Official Review: Silvana - the Greening by Belinda Mellor

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 23 Aug 2016, 09:50

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Silvana - the Greening" by Belinda Mellor.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Once the voice of a Silvana is heard, there is no turning back. A man can either be accepted or his fate is one that is better left unspoken. With themes of love, family, duty versus desire, and friendship, Belinda Mellor weaves together two very different, yet similar worlds in her Fantasy novel, Silvana – The Greening.

Ever since Fabiom can remember, he has loved the wildwood near his home. There is a certain kind of peace and warmth that sometimes is preferable than his own household. As he ages and is close to his seventeenth birthday, he has decided that he will do whatever it takes to win the heart of one particular tree woman, Casandrina. Her song and loving presence has easily captured his heart and mind.

However, as in many love tales, following the heart sometimes isn't an easy task. Being the Holder of Deepvale, Fabiom has specific duties he needs to attend to, including figuring out who has leaked information of his lands' top business, silk weaving. Who would risk the one thing that sustains his people's lives? On top of attempting to find the culprit, life throws another curveball in Fabiom's direction, which may end up jeopardizing everything he has worked for.

Mellor has woven a sweet, calming world where there really isn't a true 'enemy' in the sense of a typical fantasy read. Instead there is a young man who is trying to figure his role as Holder of Deepvale while maintaining what he truly desires – to love and live for a Silvana. He is a man that attempts to make the right decisions, even when it may lead to undesirable consequences.

The pacing of the story could be better though. Being over four hundred pages (according to my kindle), there were scenes that I felt lengthened the novel unnecessarily. Due to these scenes, there were several characters introduced, which I found myself confused on who was whom, at times. In addition to these scenes, there were big jumps in time, spanning about two decades from page one to the end of the book. There were a couple of times when I did not have an inkling that time has passed until several paragraphs into the chapter, which disrupted my reading flow.

Though it was a bit challenging in determining a rating for this book, I have decided to give it a 3 out of 4 stars due to unique storyline and being extremely well written. With a re-look at the pacing, Silvana – The Greening could have easily be given a 4 star rating. For those who enjoy calm fantasy, clean romance, and do not mind reading a lengthier novel, I would recommend this book to you.

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Silvana - the Greening
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gali · Post by **gali** » 23 Aug 2016, 15:01

Thank you for another great review. I am not sure the book is for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it despite the slow pacing.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 23 Aug 2016, 15:28

Thank you, gali, for your kind words! I completely understand about it not being for you. It's a read that is definitely different from my thoughts of the fantasy genre.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 23 Aug 2016, 15:51

Fantastic review. It sounds like an enchanting read. Forced pacing and confusing time jumps are frustrating.

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 23 Aug 2016, 15:59

Great review! This book sounds like it provides a wonderful world in which to escape. Too bad about the pacing, though. Still, I might give it a chance

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 23 Aug 2016, 16:02

bluemel4 wrote:Fantastic review. It sounds like an enchanting read. Forced pacing and confusing time jumps are frustrating.

Thank you, bluemel4! It was a good read, but I agree fast pacing and time jumps can make reading frustrating. Hopefully the next one is paced a bit better!

-- 23 Aug 2016, 23:04 --

LivreAmour217 wrote:Great review! This book sounds like it provides a wonderful world in which to escape. Too bad about the pacing, though. Still, I might give it a chance

Thank you, LivreAmour217! I also wish that the author gave a bit more of Casandrina's story as I think that would make her world even more magical! If you do, I hope you enjoy the read!

Serena [Poetree] · Post by **Serena [Poetree]** » 24 Aug 2016, 13:50

You've peaked my interest with the list of themes and phrases like "wildwood," "tree woman," and "calm fantasy." And besides, the cover is beautiful!

Great review!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 24 Aug 2016, 15:42

That's awesome, Serena [Poetree]! I love you picked out specific words that attracted your attention to the book. If you get the chance to read it, I hope you enjoy!

Post by **bookowlie** » 24 Aug 2016, 17:00

I enjoyed reading your review! I personally don't like books that are slow paced, particularly when they are relatively long. Glad you were able to appreciate the book despite the issues you mentioned.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 24 Aug 2016, 20:30

Thank you, bookowlie! I agree. Pacing is such a huge aspect when reading.

Rachaelamb1 · Post by **Rachaelamb1** » 25 Aug 2016, 22:27

I like the idea that there is no great big enemy or battle against good and evil, it makes it sound unique. However, I am not sure I could handle the slow pace.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 25 Aug 2016, 23:47

I think I like the book already, well, except for the pacing

I would love to read about Cassandrina. Great job on the review. You made the book sound very exciting.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 26 Aug 2016, 10:31

Rachaelamb1 wrote:I like the idea that there is no great big enemy or battle against good and evil, it makes it sound unique. However, I am not sure I could handle the slow pace.

Thank you for your thoughts. I was a little shocked about not having a big enemy during this read, but it was a nice surprise. Although, I can see your other point. There were times when I thought, 'Next scene, please?" But, the author did leave the book on an interesting note, so I am kind of curious how the story will continue.

-- 26 Aug 2016, 17:45 --

kimmyschemy06 wrote:I think I like the book already, well, except for the pacing I would love to read about Cassandrina. Great job on the review. You made the book sound very exciting.

Cassadrina is definitely a unique character and I really enjoyed her in this read. I hope in the next installment, the reader gets to know more about her tree life (if that makes sense!). I'm glad that I made the book sound exciting, thank you for saying so.

cheryltkn · Post by **cheryltkn** » 26 Aug 2016, 13:36

I have been a fan of fantasy since I was a child and the longer the story the better, "in my book". I agree that jumping forward in time without letting the reader know it was coming would be disturbing. I would like to see what happens to the story if it is rewritten, but then I better read this version to see what the difference is. I also enjoy fast paced action so it would probably be best for me to try a sample first. Thanks for an interesting and enticing review.