emsrose's review
5.0
"A person who has a poor start in life can still weave a good tapestry, if they make the right choices. Strengthen what's there, and no one will notice the holes." >
The Twisted tree is a Nordic-mythological thriller with an incredibly creepy atmosphere. Overall, I found that this was quite an easy read - I actually read it in a single sitting since I was in a little bit of a slump this week. Although it was simple to follow - I really enjoyed the explanations of the various myths that were scattered throughout the plot. There were a lot of familiar names, but it was really interesting to have these characters introduced in the way that they were. I found the pace of the story was good, I didn't find myself bored or wonder why certain situations were looked over which I appreciated.
The spookiness of the story was actually written very well and at times I actually forgot it was supposed to be a YA book! There was one part (I won't spoil) where I genuinely had a chill run down my body and I had to put down my kindle for a minute or two just so I could process what had happened.
Martha as a character was very head strong and I found that her powers were quite unique and explained very well. She had an interesting back story and her reasons for acting on things were logical and age appropriate (in my opinion) which I find is a common issue within the YA genre. When Stig was introduced, I honestly didn't know what to think about him but in the end I really enjoyed how Burge wrote his character.
I can appreciate that there is a lot of underlying messages involving family ancestry and fate and I found that it was too much in your face as you read; it was more of a latter thought that began to truly stand out in the very ending of the story. I also loved the subtle introduction of the romance and found that despite the events it fit in really well within the plot.
sarahshams's review
2.0
this was WILDY ENTERTAINING....at times.
The premise had me SOLD, so I ventured into this with high expectations, which were more or less fulfilled, I suppose. Yes, I was drawn into the mythology. Yes, I was scared shitless in certain scenes. And yet...altogether it came off as a little amateur.
Why? Mainly because the story was packed into a meagre 125 pages. It felt rushed, and though I'm happy that it didn't drag, I still felt that there was just too much going on at once, and that the clues and hints being given to us were a VERY heavy handed. You know what else was heavy handed? The romance.
you just know that there's going to be insta love when you read the words "peculiar boy" in the blurb.
the entire time I was like GIRL YOU JUST MET A STRANGER SQUATTING IN YOUR DEAD GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE AND YOU'RE SUDDENLY ACTING LIKE HIS SUBURBAN MIDDLE AGED HOUSEWIFE.
In Martha's defence, though, she does have the same reservations in the start, and the situation that brings the two of them together is one borne from necessity more than anything else. I get why she would want someone else to be with her in a creepy cabin, but still...idk. If they wanted to go that way they should have drawn out their relationship. But I'll admit that I'm looking at this book with a slightly biased lens because it's written in first person present tense, which I hate, so that might have pushed my negative opinions on the book a little further.
That being said, it was genuinely fun to read. The whole deal with her left eye, Stig's backstory, her ability, family history, suspense, setting....10/10 for plot elements. 5/10 for execution.
The premise had me SOLD, so I ventured into this with high expectations, which were more or less fulfilled, I suppose. Yes, I was drawn into the mythology. Yes, I was scared shitless in certain scenes. And yet...altogether it came off as a little amateur.
Why? Mainly because the story was packed into a meagre 125 pages. It felt rushed, and though I'm happy that it didn't drag, I still felt that there was just too much going on at once, and that the clues and hints being given to us were a VERY heavy handed. You know what else was heavy handed? The romance.
the entire time I was like GIRL YOU JUST MET A STRANGER SQUATTING IN YOUR DEAD GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE AND YOU'RE SUDDENLY ACTING LIKE HIS SUBURBAN MIDDLE AGED HOUSEWIFE.
In Martha's defence, though, she does have the same reservations in the start, and the situation that brings the two of them together is one borne from necessity more than anything else. I get why she would want someone else to be with her in a creepy cabin, but still...idk. If they wanted to go that way they should have drawn out their relationship. But I'll admit that I'm looking at this book with a slightly biased lens because it's written in first person present tense, which I hate, so that might have pushed my negative opinions on the book a little further.
That being said, it was genuinely fun to read. The whole deal with her left eye, Stig's backstory, her ability, family history, suspense, setting....10/10 for plot elements. 5/10 for execution.
33331111222264's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
thebookraiders's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
reemofbookingdom's review
5.0
4.5 stars
This book honestly deserves more recognition. It's the perfect spooky read!
Seriously, it has everything.
So it takes place on an island in Norway; mainly in a cabin near a forest. There are lots of eerie, creepy vibes. It's based on Norse mythology. It's fast paced and so easy to read and lose yourself in. I found myself getting so immersed, especially during the really creepy scenes, and I might've spooked myself once or twice. But it's not crazy scary though, just the right amount to keep you on your toes.
The characters grew on me really quickly and soon enough I was really relating to them and super invested in their backgrounds. Martha might just be one of my favourite characters now. I'm still hoping we get to learn more about Stig's background in the next book, because he's still a huge mystery to me, and despite everything, I still feel like there's something off about him.
This book honestly deserves more recognition. It's the perfect spooky read!
Seriously, it has everything.
So it takes place on an island in Norway; mainly in a cabin near a forest. There are lots of eerie, creepy vibes. It's based on Norse mythology. It's fast paced and so easy to read and lose yourself in. I found myself getting so immersed, especially during the really creepy scenes, and I might've spooked myself once or twice. But it's not crazy scary though, just the right amount to keep you on your toes.
The characters grew on me really quickly and soon enough I was really relating to them and super invested in their backgrounds. Martha might just be one of my favourite characters now. I'm still hoping we get to learn more about Stig's background in the next book, because he's still a huge mystery to me, and despite everything, I still feel like there's something off about him.
thelunacia's review
Lots of incorrect «information» on Norway and Norwegians. Some of the Norwegian dialogue is incorrect, also there are a few very illogical things of what they do/say. Too annoying.
rinixx's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
samanthaannecompton's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0