The Iron Tree: Book One of the Crowthistle Chronicles

I adore this series by Cecilia Dart-Thornton. I don't feel that the romance overshadows the adventure, and the detailed world and its cultures I find fascinating. Dart-Thronton is a skilled writer and student of folklore and makes interesting use of it. If you enjoy Juliet Marillier oe Guy Gavriel Kay, you will very likely enjoy this offering as well.One of the things I love about her writing is her beautiful use of language, description, and detail - and I realize this is a matter of taste. It is a slow moving story, but that is because it is the beginning of a tale.If you want lots of action and straight forward writing, look to Jennifer Roberson or Douglas Eddings(both of whom I also enjoy).

This is one of the greatest fantasy books i have ever read, rivaling Harry Potter in suspense and climax. This book is a true fantasy novel. I scoff at the one and two stars, their authors obviously have no imagination or creativity. They must not have read the novel I read because I was amazed and couldn't put it down; It does suck that they die thought, who would have thought mistletoe, a symbol of love.

... on many popular myths and stories. Dart-Thornton makes no apologies for including these popular stories - they're listed in the back of the book. This "hijacking" gives the book a wonderful familiar feeling as you read along, as well as a refreshing story in it's own right. Another thing I should point out is that Dart-Thornton seems unconstrained by the standard rules of heros and heroines. I won't give anything away, suffice to say if you're bored with the generic fantasy, give this series a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the break from routine.

The Iron Tree is a creation of magic in the heart of the city of Cathair Rua. Nestled within its thorny branches is a mysterious jewel that no mere mortal can free. But the tale of The Iron Tree, by Cecilia Dart-Thornton, is a love story, a tragedy, and a promising beginning to a masterful new trilogy. Having enjoyed her previous Bitterbynde trilogy so much, I was curious whether the author could maintain the innovation in her newest work. It thrills me that she did. Her characters have depth and humanity, and the richly detailed setting show that she has already mastered the craft of storytelling. The language of her writing is bold and beautiful, words chosen for the sounds and colors they produce. And with her previous works, she has sharp endings that accelerate the pacing and mystery, making it impossible to put down. The story continues to haunt you, like unseen footsteps, after the final pages are over and the book is put down. Ms Dart-Thornton continues to be one of the most gifted authors I've read in recent years.

Jarrod grew up in the village of R'shael of the Kingdom of Ashqaleth raised by his mother and her family as his father left them promising to return, but never did. His mother, aunt and friends believe that the talisman his sire left him protects Jarrod from harm even earthquakes. Between his mom and his aunt Jarrod is showered with love, but though he reveres and cherishes his relatives, he yearns to learn more about his patriarchal side. Now that he is of an age to journey into the monster laden countryside, Jarrod decides to seek out his father. On the quest, Jarrod meets Lilith, who expects to fall into madness like her grandfather and her mother did before her. She joins his quest with her own to find the cure to her family's affliction. As they work together confronting continual peril after peril, they fall in love. Even minor success like Jarred obtaining information about his paternal side places the duo in deeper danger if that is possible. The first tale of the Crowthistle Chronicles, THE IRON TREE, is a fantastic epic fantasy starring a coming of age champion and a magnificent heroine, both seeking information on their respective families. The story line makes believers of readers that in the Cecilia Dart-Thornton universe monsters seem genuine because some are compassionate while others are killers; humans and half-humans can be divided the same way with some being benevolent and helpful while others evil. This ability to make fantasy creatures and spells an accepted part of mortal life is what makes this action-packed saga terrific except for having to wait for book two. Harriet Klausner