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solieri's review against another edition
3.0
I won an advanced reading copy of this book through The Reading Room.
This book is arranged into "Then" and "Now" chapters that alternate, the "Now" chapters telling the story of a girl who has lost her memory, and the "Then" chapters giving glimpses into her past. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical of the overdone "person with amnesia" plot, but it turned out to be pretty interesting. That is, until the middle of the book or so, when the "Now" chapters got to be a bit boring and I really had to drag myself through some of them. I feel like this book actually suffered a little from too much of the wrong types of description. There was too much of the physical description of surroundings and the paths taken from destination to destination, where it might have been better spent on the factions involved or more about the culture of the world, or even getting to know the main characters better. It just seemed like not much was actually happening at some points. That said, it did rebound, and ended on a high note.
This book is arranged into "Then" and "Now" chapters that alternate, the "Now" chapters telling the story of a girl who has lost her memory, and the "Then" chapters giving glimpses into her past. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical of the overdone "person with amnesia" plot, but it turned out to be pretty interesting. That is, until the middle of the book or so, when the "Now" chapters got to be a bit boring and I really had to drag myself through some of them. I feel like this book actually suffered a little from too much of the wrong types of description. There was too much of the physical description of surroundings and the paths taken from destination to destination, where it might have been better spent on the factions involved or more about the culture of the world, or even getting to know the main characters better. It just seemed like not much was actually happening at some points. That said, it did rebound, and ended on a high note.
kim3100's review
4.0
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. I started this book in the morning and it is already finished. That means that I loved this book. The story is quick paced and surprising. I loved reading it
mad_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
I am enamored with beautiful language because it has cadence, because it flows. "… to whom did the shod horses belong?" Not, 'who did the horses without shoes belong to?' There is a reason that language has rules, and in those rules lies the treasure of the avid reader.
Although this book contains many chapters, there are only two chapter names: "Now" and "Then." Telling a tale In this way, where the past and the present are on a collision course is not an easy thing to do. I would say that Katrina Archer has mastered the intricacies of not telling too much in the chapters entitled "Then," as well as not saying too little in the chapters called "Now." She has achieved just the right balance to keep the plot moving while piquing her readers' interest.
Another aspect of fantasy is world building. Sometimes that world is so different from the one that we know and at other times the differences seem so small as to be unimportant. Suspension of disbelief often hinges on the success of the author at world building. In some ways, THE TREE OF SOULS seems very much like our world with a little added magic. At other times, if feels like a very foreign landscape. Issues of religion and other are examined within the confines of a very specific mythology in which the specific societies live. There were times, as I read, that I found myself examining our very real world of today with the world in this book. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. If you are suddenly torn from a fantasy world in order to confront the real world, you might thank the author for simply making you think. Then again, you might burst forth with an expletive for ruining the fantasy.
Overall, I found the writing to be superior, and the storyline well developed. There is also a uniqueness to the tale that makes it well worth your time to read.
I received an ARC of THE TREE OF SOULS from the author for review, and I must convey my apologies to Katrina Archer for taking so long to read and review her book.
Although this book contains many chapters, there are only two chapter names: "Now" and "Then." Telling a tale In this way, where the past and the present are on a collision course is not an easy thing to do. I would say that Katrina Archer has mastered the intricacies of not telling too much in the chapters entitled "Then," as well as not saying too little in the chapters called "Now." She has achieved just the right balance to keep the plot moving while piquing her readers' interest.
Another aspect of fantasy is world building. Sometimes that world is so different from the one that we know and at other times the differences seem so small as to be unimportant. Suspension of disbelief often hinges on the success of the author at world building. In some ways, THE TREE OF SOULS seems very much like our world with a little added magic. At other times, if feels like a very foreign landscape. Issues of religion and other are examined within the confines of a very specific mythology in which the specific societies live. There were times, as I read, that I found myself examining our very real world of today with the world in this book. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. If you are suddenly torn from a fantasy world in order to confront the real world, you might thank the author for simply making you think. Then again, you might burst forth with an expletive for ruining the fantasy.
Overall, I found the writing to be superior, and the storyline well developed. There is also a uniqueness to the tale that makes it well worth your time to read.
I received an ARC of THE TREE OF SOULS from the author for review, and I must convey my apologies to Katrina Archer for taking so long to read and review her book.
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I won a review copy of this book via "The Reading Room." This is an unbiased review.
Completely absorbing read. I loved the intricate plotlines and characters. I could not guess Umbra's former identity until it was revealed by the author - you get it narrowed down, but don't quite know until the last couple scenes! The pace of the story was fast and gripping. It was hard to put this book down at night.
A few times in the narrative, the character movements were not well-choreographed. In one instance, a man grabs a woman and pulls her to his chest then holds a sword to her throat. A few lines later, the man punches the woman in the temple, knocking her out cold. To me, punching someone held to your chest with your non-dominant hand would not result in a blackout, it would be more of a headache than anything, unless the person punching you is 1980s Mr. T. So a few times similar to this example, things did not play out well. Perhaps if the man knocked the woman with the hilt of his sword? That might have been more plausible?
That being said, I enjoyed this book very much! It was a well-layered and character-driven plot. The idea of a Tree of Souls and the different realms was fascinating. I also loved the female leads in the story. There were *girl power/empowerment* moments intermixed with the strongly emotional and heart-wrenching moments.
A few swear words were used in the dialogue, and while there were a few implied sexual situations (narration leading up to those moments), there was nothing explicit.
I hope this author writes more because there is potential for further exploration of this well-crafted world. Highly recommend to fans of fantasy or ancient historical fiction as the idea of migrating clans, sword fighting, and tribal honor are prominent in the storyline.
Completely absorbing read. I loved the intricate plotlines and characters. I could not guess Umbra's former identity until it was revealed by the author - you get it narrowed down, but don't quite know until the last couple scenes! The pace of the story was fast and gripping. It was hard to put this book down at night.
A few times in the narrative, the character movements were not well-choreographed. In one instance, a man grabs a woman and pulls her to his chest then holds a sword to her throat. A few lines later, the man punches the woman in the temple, knocking her out cold. To me, punching someone held to your chest with your non-dominant hand would not result in a blackout, it would be more of a headache than anything, unless the person punching you is 1980s Mr. T. So a few times similar to this example, things did not play out well. Perhaps if the man knocked the woman with the hilt of his sword? That might have been more plausible?
That being said, I enjoyed this book very much! It was a well-layered and character-driven plot. The idea of a Tree of Souls and the different realms was fascinating. I also loved the female leads in the story. There were *girl power/empowerment* moments intermixed with the strongly emotional and heart-wrenching moments.
A few swear words were used in the dialogue, and while there were a few implied sexual situations (narration leading up to those moments), there was nothing explicit.
I hope this author writes more because there is potential for further exploration of this well-crafted world. Highly recommend to fans of fantasy or ancient historical fiction as the idea of migrating clans, sword fighting, and tribal honor are prominent in the storyline.
sanpeilee's review against another edition
4.0
In this naturalistic fantasy, the author seamlessly interweaves past and present storylines, which keeps the reader guessing as to the true relationships between the characters. A bit dark in content, but light to read, this was a delightful story. However, there could have been more development of the present culture, such as the significance of trees and the conflict it created between the Clans and Gherza tribe.
writeramyshannon's review against another edition
5.0
Gripping.
I was pulled in immediately, especially when the first line says "I wish I could remember why I hate myself." Written in first person, and third person, running from "then" and "now" gives the reader an interesting insight into the character. I had to ask myself, "Why would someone hate themselves, especially when they don't remember their own name?" I really enjoyed this book, especially after I realized the relevance of "now" and "then." This is the first book I've read by Archer and I am truly impressed.
I was pulled in immediately, especially when the first line says "I wish I could remember why I hate myself." Written in first person, and third person, running from "then" and "now" gives the reader an interesting insight into the character. I had to ask myself, "Why would someone hate themselves, especially when they don't remember their own name?" I really enjoyed this book, especially after I realized the relevance of "now" and "then." This is the first book I've read by Archer and I am truly impressed.
prettyinpapercuts's review
1.0
Totally not for me. I felt like I was punishing myself when I tried to force myself to trudge on through this book.
deannar's review
3.0
I hesitated between three and four stars for this. The prose was lovely without getting in the way of the story itself. The story was compelling. The only real quibble I have is a bit spoilery, so I'll refrain.
But I liked this, and if the author continues in this genre (fantasy with some light romance), I'll probably read more by her.
But I liked this, and if the author continues in this genre (fantasy with some light romance), I'll probably read more by her.
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