Reviewed by Ashley B for TeensReadToo.com

Something is wrong with her, Rin is just sure of it.

She doesn't feel at home in the Forest, where she has lived her whole life. Razo, her favorite brother, has gone off to the city. She is left as Ma's shadow. Rin has no idea who she is.

But when Razo comes home for a visit, Rin goes back to the city with him. To be one of the Queen's ladies in waiting.

Soon after her arrival, war has come to Bayern. Rin accompanies Isi, the Queen, and her closet friends, in search of those who want to hurt Bayern. Rin thinks of them as the Fire Sisters. Together, they go into the Forest towards the land of Kel.

Shannon Hale's writing is irresistible to me. I love it. I just feel for the characters in the story. I am pulled in and need to know what is going to happen. I felt Rin's raw emotions, whether it was pain or happiness. It was so fun to read, and it got really intense in some parts!

FOREST BORN, I think, is geared more towards a younger reader, but really, anyone who reads it will enjoy it. ( )

Shannon Hale’s tale of Bayern continues in Forest Born. Rinna, Razo’s sister, has a power that she doesn’t understand and can’t necessarily control. She can convince people to do things they would not ordinarily do. Having used that power for selfish reasons, she is uncomfortable with herself. While communing with nature typically makes her feel wonderful and free, it now makes her scared and distraught. She needs a break from her routine.

Razo’s visit to his forest home from the castle provides such an opportunity. Seeing her unhappy, he suggests that she return with him to the city where he can secure her a position as a lady in waiting for the Queen. After mulling the offer over, she accepts, never realizing what she was getting herself into.

Rumors are heard that there is a Queen in neighboring Kel, a country that previously had no Queen. Additionally, a Bayern village near the Kel border was burned to the ground. King Geric and his hand chosen soldiers, including Razo, ride to investigate. When a messenger speeds back to the Queen saying that Geric was burned and a soldier killed, wind-starter Queen Anidori and her partners, fire-starter Enna and water-starter Dasha ride out to meet Geric. Rinna imposes herself on the three ‘sisters’ and joins in the fray as they unearth the menace that has caused the disturbance.

Hale has continued her exciting Bayern tale in Forest Born and my description of the book does not do it justice because there is so much in it. While having read the previous books (Goose Girl, Enna Burning and River Secrets—all of which I highly recommend) will help understand the story, the characters and the background, it is not essential to the enjoyment of this book.

While primarily a story of a 15-year-old girl coming to grips with her individuality, her power and herself, Forest Born is also an adventure story, pitting evil ‘people-speaking’ Selia, the Kelish Queen, against Queen Anidori who is powerful and good. There is suspense and action. The love of a mother for her child is a central theme and marvelously described. Forest Born is a welcome addition to the Books of Bayern and well worth everyone’s attention. Enjoy. ( )