Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Brilliant ending!, 02 Aug 2007
Having read the previous three books i much anticipated this last book in the series, and it didnt fail to dissapoint! At various stages of the book, i felt an enormous range of emotions eg, anxious (for Bart to get rid of Joel), sad (when Jory became disabled and Melodie leaves him), and happiness (at the birth of Jory and Melodie's twins). Its a must read, and gives an insight into how the characters' personalities have changed, or not changed, over time.

a glorious finale, 24 Oct 2005
This marks the finale of the Dollanganger series by VC Andrews. And it was a brilliant finish. Tragic yes, but they seemed to have overcome the conflicts that haunted them...Chris and Cathy I mean. Despite the not so good prequels to it (with the exception of Flowers in the Attic), it made interest in the series rise again.

Tragic story but well worth the read, 17 Jul 2004
Never has a book touched my heart the way Seeds of Yesterday has.

It is the most fantastic, well written and upsetting, tragic story I have ever read.

As I came towards the end of the book I was in floods of tears. When you read this book and the others it actually feels like you feel all of the emotions the characters feel.

I definitely recommend this book and all of the others.

Seeds of yesterday, 17 Dec 2003
Like most of Virginia Andrews books, seeds of tomorrow is sometimes predictable. However, I couldn't put it down! She had a talent for making most stories unmissable.This one is no different.

A great finale, 31 Jul 2002
A fantastic finale to the "flowers in the attic" series. The most upsetting of the four books and the one that really stays with you. The one bad point is that "petals on the wind" and "if there be thorns" are not as good and have to be read to really to enjoy this final book. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Flowers in the attic and long to know what happens after then the saga is thrilling and exciting. But prepare for a major change in the attitude of the children as they grow up.

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Brilliant ending!, 02 Aug 2007
Having read the previous three books i much anticipated this last book in the series, and it didnt fail to dissapoint! At various stages of the book, i felt an enormous range of emotions eg, anxious (for Bart to get rid of Joel), sad (when Jory became disabled and Melodie leaves him), and happiness (at the birth of Jory and Melodie's twins). Its a must read, and gives an insight into how the characters' personalities have changed, or not changed, over time.

a glorious finale, 24 Oct 2005
This marks the finale of the Dollanganger series by VC Andrews. And it was a brilliant finish. Tragic yes, but they seemed to have overcome the conflicts that haunted them...Chris and Cathy I mean. Despite the not so good prequels to it (with the exception of Flowers in the Attic), it made interest in the series rise again.

Tragic story but well worth the read, 17 Jul 2004
Never has a book touched my heart the way Seeds of Yesterday has.

It is the most fantastic, well written and upsetting, tragic story I have ever read.

As I came towards the end of the book I was in floods of tears. When you read this book and the others it actually feels like you feel all of the emotions the characters feel.

I definitely recommend this book and all of the others.

Seeds of yesterday, 17 Dec 2003
Like most of Virginia Andrews books, seeds of tomorrow is sometimes predictable. However, I couldn't put it down! She had a talent for making most stories unmissable.This one is no different.

A great finale, 31 Jul 2002
A fantastic finale to the "flowers in the attic" series. The most upsetting of the four books and the one that really stays with you. The one bad point is that "petals on the wind" and "if there be thorns" are not as good and have to be read to really to enjoy this final book. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Flowers in the attic and long to know what happens after then the saga is thrilling and exciting. But prepare for a major change in the attitude of the children as they grow up.

A must for all readers of the Flowers in the Attic Series, 29 Aug 2008
This is a great end to the series. It shows that the Grandmother wasn't always so cold and that the events in her life led her to be the person who locked away Christopher, Cathy and the twins in the Attic. It really gives you the true nature of Malcolm Foxworth thats almost chilling. The incestous relations of the Foxworth family has some shocking results that give you more of an understanding of what really went on in the other books. Amazing.

Not essential but still efficient , 28 Jul 2006
I don't think "Garden of Shadows" is essential reading for fans of "Flowers", but it explains a lot about the source of Cathy & Chris's incestuous desires nonetheless. What left deeper impressions on me are the extreme religious fervour of John Amos, and the mystery of whether Malcolm Foxworth actually knew about Corrine's 4 children before his death. I also cannot wait for this whole book (as Olivia'a diary) to be opened or published to the remaining younger members of the Dollangranger family 25 years later (maybe in "Thorns" or "Seeds"), and observe their reactions to the truth that haunted Olivia to her fatal stroke at the end of "Petals". Overall, worth reading for the brilliant descriptions of light and darkness to symbolise good & evil.

essential to the plot !, 29 Jun 2004
If you have read the other 4 books in this series,like me not realising that there was a prequel, then you have to get this book ! It's essential reading and leaves you with an 'ah, I get it now' understanding about the other books ! It's a wonderful read.

The truth about the Foxworths, 15 Dec 2002
If you have read the other books in this series you will love this one because you learn the origins of the characters. The past behind that cruel heartless grandmother who locked her grandchildren up in the attic, the grandfather who we anxiously waited for him to die and the family background of Corrine and the truth about her past.
A must read book for lovers of Flowers in the attic

The Final Chapter in the Flowers In The Attic story., 10 Apr 2000
Read it and weep. This takes you back to Olivia's meeting with Malcolm, a loveless uncaring father of two boys Mal and Joel until the birth of Corrine where he becomes the doting father who expects her to stay with him until his death.

I would recommend you read this book to find out just where the incestous relationship came from and who exactly was to blame.

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Brilliant ending!, 02 Aug 2007
Having read the previous three books i much anticipated this last book in the series, and it didnt fail to dissapoint! At various stages of the book, i felt an enormous range of emotions eg, anxious (for Bart to get rid of Joel), sad (when Jory became disabled and Melodie leaves him), and happiness (at the birth of Jory and Melodie's twins). Its a must read, and gives an insight into how the characters' personalities have changed, or not changed, over time.

a glorious finale, 24 Oct 2005
This marks the finale of the Dollanganger series by VC Andrews. And it was a brilliant finish. Tragic yes, but they seemed to have overcome the conflicts that haunted them...Chris and Cathy I mean. Despite the not so good prequels to it (with the exception of Flowers in the Attic), it made interest in the series rise again.

Tragic story but well worth the read, 17 Jul 2004
Never has a book touched my heart the way Seeds of Yesterday has.

It is the most fantastic, well written and upsetting, tragic story I have ever read.

As I came towards the end of the book I was in floods of tears. When you read this book and the others it actually feels like you feel all of the emotions the characters feel.

I definitely recommend this book and all of the others.

Seeds of yesterday, 17 Dec 2003
Like most of Virginia Andrews books, seeds of tomorrow is sometimes predictable. However, I couldn't put it down! She had a talent for making most stories unmissable.This one is no different.

A great finale, 31 Jul 2002
A fantastic finale to the "flowers in the attic" series. The most upsetting of the four books and the one that really stays with you. The one bad point is that "petals on the wind" and "if there be thorns" are not as good and have to be read to really to enjoy this final book. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Flowers in the attic and long to know what happens after then the saga is thrilling and exciting. But prepare for a major change in the attitude of the children as they grow up.

A must for all readers of the Flowers in the Attic Series, 29 Aug 2008
This is a great end to the series. It shows that the Grandmother wasn't always so cold and that the events in her life led her to be the person who locked away Christopher, Cathy and the twins in the Attic. It really gives you the true nature of Malcolm Foxworth thats almost chilling. The incestous relations of the Foxworth family has some shocking results that give you more of an understanding of what really went on in the other books. Amazing.

Not essential but still efficient , 28 Jul 2006
I don't think "Garden of Shadows" is essential reading for fans of "Flowers", but it explains a lot about the source of Cathy & Chris's incestuous desires nonetheless. What left deeper impressions on me are the extreme religious fervour of John Amos, and the mystery of whether Malcolm Foxworth actually knew about Corrine's 4 children before his death. I also cannot wait for this whole book (as Olivia'a diary) to be opened or published to the remaining younger members of the Dollangranger family 25 years later (maybe in "Thorns" or "Seeds"), and observe their reactions to the truth that haunted Olivia to her fatal stroke at the end of "Petals". Overall, worth reading for the brilliant descriptions of light and darkness to symbolise good & evil.

essential to the plot !, 29 Jun 2004
If you have read the other 4 books in this series,like me not realising that there was a prequel, then you have to get this book ! It's essential reading and leaves you with an 'ah, I get it now' understanding about the other books ! It's a wonderful read.

The truth about the Foxworths, 15 Dec 2002
If you have read the other books in this series you will love this one because you learn the origins of the characters. The past behind that cruel heartless grandmother who locked her grandchildren up in the attic, the grandfather who we anxiously waited for him to die and the family background of Corrine and the truth about her past.
A must read book for lovers of Flowers in the attic

The Final Chapter in the Flowers In The Attic story., 10 Apr 2000
Read it and weep. This takes you back to Olivia's meeting with Malcolm, a loveless uncaring father of two boys Mal and Joel until the birth of Corrine where he becomes the doting father who expects her to stay with him until his death.

I would recommend you read this book to find out just where the incestous relationship came from and who exactly was to blame.

Reasonably enjoyable read, 27 Jul 2008
In recent years, a lot of Virgina Andrews novels have followed a similar template, young woman goes to stay in new place, usually with family, experiences some turmoil in her life, has a relationship with a man, then the turmoil is resolved in the end.

'Girl In The Shadows', refreshingly, does not stick rigidly to that template and is the first V.A. book in a long time not to do so. It does admittedly feature a young woman named April who goes to live in a new place, but with people who are initially complete strangers. Plus, the turmoil she experiences there, and the characters she meets, are somewhat different to the usual V.A. fare. These include a young deaf woman named echo, her tutor and Echo's grandmother, who has raised her. As the story progresses, April matures into a thoughtful young woman who helps Echo and her grandmother a great deal, whilst learning a lot about herself.

The theme of sexuality plays a part, as is usual with V.A. novels, but this time around, bisexuality is touched on. The story is generally well-plotted, the characters are interesting and engaging to read about, and this book is a definite page-turner.

Really, Virginia Andrews fans and those new to her will enjoy reading this. It's an engaging, vivid and enjoyable read.

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Brilliant ending!, 02 Aug 2007
Having read the previous three books i much anticipated this last book in the series, and it didnt fail to dissapoint! At various stages of the book, i felt an enormous range of emotions eg, anxious (for Bart to get rid of Joel), sad (when Jory became disabled and Melodie leaves him), and happiness (at the birth of Jory and Melodie's twins). Its a must read, and gives an insight into how the characters' personalities have changed, or not changed, over time.

a glorious finale, 24 Oct 2005
This marks the finale of the Dollanganger series by VC Andrews. And it was a brilliant finish. Tragic yes, but they seemed to have overcome the conflicts that haunted them...Chris and Cathy I mean. Despite the not so good prequels to it (with the exception of Flowers in the Attic), it made interest in the series rise again.

Tragic story but well worth the read, 17 Jul 2004
Never has a book touched my heart the way Seeds of Yesterday has.

It is the most fantastic, well written and upsetting, tragic story I have ever read.

As I came towards the end of the book I was in floods of tears. When you read this book and the others it actually feels like you feel all of the emotions the characters feel.

I definitely recommend this book and all of the others.

Seeds of yesterday, 17 Dec 2003
Like most of Virginia Andrews books, seeds of tomorrow is sometimes predictable. However, I couldn't put it down! She had a talent for making most stories unmissable.This one is no different.

A great finale, 31 Jul 2002
A fantastic finale to the "flowers in the attic" series. The most upsetting of the four books and the one that really stays with you. The one bad point is that "petals on the wind" and "if there be thorns" are not as good and have to be read to really to enjoy this final book. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Flowers in the attic and long to know what happens after then the saga is thrilling and exciting. But prepare for a major change in the attitude of the children as they grow up.

A must for all readers of the Flowers in the Attic Series, 29 Aug 2008
This is a great end to the series. It shows that the Grandmother wasn't always so cold and that the events in her life led her to be the person who locked away Christopher, Cathy and the twins in the Attic. It really gives you the true nature of Malcolm Foxworth thats almost chilling. The incestous relations of the Foxworth family has some shocking results that give you more of an understanding of what really went on in the other books. Amazing.

Not essential but still efficient , 28 Jul 2006
I don't think "Garden of Shadows" is essential reading for fans of "Flowers", but it explains a lot about the source of Cathy & Chris's incestuous desires nonetheless. What left deeper impressions on me are the extreme religious fervour of John Amos, and the mystery of whether Malcolm Foxworth actually knew about Corrine's 4 children before his death. I also cannot wait for this whole book (as Olivia'a diary) to be opened or published to the remaining younger members of the Dollangranger family 25 years later (maybe in "Thorns" or "Seeds"), and observe their reactions to the truth that haunted Olivia to her fatal stroke at the end of "Petals". Overall, worth reading for the brilliant descriptions of light and darkness to symbolise good & evil.

essential to the plot !, 29 Jun 2004
If you have read the other 4 books in this series,like me not realising that there was a prequel, then you have to get this book ! It's essential reading and leaves you with an 'ah, I get it now' understanding about the other books ! It's a wonderful read.

The truth about the Foxworths, 15 Dec 2002
If you have read the other books in this series you will love this one because you learn the origins of the characters. The past behind that cruel heartless grandmother who locked her grandchildren up in the attic, the grandfather who we anxiously waited for him to die and the family background of Corrine and the truth about her past.
A must read book for lovers of Flowers in the attic

The Final Chapter in the Flowers In The Attic story., 10 Apr 2000
Read it and weep. This takes you back to Olivia's meeting with Malcolm, a loveless uncaring father of two boys Mal and Joel until the birth of Corrine where he becomes the doting father who expects her to stay with him until his death.

I would recommend you read this book to find out just where the incestous relationship came from and who exactly was to blame.

Reasonably enjoyable read, 27 Jul 2008
In recent years, a lot of Virgina Andrews novels have followed a similar template, young woman goes to stay in new place, usually with family, experiences some turmoil in her life, has a relationship with a man, then the turmoil is resolved in the end.

'Girl In The Shadows', refreshingly, does not stick rigidly to that template and is the first V.A. book in a long time not to do so. It does admittedly feature a young woman named April who goes to live in a new place, but with people who are initially complete strangers. Plus, the turmoil she experiences there, and the characters she meets, are somewhat different to the usual V.A. fare. These include a young deaf woman named echo, her tutor and Echo's grandmother, who has raised her. As the story progresses, April matures into a thoughtful young woman who helps Echo and her grandmother a great deal, whilst learning a lot about herself.

The theme of sexuality plays a part, as is usual with V.A. novels, but this time around, bisexuality is touched on. The story is generally well-plotted, the characters are interesting and engaging to read about, and this book is a definite page-turner.

Really, Virginia Andrews fans and those new to her will enjoy reading this. It's an engaging, vivid and enjoyable read.

Virginia Andrews at her heart-scarring best!, 13 Sep 2008
Heaven and Logan are happy and in love, but will Heavens true love Logan succumb to Fannys charms? Will Heaven ever forgive her 'father' his sins at selling his five children? The whole casteel series had me hooked from the very beginning, its moving storyline makes you really care for the characters, its a beautiful story and I 'll read it again and again....

Fallen Hearts, 04 Sep 2004
Heaven, now a young woman living in Winnerow, couldn't be happier when her childhood sweetheart, Logan Stonewall, asks her to marry him. Her happiness isn't even ruined when the infamous Tony Tatterton asks herself and Logan to spend half their honeymoon at 'Farthy', but going back there means opening doors that were locked away in Heaven's heart long ago. As she and Logan spend time at 'Farthy' Tony gains his way into Logan's mind and they end up leaving their life in Winnerow to live at 'Farthy'. There she meets old faces and new, and is shocked at a surprise appearance from an old friend. But her happiness is short-lived as her 'Pa', Luke Casteel, and his wife Stacie, die in a fatal accident. Leaving their younger son Drake to be adopted by Heaven and Logan. But Heaven's sister, Fanny, has other ideas and they fight it out to the end hearing shocking revalations that could change Heaven's life forever. This next installment of the Casteel-Tatterton saga is thrilling and romantic, you won't want to put it down!

The BEST in the Series!!!, 07 Dec 2000
This is the best in the series! If you enjoyed Heaven and dark Angel, then you'll love this! It really shows the strange relationship that Heaven has with her sister. I could not put this book down!

Gripping story of family deception and cruelty. , 27 Jul 2008
The Dollengangers were the perfect family. All American good looks, golden hair, close relationships and comfortable living. The death of a father throws the four children into a whole new world when their mother drags them to a lavish mansion to win back the love of a dying father who cast her aside for marrying her half-uncle - for winning back his love means winning back a very large inheritance which will ensure a very comfortable living for the rest of her existance.

The plan for Corinne Dollanganger to gain back the love of her father means hiding the fact she ever had children, meaning Cathy, Chris, Cory and Carrie are to live locked in a bedroom with a secret entrance up to a wonderfully huge attic which is to become their playground and at the same time, their prison.

Cathy recounts the story as she and her siblings struggle to cling onto hope and promises while enduring the cruelty, the neglect and the emotional torment of being locked in the same rooms as time progresses.

An incredibly moving and gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Pretty poor, 24 Jul 2008
I saw the movie, and then decided to read the book. I found it to be poorly written and unrealistic. I can swallow the bit about the woman being rejected by her parents, but then to come back and hide the kids in a cellar is where the wheels fall off. What about the servants? I could forgive the author expecting me to stretch my imagination and be somewhat gullible, but the writing is very poor. The sequel is even worse. Not impressed

great book, 15 Jan 2008
This was the first 'grown up' book i ever read and must have read it at least 10 times. It is fantastic and you just cant seem to put it down!!! even when you know what will happen next.

It changed my views on reading!, 10 Jan 2008
I can't tell you much more than the other people who have written reviews. What I can say is that I chose this book in my last year of school to do a report on. I hated reading and it was one of the shortest on the list. Now, 6 years later I can get through a book in a couple of days! I love reading and bringing the stories to life with my imagination and it is all thanks to this book, once I finished this I read pretty much all of Virginia Andrews' work and then explored different genres (i love crime novels!). It is a wonderful story and I recommend it to everyone!

A favorite!, 18 Aug 2007
I read this book when it was first published and loved it. I have read it at least twice since and as it has been a few years since the last time I am thinking of reading it again. I was in that attic with them.

It is an easy book to read, not to many fine details that take you away from the main story but enough to keep you turning the pages. Dont bother with the film if you ever come across it, it was total rubbish, nothing like the book at all.

Read it, you wont be dissapointed.

Doesn't do the first one justice., 11 Sep 2008
Flowers in the attic was just incredible, a complete unique idea. Petals in the wind however was in my opinion absolutely awful. Right from the beginning it was dull and carried on all the way through. Cathy has become an awful character, obsessed with revenge and doesn't care who she hurts. She and Chris used to have such a good friendship, although Chris has not changed much, despite Cathys new found bitterness he is still completely besotted with her and has not grown up in his views that they could be together. He is an adult he should be cleverer than that. Andrews seems to have suddenly become obsessed with death, pretty much every character dies and Cathy never seems particularly phased by any of the deaths and gets over it pretty quickly. I had to force myself to get to the end and I am now having to do the same with third of the series. I think Andrews would have achieved much more just leaving their story after the first book, this is the typical thing when an author cannot leave her characters behind and just ruins the magic.

The Spellbinding Sequel to Flowers in the Attic, 27 Jul 2008
The follow-up to the best seller Flowers in the Attic, the story continues where we last saw Chris, Cathy and Carrie, having now escaped from the confines of the attic at Foxworth Hall. They are lucky enough to meet up with a handsome doctor who takes on legal guardianship of the three, who will help them live up to their dreams.

Cathy has high ambitions of being a Prima Ballerina, and Chris a doctor. Carrie is struggling with the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning and not enough sunlight/fresh air, and therefore has never grown.

Cathy continues with her life story; a diary of mixed emotions as she struggles to deny the sexual and romantic feelings her brother has for her, and the desire to be with Paul, their guardian, who has given them all everything they could have ever asked for and never asked for anything in return. And then there's Julian, a fellow ballet dancer with a moody disposition and a dangerous streak.

Keeping up with her mothers every movement through newspaper and magazine clippings, Cathy swears one day she is going to have revenge for the death of Cory and the lost years spent dwelling in the dank Attic while their mother flitted through society care-free.

The story is very long and involving, and spans many years, and reads somewhat like a soap opera more than the previous book. But it is just as gripping and exciting (if not somewhat slightly depressing at times). If you loved the first book, you will love this sequel.

a great sequal, 11 Sep 2005
AFTER READING FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC I WAS DYING TO GET STUCK INTO PETALS IN THE WIND AND I HAVE TO SAY IN WAS NOT DISAPPOINTING.
IT TAKES UP THE STORY AFTER CATHY, CHRIS AND CARRIE LEAVE FOXWORTH HALL, JUST AS YOU THINK LIFE IS GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT BETTER FOR THEM (CATHY BECOMES A TOP BALLERINA AND CHRIS BECOMES A DOCTOR) THINGS GET DARK AND NASTY AGAIN.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS 2ND BOOK IN THE COLLECTION AND CANNOT WAIT TO START LET THERE BE THORNS, THIS BOOK IS A LITTLE HEAVY IN PLACES AND HAS LOTS OF DEATHS IN, JUST WHEN YOU GET OVER ONE DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER TO KNOCK YOU DOWN. A GREAT SEQUAL.

revenge , lust and the need to be loved, 20 Dec 2004
an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic... the book continues the story of the children and shows cathys need to be loved and wanted - because she was starved of affection as a child....would recommend the book to any1 who has read flowers in the attic.

brilliant sequel, 09 Aug 2004
this is an excellent sequel to flowers in the attic! although many deaths and tragedy, it sweeps you off your feet, and you become cathy. EXCELLENT!!

Fantastic, 01 Jan 2005
This story was a very worthy follow-up from Petals on the Wind. I couldnt put it down. Told from the perspective of Jory and Bart (Cathy's sons), this tells the story of their lives. Everything was fine until a mysterious old lady moves in next door, shattering the saftey bubble that Cathy and Chris had placed around their family. Bart takes a liking to this lady as he feels nobody understands him, and when she asks him to call her "Grandmother" and her butler "John Amos Jackson" starts to tell Bart tales of horror about his family things take a turn for the worse. Especially when the freaky butler gives him the journal of Malcolm Neal Foxworth and tells young Bart to read it every day. Jory suspects his brother is going crazy and all the family start to feel wary of him. Slowly the secrets that Cathy and Chris thought they had buried come to light and the family must cope in every way. This story has twists and turns in unlikley places and it is truly a thriller among thrillers. I cannot wait to start Seeds of Yesterday and then read the Prequel.

The Dollanganger saga continues..., 05 Jul 2004
Written from the perspective of Cathy's sons Jory and Bart, this is a gripping and worthy follow-up to the previous books.

Some may find some scenes distasteful (animal lovers in particular) but all in all a satisfying read which keeps you turning the pages.

Excelent, 03 Sep 1999
I found this book both gripping and emotional. An amazing folow-on from Flowers in the attic as the children try to carry on with their lives. I could not put it down and highly recomend it to anyone, Virginia Andrews Fans or not.

Superb follow on from Flowers in the Attic., 02 Jun 1999
This book is both gripping and emotional, the plight of the remaining three children grips the reader to the end and leaves you screaming and crying for the next installment. A must read for all Virginia Andrews fans.

Saddening, 27 Jun 1998
I read V.C. Andrews' If There Be Thorns. At the end of Flowers in the Attic, I hated Corrine so badly. In Petals on the Wind, I didn't care much for her, but in If There Be Thorns, it made me feel so unbelivably sorry for Corrine. No matter how bad she treated her children, I still think that Cathy should have forgiven her. Oh well, when I read Seeds of Yesterday, I'll review that. TTFN (Ta-Ta for now)

Brilliant ending!, 02 Aug 2007
Having read the previous three books i much anticipated this last book in the series, and it didnt fail to dissapoint! At various stages of the book, i felt an enormous range of emotions eg, anxious (for Bart to get rid of Joel), sad (when Jory became disabled and Melodie leaves him), and happiness (at the birth of Jory and Melodie's twins). Its a must read, and gives an insight into how the characters' personalities have changed, or not changed, over time.

a glorious finale, 24 Oct 2005
This marks the finale of the Dollanganger series by VC Andrews. And it was a brilliant finish. Tragic yes, but they seemed to have overcome the conflicts that haunted them...Chris and Cathy I mean. Despite the not so good prequels to it (with the exception of Flowers in the Attic), it made interest in the series rise again.

Tragic story but well worth the read, 17 Jul 2004
Never has a book touched my heart the way Seeds of Yesterday has.

It is the most fantastic, well written and upsetting, tragic story I have ever read.

As I came towards the end of the book I was in floods of tears. When you read this book and the others it actually feels like you feel all of the emotions the characters feel.

I definitely recommend this book and all of the others.

Seeds of yesterday, 17 Dec 2003
Like most of Virginia Andrews books, seeds of tomorrow is sometimes predictable. However, I couldn't put it down! She had a talent for making most stories unmissable.This one is no different.

A great finale, 31 Jul 2002
A fantastic finale to the "flowers in the attic" series. The most upsetting of the four books and the one that really stays with you. The one bad point is that "petals on the wind" and "if there be thorns" are not as good and have to be read to really to enjoy this final book. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Flowers in the attic and long to know what happens after then the saga is thrilling and exciting. But prepare for a major change in the attitude of the children as they grow up.

A must for all readers of the Flowers in the Attic Series, 29 Aug 2008
This is a great end to the series. It shows that the Grandmother wasn't always so cold and that the events in her life led her to be the person who locked away Christopher, Cathy and the twins in the Attic. It really gives you the true nature of Malcolm Foxworth thats almost chilling. The incestous relations of the Foxworth family has some shocking results that give you more of an understanding of what really went on in the other books. Amazing.

Not essential but still efficient , 28 Jul 2006
I don't think "Garden of Shadows" is essential reading for fans of "Flowers", but it explains a lot about the source of Cathy & Chris's incestuous desires nonetheless. What left deeper impressions on me are the extreme religious fervour of John Amos, and the mystery of whether Malcolm Foxworth actually knew about Corrine's 4 children before his death. I also cannot wait for this whole book (as Olivia'a diary) to be opened or published to the remaining younger members of the Dollangranger family 25 years later (maybe in "Thorns" or "Seeds"), and observe their reactions to the truth that haunted Olivia to her fatal stroke at the end of "Petals". Overall, worth reading for the brilliant descriptions of light and darkness to symbolise good & evil.

essential to the plot !, 29 Jun 2004
If you have read the other 4 books in this series,like me not realising that there was a prequel, then you have to get this book ! It's essential reading and leaves you with an 'ah, I get it now' understanding about the other books ! It's a wonderful read.

The truth about the Foxworths, 15 Dec 2002
If you have read the other books in this series you will love this one because you learn the origins of the characters. The past behind that cruel heartless grandmother who locked her grandchildren up in the attic, the grandfather who we anxiously waited for him to die and the family background of Corrine and the truth about her past.
A must read book for lovers of Flowers in the attic

The Final Chapter in the Flowers In The Attic story., 10 Apr 2000
Read it and weep. This takes you back to Olivia's meeting with Malcolm, a loveless uncaring father of two boys Mal and Joel until the birth of Corrine where he becomes the doting father who expects her to stay with him until his death.

I would recommend you read this book to find out just where the incestous relationship came