REVIEWS BY SAHARA FOLEY
The Burning Tree: Book 1: Salvation
Compelling Story
This is the first book by this author I’ve read and it was recommended to me by a friend.
The story doesn’t take place on some far-off -planet but it might as well have with all the world building needed. Artinan’s description of the bunker with the different levels and living conditions makes the reader feel like they’re right there. He also has a grasp of human nature and the human condition. How most people are so willing to follow anyone that makes choices for them so they’re not responsible for their own actions. Sounds like our society today.
I felt the first part of the book was slow as there was excessive repeating of the same events as new characters got involved. And too much describing of ordinary routines, like making tea or getting ready in the morning. Not necessary and just makes the reader want to skip over those parts. The author also had a tendency to get on a Liberal/socialist soap box and those parts did get flipped over.
Then everything went to hell in a handbag. From that point on pages were turned faster and the tension built. I found myself holding my breath, waiting to see what happened. Please don’t let them die. There were a few characters I related to more than others. One is Michelle ad the other Susan. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in book two. Which I will be reading. As for Greenslade, not sure how I feel about him. Is he good or bad? Did he get his just desserts? We shall see.
If you’re a fan of dystopian YA novels like Hunger Games, action and adventure, and family drama, you’ll enjoy this story. I give it 4 stars.
This is the first book by this author I’ve read and it was recommended to me by a friend.
The story doesn’t take place on some far-off -planet but it might as well have with all the world building needed. Artinan’s description of the bunker with the different levels and living conditions makes the reader feel like they’re right there. He also has a grasp of human nature and the human condition. How most people are so willing to follow anyone that makes choices for them so they’re not responsible for their own actions. Sounds like our society today.
I felt the first part of the book was slow as there was excessive repeating of the same events as new characters got involved. And too much describing of ordinary routines, like making tea or getting ready in the morning. Not necessary and just makes the reader want to skip over those parts. The author also had a tendency to get on a Liberal/socialist soap box and those parts did get flipped over.
Then everything went to hell in a handbag. From that point on pages were turned faster and the tension built. I found myself holding my breath, waiting to see what happened. Please don’t let them die. There were a few characters I related to more than others. One is Michelle ad the other Susan. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in book two. Which I will be reading. As for Greenslade, not sure how I feel about him. Is he good or bad? Did he get his just desserts? We shall see.
If you’re a fan of dystopian YA novels like Hunger Games, action and adventure, and family drama, you’ll enjoy this story. I give it 4 stars.
The Burning Tree: Book 2: Rebirth
Action-packed, nail-biting story
This series keeps getting better as it goes along. The writing is tighter in book 2 vs book 1; not as much rehashing of events we already know about, though there still are some soapbox moments.
A lot of research has gone into Phil’s character/background, and being a semi-herbalist myself, I find all the references to the flora quite interesting. I wasn’t too keen on Callie in book 1 as I felt her character was a bit over the top, but I’ve grown to understand her motives. I thought for as much as she moaned about Si missing, her priority would be searching for him once they were topside. But it seemed she just didn’t care. Then it dawned on me, even though it felt like days had passed because of all the action and drama, it was only 24 hours. So, duh, she didn’t have the time.
Talk about drama. What they found topside wasn’t anything they could’ve been prepared for. It was dark and nasty and makes you wonder how far would you go to keep your children and family from starving to death. A situation we might be facing in the near future with the world-wide food shortages looming this fall.
There were a lot of nail-biting moments. Greenslade had his own moral road to cross and, unfortunately, some of the escapees didn’t get the chance. Like poor Chad. At least he didn’t end up seeing the Wizard.
I’ve already started book 3 and it’s proving to be just as action packed and nerve-racking If you love a combination of dystopian and post apocalyptic stories, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend the series and give Rebirth 5 stars.
This series keeps getting better as it goes along. The writing is tighter in book 2 vs book 1; not as much rehashing of events we already know about, though there still are some soapbox moments.
A lot of research has gone into Phil’s character/background, and being a semi-herbalist myself, I find all the references to the flora quite interesting. I wasn’t too keen on Callie in book 1 as I felt her character was a bit over the top, but I’ve grown to understand her motives. I thought for as much as she moaned about Si missing, her priority would be searching for him once they were topside. But it seemed she just didn’t care. Then it dawned on me, even though it felt like days had passed because of all the action and drama, it was only 24 hours. So, duh, she didn’t have the time.
Talk about drama. What they found topside wasn’t anything they could’ve been prepared for. It was dark and nasty and makes you wonder how far would you go to keep your children and family from starving to death. A situation we might be facing in the near future with the world-wide food shortages looming this fall.
There were a lot of nail-biting moments. Greenslade had his own moral road to cross and, unfortunately, some of the escapees didn’t get the chance. Like poor Chad. At least he didn’t end up seeing the Wizard.
I’ve already started book 3 and it’s proving to be just as action packed and nerve-racking If you love a combination of dystopian and post apocalyptic stories, you’ll love this book. I highly recommend the series and give Rebirth 5 stars.
The Burning Tree: Book 3: Infinity
Heart Pounding and a Nail Biter
This is the 3rd book in the series and starts with heart-pounding action. You’ll have to hold onto your hats as it zips along from one encounter to the next. It can be a nail-biter. We’re introduced to some old and new characters, as well as new and old enemies. This book does not finish up the series and there are tons of unanswered questions and events that need resolved. So, if you’re the type of reader that doesn’t want to wait for the next book to be come out, you may want to stay away from it. However, it’s well worth the wait.
What I liked was the world-building. Yes, it takes place on Earth, but the planet has changed. So has the social structures. And, again, I could see the research needed for Phil and his tribe to learn to live off what has started to grow after the cataclysmic event. It still got a bit preachy, but it didn’t distract from the story.
I do have some characters I love and I NEED to know what happened to Greenslade. As for Infinity, that’s an awesome concept but will it last? You know how us humans roll. And I’m curious about the Ferals. I think they might surprise us all.
What I didn’t like – Callie. The more I know her, the less I like her. She’s so self-righteous it grates on my nerves. She’s only 15 yeas old, has made some horrible decisions, and yet everyone follows her like she’s some sort of saint. Nope. Also, everyone is so conscious of their limited resources, yet they use their guns like they have an endless supply of bullets.
I’m very much looking forward to what happens next in the Burning Tree saga. I highly recommend the series to fans who love YA, action adventure, and dystopian tales. I give it 5 stars.
This is the 3rd book in the series and starts with heart-pounding action. You’ll have to hold onto your hats as it zips along from one encounter to the next. It can be a nail-biter. We’re introduced to some old and new characters, as well as new and old enemies. This book does not finish up the series and there are tons of unanswered questions and events that need resolved. So, if you’re the type of reader that doesn’t want to wait for the next book to be come out, you may want to stay away from it. However, it’s well worth the wait.
What I liked was the world-building. Yes, it takes place on Earth, but the planet has changed. So has the social structures. And, again, I could see the research needed for Phil and his tribe to learn to live off what has started to grow after the cataclysmic event. It still got a bit preachy, but it didn’t distract from the story.
I do have some characters I love and I NEED to know what happened to Greenslade. As for Infinity, that’s an awesome concept but will it last? You know how us humans roll. And I’m curious about the Ferals. I think they might surprise us all.
What I didn’t like – Callie. The more I know her, the less I like her. She’s so self-righteous it grates on my nerves. She’s only 15 yeas old, has made some horrible decisions, and yet everyone follows her like she’s some sort of saint. Nope. Also, everyone is so conscious of their limited resources, yet they use their guns like they have an endless supply of bullets.
I’m very much looking forward to what happens next in the Burning Tree saga. I highly recommend the series to fans who love YA, action adventure, and dystopian tales. I give it 5 stars.