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The Fragment Trilogy: The Willow Tree
A young boy disappears from his home, taken by a strange man. The only witness is his young brother.
Twenty years later, that brother is searching for someone - the love of his life is missing, and he follows clues to find her.
There are creatures out there that wear her face, that try to kill him, that want nothing more than to stop him from finding her.
But where is she? Why hasn't she contacted him? And why do these creatures want him out of the way?
This is a new horror novel - the first in a trilogy - that follows this man's journey and the journey of those around him, into the darkness.
Twenty years later, that brother is searching for someone - the love of his life is missing, and he follows clues to find her.
There are creatures out there that wear her face, that try to kill him, that want nothing more than to stop him from finding her.
But where is she? Why hasn't she contacted him? And why do these creatures want him out of the way?
This is a new horror novel - the first in a trilogy - that follows this man's journey and the journey of those around him, into the darkness.
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About the author
Bekki Pate
14 books14 followersAuthor of the Fragment Trilogy:
The Willow Tree
The Shadow Beneath
The Pale Man
Author Page:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bekki-Pate/e...
The Willow Tree
The Shadow Beneath
The Pale Man
Author Page:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bekki-Pate/e...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 29, 2016
I am an avid reader of horror and dark fiction. This makes me somewhat certain of what I like and look for in a book that is classified as horror. Quite simply it needs to be scary, disturbing and make the hairs on my arms stand up. It also needs to be a good story.
I found this book to have strengths and weaknesses and I am going to explain it a bit back to front. The ending is excellent, it was thrilling, dark, disturbing, and totally had me hooked in. But the rest of the book leading up to it was very "vanilla" for me for this genre, nothing very scary going on at all. It was like the book cruised along then really ramped up at the end. I so wish elements as strong as the ending were incorporated at the begging and blended through. That would have made a five star book.
A young boy disappears from his home, taken by a strange man. The only witness is his young brother. Twenty years later, that brother is searching for someone - the love of his life is missing, and he follows clues to find her.
There are creatures out there that wear her face, that try to kill him, that want nothing more than to stop him from finding her. But where is she? Why hasn't she contacted him? And why do these creatures want him out of the way?
It's a readable book, I did not dislike it, it just did not do much for me for most of it that's all. I was thirsty for more depth. The characters are okay but there is one dark character in this book that was written brilliantly, oh my goodness was it good. But I met the character too late in the journey.
I think others might enjoy this book, it's possible I am too much of a seasoned horror reader and used to more of the dark side, therefore like all book reviews this is subjective.I do think the author Bekki has a talent and I got a taste of her sparkle at the end of this book, I would certainly read other books from Bekki in the future. I give this one 3.5 stars. I really wanted to award more but it was a like not a love book for me. Buy hey, you make your own mind up as you may love it. Not all readers of horror, creepy or dark fiction want it as dark as I do.
Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book to read and review, many thanks.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
I found this book to have strengths and weaknesses and I am going to explain it a bit back to front. The ending is excellent, it was thrilling, dark, disturbing, and totally had me hooked in. But the rest of the book leading up to it was very "vanilla" for me for this genre, nothing very scary going on at all. It was like the book cruised along then really ramped up at the end. I so wish elements as strong as the ending were incorporated at the begging and blended through. That would have made a five star book.
A young boy disappears from his home, taken by a strange man. The only witness is his young brother. Twenty years later, that brother is searching for someone - the love of his life is missing, and he follows clues to find her.
There are creatures out there that wear her face, that try to kill him, that want nothing more than to stop him from finding her. But where is she? Why hasn't she contacted him? And why do these creatures want him out of the way?
It's a readable book, I did not dislike it, it just did not do much for me for most of it that's all. I was thirsty for more depth. The characters are okay but there is one dark character in this book that was written brilliantly, oh my goodness was it good. But I met the character too late in the journey.
I think others might enjoy this book, it's possible I am too much of a seasoned horror reader and used to more of the dark side, therefore like all book reviews this is subjective.I do think the author Bekki has a talent and I got a taste of her sparkle at the end of this book, I would certainly read other books from Bekki in the future. I give this one 3.5 stars. I really wanted to award more but it was a like not a love book for me. Buy hey, you make your own mind up as you may love it. Not all readers of horror, creepy or dark fiction want it as dark as I do.
Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book to read and review, many thanks.
For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, and author Q&A events come to: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
December 26, 2014
This is one of the most accomplished debut novels I have ever read. Bekki Pate has crafted something unique and exciting here, with the story interweaving you between a number of different characters whose stories all converge for a shocking and unexpected ending.
The Willow Tree takes the classic ghost story and flips it on its head, with nightmarish creatures, twisted motivations and unrelenting emotion punctuating the narrative and taking you, the reader, on a frightening journey into a completely realised and refreshingly original world.
I cannot recommend The Willow Tree enough, cannot wait for the sequel and know that Bekki Pate is an author to look out for.
The Willow Tree takes the classic ghost story and flips it on its head, with nightmarish creatures, twisted motivations and unrelenting emotion punctuating the narrative and taking you, the reader, on a frightening journey into a completely realised and refreshingly original world.
I cannot recommend The Willow Tree enough, cannot wait for the sequel and know that Bekki Pate is an author to look out for.
October 2, 2015
There really aren't enough horror books out there; I suppose many authors feel that they can't compete with the likes of Stephen King or Michael Slade, but Bekki Pate certainly gives them a run for their money. From the dark and moody cover to the disturbing scenes within, Bekki shows that she can not only compete in this genre but come out on top.
I'm a big fan of the tv show Supernatural, so from the prologue I had visions of Sam and Dean Winchester. Dean wouldn't hesitate to stand up to evil in order to save his little brother Sammy, just like Mark does in The Willow Tree so that he can save Nick. The Supernatural similarities continued with the introduction of shapeshifters and lots of blue goo! Nick becomes a bit of a hunter as he searches for his girlfriend, Jenny, and obliterates all of the fake-Jenny shapeshifters. Jenny's memory has been erased so she doesn't know what horrors she experienced but it also means that she can't find her way home and back to Nick.
Jenny ends up staying with a pair of x-men type friends. Ash and Beth have abilities which mean that they don't fit in to the normal world but they are also a target for the evil Freya. They can protect Jenny to a certain degree but their abilities also make them a target...although also a highly effective weapon in the case of Ash and his burning fireball brain.
I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Freya's life in the 1850's and what happened to cause her to become so evil. It's certainly food for thought for all those bullies out there!
If you love Supernatural on tv and Stephen King books, you'll love The Willow Tree. I'm really looking forward to reading more of the Fragment Trilogy to see how the stories intertwine with this one as it definitely has a "to be continued" ending.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of the tv show Supernatural, so from the prologue I had visions of Sam and Dean Winchester. Dean wouldn't hesitate to stand up to evil in order to save his little brother Sammy, just like Mark does in The Willow Tree so that he can save Nick. The Supernatural similarities continued with the introduction of shapeshifters and lots of blue goo! Nick becomes a bit of a hunter as he searches for his girlfriend, Jenny, and obliterates all of the fake-Jenny shapeshifters. Jenny's memory has been erased so she doesn't know what horrors she experienced but it also means that she can't find her way home and back to Nick.
Jenny ends up staying with a pair of x-men type friends. Ash and Beth have abilities which mean that they don't fit in to the normal world but they are also a target for the evil Freya. They can protect Jenny to a certain degree but their abilities also make them a target...although also a highly effective weapon in the case of Ash and his burning fireball brain.
I really enjoyed the flashbacks to Freya's life in the 1850's and what happened to cause her to become so evil. It's certainly food for thought for all those bullies out there!
If you love Supernatural on tv and Stephen King books, you'll love The Willow Tree. I'm really looking forward to reading more of the Fragment Trilogy to see how the stories intertwine with this one as it definitely has a "to be continued" ending.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2017
Do you ever pick up a book, make a snap assessment on the cover and the blurb and feel you're pretty sure how it's going to play out?
Yeah, well this book completely took me by surprise!! I can't say too much as it would spoil some of the plot, but man....this was not what I was expecting! The story is genuinely unique, with some horrific moments and some genuine moments of suspense.
It is written with extreme confidence and clarity, with Bekki Pate spinning a story that spans numerous characters and their perspectives as well as different time periods. It's a real delight and her characters leap off the page through the brilliant writing!
No book is perfect and I did find that the main antagonist, who was horrifying, was being cruel for cruel's sake, without an explanation for her actions. She had a clear goal, but sometimes was just a little too 'evil'.
I can't divulge the plot, because it really needs to be read, but what I will say is this merges elements of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, paranormal and thriller into one explosive thrill ride that will have your head spinning.
Bravo, Bekki Pate. Bravo!
Yeah, well this book completely took me by surprise!! I can't say too much as it would spoil some of the plot, but man....this was not what I was expecting! The story is genuinely unique, with some horrific moments and some genuine moments of suspense.
It is written with extreme confidence and clarity, with Bekki Pate spinning a story that spans numerous characters and their perspectives as well as different time periods. It's a real delight and her characters leap off the page through the brilliant writing!
No book is perfect and I did find that the main antagonist, who was horrifying, was being cruel for cruel's sake, without an explanation for her actions. She had a clear goal, but sometimes was just a little too 'evil'.
I can't divulge the plot, because it really needs to be read, but what I will say is this merges elements of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, paranormal and thriller into one explosive thrill ride that will have your head spinning.
Bravo, Bekki Pate. Bravo!
December 15, 2015
This is a great read. I love the interlocking stories of Ash, Beth, Freya, Aria/Jenny and Nick. The chapters are snappy and there's a cliff hanger at the end of each one. The story moves along at good, solid pace and builds to quite the crescendo and prepares you for the sequel perfectly. The plot is one that certainly hasn't been covered many times at all. That's all I can really say without giving too much away.
It took a while to get through this but maybe that's more to do with the fact that I've been busy promoting my own book whilst typing up the first draft of my fourth. I do have to admit that after the initial hook (and believe me, I was totally hooked), I lost a little momentum and my interest wained. Again, I blame the aforementioned reason.
If you want a read that's different to a lot of the stuff out at the moment, The Willow Tree; Part 1 of the Fragment Trilogy is definitely for you. I'll most definitely be reading Part 2 when it's released.
It took a while to get through this but maybe that's more to do with the fact that I've been busy promoting my own book whilst typing up the first draft of my fourth. I do have to admit that after the initial hook (and believe me, I was totally hooked), I lost a little momentum and my interest wained. Again, I blame the aforementioned reason.
If you want a read that's different to a lot of the stuff out at the moment, The Willow Tree; Part 1 of the Fragment Trilogy is definitely for you. I'll most definitely be reading Part 2 when it's released.
October 8, 2015
It was hard to know what to expect when I read the synopsis for this book, but it was a very good book. It starts with multiple viewpoints of the main characters. Nicks brother gives himself up to save Nick, Aria tries to escape horrible creatures and Freya, from back in the 1800's loses a baby brother when he drowns in the lake. Nick grows up and becomes a kind of hunter. He is looking for Jenny, his girlfriend and all the characters tie together. Nick does his best to protect Jenny and stop the monsters. It was well written and had strong characters. Definitely worth reading.
October 26, 2015
A supernatural horror story of Aria who loses her memory and finds herself in a building surrounded by flesh eating monsters. She escapes only to be attacked again, this time under a willow tree. She somehow saves herself by drawing on the power of the tree and is finally rescued by some kind people. Who is Aria, what do the monsters want with her and who can she trust?
As the cover proclaims, this is the start of a trilogy published by Britain's Next Bestseller a crowd-funding website where new authors can raise money to publish their works (which I think is a really good idea and no, I'm not sponsored by them). I really hope Bekki gets to publish the rest of this trilogy as I really enjoyed it.
Horror is not my thing, but I love a bit of fantasy and magic, this was just the right mix of gory details and mysteriousness to keep me wanting more. However, I think the characters could have been developed more, in some scenes they were a bit wooden and I didn't really understand how they were feeling. For example a few times a character was just talking and then broke down sobbing, there was no indication that they were feeling that bad.
I liked the storyline, it kept me hooked and I didn't guess the ending which is good. I would recommend this for someone wanting to dip their toe into horror but not have nightmares. I hope Bekki's next books build on this start, can't wait to read them.
As the cover proclaims, this is the start of a trilogy published by Britain's Next Bestseller a crowd-funding website where new authors can raise money to publish their works (which I think is a really good idea and no, I'm not sponsored by them). I really hope Bekki gets to publish the rest of this trilogy as I really enjoyed it.
Horror is not my thing, but I love a bit of fantasy and magic, this was just the right mix of gory details and mysteriousness to keep me wanting more. However, I think the characters could have been developed more, in some scenes they were a bit wooden and I didn't really understand how they were feeling. For example a few times a character was just talking and then broke down sobbing, there was no indication that they were feeling that bad.
I liked the storyline, it kept me hooked and I didn't guess the ending which is good. I would recommend this for someone wanting to dip their toe into horror but not have nightmares. I hope Bekki's next books build on this start, can't wait to read them.
February 20, 2021
Another horror con, another book. I picked this up after talking to the author and as I like a good horror story. Buying a wannabe author’s first book and getting s new horror book. Seemed like win win.
Was this a good story from an emerging author? Or was it lacking something that you get from the more established authors?
Well yes, and no.
A woman escapes a remote hospital/asylum/facility (I’m not entirely sure) that's been attacked by hordes of mysterious, grotesque monsters that have killed and eaten most of the people there and the building is now on fire. She runs and collapses by the side of the road. At the same time two friends, race to this location as one of them had a vision that somebody needs help. The woman’s partner, fearing that she had been killed in this attack, is now leading a one-man war against these monsters, which can disguise themselves to look like anyone; to find out what they want.
The amnesia-stricken woman, names herself Aria, and discovers the people that found her, have special abilities and Aria discovers that she too has powers.
However, the person behind the attack at the hospital, wants, needs this woman now calling herself Aria, and won't stop the legion of monsters under her control until she is caught.
Let's get the good stuff out the way first. The monsters are suitably monstrous, in their description and really add an uneasy nature to them, especially in the first half of the book.
The characters are also well written, being believable and interesting, compelling and you feel their desperate search for what is going on, especially I felt with Nick, trying to avenge his girlfriend.
And now for the not so good. What was going on? I mean really. I get the whole mystery thing, but it's past halfway through the book before you get just the slightest clue of what is going on; and even then it isn't enough to know who or why. Jennifer/Aria, who has lost her memory, worked at the facility. What was this place?
All the characters have some kind of special ability; Nick has premonitions; Jennifer/Aria can harness ‘lifeforce’ from plants; Ash has visions; Beth can heal people by touch. What are these powers? Supernatural? Mutant? Never explained. Four people all thrown together with powers by convenience. Jennifer is being hunted for her unique power by these monsters. But Ash and Beth know nothing of other people with powers, or the monsters. It all seems very separate from each other, and just can seem like a big coincidence that they all come into contact with one another. With the monsters, who is controlling them and their reasons why isn't really expanded on either. Ok, she/it wants Jennifer’s power but who she’s in league with, the bigger bad, isn't explained. There's just a lot of things that aren't even given hints to what is going on to at least part halfway, and even then only half and quarter answered.
While the writing is good, with good, meaty horror bits and the characters are believable and parts of the story are compelling, this lack of answers or just a clear understanding of what is or going to happen brings it down. I’d say the first half of the book is stronger, with monster attacks, Nick’s revenge plot and Jennifer’s/Aria’s fear of the unknown. The interest of the potential finding out what this mystery is kept my interest, but when you started getting little to no explanation to anything my interest waned and I got irritated by it. I knew this was first in a series, but I still expected more to be revealed here.
I feel like I will read the next book in the series, so perhaps this method of keeping too much back actually worked, but I don't do it out of really enjoying it and want more, more just to have a clue on what the first book was all about. While the book certainly has its good moments, the whole unanswered nature of the mystery for me held it back. This might be a recommendation only if the following books are as good and actually go toward answering some of these questions.
A decent book, that had some glaring unanswered questions for me; but that might be more down to my storyline OCD.
Was this a good story from an emerging author? Or was it lacking something that you get from the more established authors?
Well yes, and no.
A woman escapes a remote hospital/asylum/facility (I’m not entirely sure) that's been attacked by hordes of mysterious, grotesque monsters that have killed and eaten most of the people there and the building is now on fire. She runs and collapses by the side of the road. At the same time two friends, race to this location as one of them had a vision that somebody needs help. The woman’s partner, fearing that she had been killed in this attack, is now leading a one-man war against these monsters, which can disguise themselves to look like anyone; to find out what they want.
The amnesia-stricken woman, names herself Aria, and discovers the people that found her, have special abilities and Aria discovers that she too has powers.
However, the person behind the attack at the hospital, wants, needs this woman now calling herself Aria, and won't stop the legion of monsters under her control until she is caught.
Let's get the good stuff out the way first. The monsters are suitably monstrous, in their description and really add an uneasy nature to them, especially in the first half of the book.
The characters are also well written, being believable and interesting, compelling and you feel their desperate search for what is going on, especially I felt with Nick, trying to avenge his girlfriend.
And now for the not so good. What was going on? I mean really. I get the whole mystery thing, but it's past halfway through the book before you get just the slightest clue of what is going on; and even then it isn't enough to know who or why. Jennifer/Aria, who has lost her memory, worked at the facility. What was this place?
All the characters have some kind of special ability; Nick has premonitions; Jennifer/Aria can harness ‘lifeforce’ from plants; Ash has visions; Beth can heal people by touch. What are these powers? Supernatural? Mutant? Never explained. Four people all thrown together with powers by convenience. Jennifer is being hunted for her unique power by these monsters. But Ash and Beth know nothing of other people with powers, or the monsters. It all seems very separate from each other, and just can seem like a big coincidence that they all come into contact with one another. With the monsters, who is controlling them and their reasons why isn't really expanded on either. Ok, she/it wants Jennifer’s power but who she’s in league with, the bigger bad, isn't explained. There's just a lot of things that aren't even given hints to what is going on to at least part halfway, and even then only half and quarter answered.
While the writing is good, with good, meaty horror bits and the characters are believable and parts of the story are compelling, this lack of answers or just a clear understanding of what is or going to happen brings it down. I’d say the first half of the book is stronger, with monster attacks, Nick’s revenge plot and Jennifer’s/Aria’s fear of the unknown. The interest of the potential finding out what this mystery is kept my interest, but when you started getting little to no explanation to anything my interest waned and I got irritated by it. I knew this was first in a series, but I still expected more to be revealed here.
I feel like I will read the next book in the series, so perhaps this method of keeping too much back actually worked, but I don't do it out of really enjoying it and want more, more just to have a clue on what the first book was all about. While the book certainly has its good moments, the whole unanswered nature of the mystery for me held it back. This might be a recommendation only if the following books are as good and actually go toward answering some of these questions.
A decent book, that had some glaring unanswered questions for me; but that might be more down to my storyline OCD.
October 4, 2017
I decided to give this author a go because she's attending an author signing I was going to be at. Honestly, its not my usual cup of tea and i doubt I'd ever even havr looked at this book if not for that. I like to try and read books by as many of the attending authors as I can, kind of a gesture of good will, you know?!
Anyway on to the review...
I have to say the last part of this book was spot on. Thrilling, page turning stuff with a dollop of the unknown thrown in at every turn.
It had me hooked and I allowed through it.
The first half for me was a bit slower. It took me a while to get my head around what was going on and which characters were who and how they were all linked. Reading the blurb, I was expecting a greater emphasis to be placed on the missing brother, I guess that will come more in subsequent books.
I was quite excited when I saw mention of Lincoln, being a Yellowbelly myself. We hardly ever get much of the spotlight in literature, it's all a bit flat and boring round here! That gave me a bit more of a connection with the characters.
All in all, a good read that I really enjoyed but there were parts that I felt a little confused and let down by.
Anyway on to the review...
I have to say the last part of this book was spot on. Thrilling, page turning stuff with a dollop of the unknown thrown in at every turn.
It had me hooked and I allowed through it.
The first half for me was a bit slower. It took me a while to get my head around what was going on and which characters were who and how they were all linked. Reading the blurb, I was expecting a greater emphasis to be placed on the missing brother, I guess that will come more in subsequent books.
I was quite excited when I saw mention of Lincoln, being a Yellowbelly myself. We hardly ever get much of the spotlight in literature, it's all a bit flat and boring round here! That gave me a bit more of a connection with the characters.
All in all, a good read that I really enjoyed but there were parts that I felt a little confused and let down by.
September 17, 2018
This is the first of Bekki Pate’s books I have read. It is essentially a horror story, with lots of gore and creepy moments, but there are a lot of emotional, heartfelt moments between the well-defined characters, which made certain parts even more heartbreaking. I am an ardent horror fan, and it takes a lot to creep me out, so I enjoyed Bekki’s vivid descriptions of bone-crunching and visceral squelching. It made me cringe, so well done, Bekki! I liked the action-packed storyline and the chapters written from the viewpoints of the different characters and the correlations between them. I think Bekki is a really talented writer. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of her work.
October 26, 2017
Horror isn’t really my genre, but I was pleasantly surprised by The Willow Tree; it kept me reading to the end, helped by the mystery aspect as we slowly find out who the amnesiac Aria actually is. A lazy Sunday afternoon read, with dollops of death and gore.
April 3, 2016
Clever and intricate story. Thrilling read. Highly recommended to other readers
The Willow Tree is a fast-paced, heart-racing horror novel that I simply couldn't put down. There was an abundance of drama and suspense on every page to keep me on the edge.
Bekki's compelling story is a cleverly constructed masterpiece that spans across several centuries. This is a complex plot that intertwines a number of lives and souls.
I was particular impressed by Bekki's unique ability to delve deep into the psyche of her characters, clearly depicting their feelings, emotions, fears and dispositions. The characters I was mostly drawn to were Aria, Nick and Freya. I loved the tension that Bekki built up whilst Nick and Aria were under 'house arrest'. Freya's character was equally enthralling. She was a bone-chillingly horrifying creature, and I felt Bekki got to the heart of her innate malice by using razor-sharp, crisp dialogue, vivid imagery and good descriptions.
All the characters were 3D, coming off the page beautifully, and they took me to a completely different realm; a different space and time, where I was mesmerised and completely captivated.
It is a rare gift to be able to make a story literally come off a page. This sensational author has the ability to do this.
I recommend The Willow Tree to other readers. You will be so thrilled that you checked out this amazing book written by a very talented author. I look forward to reading Book 2 in The Willow Tree Trilogy.
The Willow Tree is a fast-paced, heart-racing horror novel that I simply couldn't put down. There was an abundance of drama and suspense on every page to keep me on the edge.
Bekki's compelling story is a cleverly constructed masterpiece that spans across several centuries. This is a complex plot that intertwines a number of lives and souls.
I was particular impressed by Bekki's unique ability to delve deep into the psyche of her characters, clearly depicting their feelings, emotions, fears and dispositions. The characters I was mostly drawn to were Aria, Nick and Freya. I loved the tension that Bekki built up whilst Nick and Aria were under 'house arrest'. Freya's character was equally enthralling. She was a bone-chillingly horrifying creature, and I felt Bekki got to the heart of her innate malice by using razor-sharp, crisp dialogue, vivid imagery and good descriptions.
All the characters were 3D, coming off the page beautifully, and they took me to a completely different realm; a different space and time, where I was mesmerised and completely captivated.
It is a rare gift to be able to make a story literally come off a page. This sensational author has the ability to do this.
I recommend The Willow Tree to other readers. You will be so thrilled that you checked out this amazing book written by a very talented author. I look forward to reading Book 2 in The Willow Tree Trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews