THE FORETELLING by Alice Hoffman
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  9/7/05
    Publisher:  Little, Brown
    Reviewed by:  Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
    Rating:  4 Stars


    In this intense and complicated fantasy story, Rain attempts to gain her mother's notice and acceptance by being the
    best of warriors in their Amazonian tribe.  The product of a rape when her mother, Alina, wasn't much more than a
    child herself, it is hard to gain the Queen's approval.  Although Rain knows that she's been raised by Deborah, the
    wise priestess, to one day be Queen herself, she also pays attention to Deborah's promises of a much grander destiny.

    Rain doesn't totally understand the Queen's desire to so thoroughly destroy her enemies, even though her own
    cousins, Astella and Asteria, are two of the fiercest warriors in the tribe.  When Alina takes Penthe as her companion,
    and Penthe's daughter Io seeks to be Rain's sister, matters become even more complicated.  Rain wants nothing more
    than to ride her horse, Sky, to garner her mother's approval, to earn the place as rightful Queen that will someday
    come upon her.

    On her first journey alone, Rain comes upon a bear cub, which she takes back to camp.  She names him Usha, and
    together with Io the two girls raise the cub as if he were a horse.  Although Rain and Io soon discover the mistake of
    doing so, it's too late--Usha is killed in battle, and Rain still doesn't have the love and acceptance of her mother.

    THE FORETELLING is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical land of the Amazons.  Rain is a compelling
    character who, although she tries so hard to be vicious and fierce like her fellow tribe-members, always leans more
    towards peace for all men and compassion towards her enemies.

    Not to be missed by lovers of fantasy stories!
The Foretelling
by Alice Hoffman