The Vine

by Natalie England

Pepps.

That's what they're called. The mysterious humans with vines woven into their skin. Everyone's heard of them, but no one ever sees them … except when they turn up dead.

When eighteen-year-old Alena traumatically obtains the vine-like mark of a Pepp, suddenly her simple life disappears. Not only does she have to hide from those who seek the lives of the Pepps, but she also finds her natural happiness strangely smothered by a substance created by the vine within her. Hoping to destroy the vine and get her normal life back, Alena searches for the Pepps.

But when the dark truth of her vine is revealed by a handsome Pepp named Mark, Alena is encouraged to join the Pepps for her own safety. With Mark teaching her how to be happy again, she's just beginning to enjoy the world of strange powers and rustic adventures, when her new friends start getting hurt. Suddenly, Alena is forced to find a way to keep the Pepps safe—not only from those who want to eradicate them—but from herself, a teenage girl who could destroy them all.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2024

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Writing!!

I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next one. The author does such a great job, telling an exciting story and setting up mystery. I enjoyed the writing style and was easily able to forget I was reading.

[Lindsay Fawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. It was fun and I read it quickly because I had to know what was going to happen next.

[Cleone Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating story!!!!

I am so enthralled with this book. Much different than most of the books I read. But I really enjoyed the story. I can hardly wait to read book 2

[Julie Housley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing! Natalie England has a deep understanding of awe-inspiring content. I can hardly wait to read more!!!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Danny!!

[Tess DiPiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a world like I haven't seen before! Natalie addresses real issues with depression through the world of fantasy while also introducing us to the Petrichor, the land of the Pepps. The Pepps produce Peppate, which helps us feel happy. But what happens when a group of people are trying to stop the Pepps and steal their power?

I like that our MFC, Alena, feels very real. This is a first-person book, and I love Alena's inner dialogue. This book is a fun, easy read, with a new take on happiness. Throw in a little romance, and I'm hooked! I'm excited to see where the next book will take me.

[Emily Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a different world from the typical “fantasy” I’m use to! But I loved the creativity of it. I blew through reading it because I couldn’t wait to see what happened! Anxiously awaiting the release of the next one! I also love supporting local authors so it’s a win win!!