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The Poison Tree Path Chronicles #1
Chains of Gwyndorr
Secret schemes. Stolen magic.
Trapped behind Gwyndorr’s towering walls, Shara longs to unlock the secrets that surround her. She believes the Cerulean Dusk Dreamer is the key. The power rock gives vivid dreams of the past and future but it also has a dark side.
Its forces lay siege to her future, tightening her chains. In seeking help, Shara rekindles a forbidden friendship with Nicho, the Lowborn lawbreaker facing banishment to the Rif’twine Forest.
Together, Shara and Nicho must thwart the plans of their enemies. But what if the power they unleash is an even greater chain than what they’ve come to bear?
Trapped behind Gwyndorr’s towering walls, Shara longs to unlock the secrets that surround her. She believes the Cerulean Dusk Dreamer is the key. The power rock gives vivid dreams of the past and future but it also has a dark side.
Its forces lay siege to her future, tightening her chains. In seeking help, Shara rekindles a forbidden friendship with Nicho, the Lowborn lawbreaker facing banishment to the Rif’twine Forest.
Together, Shara and Nicho must thwart the plans of their enemies. But what if the power they unleash is an even greater chain than what they’ve come to bear?
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
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726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 12, 2023
I don't often re-read books, but Chains of Gwyndorr by Joan Campbell was very much worth it! I first read this fantasy novel in 2017 and loved it! But I wasn't able to get my hands on Book Two right away and soon it was pushed to the wayside. Well, I've been longing for a good, fantastical tale recently and realized I hadn't finished The Poison Tree Path Chronicles, so here I am!
There is an array of POV characters in this series. Some of them took longer for me to get interested in than others, but as their stories intersected more and more, I became intrigued with each voice!
Shara is a fiery, sixteen-year-old; always butting heads with her highborn guardians and determined to find out the mysteries of her past. Nicho is the groom at her guardian's estate. He is fighting for a better life for his people by teaching young boys how to read and write. There's also a secretive monk and a ghost of a woman bent on revenge. Not to mention a cold, powerful lord who has his own plans for young Shara. And, affecting them all is the poisoned forest that is creeping closer and closer, trying to swallow up Gwyndorr.
Joan Campbell's world thrilled my fantasy-loving heart. It was great hearing about the legends and myths whispered about in Gwyndorr and Tirragyl, and then seeing them come to life. Learning about the stones of power was interesting, while the discovery of ancient, forbidden writings and the red bird makes hope spring up! There's nothing like a story of a medieval kingdom with magical themes, a wicked villain, and a group of intriguing characters working together for the greater good while also fighting their own, personal battles. I can just get lost in those stories.
There seems to be a Christian allegory woven into this tale. I loved to see the glimpses of light and power, and the mentions of the true God. Excited to see how the faith theme continues.
This series follows a teenage girl and boy, as well as some older adults. It's perhaps geared toward Young Adult. It does have a fair amount of mentions of the immoral lifestyles of certain characters.
All in all, a delight to read! Chains of Gwyndorr comes to an exciting end, leaving you ready to dive into the next book, Heirs of Tirragyl!
There is an array of POV characters in this series. Some of them took longer for me to get interested in than others, but as their stories intersected more and more, I became intrigued with each voice!
Shara is a fiery, sixteen-year-old; always butting heads with her highborn guardians and determined to find out the mysteries of her past. Nicho is the groom at her guardian's estate. He is fighting for a better life for his people by teaching young boys how to read and write. There's also a secretive monk and a ghost of a woman bent on revenge. Not to mention a cold, powerful lord who has his own plans for young Shara. And, affecting them all is the poisoned forest that is creeping closer and closer, trying to swallow up Gwyndorr.
Joan Campbell's world thrilled my fantasy-loving heart. It was great hearing about the legends and myths whispered about in Gwyndorr and Tirragyl, and then seeing them come to life. Learning about the stones of power was interesting, while the discovery of ancient, forbidden writings and the red bird makes hope spring up! There's nothing like a story of a medieval kingdom with magical themes, a wicked villain, and a group of intriguing characters working together for the greater good while also fighting their own, personal battles. I can just get lost in those stories.
There seems to be a Christian allegory woven into this tale. I loved to see the glimpses of light and power, and the mentions of the true God. Excited to see how the faith theme continues.
This series follows a teenage girl and boy, as well as some older adults. It's perhaps geared toward Young Adult. It does have a fair amount of mentions of the immoral lifestyles of certain characters.
All in all, a delight to read! Chains of Gwyndorr comes to an exciting end, leaving you ready to dive into the next book, Heirs of Tirragyl!
September 22, 2018
What a way to leave me breathless and wanting more!
Chains of Gwyndorr by Joan Campbell, the first in The Poison Tree Series, definitely left me wanting more. The world that Campbell builds is rather cruel and dark so I would caution very young readers. However, It certainly captivated me with threads of the main characters' back stories, mysteries within each of two competing cultures and an evil forest encrouching all inhabitants without discrimination. If the epilogue is any indication, Campbell is very adepted at writing the cliffhanger.
Campbell gives enough structure to her world to be able to follow her characters through grand midevel palaces, pheasant slums, a countryside of farms, hidden caves and a malevolent forest to provide a rich experience of being with her characters in their environment. She has also artfully drawn most characters, both the protagonists and the antagonists to be dynamic enough that most have reasons for their actions and I could even sympathize a small bit with at least one of the antagonist. Much of this novel revolves around each character's thoughts, which personally I rather enjoyed. Most of the action sequences happened towards the end of this story. I appreciated the style which Campbell allows the reader to discover an unfolding of mystery with the characters. In some instances, scenes were written from one character's p.o.v., and then another's p.o.v. which brought more clarity to the emotional state of each character as well as clarity to the scene in general, much like seeing it from different camera angles.
All in all, I appreciate the strategic way this series has started and the construction of the world and depth of the characters in Chains of Gwyndorr. I'm anxious to finish writing this review so I can start in on book 2!
Chains of Gwyndorr by Joan Campbell, the first in The Poison Tree Series, definitely left me wanting more. The world that Campbell builds is rather cruel and dark so I would caution very young readers. However, It certainly captivated me with threads of the main characters' back stories, mysteries within each of two competing cultures and an evil forest encrouching all inhabitants without discrimination. If the epilogue is any indication, Campbell is very adepted at writing the cliffhanger.
Campbell gives enough structure to her world to be able to follow her characters through grand midevel palaces, pheasant slums, a countryside of farms, hidden caves and a malevolent forest to provide a rich experience of being with her characters in their environment. She has also artfully drawn most characters, both the protagonists and the antagonists to be dynamic enough that most have reasons for their actions and I could even sympathize a small bit with at least one of the antagonist. Much of this novel revolves around each character's thoughts, which personally I rather enjoyed. Most of the action sequences happened towards the end of this story. I appreciated the style which Campbell allows the reader to discover an unfolding of mystery with the characters. In some instances, scenes were written from one character's p.o.v., and then another's p.o.v. which brought more clarity to the emotional state of each character as well as clarity to the scene in general, much like seeing it from different camera angles.
All in all, I appreciate the strategic way this series has started and the construction of the world and depth of the characters in Chains of Gwyndorr. I'm anxious to finish writing this review so I can start in on book 2!
July 9, 2019
4.5
Very well written, engaging Christian fantasy. I look forward to reading the next book!
Very well written, engaging Christian fantasy. I look forward to reading the next book!
September 28, 2016
These characters from Joan Campbell's debut held onto me and would NOT let go. Not for one moment. They sucked me into their world of magic and brought me to a place that left me on the edge of my seat as well as wiping a few stray tears.
To say I loved "Chains of Gwyndorr," is putting it lightly. I didn't expect to grow attached to the characters such as Andreo and definitely Tessor. Her story made me cry and I think she became one of my favorite characters, despite being one of my least favorite in the beginning. I bonded with Shara and Nicho in ways I wasn't prepared for.
I wasn't quite sure what I had expected when starting this book, but I will say it is has quickly became one of my favorite series (even though the rest is not out yet). The romance was perfect, the bad guy was perfect in his villain ways, the setting, the mystery. Yeah, I could just keep going as I did this morning when telling my husband all about this wonderful story. Granted, I did also share my desire to hit Shara upside the head and be like, "What are you doing!!?" because of some of her poor choices.
I highly recommend this book to fantasy readers of any age and can't wait for book two. Do yourself a favor and read it. You won't regret it.
*(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
To say I loved "Chains of Gwyndorr," is putting it lightly. I didn't expect to grow attached to the characters such as Andreo and definitely Tessor. Her story made me cry and I think she became one of my favorite characters, despite being one of my least favorite in the beginning. I bonded with Shara and Nicho in ways I wasn't prepared for.
I wasn't quite sure what I had expected when starting this book, but I will say it is has quickly became one of my favorite series (even though the rest is not out yet). The romance was perfect, the bad guy was perfect in his villain ways, the setting, the mystery. Yeah, I could just keep going as I did this morning when telling my husband all about this wonderful story. Granted, I did also share my desire to hit Shara upside the head and be like, "What are you doing!!?" because of some of her poor choices.
I highly recommend this book to fantasy readers of any age and can't wait for book two. Do yourself a favor and read it. You won't regret it.
*(I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
November 4, 2017
Ahhh! I just want to jump back into this fascinating world and see what happens next with these amazing characters! Must get Book Two ... ! Oh, how I love fantasy.
More thoughts to come, hopefully! *smiles*
More thoughts to come, hopefully! *smiles*
August 11, 2016
One of my favourite books! I love the characters, the storyline and the deeper messages. Can't wait for the next two to come out!
January 14, 2019
I'm not usually a massive fantasy reader, but this book came well recommended. It is well written with a great story line and some very interesting elements, like the encroaching forest and the power stone. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the series!
December 4, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It read like a clean adult fantasy novel. The characters became more vivid as the story progressed, and the world building became more complex. The magic and mystery were a bonus, too. I really was not expecting the book to be as good as it was.
I do see myself finishing the trilogy, but I don’t know when. This book was on my kindle for a LONG time before I finally read it, and I am trying to go through all my old forgotten buys without buying more. We shall see. I wouldn’t mind having to reread this if I need to refresh for the next books.
I do see myself finishing the trilogy, but I don’t know when. This book was on my kindle for a LONG time before I finally read it, and I am trying to go through all my old forgotten buys without buying more. We shall see. I wouldn’t mind having to reread this if I need to refresh for the next books.
October 5, 2017
This fast-paced novel with a Christian slant is sure to please fantasy fans who enjoy vibrant characters, good world-building, and a multi-layered plot.
Like Christian sci-fi and fantasy? Check out thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com for full-length book reviews, author interviews, and more!
Like Christian sci-fi and fantasy? Check out thebookhoundchristianspecfic.blogspot.com for full-length book reviews, author interviews, and more!
March 31, 2025
I have mixed feelings of this book; which I guess explains why I’ve given it 3 stars. (5.5/10)
The premise of the story and its concept were really fascinating and I’m excited to discover more in the rest of the series. I enjoy the main characters, even the villains, and I feel that they all add a lot to the plot. I love Shara and Nicho’s Star-crossed romance and I really am rooting for them to make it to the end.
I think that what made me struggle with this book was how long it took for everything to make sense and for all the separate characters’ stories to link up. I’m fully aware that this could just be me not processing what I should’ve been, fast enough, but I didn’t really get what was going on until more than halfway through the book. I felt that it was slow in the beginning half, but once the story picked up, it really was brilliant, and once I understood how everything tied together, it clicked in my head and added so much more to the plot and characters.
But for the slow and confusing first half, I did enjoy this book and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book, especially seeing where the characters were left off at the end of this one.
5.5/10
The premise of the story and its concept were really fascinating and I’m excited to discover more in the rest of the series. I enjoy the main characters, even the villains, and I feel that they all add a lot to the plot. I love Shara and Nicho’s Star-crossed romance and I really am rooting for them to make it to the end.
I think that what made me struggle with this book was how long it took for everything to make sense and for all the separate characters’ stories to link up. I’m fully aware that this could just be me not processing what I should’ve been, fast enough, but I didn’t really get what was going on until more than halfway through the book. I felt that it was slow in the beginning half, but once the story picked up, it really was brilliant, and once I understood how everything tied together, it clicked in my head and added so much more to the plot and characters.
But for the slow and confusing first half, I did enjoy this book and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book, especially seeing where the characters were left off at the end of this one.
5.5/10
October 9, 2016
Chains of Gwyndorr is a very good read. After just a few chapters I found myself immersed in the characters lives and their stories as well as the choices they face. I began to get quite annoyed that household chores and family needs imposed limitations on my reading time! I often found myself sneaking into a quite spot to furtively steal a few more minutes to read the next chapter - this is a very hard book to put down. It subtly draws you into the story and whirls you through gripping moments, highs and lows, all tinged with magic and leaves you eagre to read its sequel so that you can find out what happens to all of the characters you have become so well aquainted with.
I grew very fond of Shara, Nicho, brother Andreo and Tessor, and began to feel a simering anger towards Maldor, Randin and Lord Lucian as the book progressed. I eagerly await Book Two of the Poison Tree Path Chronicles.
I grew very fond of Shara, Nicho, brother Andreo and Tessor, and began to feel a simering anger towards Maldor, Randin and Lord Lucian as the book progressed. I eagerly await Book Two of the Poison Tree Path Chronicles.
July 26, 2024
I loved, loved, loved this book. I had no idea how good it was going to be! I absolutely loved the writing style, it gave me this sort of nostalgia because the way the setting and descriptiveness of the book was laid out gave me the same feelings I used to get reading classic after classic - even though this is a fantasy world. I loved the world building and the plot that was just so unique.
I absolutely loved that this book was written in third person because it just did something for the story that work so well. I also really loved that we got to follow a few different characters and see their paths cross. This book was written so well, I love how the history of Gwyndorr and Tirragyl was flawlessly explained so that I was never confused or lost in the plot and yet there was so much mystery regarding the actual events that took place, what actually happened, who Shara is and why she is so important to many of key players.
I absolutely adored Nicho too, he is such a wonderful character and honestly, so are every other "Parashi" in this book. I loved the ominous chapters from Tessor's perspective, I really loved her as a character. And the magic in this book, the power rocks and natural alchemy and the eerie danger of the Rif'twine forest really made this read so interesting and I cannot wait for Heirs of Tirragyl!
I absolutely loved that this book was written in third person because it just did something for the story that work so well. I also really loved that we got to follow a few different characters and see their paths cross. This book was written so well, I love how the history of Gwyndorr and Tirragyl was flawlessly explained so that I was never confused or lost in the plot and yet there was so much mystery regarding the actual events that took place, what actually happened, who Shara is and why she is so important to many of key players.
I absolutely adored Nicho too, he is such a wonderful character and honestly, so are every other "Parashi" in this book. I loved the ominous chapters from Tessor's perspective, I really loved her as a character. And the magic in this book, the power rocks and natural alchemy and the eerie danger of the Rif'twine forest really made this read so interesting and I cannot wait for Heirs of Tirragyl!
October 28, 2025
Joan Campbell’s Chains of Gwyndorr is an entrancing blend of fantasy, mystery, and spiritual symbolism. Within the stone walls of Gwyndorr, Shara’s yearning for truth and Nicho’s quiet defiance ignite a story rich in courage and discovery. The Cerulean Dusk Dreamer both blessing and curse embodies the tension between illumination and temptation, serving as a powerful metaphor for the human heart’s pursuit of purpose.
Campbell’s prose is lyrical yet precise, bringing her world to life with a balance of wonder and danger. The relationship between Shara and Nicho offers not only emotional depth but a stirring reflection on hope amid oppression. With its elegant themes and immersive mythology, Chains of Gwyndorr is a triumph of both imagination and insight a story that reminds readers that even the heaviest chains can lead to freedom when tempered by truth.
Campbell’s prose is lyrical yet precise, bringing her world to life with a balance of wonder and danger. The relationship between Shara and Nicho offers not only emotional depth but a stirring reflection on hope amid oppression. With its elegant themes and immersive mythology, Chains of Gwyndorr is a triumph of both imagination and insight a story that reminds readers that even the heaviest chains can lead to freedom when tempered by truth.
April 21, 2021
I did enjoy this story, with the fantasy and worldbuilding etc. One thing that annoyed me and will never cease to annoy me. I mean really frustrates me. In any fantasy novel, regardless of the nature of the world, or the universe; they always have to measure distance in "blocks" and eat with forks like Americans.
Whhhhhhyyyy? Just why? This is fantasy, you could do anything, just why? Why does it always have to be the Americanisms.
Whhhhhhyyyy? Just why? This is fantasy, you could do anything, just why? Why does it always have to be the Americanisms.
October 19, 2017
Couldn't put it down! So good!
August 13, 2018
Excellent writing. The world entranced me. I'm waiting eagerly for book three!
February 5, 2021
The problem with this book is that it’s too short! Thankfully it’s a series.
January 2, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect from Chains of Gwyndorr. I read very little fantasy and was concerned that it would feel like another "Harry Potter". Wow was I surprised.
From the first chapter I was captured by the characters and the story. The themes of learning and growth despite circumstances; the value of friendship; having integrity, are valid in all times and all communities.
I finished the book in a couple of days and am now eagerly awaiting the second book in this enthralling trilogy.
From the first chapter I was captured by the characters and the story. The themes of learning and growth despite circumstances; the value of friendship; having integrity, are valid in all times and all communities.
I finished the book in a couple of days and am now eagerly awaiting the second book in this enthralling trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews