The Tree of Bones is just as author J. Bryer advertises, horror for the young adult. I should learn to read author profiles before purchasing. That aside this isn't by any means a poorly written tale, just not the "graphic supernatural chill fest" I was looking forward to. So, here we go with thoughts on The Tree of Bones. By the way, if you know anything about RTS and me then you know the Ukraine twist on this tale caught my eye, as well.
Right from the start, I did not care for the prologue. It seemed like fodder to boost word count more than anything else. Angeline Stevens is seventeen and about to embark for Eastern Europe on a month long excursion. She doesn't want to go — rather hang at home with the boyfriend, seeing how she is so mature and all. I found this a bit unbelievable that she would not be thrilled with the opportunity. I let it go because I don't know how every teen would respond to such an opportunity.
I didn't care for Angeline as a character. She was shallow, petty and a brat. So, when she became held up in the salt mine, I rooted for the spirit to terrorize and eventually succumb her will. It did of course and then the real nightmare ensues once she is rescued and returns home to Logan Falls. She is of course a different person. In many parts of the tale it seemed rushed if not forced to complete. The scant 145 pages easily could have blossomed to 245 with some more detail and attention to Angeline, Melinda and her family — not to mention the spirit. You know the supernatural part of the story.
Basically, for me this was a story with great potential that wasn't fully flushed out. I would love to think that the author will tackle this tale again sometime in the future and tighten it up and explore the plot so nicely begun. It may easily be that it is a young adult horror story ad I was still wandering in the more mature scare? Also, the Ukraine angle was a little flat, sad to say.
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