I was really impressed with The Light Between Worlds last year, so I was really excited when this author announced her next book. A Treason of Thorns released yesterday and today I’m participating in the blog tour. Today I am posting my review and a few of my favorite quotes!
A big thanks to the author, publisher and Fantastic Flying Book Club for providing me with an ARC to read and review.
A Treason of Thorns
by Laura E. Weymouth
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 10th 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Synopsis:
Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.
Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.
When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.
Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.
Content warnings are available via the author’s website.
REVIEW
I have to say, going into this book I kept my expectations low. I was really wondering how an author would be able to give us worldbuilding when the book basically revolves around a sentient house! My expectations could’ve been kept high, because the author did an amazing job. Also, before talking about the story, I have to talk about this amazing cover! The person that designed this cover is very talented. It really fits this story well!
A Treason of Thorns takes us back to England. Our main character Violet is from a long line of caretakers for the Burleigh House. The Burleigh House is one of the six great houses that keeps the land well and healthy. Violet’s father was sentenced to treason after trying to steal the deed of the house. Years later, Violet is back at Burleigh and it’s clear that things aren’t the same.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a house is alive and plays such a bit part of the story. The author did an amazing job describing this house. I loved how Burleigh house had its own personality. It got angry and maybe even sad. It was very interesting to see that the house destroyed parts of itself when angry of threatened. I would’ve thought it would try to find other ways of protection.
Violet was an interesting character. When she was little the house was her everything and she was determined to grow up and take her place as caregiver. Not once did she really think of the consequences that she would face going back. Even after this place really took a lot from her. Violet is determined and strong. She may be a bit naive at times, but I felt she really grew doing this story.
Wyn was a character that made me really curious. He was a mystery to me for quite awhile and I enjoyed his character. Wyn just wanted Violet to be protected and didn’t always understand her choices. He was my favorite character I think.
When talking about A Treason of Thorns, I have to talk about the magic. At first it was bit confusing, but I liked how the house was explained as the story continued. I loved that the house could show memories. Also, that when the house’s magic is used without the key it can cause harm to the person controling the magic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this in a book before.
A Treason of Thorns is such an unique story that is also a bit dark. Violet loses a lot, but also gains a family that isn’t blood. The side characters in this book keep things interesting and I love how help from unexpected places shows up. I don’t want to be too detailed, because this is really a story you need to experience yourself.
This story surprised me in such a pleasant way and I love this author’s writing. Her stories are unique and definitely leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading them!
FAVORITE QUOTES
A Treason of Thorns is filled with beautiful writing and lot of amazing quotes. It was hard to only choose a few for my post. Here are a few that I picked.
“I need to know that no matter what I’ve lost, I’ve lost it for the greater good.”
“This House is like a mother, father, comforter, and friend. I intend to repay the favor someday, when I’m able.”
“In the labyrinth of my own mind, I count fears instead of stars.”
“But think of what you’re asking Vi. Would you stay in a prison for me?”
BOOK LINKS
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/41716322-a-treason-of-thorns
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YR1ejH
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-treason-of-thorns-laura-e-weymouth/1129473582
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-treason-of-thorns/id1446265853
Bookdepository (CD): https://www.bookdepository.com/Treason-Thorns-Laura-E-Weymouth/9781982688912?ref=grid-view&qid=1565354051988&sr=1-1
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/a-treason-of-thorns
Google Books: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/A_Treason_of_Thorns.html?id=C6zEvwEACAAJ&redir_esc=y
TOUR SCHEDULE
Of course, I’m not the only blogger participating in this blog tour. If you want to check out the other amazing blogs and their posts for the tour, click here for the schedule!
GIVEAWAY
US/CAN readers can take a chance at winning signed copies of Laura’s books The Light Between Worlds and a Treason of Thorns. This giveaway ends on September 24th. Click here to check out this giveaway!
AUTHOR INFORMATION
Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in exile in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, a spoiled cat, an old soul of a dog, and an indeterminate number of chickens. She is represented by the inimitable Lauren Spieller of TriadaUS.
AUTHOR LINKS
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16706932.Laura_E_Weymouth
Website: https://www.lauraeweymouth.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauraeweymouth
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraeweymouth
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lauraeweymouth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraeweymouth/
I love how this author writes and she’s definitey already given us a couple of unique books. I’m really excite to see what she does next!! She’s definitely an author to keep an eye on.
This cover is gorgeous!!! And I feel like the idea of a sentient house is super interesting and original.
It really was! And her writing is amazing!