Foretold: 14 Stories of Prophecy & Prediction

Edited By: Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: August 2012
ISBN: 978-0-385-74129-3
Reviewed By: Amy Lignor
Review Date: September 2012

Carrie Ryan has brought together some of the best writers out there to create amazing stories that introduce everything from witches to oracles to fortune tellers and gypsies; to stories handed down from adult to child as they find a way to ‘see’ their future…and, in some cases, wish they hadn’t.

Usually personal favorites aren’t found in the number one slot, but Laini Taylor’s story titled, “Gentlemen Send Phantoms,” was truly extraordinary (and should be a novel all on its own). With this tale three witches are celebrating St. Faith’s Day by utilizing a spell that will allow them to see who they will marry. Each wishes their future man to be Matthew Blackgrace - the handsomest boy in town. And each girl wants him for their own reasons, whether it be having a good father for their future kids, or having a nice person so they won’t be lonely - but only one will actually ‘see’ Matthew. The one who does and the way she does is truly an unforgettable romance.

Heading through the stories, more and more voices join the party with tales of prophecy that are seriously fun and eerie to read. Readers come across tales that deal with the prophecy of death on Judgment Day; a boy called evil who’s released from a foster home; a King who needs a son, yet the prophecy is for a girl who will be the downfall of his reign; an ancient classroom with a maniacal teacher; fear in a town called Misery; a fortune cookie at a sweet sixteen party; a life on the road with a carny who has to deal with a horrible monster; a Russian homecoming; and, even a look at Nostradamus being wrong in 1999 (interesting, now that the Mayans have many fearful that the end will come this December).

The stories are extremely cool, the writers are outstanding, and this is the perfect gift for Halloween. Romance, fear, thrills, chills and some truly exciting tales are all together in one amazing place!

Quill Says: Your prophecy: Read this book and you will be…thrilled!