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The Tree House #2
The Trial
Jack Morgan's world comes crashing down around him the day he receives a strange letter from his parents urging him and Ben to disappear. Feeling betrayed and confused, the brothers instead decide to go searching for answers. Neither of them could have ever imagined the truth behind their parents' desperate message and that Ben's mysterious past is coming back to haunt him.
- GenresYoung Adult
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2014
1 person is currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Shay Lynam
9 books111 followersShay Lynam is a writer, owner of a fandom-inspired candle business, mom, and wife. Whether writing a young adult thriller/romance or figuring out what scent would be perfect for a K-pop-inspired candle, she’s almost always finding ways to be creative. A NaNoWriMo rebel through and through, she usually tries to figure out unconventional ways to get to 50,000 words during the month, whether it be writing fanfiction, short stories, or choose-your-own-adventure novels. Shay has self-published multiple young adult books as well as contributed to a horror anthology. She lives near Seattle, Washington with her husband, three children, and about 36 houseplants. Follow her on Instagram @authorshaylynam
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 19, 2014
Several weeks ago, I read and reviewed THE TREE HOUSE by Shay Lynam. I was very impressed by that book and its balance between action and emotion. THE TRIAL is the second book in THE TREE HOUSE trilogy, but actually serves as a prequel. As much as I loved Lynam’s first offering, I was a little apprehensive about diving into THE TRIAL. You might ask why? Well, THE TRIAL focused on Jack, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of this character.
With that said, THE TRIAL surpassed my expectations. I’m so glad that I went into this book with an open-mind, because it was a truly excellent read.
As already mentioned, much of this dystopian adventure focuses on the backstory of Jack. It is actually split into two halves. The first told from the perspective of Jack and the second part told from the vantage point of his brother Ben. The author did a wonderful job of really putting you into the hearts and minds of these characters. Jack, in particular, felt so realistic this time around. He was very multi-faceted. He struggled through layers of fear, guilt, and duty, while the world he once knew crumbled around him. Like in the first novel, there is a deep psychological element to this story.
The action is brisk and there are some rousing, crowd-pleaser moments. The tension runs high throughout the tale as the brothers navigate life-and-death situations. There is nice attention to detail. Lynam does a great job describing both the physical and emotional developments in scenes. The pacing is well balanced between the action elements and the fleshing out of these two brothers. As someone with two brothers, I think Jack and Ben’s interactions were quite believable.
My only real complaint is that I wish that this book had a better balance between male and female characters. At times, it seems like it was only the male characters kicking ass. The bat scene was cool, but I could use more of that. That’s just my preference, however. I happen to enjoy books with females who can hold their own in a fight.
The Trial is quite serious and grim in tone, but humor is woven throughout. Once again, I think this made scenes more realistic and entertaining. The violence is gripping, and – at times – even shocking. This added to the layers of tension that you’ll feel when reading the book. Writing a prequel is always tricky, since the reader will hopefully already know what happens to a bunch of the characters. I was impressed that I could still be at the edge-of-my seat, despite knowing a bit of the “end game” in advance. There were quite a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting!
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Whether you’ve read book one in THE TREE HOUSE TRILOGY or not, I think you will have a blast with THE TRIAL. In some ways, I wished I’d read this book first. I look forward to the conclusion of this stellar series.
With that said, THE TRIAL surpassed my expectations. I’m so glad that I went into this book with an open-mind, because it was a truly excellent read.
As already mentioned, much of this dystopian adventure focuses on the backstory of Jack. It is actually split into two halves. The first told from the perspective of Jack and the second part told from the vantage point of his brother Ben. The author did a wonderful job of really putting you into the hearts and minds of these characters. Jack, in particular, felt so realistic this time around. He was very multi-faceted. He struggled through layers of fear, guilt, and duty, while the world he once knew crumbled around him. Like in the first novel, there is a deep psychological element to this story.
The action is brisk and there are some rousing, crowd-pleaser moments. The tension runs high throughout the tale as the brothers navigate life-and-death situations. There is nice attention to detail. Lynam does a great job describing both the physical and emotional developments in scenes. The pacing is well balanced between the action elements and the fleshing out of these two brothers. As someone with two brothers, I think Jack and Ben’s interactions were quite believable.
My only real complaint is that I wish that this book had a better balance between male and female characters. At times, it seems like it was only the male characters kicking ass. The bat scene was cool, but I could use more of that. That’s just my preference, however. I happen to enjoy books with females who can hold their own in a fight.
The Trial is quite serious and grim in tone, but humor is woven throughout. Once again, I think this made scenes more realistic and entertaining. The violence is gripping, and – at times – even shocking. This added to the layers of tension that you’ll feel when reading the book. Writing a prequel is always tricky, since the reader will hopefully already know what happens to a bunch of the characters. I was impressed that I could still be at the edge-of-my seat, despite knowing a bit of the “end game” in advance. There were quite a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting!
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Whether you’ve read book one in THE TREE HOUSE TRILOGY or not, I think you will have a blast with THE TRIAL. In some ways, I wished I’d read this book first. I look forward to the conclusion of this stellar series.
June 27, 2014
Lynam gave me the opportunity to review The Trial just a few weeks ago after I reviewed book 1, The Treehouse. Going into this story, I thought, it’s a sequel. It’s not going to be that good. Admittedly, I was wrong. The main focus was on Jack. If you’ve read the first book you’ll know who he is. However, if you have not read it yet, I won’t spoil it for you. The story is told in 2 parts. One from Jack’s point of view and the other from his brother. Lynam does an amazing job describing everything. I felt every emotion, all the tension while reading this. It really does suck you in and keeps you interested. I look forward to reading the next installment. Well done!!
December 31, 2015
Having previously read, and enjoyed, The Tree House I couldn't wait to read this book. It serves as a prequel to The Tree House but new readers can read the series in either order in my opinion.
Jack was one of the main characters in the first book and being able to read about his story prior to that of The Tree House was a huge bonus for me. It allowed me to fully understand his character, the things he has done and said, and get beneath the exterior image he portrays.
The relationship between Jack and his brother Ben is extremely well written. They are friends as well as brothers and that shines through in this book.
I liked that the author has written this story from both Jack and Bens' points of view. This allows the reader to get inside their minds, see from their perspectives exactly what they are going through/being put through. It also explains a lot of what went on in the latter part of book 1.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, especially after reading the first chapter of it at the end of this one.
Jack was one of the main characters in the first book and being able to read about his story prior to that of The Tree House was a huge bonus for me. It allowed me to fully understand his character, the things he has done and said, and get beneath the exterior image he portrays.
The relationship between Jack and his brother Ben is extremely well written. They are friends as well as brothers and that shines through in this book.
I liked that the author has written this story from both Jack and Bens' points of view. This allows the reader to get inside their minds, see from their perspectives exactly what they are going through/being put through. It also explains a lot of what went on in the latter part of book 1.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, especially after reading the first chapter of it at the end of this one.
February 7, 2024
The first two thirds of the story the writing was bad and the characters had no personality, but the story was interesting so I was going to give this two stars. Then in part 2 the pov changed (without changing the voice at all that I could tell) and the story ceased to make any sense whatsoever and seemed to be an exercise in showing how horrible the bad guys were while repeatedly going for shock value. It's on me that I read the second book of a series without having read the first, thinking because it is a prequel it would be all right, but I am confident that reading in the correct order would not have saved this and I am not at all confident I would have made myself finish the first book anyway.
July 14, 2014
Coming straight from The Tree House, first book in the series I was completely shocked about the direction the author took the book. In the first book (The Tree House) I was left wanting to know more about the characters and how did everything come to that point. Is the author reading the readers mind? That is exactly what you get. I liked the better understanding of the characters and the background of how the events unfold. I read the teaser on the next installment and another SHOCK in the direction... Good stuff!
August 17, 2014
**Copy given by author for an honest review**
WOW!! Again Shay Lynam completely gripped me from the first page. I loved the suspense that had me on the edge of my seat. It felt like I was holding my breath to the very end. Simply amazing. I loved seeing Jack and Ben together and how they came to the tree house with the others.
I already loved Jack and really loved seeing another side of him. All I can really say about Ben is WOW. I don’t want to give anything away, but I love Ben. I really was intrigued by learning about Ben and everything he has gone through and what has brought him to the point he is at.
If you read and loved the Tree House, then you have to read this. If you enjoy suspense, then this series is a must read.
WOW!! Again Shay Lynam completely gripped me from the first page. I loved the suspense that had me on the edge of my seat. It felt like I was holding my breath to the very end. Simply amazing. I loved seeing Jack and Ben together and how they came to the tree house with the others.
I already loved Jack and really loved seeing another side of him. All I can really say about Ben is WOW. I don’t want to give anything away, but I love Ben. I really was intrigued by learning about Ben and everything he has gone through and what has brought him to the point he is at.
If you read and loved the Tree House, then you have to read this. If you enjoy suspense, then this series is a must read.
October 13, 2014
A must read!
Didn't think it was possible. This book was even better than the first, in my opinion. Now I need to see if the third book is available. I MUST read it now!!! Excellent job Shay!
Didn't think it was possible. This book was even better than the first, in my opinion. Now I need to see if the third book is available. I MUST read it now!!! Excellent job Shay!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews