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The Garden of Syn #1
No One Dies in the Garden of Syn
Synthia (Syn) Wade is a teenage girl who struggles with cystic fibrosis, an incurable life-threatening disease. One day she is pushed into a pond by an unseen figure and wakes up in a new world – a mysterious garden where illness and death don’t exist.
Welcomed by the garden’s residents and now free of her symptoms, Syn decides to stay. But, before long, she realizes that this apparent utopia holds many dangers and dark secrets.
Surrounding the garden is a fog that Syn is warned never to enter. She encounters bizarre creatures that defy reason. And always lurking in the shadows is a masked woman - a woman who may have a connection to the disappearance of Syn’s parents many years ago. A woman whom no one will speak of, but whom everyone fears.
While No One Dies in the Garden of Syn, Syn will soon discover that some fates are worse than death.
Welcomed by the garden’s residents and now free of her symptoms, Syn decides to stay. But, before long, she realizes that this apparent utopia holds many dangers and dark secrets.
Surrounding the garden is a fog that Syn is warned never to enter. She encounters bizarre creatures that defy reason. And always lurking in the shadows is a masked woman - a woman who may have a connection to the disappearance of Syn’s parents many years ago. A woman whom no one will speak of, but whom everyone fears.
While No One Dies in the Garden of Syn, Syn will soon discover that some fates are worse than death.
268 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2016
6 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Michael Seidelman
4 books157 followersWhen Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy for Young Adult readers.
Beyond the trilogy and his latest novel, Imaginary Heroes, he has more books in the works that he can’t wait to share with the world! Michael was born in Vancouver, BC (Canada) where he continues to reside.
Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy for Young Adult readers.
Beyond the trilogy and his latest novel, Imaginary Heroes, he has more books in the works that he can’t wait to share with the world! Michael was born in Vancouver, BC (Canada) where he continues to reside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 13, 2016
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a very serious and somehow personal topic for me. My beloved cousin died at the age of 24 of this incurable disease, and I remember her struggles from diagnosis until her death. When I was offered this title, I jumped right away at the opportunity to read and review this book. I felt that the premise of the book was great, and I was really curious about how the author was going to develop this story. I have to say that I was quite disappointed with this book.
The Novel starts with Syn (for Synthia) Wade, a teenage girl struggling with CF who one day is looking at this pond in her backyard when she is suddenly pushed in the pond by an unseen figure and wakes up in this alternate world--a mysterious garden where no one is sick and illness and death do not exist. One of the things I felt that worked for me in this novel was Syn's character development. I think the author did a great job at depicting her struggles with the disease. The story itself is confusing and a bit slow moving for me. I love fantasy books, and I have no problem with the concept of alternate worlds, parallel universes, and so on, however, this is a concept that can be tricky and not always works well. Most of the book is extremely vague and you get the sense that questions will be provided by the end of the book. In fact, the reader does get some of these questions answered, but overall it remains a confusing story.
I'd like to thank YA Bound Book Tours for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Novel starts with Syn (for Synthia) Wade, a teenage girl struggling with CF who one day is looking at this pond in her backyard when she is suddenly pushed in the pond by an unseen figure and wakes up in this alternate world--a mysterious garden where no one is sick and illness and death do not exist. One of the things I felt that worked for me in this novel was Syn's character development. I think the author did a great job at depicting her struggles with the disease. The story itself is confusing and a bit slow moving for me. I love fantasy books, and I have no problem with the concept of alternate worlds, parallel universes, and so on, however, this is a concept that can be tricky and not always works well. Most of the book is extremely vague and you get the sense that questions will be provided by the end of the book. In fact, the reader does get some of these questions answered, but overall it remains a confusing story.
I'd like to thank YA Bound Book Tours for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 7, 2018
4 Stars
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.*
As excited as I was for this book, it had the potential to go very wrong for me. I don't handle vague mysteriousness very well. If someone is trying to solve a mystery and just doesn't have all the clues yet, that's one thing. But when unexplained paranormal things start happening and everyone is just vague for no discernible reason, I usually feel like throwing my book across the room. And this book had a lot of vague, mysterious, paranormal stuff.
But the payoff was so worth it.
By the end of the book, I had every single answer that I wanted, and the explanation was quite a doozy, but in the best way possible! It was still in the realm of fantasy (maybe also a little sci-fi), but it made sense in that context and was shocking without making me feel like I was cheated or misled in any way.
But what I loved even more about this book was the way the chronic illness was included. Number one, this was a fantasy book with a chronically ill character. You don't see that often. Fantasy is a genre severely lacking in diversity in that regard. Number two, the book wasn't about chronic illness, it was about a character... whose life just happened to be affected by an illness. It played a big part, but it wasn't the only part---more of an influence on things than a focal point. And number three, the illness was something very real, not something that turned out to be a paranormal thing in the end. And though I don't know much about cystic fibrosis myself, it seemed like the author did his research. He also did a good job pointing out the types of things many of us without CF take for granted, like simply being able to cry when you're sad without having to worry about making any lung symptoms worse.
As for all the rest, well, I ended up finishing this book in a day because I didn't want to put it down, so I can safely say I really liked it. The plot was good, the writing was good, and the main character was determined and likeable. She made a lot of rash decisions, and a couple of them were not the best and didn't make sense to me, but most of them were understandable.
Also, is that cover not gorgeous?!
Overall, I thought this book was great with a well done paranormal mystery that included chronic illness in a really good way. I'm even more excited for the next book than I was for this one!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes young adult, parallel universes, creative premises, and chronic illness rep.
Original Review on Blog
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.*
As excited as I was for this book, it had the potential to go very wrong for me. I don't handle vague mysteriousness very well. If someone is trying to solve a mystery and just doesn't have all the clues yet, that's one thing. But when unexplained paranormal things start happening and everyone is just vague for no discernible reason, I usually feel like throwing my book across the room. And this book had a lot of vague, mysterious, paranormal stuff.
But the payoff was so worth it.
By the end of the book, I had every single answer that I wanted, and the explanation was quite a doozy, but in the best way possible! It was still in the realm of fantasy (maybe also a little sci-fi), but it made sense in that context and was shocking without making me feel like I was cheated or misled in any way.
But what I loved even more about this book was the way the chronic illness was included. Number one, this was a fantasy book with a chronically ill character. You don't see that often. Fantasy is a genre severely lacking in diversity in that regard. Number two, the book wasn't about chronic illness, it was about a character... whose life just happened to be affected by an illness. It played a big part, but it wasn't the only part---more of an influence on things than a focal point. And number three, the illness was something very real, not something that turned out to be a paranormal thing in the end. And though I don't know much about cystic fibrosis myself, it seemed like the author did his research. He also did a good job pointing out the types of things many of us without CF take for granted, like simply being able to cry when you're sad without having to worry about making any lung symptoms worse.
As for all the rest, well, I ended up finishing this book in a day because I didn't want to put it down, so I can safely say I really liked it. The plot was good, the writing was good, and the main character was determined and likeable. She made a lot of rash decisions, and a couple of them were not the best and didn't make sense to me, but most of them were understandable.
Also, is that cover not gorgeous?!
Overall, I thought this book was great with a well done paranormal mystery that included chronic illness in a really good way. I'm even more excited for the next book than I was for this one!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes young adult, parallel universes, creative premises, and chronic illness rep.
Original Review on Blog
July 6, 2016
This was definitely a breath of fresh air! It is sort of unique and is different. There are twists and turns at every corner of this story! Hold on as it promises to be a fun ride of a new series!
Syn has cystic fibrosis. The story caught my attention because of it. My daughter’s good friend growing up has CF, so I was intrigued by it! Synthia (Syn) was five years old when her parents disappeared. Now she lives with her aunt. Knowing that she will not likely live a long life she seems to keep her heart locked away a little. She struggles with eating because of CF and breathing and lots of coughing and phlegm. She is hospitalized a lot. She is used to the meds and the routine of her life with CF.
One day she is sitting at her pond and then someone from behind pushes her in. She thinks her life is over. Then she awakens, she is definitely not in Kansas anymore! She is somewhere that is just like home but isn’t. But the best thing is, she can breathe and run and eat! Even though she should be happy, she is sure her aunt misses her and needs to get home. Cole is the boy who found her. He is the first encounter of something different there. He is half olive skinned and half pale skin with different hair color on each side as well. But he is kind and flirts with Syn. Syn needs to get home though. But everything seems nice at first then there is also danger at every corner. There are creatures that are half human and half something else. There is a woman with a mask living in the house that looks just like hers. This woman dubs herself the queen and everyone fears her. The Garden that is now Syn’s home is surrounded by a fog that also carries dangers if you enter it as not everyone returns. This world carries some modern amenities and lacks others. It is entirely baffling and when you read it you are given lots of clues, but as the answers come, so do more questions. I love it!!
There is some romance, some danger, lots of world building and then some, and lots of friends and enemies made. I can’t even tell you half the stuff I read because it would spoil it for you, but just know that it kept me reading and before I knew it the book was over. I can’t wait for the next one to come out! This is a story for anyone. There is a little violence.
August 10, 2017
I picked "No one dies in the garden of syn" due to having Cystic Fibrosis myself and I'm always intrigued to read stories about it.
This was a pleasant surprise.
I love what the author did here, very intriguing and many twists.
Syn works everyday to survive... Taking endless pills and constant treatments. You see her struggle on a daily basis with the never ending coughing and breathlessness.... Certainly not fun to deal with but that's CF!
Suddenly Syn ends up in this other place, it's exactly like home... Or is it?
Welcome to The Garden where no one dies, everyone is healthy. Including Syn, who for the first time can breathe.
But nothing is ever that simple and soon Syn finds out the harsh reality of her new world.
Brilliant!!!
5*****
I'm happy there will be a second book!
This was a pleasant surprise.
I love what the author did here, very intriguing and many twists.
Syn works everyday to survive... Taking endless pills and constant treatments. You see her struggle on a daily basis with the never ending coughing and breathlessness.... Certainly not fun to deal with but that's CF!
Suddenly Syn ends up in this other place, it's exactly like home... Or is it?
Welcome to The Garden where no one dies, everyone is healthy. Including Syn, who for the first time can breathe.
But nothing is ever that simple and soon Syn finds out the harsh reality of her new world.
Brilliant!!!
5*****
I'm happy there will be a second book!
April 27, 2016
If you are looking for something original then look no further! The story line comes to life right in front of your very eyes and the characters are beautiful. An inspiring and emotional read that people of all ages will love.
June 11, 2019
3,5 STARS
Not really knowing what to expect of this book, I have to say I am very intrigued. It’s a story like I’ve never read before. It’s well written and easy to follow. And when Syn enters the Garden of mystery and the residents seem to be holding secrets, I was sucked into this world and dying to find out more about it. The actual plot was quite interesting, although it wasn’t really my taste. I won’t tell you exactly what it is, just that these type of sci-fi plots aren’t really for me, but it does make me wonder if it could indeed be possible?
The book was intriguing and gripping. The description of Syn’s illness seemed true to nature and I loved how misleading some characters were. This book is incredibly well done and I would recommend it to people who enjoy sci-fi and kind of “out of this world” kind of books.
*I received a free copy of this book through YABC in exchange for an honest review*
Not really knowing what to expect of this book, I have to say I am very intrigued. It’s a story like I’ve never read before. It’s well written and easy to follow. And when Syn enters the Garden of mystery and the residents seem to be holding secrets, I was sucked into this world and dying to find out more about it. The actual plot was quite interesting, although it wasn’t really my taste. I won’t tell you exactly what it is, just that these type of sci-fi plots aren’t really for me, but it does make me wonder if it could indeed be possible?
The book was intriguing and gripping. The description of Syn’s illness seemed true to nature and I loved how misleading some characters were. This book is incredibly well done and I would recommend it to people who enjoy sci-fi and kind of “out of this world” kind of books.
*I received a free copy of this book through YABC in exchange for an honest review*
April 26, 2016
EDIT: 04/26/2016
Read full review at The Nocturnal Fey
*I received a review copy for the Blog Tour. It didn't, in any way, affect my review*
No One Dies in The Garden of Syn was an intriguing, mysterious and very light read that every Young Adult and fantasy readers will surely love.
The story revolves around Syn, a young lady stricken with cystic fibrosis who was unexpectedly transported in an out of this world dimension which is very much alike but very different at the same time, on her real world.
At first, due to the situation of Syn having a cystic fibrosis, I thought this book would be like those depressing novels with a very ill and dying protagonist but it's absolutely so different from those. Honestly, I didn't know much about the said illness, but while reading, I learned that it's something like an illness which mostly affect the lungs; mucus build up in the lungs that causes for the patient to have a hard time breathing.
Michael Seidelman was a great story teller. My reading progress was very short and fast because of how light the writing style was. His words were easy to follow considering the medical and scientific terms needed in the story. Every time Syn was having an episode, it's almost pretty much like I was actually experiencing the same hard time in breathing as Syn.
But of course, it's not just about the illness of Syn. It's about the world where Syn was taken because of her illness, and that's the thrilling and mysterious part of the whole book. Syn was pushed into their pond at home, and when she woke up, she found herself on a cabin in the Garden of Syn.
When Syn got transported into another world, it kind of reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, except Wonderland was more magical and unearthly. Garden of Syn was an alternate world of Syn's real world --- it's still very mundane but the thing about this world was well, no one dies in the garden of Syn. lol. The world-building was really great. It was both out of fantasty and sci-fi imagination.
There's so much mystery about the Garden of Syn that I found myself reading until 3AM --- which I only do when I really really like a book and when I'm just getting in too deep into it. I've never read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children yet, but Garden of Syn kind of reminded me of when I saw the movie trailer of Miss Peregrine's. It's spooky and eerie in a good way, and very very much Tim Burton-ish (if you love Tim Burton's movies and a fan of him, you'll get what I mean).
Overall, No One Dies in the Garden of Syn was a great mixture of mystery, some adventure, and spooky feeling all in one book. It's a great debut novel and I just found myself wanting for the sequel immediately after finishing this one.
Congratulations to Michael Seidelman and happy release day!!!
FINAL RATING - 4.5 out of 5
---------------------------------
I need the 2nd book!!!
Full review on the 26th
Read full review at The Nocturnal Fey
*I received a review copy for the Blog Tour. It didn't, in any way, affect my review*
No One Dies in The Garden of Syn was an intriguing, mysterious and very light read that every Young Adult and fantasy readers will surely love.
The story revolves around Syn, a young lady stricken with cystic fibrosis who was unexpectedly transported in an out of this world dimension which is very much alike but very different at the same time, on her real world.
At first, due to the situation of Syn having a cystic fibrosis, I thought this book would be like those depressing novels with a very ill and dying protagonist but it's absolutely so different from those. Honestly, I didn't know much about the said illness, but while reading, I learned that it's something like an illness which mostly affect the lungs; mucus build up in the lungs that causes for the patient to have a hard time breathing.
Michael Seidelman was a great story teller. My reading progress was very short and fast because of how light the writing style was. His words were easy to follow considering the medical and scientific terms needed in the story. Every time Syn was having an episode, it's almost pretty much like I was actually experiencing the same hard time in breathing as Syn.
But of course, it's not just about the illness of Syn. It's about the world where Syn was taken because of her illness, and that's the thrilling and mysterious part of the whole book. Syn was pushed into their pond at home, and when she woke up, she found herself on a cabin in the Garden of Syn.
When Syn got transported into another world, it kind of reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, except Wonderland was more magical and unearthly. Garden of Syn was an alternate world of Syn's real world --- it's still very mundane but the thing about this world was well, no one dies in the garden of Syn. lol. The world-building was really great. It was both out of fantasty and sci-fi imagination.
There's so much mystery about the Garden of Syn that I found myself reading until 3AM --- which I only do when I really really like a book and when I'm just getting in too deep into it. I've never read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children yet, but Garden of Syn kind of reminded me of when I saw the movie trailer of Miss Peregrine's. It's spooky and eerie in a good way, and very very much Tim Burton-ish (if you love Tim Burton's movies and a fan of him, you'll get what I mean).
Overall, No One Dies in the Garden of Syn was a great mixture of mystery, some adventure, and spooky feeling all in one book. It's a great debut novel and I just found myself wanting for the sequel immediately after finishing this one.
Congratulations to Michael Seidelman and happy release day!!!
FINAL RATING - 4.5 out of 5
---------------------------------
I need the 2nd book!!!
Full review on the 26th
May 3, 2016
Syn is a teenage girl who is struggling with cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a disease that affects the lungs. Syn has a routine that she must complete each morning just to be able to make it through the day. Every day of her life is a struggle due to a non-curable disease. The doctors have told her she would most likely only live into her twenties. I think the idea of knowing how much time you have left has really affected Syn as a person. She doesn’t want to get close to many people. Syn lives with her aunt who takes care of her after her parents disappeared when she was young. She is then pushed into the pond in the garden and discovers a parallel universe where she is no longer sick and some crazy things are going on that just don’t add up.
I connected with Syn as a character, she was very well written. The author did a great job describing her constant struggle that she has and what her symptoms are. Syn has been suffering her whole life so she is constantly aware of her disease and condition. It is hard for Syn to get close to people and she said she only has one true friend who is also very sick and going to not live long. I think during the course of the book Syn discovers a lot about herself while being in the garden and really matures. At the end of the book she is a much stronger individual and someone who is looking to make changes in her life for the better.
The story is a little slow moving to me, there are a lot of questions that pop up in Syn’s mind and my mind as a reader and it takes time for everything to unravel. I feel like I wanted bits and pieces to fall into place a little sooner to grab my attention more there were parts I felt almost like it dragged along since I didn’t know what was going on or how to piece everything together into the puzzle. Towards the end of the book the action really picks up and we get a lot of answers to all the questions that where pilling up for the reader. The ending of the book is amazing!
I think the best part of the story is when Syn goes back through the portals to the other universes and sees what else could have happened to her. It was a really interesting part of the story and something I would have loved to read more about the other universes and other characters in those universes.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the book and making the reader feel like they were in the garden as well. The fog portion of the book was a little confusing, but then made sense after explained. The fog was also a little distrusting to me and a little dark in nature. The story does take more of a dark turn towards the end and makes you question if you really know anyone.
I would suggest this as a nighttime read; it was easy to pick up and put down. The story was easy to follow along.
I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.
I connected with Syn as a character, she was very well written. The author did a great job describing her constant struggle that she has and what her symptoms are. Syn has been suffering her whole life so she is constantly aware of her disease and condition. It is hard for Syn to get close to people and she said she only has one true friend who is also very sick and going to not live long. I think during the course of the book Syn discovers a lot about herself while being in the garden and really matures. At the end of the book she is a much stronger individual and someone who is looking to make changes in her life for the better.
The story is a little slow moving to me, there are a lot of questions that pop up in Syn’s mind and my mind as a reader and it takes time for everything to unravel. I feel like I wanted bits and pieces to fall into place a little sooner to grab my attention more there were parts I felt almost like it dragged along since I didn’t know what was going on or how to piece everything together into the puzzle. Towards the end of the book the action really picks up and we get a lot of answers to all the questions that where pilling up for the reader. The ending of the book is amazing!
I think the best part of the story is when Syn goes back through the portals to the other universes and sees what else could have happened to her. It was a really interesting part of the story and something I would have loved to read more about the other universes and other characters in those universes.
The author did a great job with the descriptions of the book and making the reader feel like they were in the garden as well. The fog portion of the book was a little confusing, but then made sense after explained. The fog was also a little distrusting to me and a little dark in nature. The story does take more of a dark turn towards the end and makes you question if you really know anyone.
I would suggest this as a nighttime read; it was easy to pick up and put down. The story was easy to follow along.
I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.
May 20, 2016
**** "No One Dies in the Garden of Syn" by Michael Seidelman
A mystical and magical story with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and on their toes.
Syn has cystic fibrosis. She knows that she has a terminal illness, but is relatively accepting of that. What she has had trouble accepting since she was a young girl is why her parents mysteriously disappeared, where are they, and what happened?
While sitting in her garden as the edge of the pond, Syn is pushed into the water. Soon she finds herself in a Garden, much like hers, but different. Here she is healthy and able to enjoy life in a way she wasn't able to do before. She also finds that she has a lot of questions and that this Garden surrounded by fog, just may have the answers.
As she slowly pieces things together she begins to build a bigger picture in regard to her parents disappearance and several other things. The overarching question is...what is worth knowing and to what degree should one go to get answers to their questions? What lines and barriers should be accepted and not crossed as vs finding ways around them? How far does one push to find the answers they are seeking yet in the end may not provide a complete picture?
An interesting read on many levels. One that everyone and anyone will enjoy.
A mystical and magical story with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and on their toes.
Syn has cystic fibrosis. She knows that she has a terminal illness, but is relatively accepting of that. What she has had trouble accepting since she was a young girl is why her parents mysteriously disappeared, where are they, and what happened?
While sitting in her garden as the edge of the pond, Syn is pushed into the water. Soon she finds herself in a Garden, much like hers, but different. Here she is healthy and able to enjoy life in a way she wasn't able to do before. She also finds that she has a lot of questions and that this Garden surrounded by fog, just may have the answers.
As she slowly pieces things together she begins to build a bigger picture in regard to her parents disappearance and several other things. The overarching question is...what is worth knowing and to what degree should one go to get answers to their questions? What lines and barriers should be accepted and not crossed as vs finding ways around them? How far does one push to find the answers they are seeking yet in the end may not provide a complete picture?
An interesting read on many levels. One that everyone and anyone will enjoy.
October 24, 2022
In No One Dies In The Garden of Syn, Michael Seidelman superbly demonstrates the health challenges the likeable protagonist, Synthia (Syn) endures as she suffers from cystic fibroses. This makes for good inner conflict when the character must decide whether to stay in a new world where she enjoys health or return to her loved ones and her ailment. The main character's determination to discover what is really going on in the garden intrigued me as she encounters people she's not sure she can trust. The mystery kept me turning the pages to find out. And while some questions are answered, now I need to read the other books in the trilogy to find out who dies in the Garden of Syn. A great first read in the trilogy.
March 24, 2016
Started reading in the evening - didn't want to stop. Going to bed late I picked it back up in the morning and finished it off to learn what was amiss in the Garden of Syn. Lots of fun!
October 18, 2018
wow is about all I can say about all the different sides to this story. It's a science fiction involving multiple realities, and cause and effect. Syn ends up in a small garden that has it's own version of reality. As the truth starts to come out, so do the monsters. Not all of which look like monsters. This story really makes you wonder how well you really know your family, and friends. Even though Syn has CF she's a fighter, and it really makes the story gripping as you wonder if she's going to make it as she coughing blood while trying to make it through all the dangers around her. The symptoms of her disease are not glossed over and while it's not too hard to follow the explanations of the garden it might get confusing to younger readers, so I would suggest 16+ on this one. It's got death, disease, monsters, you name it.
April 18, 2019
Fantasy at it’s best!
This is like Alice in a very dark Wonderland. The author’s imagination is vivid taking you along on a twisted ride. Entertaining and wondrously imaginative, I highly recommend it.
This is like Alice in a very dark Wonderland. The author’s imagination is vivid taking you along on a twisted ride. Entertaining and wondrously imaginative, I highly recommend it.
July 18, 2017
fibrosi cistica, una patologia grave ma non così "pubblicizzata". Con tutto il rispetto per chi è affetto da una qualsiasi di queste patologie, è chiaro.
No one dies ci parla di Synthia, detta Syn, malata appunto di fibrosi cistica. Ci viene spiegato come lei reagisce alla malattia, quale cure deve affrontare ogni giorno e quali effetti ha sulla sua vita.
Non può correre, non può nemmeno piangere, altrimenti i suoi polmoni si riempiono di liquido e lei non riesce più a respirare.
Ma un giorno, dopo aver visitato la sua amica morente in ospedale, Syn si siede vicino al laghetto dietro casa. E lì qualcuno la spinge dentro.
Ma anzichè affogare, Syn sbuca in un altro mondo, uno splendido giardino pieno di persone gentili.
Non solo, Syn non è più malata.
Vi starete chiedendo se è morta e se quello è il paradiso, ma no, non è così.
Conosceremo però la gioia di Syn che non soffre più per la malattia ma al contempo la sua preoccupazione per aver lasciato sola la zia, e il suo altruismo nel voler portare anche la sua amica in quel luogo.
Ma ben presto si accorge che c'è un prezzo da pagare per quella serenità.
La nebbia avvolge i misteri di quel giardino e Syn lotterà per tornare a casa, nonostante questo significhi tornare a combattere la fibrosi cistica.
Ammetto che mi è piaciuto molto, fino ad un certo punto. I misteri che pian piano spuntavano rendevano la narrazione molto interessante e appassionante, ma poi sono iniziati a diventare troppi e troppo confusi.
Mi sembrava di essere in una puntata di Lost, e non sono mai riuscita ad andare oltre la seconda puntata.
Da fantasy/drammatico/ya è diventato scifi/ya/quasi horror, e verso la fine ho perso un po' il senso. Mi aspettavo curasse di più l'aspetto terreno e drammatico della malattia, che fosse più introspettivo, e per questo mi ha deluso un po'.
Ecco perchè non raggiunge il punteggio pieno.
Rimane comunque una buona storia misteriosa e originale, scritta bene perchè appassionante e con un livello non troppo difficile di inglese.
No one dies ci parla di Synthia, detta Syn, malata appunto di fibrosi cistica. Ci viene spiegato come lei reagisce alla malattia, quale cure deve affrontare ogni giorno e quali effetti ha sulla sua vita.
Non può correre, non può nemmeno piangere, altrimenti i suoi polmoni si riempiono di liquido e lei non riesce più a respirare.
Ma un giorno, dopo aver visitato la sua amica morente in ospedale, Syn si siede vicino al laghetto dietro casa. E lì qualcuno la spinge dentro.
Ma anzichè affogare, Syn sbuca in un altro mondo, uno splendido giardino pieno di persone gentili.
Non solo, Syn non è più malata.
Vi starete chiedendo se è morta e se quello è il paradiso, ma no, non è così.
Conosceremo però la gioia di Syn che non soffre più per la malattia ma al contempo la sua preoccupazione per aver lasciato sola la zia, e il suo altruismo nel voler portare anche la sua amica in quel luogo.
Ma ben presto si accorge che c'è un prezzo da pagare per quella serenità.
La nebbia avvolge i misteri di quel giardino e Syn lotterà per tornare a casa, nonostante questo significhi tornare a combattere la fibrosi cistica.
Ammetto che mi è piaciuto molto, fino ad un certo punto. I misteri che pian piano spuntavano rendevano la narrazione molto interessante e appassionante, ma poi sono iniziati a diventare troppi e troppo confusi.
Mi sembrava di essere in una puntata di Lost, e non sono mai riuscita ad andare oltre la seconda puntata.
Da fantasy/drammatico/ya è diventato scifi/ya/quasi horror, e verso la fine ho perso un po' il senso. Mi aspettavo curasse di più l'aspetto terreno e drammatico della malattia, che fosse più introspettivo, e per questo mi ha deluso un po'.
Ecco perchè non raggiunge il punteggio pieno.
Rimane comunque una buona storia misteriosa e originale, scritta bene perchè appassionante e con un livello non troppo difficile di inglese.
April 30, 2016
Really interesting read. I was not expecting that ending. Wow!
My Review:
No One Dies in the Garden of Syn was a rather intriguing story. Synthia (Syn) has cystic fibrosis (CF), a terminal illness. When she was just a child, her parents disappeared. She has always wanted to know that happened to them and now she might finally have a chance.
Sitting at the edge of the pond in her garden, Syn finds herself pushed into the water. When she awakens, she isn’t in her garden anymore. The Garden, a garden with certain similarities to her own garden. However, in this garden, Syn is not suffering from her CF. She is healthy for the first time in her life.
The longer Syn stays in the Garden surrounded by walls of fog, the more she learns. Slowly she is able to piece some things together though she still lacks the full picture.
The further along the story got, the more guesses I was able to make. However, even with the guesses I did make, I did not guess the entirety of the conclusion. The ending also left a rather terrible cliff-hanger.
I think the overarching question posed by No One Dies in the Garden of Syn is how far one is willing to go to save one’s loved ones. Are their barriers that shouldn’t be crossed? Are there options that shouldn’t be discussed?
I received this book for free from the publisher via YA Bound Book Tours for review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title nor the content of this review.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
My Review:
No One Dies in the Garden of Syn was a rather intriguing story. Synthia (Syn) has cystic fibrosis (CF), a terminal illness. When she was just a child, her parents disappeared. She has always wanted to know that happened to them and now she might finally have a chance.
Sitting at the edge of the pond in her garden, Syn finds herself pushed into the water. When she awakens, she isn’t in her garden anymore. The Garden, a garden with certain similarities to her own garden. However, in this garden, Syn is not suffering from her CF. She is healthy for the first time in her life.
The longer Syn stays in the Garden surrounded by walls of fog, the more she learns. Slowly she is able to piece some things together though she still lacks the full picture.
The further along the story got, the more guesses I was able to make. However, even with the guesses I did make, I did not guess the entirety of the conclusion. The ending also left a rather terrible cliff-hanger.
I think the overarching question posed by No One Dies in the Garden of Syn is how far one is willing to go to save one’s loved ones. Are their barriers that shouldn’t be crossed? Are there options that shouldn’t be discussed?
I received this book for free from the publisher via YA Bound Book Tours for review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title nor the content of this review.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
April 25, 2016
What a unique book! This intriguing book is like an alternative trip into a Wonderland with alternate realities and a lot of twists! The storyline is absolutely original and creative, the dialogue was perfect and the characters are complex with palpable emotions! I was absolutely gripped by this story from the very beginning and was along for the ride the whole way! There are absolutely no boring parts- in fact there's quite a few twist and gets more intriguing as the book goes on! I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to check out the second book in this series! Very well written!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
August 7, 2016
A gripping story!
This was a truly great read. The protagonist is a young girl with a terminal condition who stumbles into an alternate reality. What happens after that is a fascinating tale of Syn discovering everything she has dreamed of, or so she thought. Each reveal brought new hope while paired with new apprehension about what might follow. Through the story, Syn not only discovers more about her background but she also matures into a braver version of herself with internal struggles and vulnerabilities that make her relatable. Really look forward to the next book!
This was a truly great read. The protagonist is a young girl with a terminal condition who stumbles into an alternate reality. What happens after that is a fascinating tale of Syn discovering everything she has dreamed of, or so she thought. Each reveal brought new hope while paired with new apprehension about what might follow. Through the story, Syn not only discovers more about her background but she also matures into a braver version of herself with internal struggles and vulnerabilities that make her relatable. Really look forward to the next book!
February 1, 2016
Perhaps I’m biased as the author but I think I came up with something special here and I look forward to sharing it with the world!
November 1, 2018
OMG THIS book
There are so many unexpected twists that I'm constantly searching hints. This book is super intriguing and I finished both books within a day and honestly I cant expect any more from a YA book, the science factor added a spice to the whole story ( how can you resist a story talking about parallel worlds ?) There are some creatures yet the vivid descriptions help you imagine them clearly.
and there is not a single page of breath and boredom , it does not feel dragged on at all!
there are moments where the heroine almost dies and I was so worried for her I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and it was worth it. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the final book for this triology!
There are so many unexpected twists that I'm constantly searching hints. This book is super intriguing and I finished both books within a day and honestly I cant expect any more from a YA book, the science factor added a spice to the whole story ( how can you resist a story talking about parallel worlds ?) There are some creatures yet the vivid descriptions help you imagine them clearly.
and there is not a single page of breath and boredom , it does not feel dragged on at all!
there are moments where the heroine almost dies and I was so worried for her I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and it was worth it. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the final book for this triology!
March 30, 2020
This wasn't bad. It was an easy read, which sometimes you need. I don't think I'd ever read a book that had a character dealing with CF, so that's really neat. It has a really interesting premise that I assume will be fleshed out even more in the following two books. I do wish there was more time for some character development. Everyone in the Garden was so nice. Almost unbelievably nice, and they seemed to accept Syn's arrival just fine. That's all well and good, but without conflict, it can get quite dull. I think there were some decently high (or at least medium-high) stakes by the end that could do a lot to Syn, so I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
September 9, 2019
Hmmm...
I'm not sure about this. On one hand, the story is intriguing, and I love the world the author has created.
On the other hand, there is something about this book that bugs me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It's maybe a certain naivety that slightly irritated me throughout.
Still, it's not bad, and on the whole, I enjoyed it and kept reading.
I'm not sure about this. On one hand, the story is intriguing, and I love the world the author has created.
On the other hand, there is something about this book that bugs me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. It's maybe a certain naivety that slightly irritated me throughout.
Still, it's not bad, and on the whole, I enjoyed it and kept reading.
September 9, 2017
Beautifully imaginative. Easy and enjoyable read.
November 7, 2019
A great adventure by author Michael Seidelman - fast paced, engaging, and creative - a thoroughly enjoyable book.
September 27, 2016
The concept of No One Dies in the Garden of Syn is utterly intriguing, but the extensive descriptions in this novel make the writing slow to read. I had a hard time getting through this novel, but I am confident that if the narrative style were changed and many descriptions were deleted this novel would be successful.
The concept of living without illness is always something that is on our minds as humans. Illness is one thing that can change the way that people live, and by creating a place without illness, Michael Seidelman played with fate and concepts that have always been set realities in our lives.
Syn is a teenage girl with cystic fibrosis who wakes up in a new world one day where she is no longer sick. Being free from her illness, Syn chooses to stay in the new world, but it soon becomes a place full of danger and secrets. Seidelman plays with life, death, and security in this novel and shows us that many things are too good to be true. No one can be completely free of illness, or anything that ails them, and if they do somehow wind up in a position that allows them to be free of their woes, there will be consequences.
Seidelman created an intriguing story through his writing, but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. Apart from the writing being slow, Syn's character didn't develop very well and some of the plot events didn't make sense. However, I appreciate the imagination put into this novel and how it relates to our troubles of today, but also dips in fantasy to turn an interesting twist on everyday events. Seidelman's ideas are original and ideas that I haven't seen before in a novel, and that originality is admirable.
The concept of living without illness is always something that is on our minds as humans. Illness is one thing that can change the way that people live, and by creating a place without illness, Michael Seidelman played with fate and concepts that have always been set realities in our lives.
Syn is a teenage girl with cystic fibrosis who wakes up in a new world one day where she is no longer sick. Being free from her illness, Syn chooses to stay in the new world, but it soon becomes a place full of danger and secrets. Seidelman plays with life, death, and security in this novel and shows us that many things are too good to be true. No one can be completely free of illness, or anything that ails them, and if they do somehow wind up in a position that allows them to be free of their woes, there will be consequences.
Seidelman created an intriguing story through his writing, but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. Apart from the writing being slow, Syn's character didn't develop very well and some of the plot events didn't make sense. However, I appreciate the imagination put into this novel and how it relates to our troubles of today, but also dips in fantasy to turn an interesting twist on everyday events. Seidelman's ideas are original and ideas that I haven't seen before in a novel, and that originality is admirable.
June 10, 2016
I received this book as a Giveaway from Good Reads and was really excited when I read what it was about. There are not many good fantasy YA novels that center around young adults with illnesses, especially not CF. I have a very good friend with CF and so I think I am slightly more aware of the issues and struggles that people with CF face (though admittedly, not nearly as familiar as someone who has it - don't want to sound like a martyr here).
This all said, "No One Dies in the Garden of Syn" was a HUGE disappointment. Though I thought the ideas put forth by the author were interesting and offered a new take on the "falling into a magical new world" genre that is popular in YA novels, and though I loved the realistic depictions of a character with CF, I thought there were many faults with this book and that it is in need of serious re-write. First of all, with the exception of the main character Syn, there is almost NO character development (and even she seems a little fake and heady sometimes), which make it difficult if not impossible to feel the intended emotional impact of the surprising twist ending. Every "impression" that we have of a character comes from Syn's statements "I immediately liked this person." The author suffers from a serious inability to show, rather than just tell.
Because of this, I find it hard to take Syn very seriously since I don't feel like i have a real sense of her as a person. This made it difficult to get through her occasional wannabe philosophical monologues about how "all life is precious." Moments where she was supposed to be sound deep and wise beyond her years, mostly just felt contrived - like the author was speaking with the characters mouth, rather than the character speaking on her own. It really pulled me out of the story.
My last major issue with this book, is the excessive exposition that suddenly comes out in the last 15 pages. The author introduces us to some complicated ideas regarding the multiverse which some fold in his intended audience might struggle grasping right away. The explanations of the rules and how the world works are complicated, but the author blows right through them barely giving us a chance to understand what is really going on in the Garden and how it came to be. I am not sure what his excuse is because it isn't to get to the action-packed climax - after the build up, Syn's final showdown with the "bad guy" is incredibly underwhelming and brief.
Overall I thought this this book started with a really interesting concept and has a lot of potential, but ultimately was not handled well and makes for an unfulfilling story.
This all said, "No One Dies in the Garden of Syn" was a HUGE disappointment. Though I thought the ideas put forth by the author were interesting and offered a new take on the "falling into a magical new world" genre that is popular in YA novels, and though I loved the realistic depictions of a character with CF, I thought there were many faults with this book and that it is in need of serious re-write. First of all, with the exception of the main character Syn, there is almost NO character development (and even she seems a little fake and heady sometimes), which make it difficult if not impossible to feel the intended emotional impact of the surprising twist ending. Every "impression" that we have of a character comes from Syn's statements "I immediately liked this person." The author suffers from a serious inability to show, rather than just tell.
Because of this, I find it hard to take Syn very seriously since I don't feel like i have a real sense of her as a person. This made it difficult to get through her occasional wannabe philosophical monologues about how "all life is precious." Moments where she was supposed to be sound deep and wise beyond her years, mostly just felt contrived - like the author was speaking with the characters mouth, rather than the character speaking on her own. It really pulled me out of the story.
My last major issue with this book, is the excessive exposition that suddenly comes out in the last 15 pages. The author introduces us to some complicated ideas regarding the multiverse which some fold in his intended audience might struggle grasping right away. The explanations of the rules and how the world works are complicated, but the author blows right through them barely giving us a chance to understand what is really going on in the Garden and how it came to be. I am not sure what his excuse is because it isn't to get to the action-packed climax - after the build up, Syn's final showdown with the "bad guy" is incredibly underwhelming and brief.
Overall I thought this this book started with a really interesting concept and has a lot of potential, but ultimately was not handled well and makes for an unfulfilling story.
July 26, 2016
FULL REVIEW
-Received the book via mail sent by the author (Thank You Again)
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The Book 'NO ONE DIES IN THE GARDEN OF SYN' (Book One of The Garden of Syn trilogy) surrounds the life of a teenager named Syn short for (Synthia) who suffers from a disease named cystic fibrosis which is a bad disease that creates mucus and gives the person trouble with breathing. Her parents disappeared at a very young age with her disease following up to her and with the wish of possibly knowing what happened to her parents she is pushed out of nowhere into her garden's pond in which she comes to discover a new world.
Once entering this world 'The Garden' she notices that she is free of the disease and while staying in this location she would be completely healthy. But while staying there she notices something strange and begins to questions things that happen at The Garden. She questions who pushed in the pond? where is she exactly and how can she get home. Also through navigating the garden she comes to see a mysterious woman who wears a mask and whom everyone is scared of and no ones talk about.
In the notice of the mysterious fogs she believes that if she goes through those fogs she could possibly be able to go back home but then again she does not want to return to the life of a weak sick child. In the process of staying in such a peaceful place, she gets to meet such nice people but not always is those people truly nice.
The book at first was slow for me because it seemed like the welcoming to the Garden took forever and the discovery of the masked women but, then at the end I understood why the author did it the way he did. The writing format was easy to understand and I loved the way the author described the disease in such a way that you did not have to be a doctor to understand.
The ending had his twist which left me surprised definitely and I simply can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Good Job Micheal! :)
P.S Thank You for trusting me in reviewing your book and sending it to me!
Remember to follow up on my current reads you can add me on
-GoodReads: Gesselle Velez- Payamps
-Email : Gessellebooks@gmail.com
-Bookstagram: @gessellebooks
-Received the book via mail sent by the author (Thank You Again)
*
*
*
The Book 'NO ONE DIES IN THE GARDEN OF SYN' (Book One of The Garden of Syn trilogy) surrounds the life of a teenager named Syn short for (Synthia) who suffers from a disease named cystic fibrosis which is a bad disease that creates mucus and gives the person trouble with breathing. Her parents disappeared at a very young age with her disease following up to her and with the wish of possibly knowing what happened to her parents she is pushed out of nowhere into her garden's pond in which she comes to discover a new world.
Once entering this world 'The Garden' she notices that she is free of the disease and while staying in this location she would be completely healthy. But while staying there she notices something strange and begins to questions things that happen at The Garden. She questions who pushed in the pond? where is she exactly and how can she get home. Also through navigating the garden she comes to see a mysterious woman who wears a mask and whom everyone is scared of and no ones talk about.
In the notice of the mysterious fogs she believes that if she goes through those fogs she could possibly be able to go back home but then again she does not want to return to the life of a weak sick child. In the process of staying in such a peaceful place, she gets to meet such nice people but not always is those people truly nice.
The book at first was slow for me because it seemed like the welcoming to the Garden took forever and the discovery of the masked women but, then at the end I understood why the author did it the way he did. The writing format was easy to understand and I loved the way the author described the disease in such a way that you did not have to be a doctor to understand.
The ending had his twist which left me surprised definitely and I simply can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Good Job Micheal! :)
P.S Thank You for trusting me in reviewing your book and sending it to me!
Remember to follow up on my current reads you can add me on
-GoodReads: Gesselle Velez- Payamps
-Email : Gessellebooks@gmail.com
-Bookstagram: @gessellebooks
January 19, 2018
I received this eBook from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Please visit me at Shh, I am Reading for more reviews and featured authors!
From the premise of this novel, I was looking forward to reading this. It seemed really quite interesting, a parallel world where people could exist without pain or sickness. I am sure there are terminally ill and permanently ill people out there who have dreamed of worlds like this.
However, I did have an issue with the pace of the story. It tended to drag in many places which slowed the story down to a snail pace. Although Synthia's curiosity was quite refreshing and she didn't just agree to ways of those in the garden. Yet, at the same time, there was nothing remarkable about her either.
This is a debut novel, so there is plenty of time to expand on Syn's personality and give her a little more depth as well.
If you enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Alice in Wonderland, this is similar to those stories. Don't let its similarities fool you, either. It does hold it's own and has its own creativity.
Please visit me at Shh, I am Reading for more reviews and featured authors!
From the premise of this novel, I was looking forward to reading this. It seemed really quite interesting, a parallel world where people could exist without pain or sickness. I am sure there are terminally ill and permanently ill people out there who have dreamed of worlds like this.
However, I did have an issue with the pace of the story. It tended to drag in many places which slowed the story down to a snail pace. Although Synthia's curiosity was quite refreshing and she didn't just agree to ways of those in the garden. Yet, at the same time, there was nothing remarkable about her either.
This is a debut novel, so there is plenty of time to expand on Syn's personality and give her a little more depth as well.
If you enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Alice in Wonderland, this is similar to those stories. Don't let its similarities fool you, either. It does hold it's own and has its own creativity.
November 28, 2022
OMG THIS book
There are so many unexpected twists that I'm constantly searching hints. This book is super intriguing and I finished both books within a day and honestly I cant expect any more from a YA book, the science factor added a spice to the whole story ( how can you resist a story talking about parallel worlds ?) There are some creatures yet the vivid descriptions help you imagine them clearly.
and there is not a single page of breath and boredom , it does not feel dragged on at all!
there are moments where the heroine almost dies and I was so worried for her I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and it was worth it. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the final book for this triology!
There are so many unexpected twists that I'm constantly searching hints. This book is super intriguing and I finished both books within a day and honestly I cant expect any more from a YA book, the science factor added a spice to the whole story ( how can you resist a story talking about parallel worlds ?) There are some creatures yet the vivid descriptions help you imagine them clearly.
and there is not a single page of breath and boredom , it does not feel dragged on at all!
there are moments where the heroine almost dies and I was so worried for her I had multiple heart attacks while reading this book and it was worth it. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the final book for this triology!
May 18, 2016
I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. It was an ok read but I was expecting more...depth? Or something, I feel like the book only scratched the surface of the world the author created. Possibly its because there was a lot of telling instead of showing.
But I still enjoyed it, the plot twists were nice, and I enjoyed the world the author created. Just wished there was more meat to the story.
But I still enjoyed it, the plot twists were nice, and I enjoyed the world the author created. Just wished there was more meat to the story.
March 24, 2016
It was quite a mystery. I didn't know what would happen, and found the ending twists and turns very satisfying. Give it a read!
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