Title: A Treason of Thorns

Author: 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.

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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.

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My Review

“Whether I have the protection of a Caretaker’s key or not, I am Violet Helena Sterling. I was born to look after this land, and to care for Burleigh House. No matter the cost. No matter the risks involved.”

The plot is spellbinding and narrates a story I never knew I wanted to read. It’s a story that is deeply rooted within the pages and Violet’s life. It’s not just a story about saving a house, but also about finding your place in this world and rediscovering yourself.

Violet is a strong and brave protagonist, who believes her duty in life is to protect Burleigh and provide Burleigh with anything the House may need. She doesn’t believe her life is meant for anything else. But as she starts to clean up the mess that is Burleigh and reconnect with her best friend, she starts to understand that maybe, just maybe, her life can exist beyond Burleigh. That maybe her life can be her own and not shared with Burleigh. But how can Violet let go of her House and the love she has for it and her family name?

“A good Caretaker puts her House before king. Before country. Before family. Before her own life, even.”

Violet’s relationship with Burleigh is touching and moving; she treats the house as a loved one and vows to do anything to protect and restore Burleigh. Even if it means sacrificing her own life. Violet and Burleigh share a bond that not many Caretakers have shared with their Houses; Burleigh loves Violet in return and when she comes back, Burleigh shows her memories of the past. And in one of those memories, Violet understands what she needs to do: she needs to find Burleigh’s deed and unbind Burleigh from its contract with the devilish king. If she can free Burleigh, then the land and its people will prosper. But it isn’t as easy as it seems, and it could cost Violet her life.

Weymouth’s writing is mesmerizing and captivating; the scenes came to life and the characters were vivid pictures in my head, especially Burleigh. I could feel the anguish between Violet and Burleigh, and I could understand why Violet wanted to save her land and her House. Weymouth weaves a beautiful tale with beautiful writing that will easily make any reader feel a connection with these characters.

A Treason of Thorns isn’t just spellbinding; it’s gripping and magical. I loved the world building and character development throughout the book. I also liked seeing the struggles Violet goes through to try to restore her land; as the reader, I could tell she really wanted this, even after she discovered something else she wanted just as much. A Treason of Thorns is, overall, a beautifully written tale, one that I would easily recommend to anyone.

Giveaway

Prize: Win signed copies of Laura E. Weymouth’s books: THE LIGHT BETWEEN WORLDS and A TREASON OF THORNS (US/CAN only)

Starts: 10^th September 2019

Ends: 24^th September 2019

Thank you, Fantastic Flying Book Club, for having us on this wonderful blog tour!