Review: Wonderful follow-up to Rift Healer
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 28, 2013
Sirocco is the second book in the "Forest Magic" series by Diane M. Haynes and it is a short novella.  If you didn't read the first book, Rift Healer, then I highly recommend that you read that book first.  You could read Sirocco as a stand-alone story but you won't fully appreciate it without the back story from Rift Healer.  Sirocco continues the story from Rift Healer with a new adventure for the magical teens and their elderly teacher Giselle.Sirocco has Haley and Lacey spending Christmas at their grandmother's in Bidwell, Massachusetts.  While Lacey is spending time with her boyfriend Taylor, Haley goes to Giselle's house for lessons in crystal ball gazing.  Haley sees a disturbing image in her new crystal ball and comes up with a dangerous plan to try to save her mentor Giselle.  Haley, Lacey, and Taylor enter the snow-filled enchanted forest and attempt to locate the legendary Sirocco, an ancient creature reputedly able to cure all ills.  The adventure that awaits them in the forest is filled with danger.I loved this book just as much as I loved Rift Healer.  My only complaint is that it was short and the third book has not been released yet.  Ms. Haynes writes such beautifully descriptive scenes - it makes it easy to see the scenes in your mind and become totally immersed in the fantasy world that she creates.  I thought that the characters were amazing when I first met them in Rift Healer and they continued to impress me in this book.  The characters are so realistic and well-developed.Once again, Ms. Haynes has written a wonderful fantasy story for both kids and adults!Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.