarming gifts" and "becomes her confident"? Good thing this isn't a drinking game because here is where you'd take a shot for the main character swapping spit with her blood relative. Shocking, right? The one other person Sage meets that also happens to have psychic powers just so happens to be related to her, and in a VC Andrews book of all authors! Sometimes I feel like it's the only trope that makes any new books ever relevant to the name plastered on it. Honestly, anyone who's read at least a couple of VC Andrews series could smell the DNA off Summer from the other side of the planet, and it only got more obvious the more he and Sage made out.
But of all the things that ticked me off, what really made me downright dislike this book is the big reveal at the end. After passing out for reasons I don't care to recall Sage wakes up to be surrounded by her parents, two uncles, and an aunt like they're in some cult. Wait: it gets better. They reveal that the reason behind their powers is that they're all Wiccans! Yep, but because only Sages dad (also Summer's dad) is a Wiccan they had to keep all the secrets to see if she'd become a good Wiccan or a bad Wiccan. Because morality is completely reliant on DNA and not on your environment or personal nature. Honestly, as a Wiccan myself, I'm kind of used to the literary world fictionalizing what goes with the title but this had to be the worst one with the laziest delivery. They also try to tie in the pseudo vampire trait in by having the parents be over 100 years old and the fact that Sage gets visions of past lives, but Neiderman doesn't actually go anywhere with it. At least there were no blood sacrifices?
When VC Andrews died Andrew Neiderman was hired to finish the work that she had left behind. It was a hit or miss for the most part, but at least you could tell by the style of the plot that it was still her voice. But over time her voice has become weaker and weaker, and Sage's Eyes is clearly the result of an old writer trying to profit off of a well known name. If I were the Andrews Family I would terminate whatever contract they have with Neiderman because he is now tarnishing the Andrews name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2016
3.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2016
The tale of a young girl kept under the watchful eye of her adoptive parents, as if they fear who—or what—she’ll become…
Sixteen-year-old Sage is a lonely child. Her adoptive parents watch her obsessively, as if studying her for warning signs of…something. And maybe they’re right to—even she can’t make sense of the strange things she sees and hears. She possesses knowledge that other teenagers don’t, that her parents and teachers—no adult—could possibly have. So when Sage finally makes a friend who understands her alarming gift, he becomes her confidant, a precarious link to the truth about who she really is. For Sage and the alluring new boy at school share many things in common. Perhaps, they’ll learn, far too many things.
••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars---SAGE’S EYES by V.C.Andrews is a stand alone, YA, paranormal story line focusing on a young sixteen year old girl named Sage Healy. Sage believes she is different than her friends, her parents, and most of the people she meets. She has ‘supernatural’ gifts that cannot be explained, and confronting her parents only results in punishment or threats of a different kind.
Told from first person point of view (Sage) SAGE’S EYES follows Sage from childhood to sixteen years of age wherein our heroine will meet a young man, not unlike herself-Summer Dante-whose abilities and ‘gifts’ are similar to Sage’s but Summer uses his gifts for different purposes. What ensues is the building relationship between Sage and Summer, and the realization that Sage has been kept in the dark for most of her life. The truth will not be revealed until the very end of the story line.
SAGE’S EYES is a slow building story line while our heroine ‘tells’ the story of her life: her parent’s treatment of, and attempts to control their adopted daughter; and the story of a young girl who has no idea what power she holds within. Because the first half of the novel covers the earlier years, and Sage’s attempts to integrate into school, SAGE’S EYES reads like a written narrative and sometimes gets lost in the explanations and text. The second half follows our heroine as she finds herself falling for a young man who may or may not be what he claims to be.
Because SAGE’S EYES is a young adult story line it has all of the ‘hallmarks’ of the genre: mean girls, misunderstood heroine, controlling or nasty parents; and a heroine who is loved by all of the boys, and hated by all of the girls. Some of the content is very familiar and reflective of other young adult story lines.
The world building centers in and around Sage Healy-her abilities, her powers, her gifts, and her need to do what is right and good but also focuses on secrets that have yet to be revealed and herein lies a bit of the problem with the story-not only does the reader not know anything about the heroine’s abilities, but the heroine herself is kept in the dark until the final pages of the story. It is a frustrating conundrum because at some point the long, drawn out buildup was less than surprising in the end.
SAGE’S EYES is an easy read; a YA story with a little bit of the paranormal; suspense and mystery; and a conflict resolution that was underwhelming and very familiar.
Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2016
The tale of a young girl kept under the watchful eye of her adoptive parents, as if they fear who—or what—she’ll become…
Sixteen-year-old Sage is a lonely child. Her adoptive parents watch her obsessively, as if studying her for warning signs of…something. And maybe they’re right to—even she can’t make sense of the strange things she sees and hears. She possesses knowledge that other teenagers don’t, that her parents and teachers—no adult—could possibly have. So when Sage finally makes a friend who understands her alarming gift, he becomes her confidant, a precarious link to the truth about who she really is. For Sage and the alluring new boy at school share many things in common. Perhaps, they’ll learn, far too many things.
••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars---SAGE’S EYES by V.C.Andrews is a stand alone, YA, paranormal story line focusing on a young sixteen year old girl named Sage Healy. Sage believes she is different than her friends, her parents, and most of the people she meets. She has ‘supernatural’ gifts that cannot be explained, and confronting her parents only results in punishment or threats of a different kind.
Told from first person point of view (Sage) SAGE’S EYES follows Sage from childhood to sixteen years of age wherein our heroine will meet a young man, not unlike herself-Summer Dante-whose abilities and ‘gifts’ are similar to Sage’s but Summer uses his gifts for different purposes. What ensues is the building relationship between Sage and Summer, and the realization that Sage has been kept in the dark for most of her life. The truth will not be revealed until the very end of the story line.
SAGE’S EYES is a slow building story line while our heroine ‘tells’ the story of her life: her parent’s treatment of, and attempts to control their adopted daughter; and the story of a young girl who has no idea what power she holds within. Because the first half of the novel covers the earlier years, and Sage’s attempts to integrate into school, SAGE’S EYES reads like a written narrative and sometimes gets lost in the explanations and text. The second half follows our heroine as she finds herself falling for a young man who may or may not be what he claims to be.
Because SAGE’S EYES is a young adult story line it has all of the ‘hallmarks’ of the genre: mean girls, misunderstood heroine, controlling or nasty parents; and a heroine who is loved by all of the boys, and hated by all of the girls. Some of the content is very familiar and reflective of other young adult story lines.
The world building centers in and around Sage Healy-her abilities, her powers, her gifts, and her need to do what is right and good but also focuses on secrets that have yet to be revealed and herein lies a bit of the problem with the story-not only does the reader not know anything about the heroine’s abilities, but the heroine herself is kept in the dark until the final pages of the story. It is a frustrating conundrum because at some point the long, drawn out buildup was less than surprising in the end.
SAGE’S EYES is an easy read; a YA story with a little bit of the paranormal; suspense and mystery; and a conflict resolution that was underwhelming and very familiar.
Copy supplied by publisher through Netgalley
February 16, 2016
Sage’s Eyes is one very creepy book, with many creepy characters. Sage is a young adopted girl, whose parents are real martinets, as far as she is concerned. From early on, the book showed the reader that Sage felt she was different. She heard voices, had visions, and knew people and places she had never met, lived in or even been to. She does not quite understand why her parents are so protective of her and will let her practically not do anything except go to school and stay at home or with them, and will tell her nothing about their families or her birth parents, though it is obvious they know more than they are willing to say. Her mother, in particular, is extremely strict and totally unyielding in every way, while making Sage feel unwanted, unwelcome and always at fault with everything. Her parents are so abnormal in the way they react to and treat her that they come across as totally creepy. Her uncle, a traveling magician who pops in every now and then, is also creepy, though a bit less than her parents. Finally, the new boy she meets at school, Summer Dante, a boy who easily fits into any situation and can make friends with everyone from the get-go, is also creepy. This is the story of Sage’s life as a teenager among all the strangeness. The story does not cover years in Sage’s life, but it covers enough to make a reader wonder what is going on with all the creepy characters that surround her.
The whole book moved along rather slowly, as each day Sage lived and became more confused and suspicious about what exactly was going on, passed in great detail. Most good authors could have moved the story along at a better pace, and it would not have dragged like this one did. Most of the story is consumed with how creepy Sage’s parents and friend are and how creepy they act and treat her while expecting Sage to act unnaturally. The only people who do not come across as creepy as Sage’s girlfriends at school and the boys in their lives, who are pretty normal and, like Sage, some question what is going on. There is a little bit of the paranormal in the storyline, but not a great deal. I found it a bit off that Sage, who is portrayed as a very intelligent girl, could fall so easily and quickly for Summer, who came across as such a strange high schooler. but I guess that was the way the author wanted show Sage being gradually entrapped in this web of deceit and creepiness. I have read and enjoyed all of the books V. C. Andrews wrote and find her writing as amazing as her ability to pull the reader into often unacceptable/unnatural situation, but the ghost writer, who has written the books since her passing, has never managed to replicate her style or writing ability. I received this book from NetGalley to read and provide an honest review.
The whole book moved along rather slowly, as each day Sage lived and became more confused and suspicious about what exactly was going on, passed in great detail. Most good authors could have moved the story along at a better pace, and it would not have dragged like this one did. Most of the story is consumed with how creepy Sage’s parents and friend are and how creepy they act and treat her while expecting Sage to act unnaturally. The only people who do not come across as creepy as Sage’s girlfriends at school and the boys in their lives, who are pretty normal and, like Sage, some question what is going on. There is a little bit of the paranormal in the storyline, but not a great deal. I found it a bit off that Sage, who is portrayed as a very intelligent girl, could fall so easily and quickly for Summer, who came across as such a strange high schooler. but I guess that was the way the author wanted show Sage being gradually entrapped in this web of deceit and creepiness. I have read and enjoyed all of the books V. C. Andrews wrote and find her writing as amazing as her ability to pull the reader into often unacceptable/unnatural situation, but the ghost writer, who has written the books since her passing, has never managed to replicate her style or writing ability. I received this book from NetGalley to read and provide an honest review.
February 17, 2016
If you're an avid reader of this blog, then there's a good chance that you've seen a few reviews for V.C. Andrews' titles on here. My late grandmother was a big of V.C. Andrews' writings, well, up until she learned that the ghost writer that took over after the author's death in 1986 was in fact a male, Andrew Neiderman. After the that, my grandmother quit reading the books, with the last one in her collection being Willow (book one of the DeBeers series).
I now have all the books in my grandmother's collection. I continued to collect each new installment that is released; I even filled in the gaps by finding the rest of the books in the DeBeers and the Broken Wings series, which were missing from her collection.
While I still haven't read all the titles, my opinion of the ghost writer's writing has been mixed. There have been a few good stories and there has been several horrible entries, mostly due to the lack of a "Gothic" feel in the most recent releases.
Available today from Pocket Books is the standalone novel, Sage's Eyes (978-1451650914), which I had received an ARC copy a few months ago. I didn't care much for the last standalone book, Bittersweet Dreams, so I've been putting this book aside; waiting to the very last minute to read it. To my surprise, it's better written than the last few releases. While I would never call it "Gothic," it's not a bad read.
The plot centers on sixteen-year-old Sage, who from an early age has had a "third eye" gift. She can see things that others cannot as if she has lived a past life. Her adoptive parents have tried to hide her gifts from the outside world. Actually, they have convinced themselves that she just has an active imagination.
Sage has always been known as the 'weird' kid in school, well, that is until her parents decide to send her to a private school, where she befriends several teenage girls. Of course, she can't hide her sixth sense forever, which she starts to use on her friends and other students.
She wonder why she has these gifts, and if her birth parents had them as well. Though she isn't supposed to look into the file cabinets in her father's office, she comes across one of the drawers that has been left open. There she finds old, strange pictures that give her clues about the past and who she really is.
Final Thoughts: Like I already said above, I actually liked reading Sage's Eyes. It was better written than the recent ghost writer's entries. The supernatural plot might sound familiar, but it works well here; avoiding the typical cliches. Sage is an an interesting character that I instantly connected with. Overall, Sage's Eyes is an intriguing read.
I now have all the books in my grandmother's collection. I continued to collect each new installment that is released; I even filled in the gaps by finding the rest of the books in the DeBeers and the Broken Wings series, which were missing from her collection.
While I still haven't read all the titles, my opinion of the ghost writer's writing has been mixed. There have been a few good stories and there has been several horrible entries, mostly due to the lack of a "Gothic" feel in the most recent releases.
Available today from Pocket Books is the standalone novel, Sage's Eyes (978-1451650914), which I had received an ARC copy a few months ago. I didn't care much for the last standalone book, Bittersweet Dreams, so I've been putting this book aside; waiting to the very last minute to read it. To my surprise, it's better written than the last few releases. While I would never call it "Gothic," it's not a bad read.
The plot centers on sixteen-year-old Sage, who from an early age has had a "third eye" gift. She can see things that others cannot as if she has lived a past life. Her adoptive parents have tried to hide her gifts from the outside world. Actually, they have convinced themselves that she just has an active imagination.
Sage has always been known as the 'weird' kid in school, well, that is until her parents decide to send her to a private school, where she befriends several teenage girls. Of course, she can't hide her sixth sense forever, which she starts to use on her friends and other students.
She wonder why she has these gifts, and if her birth parents had them as well. Though she isn't supposed to look into the file cabinets in her father's office, she comes across one of the drawers that has been left open. There she finds old, strange pictures that give her clues about the past and who she really is.
Final Thoughts: Like I already said above, I actually liked reading Sage's Eyes. It was better written than the recent ghost writer's entries. The supernatural plot might sound familiar, but it works well here; avoiding the typical cliches. Sage is an an interesting character that I instantly connected with. Overall, Sage's Eyes is an intriguing read.
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