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Tress
Ever since little Tess cut off her doll's hands and painted them blood red, she's longed to live in a gruesome fairytale. But when grown-up Tess can hardly tend her own wounds, how can she free a golden-haired woodsman from his curse?
Larissa Brown, author of the Viking love story Beautiful Wreck, crosses genres again with a novella that's part fairytale, part psychological horror, with a dash of fated love.
Tress is a novella of 21,000 words.
Larissa Brown, author of the Viking love story Beautiful Wreck, crosses genres again with a novella that's part fairytale, part psychological horror, with a dash of fated love.
Tress is a novella of 21,000 words.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
5 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Larissa Brown
11 books209 followersLarissa writes epic love stories and creates dramatic designs for hand knitters.
Her first novel, Beautiful Wreck, is a time travel love story set in a fictional 10th century Iceland. So Wild A Dream is a two-book series, set in the same world, which will launch in 2016. Larissa is also the author of the novella Tress, a gothic horror fairytale love story.
She regularly posts photos of her #writingspot on Instagram to share the adventure of writing, and she is the proud owner of the addictive online generator What Does Your Hero Smell Like?
An eclectic reader, Larissa's favorite book this year was A Concise Dictionary of Old Icelandic. She reads speculative fiction, romance, historical fiction and craft books, and has a special love for knitting stitch dictionaries.
A two-time craft author with STC Craft, Larissa has published books, articles and designs with a variety of knitting-related publications. She independently publishes her hand knitting designs. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband Martin and son Sebastian, adorable loser-of-hand-made-hats.
Her first novel, Beautiful Wreck, is a time travel love story set in a fictional 10th century Iceland. So Wild A Dream is a two-book series, set in the same world, which will launch in 2016. Larissa is also the author of the novella Tress, a gothic horror fairytale love story.
She regularly posts photos of her #writingspot on Instagram to share the adventure of writing, and she is the proud owner of the addictive online generator What Does Your Hero Smell Like?
An eclectic reader, Larissa's favorite book this year was A Concise Dictionary of Old Icelandic. She reads speculative fiction, romance, historical fiction and craft books, and has a special love for knitting stitch dictionaries.
A two-time craft author with STC Craft, Larissa has published books, articles and designs with a variety of knitting-related publications. She independently publishes her hand knitting designs. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband Martin and son Sebastian, adorable loser-of-hand-made-hats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 25, 2015
This book is exactly what the author describes - a "Gothic horror fairy tale love story." To me, the story is equal parts The Yellow Wallpaper and The Story of an Hour, with a little bit of the "is this real life?" YouTube kid thrown in. In Tress, one is immediately immersed in the story of the title's heroine. Is she crazy? Are the things she's seeing and experiencing real or do they only exist in her mind? What's the secret the woodsman is keeping from her?
Larissa Brown is an author who excels at lyrical narration. Her worlds are always a mix of the beautiful and the fantastical, laced heavily with the love between flawed but wonderful characters. Although Tress is a novella as opposed to her other work, the full-length novel "Beautiful Wreck," it doesn't scrimp on world creating or character building. Indeed, Tress is nearly as rich as her other work.
If you surrender to it, give in to the text without trying to make it conform to modern ideas of what a story "should" be, you will love this tale.
Larissa Brown is an author who excels at lyrical narration. Her worlds are always a mix of the beautiful and the fantastical, laced heavily with the love between flawed but wonderful characters. Although Tress is a novella as opposed to her other work, the full-length novel "Beautiful Wreck," it doesn't scrimp on world creating or character building. Indeed, Tress is nearly as rich as her other work.
If you surrender to it, give in to the text without trying to make it conform to modern ideas of what a story "should" be, you will love this tale.
June 16, 2015
4 stars - Short, Grim, and Creative
Tess lives in a seemingly fragile world. The Viking Reenactment camp Tess's sister brings her to morphs fantasy into reality. The woodsman of her dreams and drawings appear. Is he cursed or is she becoming increasing frail of mind?
An imaginative and vivid fairy tale that I became immediately immersed in the fluid storytelling. It's a fine example of the creativitity that can be found in independent publishing. I anticipate more of Larissa Brown's work! "Tress" shows Ms. Brown has honed her skill since "Beautiful Wreck." Now, I'm ready for Brosa's story (the widowed brother in "Beautiful Wreck").
Also, please read Jill's wonderfully-written review about this story. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tess lives in a seemingly fragile world. The Viking Reenactment camp Tess's sister brings her to morphs fantasy into reality. The woodsman of her dreams and drawings appear. Is he cursed or is she becoming increasing frail of mind?
An imaginative and vivid fairy tale that I became immediately immersed in the fluid storytelling. It's a fine example of the creativitity that can be found in independent publishing. I anticipate more of Larissa Brown's work! "Tress" shows Ms. Brown has honed her skill since "Beautiful Wreck." Now, I'm ready for Brosa's story (the widowed brother in "Beautiful Wreck").
Also, please read Jill's wonderfully-written review about this story. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 21, 2015
I received this book from the author through LoP in exchange for an honest review.
After losing her hand in an accident, Tess struggles as she finds herself edging away from reality and falling into a fantasy world that resembles the grim fairy tales that she’s always loved. Tess travels with her sister, who struggles to accept Tess after the accident, to a medieval reenactment. Tess finds herself drawn to an ominous man that clearly knows her, whether or not she remembers him, where fantasy and reality blurs into one. This clever short story is an interesting one. One of the things that I like about it is that you can see how Tess’s reality has been skewed in the fairy tale world that she has entered. I think that it could easily fit into a full length novel filled with dark modern-day fairy tales that leave audiences wanting more.
After losing her hand in an accident, Tess struggles as she finds herself edging away from reality and falling into a fantasy world that resembles the grim fairy tales that she’s always loved. Tess travels with her sister, who struggles to accept Tess after the accident, to a medieval reenactment. Tess finds herself drawn to an ominous man that clearly knows her, whether or not she remembers him, where fantasy and reality blurs into one. This clever short story is an interesting one. One of the things that I like about it is that you can see how Tess’s reality has been skewed in the fairy tale world that she has entered. I think that it could easily fit into a full length novel filled with dark modern-day fairy tales that leave audiences wanting more.
May 19, 2015
This bittersweet fairytale haunts. Larissa Brown's lyrical prose sings its way through the story, weaves itself into your heart, and doesn't let go. Andr's and Tress's story evokes so many feelings, fear, hope, love, loathing, sadness, despair, joy, and possibly some emotions that haven't been invented yet. I haven't decided whether the ending is a happy or sad one, and I love that uncertainty. Tress will be in my head for some time, and that's just fine with me.
December 21, 2015
Reading this was like falling into the very best sort of dream.
Ms. Brown again dazzles with her phrases and entraps with the dark and yet soul satisfying plot.
I love this story.
Ms. Brown again dazzles with her phrases and entraps with the dark and yet soul satisfying plot.
I love this story.
September 30, 2020
Dark. Evocative. Warm. Unsettling. Those are the first words that come to mind after I finished this book.
I'm still not sure if Tress is redemptive love story, or the inside view of the main character descending into madness. Maybe it is both? While short, this book feels substantial, like there is more hiding in the shadows that I didn't understand, that I may never understand. But it is a warm horror, and one I imagine I'll return to again. I found myself equally repulsed and drawn to the woodsman. And, by the end, to Tess herself.
Larissa Brown does an exquisite job evoking dark tale with a modern twist, with a faint echo to Charlotte Perkins Gillman's The Yellow Wallpaper. It also reminds me of Neil Gaiman's take on fairy tales, that they were originally dark tales told by adults for adults, and only later transformed for children, with faint echoes of their original gruesome origins. This story is a return to the grand tradition of fairy tales for adults, and a story of return overall.
I look forward to returning to this story again.
I'm still not sure if Tress is redemptive love story, or the inside view of the main character descending into madness. Maybe it is both? While short, this book feels substantial, like there is more hiding in the shadows that I didn't understand, that I may never understand. But it is a warm horror, and one I imagine I'll return to again. I found myself equally repulsed and drawn to the woodsman. And, by the end, to Tess herself.
Larissa Brown does an exquisite job evoking dark tale with a modern twist, with a faint echo to Charlotte Perkins Gillman's The Yellow Wallpaper. It also reminds me of Neil Gaiman's take on fairy tales, that they were originally dark tales told by adults for adults, and only later transformed for children, with faint echoes of their original gruesome origins. This story is a return to the grand tradition of fairy tales for adults, and a story of return overall.
I look forward to returning to this story again.
April 16, 2015
If you like fairy tales you will love this novella. Its like a fairy tale for grown ups! I like that it embraces some of the darker elements of fairy tales (think original Grimm vs. Disney stories) - it makes the character more "real" and of today's real world. Which makes it even more fantastical when fairy tale stuff starts happening!
The only draw back to this story is that its a short one. Like Larissa Brown's other book - Beautiful Wreck- the writing is beautiful and full of colorful imagery. If you have read Beautiful Wreck you will notice some similarities (such as a modern female finding herself transported to "elsewhere" and then falling for a handsome, mysterious man) but also plenty of differences. The set up for Beautiful Wreck is more science fiction while Tress is pure fantasy. While Beautiful Wreck is a book mostly about the past, Tress is much more about today.
The only draw back to this story is that its a short one. Like Larissa Brown's other book - Beautiful Wreck- the writing is beautiful and full of colorful imagery. If you have read Beautiful Wreck you will notice some similarities (such as a modern female finding herself transported to "elsewhere" and then falling for a handsome, mysterious man) but also plenty of differences. The set up for Beautiful Wreck is more science fiction while Tress is pure fantasy. While Beautiful Wreck is a book mostly about the past, Tress is much more about today.
August 23, 2015
Thank you Larissa Brown for the opportunity to read your book. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review LoP (Lovers of Paranormal).
Tress is the story of a woman attempting to discover the truth behind the events, dark fantasy dreams, obsessions that have plagued her life. Tess's world begins to unfold during a re-enactment camp her sister, Gina, thought would assist in bringing her back to reality. Instead Tess is drawn deeper into her fantasy world. As Tess pieces together her life and connection to the woodsman, she realizes that she will have to leave one life for happiness in another.
Although it was a short read, I thoroughly enjoed the book. It keep me wondering about Tess's connection to the past and the woodsman. In finding the it was all about Tess's past and choices she made was reviting.
Tress is the story of a woman attempting to discover the truth behind the events, dark fantasy dreams, obsessions that have plagued her life. Tess's world begins to unfold during a re-enactment camp her sister, Gina, thought would assist in bringing her back to reality. Instead Tess is drawn deeper into her fantasy world. As Tess pieces together her life and connection to the woodsman, she realizes that she will have to leave one life for happiness in another.
Although it was a short read, I thoroughly enjoed the book. It keep me wondering about Tess's connection to the past and the woodsman. In finding the it was all about Tess's past and choices she made was reviting.
July 2, 2015
Over the past nine months Tress has struggled to recover from the accident which took one of her hands. Her sister invited her for a weekend away at a medieval reenactment. It is here, past the tents, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs and flashback-like episodes of other places and times interrupt her. Echoing sketches from her extensive journals, is Tress drawn into a dark fairy tale world where she must free the woodsman or has her fragile hold on the world slipped completely out of her grasp?
This is a quick read, it's a novella so you won't stay up too far past your bedtime to finish it. Brown has again written an engaging story with thoughtful world and character building.
This is a quick read, it's a novella so you won't stay up too far past your bedtime to finish it. Brown has again written an engaging story with thoughtful world and character building.
July 5, 2015
Once I could sit and read more than 2 minutes at a time, I wholly fell head first into this book.
Tress and Andr. Cursed and condemned. Fighting throughout time to find each other over and over again, only to end in disappointment and heart ache.
There was always enough intrigue to keep me glued to the page, and once the back story came through I was full in.
(There were points where I was thinking *Is she really actually mental? Is this all figments of her broken mind? Please don't be a broken mind...*)
I loved this story.
The only downer is there wasn't more of it! I enjoyed so much getting lost in this fantasy I was sad when it was over.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP, r2r)
Tress and Andr. Cursed and condemned. Fighting throughout time to find each other over and over again, only to end in disappointment and heart ache.
There was always enough intrigue to keep me glued to the page, and once the back story came through I was full in.
(There were points where I was thinking *Is she really actually mental? Is this all figments of her broken mind? Please don't be a broken mind...*)
I loved this story.
The only downer is there wasn't more of it! I enjoyed so much getting lost in this fantasy I was sad when it was over.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP, r2r)
May 6, 2015
It's no secret that I love Larissa Brown's work. Ever since 'Beautiful Wreck', I've been smitten by her sumptuously colorful and evocative prose. Her ability to blend words, colors, scents, and sounds, never fails to transport this particular reader to a realm far beyond the ordinary.
I'm delighted to report that Larissa's latest venture is just as good as "Wreck." "Tress" a deliciously dark tale worthy of The Brothers Grimm. It's a fairy-tale for grown-ups, part romance, part horror/suspense, part fantasy and, written in Larissa's own unique style, 100% absorbing.
Loved it! Definitely another one for my keeper shelf.
I'm delighted to report that Larissa's latest venture is just as good as "Wreck." "Tress" a deliciously dark tale worthy of The Brothers Grimm. It's a fairy-tale for grown-ups, part romance, part horror/suspense, part fantasy and, written in Larissa's own unique style, 100% absorbing.
Loved it! Definitely another one for my keeper shelf.
May 18, 2015
A strangely creepy fairy tale, in a good way. I love the way Larissa Brown thinks and writes. The multiple layers of this story make you wonder is it a happy fairy tale ending or not? I'll leave that for you to decide. I may have to go back and read it again just to get all the subtle nuances of the story. It is simply a beautiful tale and definitely worth reading.
May 15, 2015
In this lovely novella, nothing is as it seems and danger is all around. The mix of modern language and fairy tale imagery is masterful and the story spooked me but good!
August 23, 2015
Beautiful and captivating dark fairytale.
Want to Read
May 21, 2015I love the cover. ;-)
August 21, 2023
2, maybe 2.5 stars? Is it magic or mental illness? A dark and lusty fairytale reminiscent of The Yellow Wallpaper. A fanciful young woman obsessed with fairytales spirals into fantasy after losing a hand in a traumatic accident. Maybe the stories she makes up are preferable to reality? Needs more sexy woodcutter. I was left wanting more from this novella.
September 5, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/tr...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Rolling of the page like a fairy tale, eloquent words elucidating a tale of wonder and excitement, Tress is definitely a novella worth the read. The anachronisms are aplenty as one gently slides from the real world to the realm of the enchanted; a gentle blend of modern medicine with its computerized prosthetics, and a firm root in the realm of the surreal realm of the fae, Tress shines in this regard. It’s a tragic tale of the survival and coping mechanisms of a traumatized girl who has grown to a young woman and the fantastical, often phantasmagorical journey through her mind.
Tress, or Tess as the book names her depending on the situation, Is a complete character package. Her words ring true to her nature and not once does the third person subjective prose waver. The words run smoothly out of the novella, giving the character the persona she needs to shine through on her journey, the character study that lie at the heart of Tress Weaving the modern day Tess to the fairy tale Tress is skillfully and subtly done, reflecting the mental trauma and sly shifts between reality and fantasy that Tess experiences. From mental wards to wood cutters shacks in medieval times, Tess’ worlds rocks in tandem with her disorder.
The book is deftly written, stylistically mimicking tales of old, with a complex underlying backstory that is revealed at a fairy tale pace. The prose reads light and airy, very wordy but not overly so and lulls the reader into a false sense of security, an event common in most fairy tales; but it leaves you breathless in the final chapter befitting of Hans Christian Anderson. The novella’s prose carries this well, as Tess’ mind flips between fact and flights of fancy. Only the pertinent information is disclosed causing a sense of interaction between the reader and the mind of a mentally traumatized woman. It’s this connection that makes the story so poignant and powerful.
The plot spins and curls on itself, winding it into a ball where it is just as difficult telling the real from the unreal as it is for the protagonist Tess. Weaving the fractured mind of a girl who suffered an accident in her youth, and who has never gotten over it from childhood, is a difficult thing to do, but Tress pulls it off brilliantly. The real part of the story and the fairy tale aspect are dexterously handled and praise must be lauded on Larissa Brown for managing this. Within the short confines of the format of the novella is a rousing, stimulating, and engaging read.
This book is difficult to pin down in terms of genre. Crossing the fairy tale lines with modern day psychological issues, it plays on both sides of the worlds, both real and fantastical. Not really a modern fairy tale, as other authors have jumped through the hoops of, Tress plays more to the psychological thriller written in the manner of a fairy tale. This is definitely a more modern, newer horizon that Larissa has paved road on.
I can’t recommend this novella enough. No matter what your taste or genre you fall into, you will definitely pull something out of Tress. A skillful masterpiece of fiction awaits and Larissa Brown hands it out in spades for any discerning reader. A quick and powerful read, Tress definitely merits a five out of five rating and will leave you wanting more. With few exceptions have I read a more compelling story, and I highly recommend this treat to everyone.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Rolling of the page like a fairy tale, eloquent words elucidating a tale of wonder and excitement, Tress is definitely a novella worth the read. The anachronisms are aplenty as one gently slides from the real world to the realm of the enchanted; a gentle blend of modern medicine with its computerized prosthetics, and a firm root in the realm of the surreal realm of the fae, Tress shines in this regard. It’s a tragic tale of the survival and coping mechanisms of a traumatized girl who has grown to a young woman and the fantastical, often phantasmagorical journey through her mind.
Tress, or Tess as the book names her depending on the situation, Is a complete character package. Her words ring true to her nature and not once does the third person subjective prose waver. The words run smoothly out of the novella, giving the character the persona she needs to shine through on her journey, the character study that lie at the heart of Tress Weaving the modern day Tess to the fairy tale Tress is skillfully and subtly done, reflecting the mental trauma and sly shifts between reality and fantasy that Tess experiences. From mental wards to wood cutters shacks in medieval times, Tess’ worlds rocks in tandem with her disorder.
The book is deftly written, stylistically mimicking tales of old, with a complex underlying backstory that is revealed at a fairy tale pace. The prose reads light and airy, very wordy but not overly so and lulls the reader into a false sense of security, an event common in most fairy tales; but it leaves you breathless in the final chapter befitting of Hans Christian Anderson. The novella’s prose carries this well, as Tess’ mind flips between fact and flights of fancy. Only the pertinent information is disclosed causing a sense of interaction between the reader and the mind of a mentally traumatized woman. It’s this connection that makes the story so poignant and powerful.
The plot spins and curls on itself, winding it into a ball where it is just as difficult telling the real from the unreal as it is for the protagonist Tess. Weaving the fractured mind of a girl who suffered an accident in her youth, and who has never gotten over it from childhood, is a difficult thing to do, but Tress pulls it off brilliantly. The real part of the story and the fairy tale aspect are dexterously handled and praise must be lauded on Larissa Brown for managing this. Within the short confines of the format of the novella is a rousing, stimulating, and engaging read.
This book is difficult to pin down in terms of genre. Crossing the fairy tale lines with modern day psychological issues, it plays on both sides of the worlds, both real and fantastical. Not really a modern fairy tale, as other authors have jumped through the hoops of, Tress plays more to the psychological thriller written in the manner of a fairy tale. This is definitely a more modern, newer horizon that Larissa has paved road on.
I can’t recommend this novella enough. No matter what your taste or genre you fall into, you will definitely pull something out of Tress. A skillful masterpiece of fiction awaits and Larissa Brown hands it out in spades for any discerning reader. A quick and powerful read, Tress definitely merits a five out of five rating and will leave you wanting more. With few exceptions have I read a more compelling story, and I highly recommend this treat to everyone.
November 22, 2022
I have been looking for a story (and a romance) that isn't just fluff or all about sex.
This novella is going in my "Will re-read REPEATEDLY and often!" List.
I had just said to my husband that I was sick of "junk" books and wanted an actual good story. One where I am devastated that it's over because my time with the characters has come to an end.
This was it.
I absolutely loved this short story and my only regret is that it is just that - a short story.
It's hours later and I'm still thinking about the characters.
The world building and details were perfect.
I am super excited to move on to the author's novel "Beautiful Wreck" but at the same time, I'm not entirely ready to leave the world and characters of Tress behind yet.
This novella is going in my "Will re-read REPEATEDLY and often!" List.
I had just said to my husband that I was sick of "junk" books and wanted an actual good story. One where I am devastated that it's over because my time with the characters has come to an end.
This was it.
I absolutely loved this short story and my only regret is that it is just that - a short story.
It's hours later and I'm still thinking about the characters.
The world building and details were perfect.
I am super excited to move on to the author's novel "Beautiful Wreck" but at the same time, I'm not entirely ready to leave the world and characters of Tress behind yet.
June 8, 2021
This book I accidentally got it from the book store due to a mistaken of the seller. I think it's might be great that I will reading the book that out of my order. I focused to read it day by day & I struggled that what this book communicated me? But I'm grateful that it's was opened my mind to read this.
I most felt fascinated and lost for a first chapter but after pages-to-pages I felt that "this book is magical that it's make me asked myself. Shall I should turned this book to the store?" That is my problem.
So I don't know that you like this book or not? But if yes. Please reviews it. I can't wait to read your comments.
Vicky C.
I most felt fascinated and lost for a first chapter but after pages-to-pages I felt that "this book is magical that it's make me asked myself. Shall I should turned this book to the store?" That is my problem.
So I don't know that you like this book or not? But if yes. Please reviews it. I can't wait to read your comments.
Vicky C.
May 21, 2015
A dark fairytale reminiscent of Grimm. I loved the interplay between the modern Tess and the fairytale world she finds herself drawn to. It's not "time travel" per se but has that kind of transported to another era feel to it that I really love. Sadly it's a novella and was over much too quickly.
Brown has a lovely way with words and like her previous novel Beautiful Wreck this book is full of evocative imagery and beautiful phrasing.
Brown has a lovely way with words and like her previous novel Beautiful Wreck this book is full of evocative imagery and beautiful phrasing.
May 20, 2015
This book wasn't quite what I was thinking it would be but I enjoyed the story anyway. I think that anyone that enjoyed Beautiful Wreck should read this book as well. It is not the sweeping big love story that Beautiful Wreck was BUT it is a love story and it does take you out of time for a bit.
January 4, 2016
Hmmm
This was different from anything I've ever read. A fractured fairy tale. An interesting concept. I'm looking forward to Ms. Brown's next work.
This was different from anything I've ever read. A fractured fairy tale. An interesting concept. I'm looking forward to Ms. Brown's next work.
November 23, 2016
Just don't know how to describe the book! Scary! Time-travel, of course!
Not un-interesting.
Not un-interesting.
June 22, 2016
What a lovely story, I just love the way it was told, and how the couple get to know each other
August 11, 2018
"I am cursed," he says. "To chop wood through all time."
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews