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Tree of Life
"Your god is sick!"
A religio-political civil war destroyed democracy, and the fanatical usurpers closed the nation's borders and instituted a theocratic oligarchy.
Two centuries later, a quiet rebellion brews.
Born hidden in the shadow of the forest, an herbalist is abducted and swallowed by a toxic society that values her only for the pleasure she can provide.
Two brothers, raised in a privileged military family, struggle to turn a blind eye to the violence and injustice perpetrated by the powerful leaders they serve and are destined to become.
The survivor of a government massacre, a young man lives as a fugitive. A supernatural experience leads him into the arms of conspiracy theorists aiming for a religious coup.
Life's twisted road of suffering brings them together. Cultures clash, enemies become friends, faith and unbelief are challenged, and a body of leaders with the power to kill and withhold the afterlife leads the way to the light of an angry deity no one truly knows . . . but everyone hopes is on their side.
ADULT / SPECULATIVE FICTION
A religio-political civil war destroyed democracy, and the fanatical usurpers closed the nation's borders and instituted a theocratic oligarchy.
Two centuries later, a quiet rebellion brews.
Born hidden in the shadow of the forest, an herbalist is abducted and swallowed by a toxic society that values her only for the pleasure she can provide.
Two brothers, raised in a privileged military family, struggle to turn a blind eye to the violence and injustice perpetrated by the powerful leaders they serve and are destined to become.
The survivor of a government massacre, a young man lives as a fugitive. A supernatural experience leads him into the arms of conspiracy theorists aiming for a religious coup.
Life's twisted road of suffering brings them together. Cultures clash, enemies become friends, faith and unbelief are challenged, and a body of leaders with the power to kill and withhold the afterlife leads the way to the light of an angry deity no one truly knows . . . but everyone hopes is on their side.
ADULT / SPECULATIVE FICTION
389 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Joy Green-Hart
3 books52 followersSarah Joy Green-Hart began writing at a young age. As an adult, she took on writing as a serious endeavor, having been inspired by a dream (the sleeping kind) that she couldn’t dismiss. Thus began her first novel.
Sarah's writing tends to move slowly and leans into sensory experience and metaphor. Characters, more than a storyline, lead the way.
Sarah's writing tends to move slowly and leans into sensory experience and metaphor. Characters, more than a storyline, lead the way.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 4, 2019
To me, the mark of a good book is after I've read it, if I can pick it up, open to any page, and get sucked right back in. This one fulfills that requirement easily.
Having originally beta read this novel for the author, I knew I had to own my own copy. I was a terrible beat reader because I kept getting sucked into the story and not making enough notes. It didn't need notes, not to me.
Tree of Life is a fascinating step into a world of what-ifs. And not the kind of what-ifs I'm used to (what if magic was real? what if there are creatures of the night who live on blood?) No, these are questions about a future that's never really entirely out of the question. What if the country, and the world even, split down the middle between those who believe in science and nature alone, and those who believe in the mystic and spiritual? What if these two factions fought and one was exiled to the wilderness? What if none of it was even that black and white? What if those who believed in nature were somehow more intimately connected to the spiritual, why the religious became governed by cold calculation?
This novel surprised me. I didn't know what I was in for, or the trip it would take me on through a fully realized world of What-Ifs. Green-Hart has a way of painting pictures with words that smell like sounds and taste like feelings. The descriptions and the way the characters speak are odd and fascinating and somehow totally believable for the strange dystopian world they take place in.
In a world where people have forgotten God as we know Him, Judeo-Christianity, and truly all major religion has become a muddled mess of superstition and myth (Yes, I know, many people already see it that way) our characters still fight for someone--or Something-- to believe in. They still seek forgiveness and goodness, even as they battle each other for what those mean.
The characters are flawed, and because of that all the more easily related to. Each struggles against what they know and what they feel. What is right and what is easy.
After a sharp 180 near the beginning that caught me off guard, the plot stays steady for a long while. It lets you meet the characters, begin to understand the world, sympathize with characters you thought you wouldn't like (*cough*David*cough*) before upending the cafe table and sending your latte and biscuits flying. The climax of this book hits fast and hard and will leave you on the edge of your seat screaming, "Book 2?!"
The writing is flourishy but not in a show-off way, the characters are compelling and fun, and the plot is going to keep you guessing the whole time.
So, if you like what-ifs and being forced to question what you think you know and if you're comfortable taking an introspective and sometimes uncomfortable look at your beliefs, this book will be right up your alley.
Having originally beta read this novel for the author, I knew I had to own my own copy. I was a terrible beat reader because I kept getting sucked into the story and not making enough notes. It didn't need notes, not to me.
Tree of Life is a fascinating step into a world of what-ifs. And not the kind of what-ifs I'm used to (what if magic was real? what if there are creatures of the night who live on blood?) No, these are questions about a future that's never really entirely out of the question. What if the country, and the world even, split down the middle between those who believe in science and nature alone, and those who believe in the mystic and spiritual? What if these two factions fought and one was exiled to the wilderness? What if none of it was even that black and white? What if those who believed in nature were somehow more intimately connected to the spiritual, why the religious became governed by cold calculation?
This novel surprised me. I didn't know what I was in for, or the trip it would take me on through a fully realized world of What-Ifs. Green-Hart has a way of painting pictures with words that smell like sounds and taste like feelings. The descriptions and the way the characters speak are odd and fascinating and somehow totally believable for the strange dystopian world they take place in.
In a world where people have forgotten God as we know Him, Judeo-Christianity, and truly all major religion has become a muddled mess of superstition and myth (Yes, I know, many people already see it that way) our characters still fight for someone--or Something-- to believe in. They still seek forgiveness and goodness, even as they battle each other for what those mean.
The characters are flawed, and because of that all the more easily related to. Each struggles against what they know and what they feel. What is right and what is easy.
After a sharp 180 near the beginning that caught me off guard, the plot stays steady for a long while. It lets you meet the characters, begin to understand the world, sympathize with characters you thought you wouldn't like (*cough*David*cough*) before upending the cafe table and sending your latte and biscuits flying. The climax of this book hits fast and hard and will leave you on the edge of your seat screaming, "Book 2?!"
The writing is flourishy but not in a show-off way, the characters are compelling and fun, and the plot is going to keep you guessing the whole time.
So, if you like what-ifs and being forced to question what you think you know and if you're comfortable taking an introspective and sometimes uncomfortable look at your beliefs, this book will be right up your alley.
January 3, 2019
Tree of Life by Sarah Joy Green-Hart is a gorgeously written story. I could tell you about the characters (flawed and lovable) and the setting (dystopian and somehow both supernatural and deeply natural). And yes, Tree of Life is on solid footing with its characters and setting.
But that's not what really sets this book apart. Green-Hart molds words, phrases, and sentences in a way a master potter molds clay. Her descriptions are sensuous, earthy, and often surprisingly funny. You'll be captivated by language such as "...listening to the record scratch out the delightful sound of rebellion with the dulcet tone of brass" and "Vincent was not a cold person, he was a burning one that left scars with his warmth."
This is a book to throw yourself into, a book to read while you're drinking strong tea and listening to the wind in the trees, a book that will make you root for the heroes, despite (or perhaps because of) all their imperfections.
Sarah Joy Green-Hart is an immensely talented new author, and I wholeheartedly recommend Tree of Life.
But that's not what really sets this book apart. Green-Hart molds words, phrases, and sentences in a way a master potter molds clay. Her descriptions are sensuous, earthy, and often surprisingly funny. You'll be captivated by language such as "...listening to the record scratch out the delightful sound of rebellion with the dulcet tone of brass" and "Vincent was not a cold person, he was a burning one that left scars with his warmth."
This is a book to throw yourself into, a book to read while you're drinking strong tea and listening to the wind in the trees, a book that will make you root for the heroes, despite (or perhaps because of) all their imperfections.
Sarah Joy Green-Hart is an immensely talented new author, and I wholeheartedly recommend Tree of Life.
December 5, 2018
The Tree of Life earns its five stars over time. Greenhart has crafted a complex world with multiple competing belief systems, each with its own weaknesses and its own strengths. More than once I was perplexed by a seeming anomaly, only to forget it in the sweep of the narrative and then find it perfectly interwoven later. At first I was unimpressed by what seemed a pleasant-enough but naive and passive protagonist, but Hesper emerges as an entirely atypical but powerful character in a manner completely her own. Philosophically challenging, emotionally nimble, sexually open, satisfyingly adventurous, and delightfully exciting at the climax, The Tree of Life is strongly recommended for readers of fantasy, dystopia, and romance.
March 6, 2020
A beautiful story with soul
When I first picked up this book, I’ll admit that from the description, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got when I flipped that first page was SO much more than I could have imagined! This book grabbed onto my heart and wouldn’t let go. What opens with the innocent healer Hesper broadens to a cast of ever more unique characters with their own strengths, flaws, and even orange harem pants. Green-Hart’s storytelling is as refreshing as it is beautiful. Time and again I was sucked into the poetry of her style; she balances it well, letting it drive the narrative while not detracting from the story. She keeps you on your toes so you never quite know who to root for, even as you hold out hope that your favorites will still be “good guys” by the end. I can tell this is a novel that will get multiple rereads, and I eagerly await the next installment.
When I first picked up this book, I’ll admit that from the description, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I got when I flipped that first page was SO much more than I could have imagined! This book grabbed onto my heart and wouldn’t let go. What opens with the innocent healer Hesper broadens to a cast of ever more unique characters with their own strengths, flaws, and even orange harem pants. Green-Hart’s storytelling is as refreshing as it is beautiful. Time and again I was sucked into the poetry of her style; she balances it well, letting it drive the narrative while not detracting from the story. She keeps you on your toes so you never quite know who to root for, even as you hold out hope that your favorites will still be “good guys” by the end. I can tell this is a novel that will get multiple rereads, and I eagerly await the next installment.
February 7, 2019
Life is like a tree
This story to me is topical, being this could be a future that may come. The characters are so vivid; their souls are bared for all to see. Showing the difference in views by people and how it can affect a country. There is mystery, suspense, and a lot of emotion in the story. A young lady that happy in her life and a future that will please her. Circumstances take her from that secure life and places her into a world that she doesn’t understand. The mysteries of religion and science clash with dangerous results for both lifestyles. And a stranger that is so unexpected. Now I have to wait to see what happens next…will it happen before it comes? A must read.
This story to me is topical, being this could be a future that may come. The characters are so vivid; their souls are bared for all to see. Showing the difference in views by people and how it can affect a country. There is mystery, suspense, and a lot of emotion in the story. A young lady that happy in her life and a future that will please her. Circumstances take her from that secure life and places her into a world that she doesn’t understand. The mysteries of religion and science clash with dangerous results for both lifestyles. And a stranger that is so unexpected. Now I have to wait to see what happens next…will it happen before it comes? A must read.
March 13, 2019
My first impression of Tree of Life was one of awe. The interpersonal relationships and a setting that took me away led me into a reading frenzy. I had to finish this book. As I continued, the book continued to surprise me. The author doesn't provide us with a predictable plot, but rather, it weaves into complex layers that are comfortable and yet mysterious. After reading the book, just looking at it gives me a sense of wonder from the first moments with characters--to a desire to read the next book in the trilogy.
I disagree with two of the reviews here. It didn't take long for me to love the story and I didn't find the plot far-fetched. Sarah Joy Green-Hart's characterization and setting, not to mention her flair for beautiful language, made this book easy to love.
In the book's conclusion, Green-Hart wrote a wonderful segue into the next book, which doesn't leave you feeling disappointed while waiting for the sequel, while teasing your mind that you must read the next book as soon as it's published. This book would be great to read in secondary English classrooms, since it presents controversial topics. I have taught English for grades 6-12, and the students would enjoy this one.
I disagree with two of the reviews here. It didn't take long for me to love the story and I didn't find the plot far-fetched. Sarah Joy Green-Hart's characterization and setting, not to mention her flair for beautiful language, made this book easy to love.
In the book's conclusion, Green-Hart wrote a wonderful segue into the next book, which doesn't leave you feeling disappointed while waiting for the sequel, while teasing your mind that you must read the next book as soon as it's published. This book would be great to read in secondary English classrooms, since it presents controversial topics. I have taught English for grades 6-12, and the students would enjoy this one.
June 17, 2023
“It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and those who draw near it are fortunate” (Proverbs 3:18).
The writing Tree of Life is an adventure in style as much as it is in subject. The book makes for a very good series starter, doing a diligent job of slotting everything into place for later books.
My opinion of the books is mostly positive. Why? Well, the best analogy I can think of is that the story is rather like a sponge. It is whole and complete, everything is there waiting to be used and experienced by the reader, but…parts of it are dried and hard; in need of a bit of water and sussing out by the author. Luckily, the novel progressively solves this problem on its own. It’s quite interesting to watch, from a technical perspective, but I won’t bore you with that.
My personal view of the book is overall positive. I rate it 5.8/7; a wonderfully confusing fraction that takes a bit of math to orient around. As a result, I refuse to do the math, and will be giving it a rating of 5.8/7 across all platforms. It isn’t my fault that the maximum rating is five stars out of five and that my numbers don’t fit. Go complain to Amazon/Goodreads, not me. Anyway, on to the book.
What follows is a full length review, broken down for clarity and simulated objectivity.
Characters.
The main character was Hesper, but the issue is that after the first act, Hesper takes on a supporting role and the focus really shifts to her friend Cole. Hesper is simply excitement and quiet interest. There is an element of sublime femininity hiding deep within her that I’m hoping we’ll see down the line. Hesper needs to yell at her husband more.
Cole is the other main character. His fade into the narration happens in tandem with his fade into Hesper’s life; quite an interesting, even scholarly, marriage of content and form. Cole is even more subdued than Hesper, but that’s to be expected since he is sort of the opposite of his brother, David, who I will touch on later (because he’s awesome).
Cole is competent and diligent, and like Hesper, he too has an element of righteous indignation just waiting to be unleashed against his ideological opponents. He doubts the system he grew up in, a system that privileges him, and he stands up against it twice. I’m really hoping to see more of his zeal in later books. I appeal to the book of light!
Setting.
The setting is new and interesting, and very much like a hard sponge. I won’t go into it, I’m sure the blurb and other reviews do a good enough job. Essentially, there was a war in the past and now there are two factions; the more tribal Unified, and the hierarchical Meros.
But—I want to know more! I need details, habits, customs, laws; when Cole goes to court to be impressive in front of Hesper, I want to know exactly how he’s arguing his position! Personal wishes aside, the setting is unique and never disorienting. That’s something that can’t be said for most books of this genre. The writer never assumes you know something about her world, she’s just rather conservative with its exposition.
Issues.
Let’s be fair, no book is perfect. I want to preface this section with this: I’d rather read the work of Mrs. Green-Hart than I would the work of certain great classical and contemporary novelists who will go unnamed. (Dickens, Atwood.) However, even works I like; Pride and Prejudice, Wordsworth’s Michael; have issues that can be revealed to help us better understand the text, rather than to reject it.
As mentioned before, the description of setting was rather sparse, and the conveyance of was inconsistent. We don’t get a lot of the more interesting information regarding the setting until near the end. There were also sudden shifts in the writing from one scene or situation to the next; an example being the two important deaths, which end up being sort of moved on from just a little too fast. Let us dwell and feel alongside the characters.
Finally, there’s a lack of explained foundation. It’s clear that a lot of work went into developing this unique setting, but there seems to be chunks of information that’s either absent or assumed on the reader’s part. A little more accommodation would be good; for example, I wouldn’t mind knowing exactly what the hierarchy is, if there’s a leader or a king, anything of this sort, clearly defined, would be helpful to us non-Meros. Give us district names, Unified tribe names, a map maybe. Surely someone could lay certain things out for Hesper the outsider at some point?
Good Stuff
The style. Wow. You ever read a writer’s first novel, and then move onto the second right away, and see a large improvement? And then their third one is even better? That’s what reading Tree of Life is like. All three, in one book. Interestingly, these shifts all occur around the times where Hesper moves to a new location. Now, I should be clear, it isn’t abrupt, and would probably go unnoticed to most readers. 80% of the writing stays the same, but the rest seems to accommodate to the shifting landscape. Again, content and form lining up.
The beginning of the book, I didn’t really like the writing to be honest. When Hesper moved in with David was my favourite style. Things got smoother, and like David himself, they got chill AF, and kind of lazy. When Hesper and Cole went on their mission, the style changed to something closer to a mystery. There was a lot of collection of information, density of prose, and interesting action and chase sequences. A really terrific way to end a novel like this.
Moving on to my favourite character, David. The man is a few wives short of a kingly harem, but he’s doing a good job of losing them one by one. This guy has one thing I always look for in characters from narratives of any sort, not just novels. That’s character development. Hesper and Cole seem like pretty solid people with elements of their pre-existing personality waiting to burst out. David? He’s kind and considerate, but he also kinda sucks. Near the end, I wasn’t sure if he would remain as an important character in later books and I was on the edge of my seat. There’s nothing worse than a redemption story that the writer has forgotten. Luckily, it looks like my boy will make a great return in the future! Here’s hoping.
Finally, since we’re on the topic, writing men. I’ve noticed this in almost all books. Men can’t seem to write women properly, and women can’t write men either. They seem to get in about 70% right, and 30% kind of blank or off. The male characters in Tree of Life are definitely men; but it’s weird. I won’t get into it, but I’d give them 80% man, 20% tightness. There’s something tight with Cole and especially Jes; a tightness where there should be a testosteronic urge for violence. David too (sorry man) doesn’t have the underlying sex drive that men struggle with; and he’s surrounded by women! Nonetheless, this is a minor point. Moving on.
“Hope of Morning”
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. As very vaguely mentioned above, things really heat up near the end. Even near the beginning, the novel was a very comfortable read. I’m hoping we dive deeper into Meros culture in the future, as developing Cole at least to the level of his brother, and tightening the narrative style a bit.
Hesper also needs more screen time, and hopefully some handgun training. Women learn faster and shoot better than men. She might as well take her side by Cole in whatever the future brings them.
I hope you enjoy the book more than you enjoyed my review.
The writing Tree of Life is an adventure in style as much as it is in subject. The book makes for a very good series starter, doing a diligent job of slotting everything into place for later books.
My opinion of the books is mostly positive. Why? Well, the best analogy I can think of is that the story is rather like a sponge. It is whole and complete, everything is there waiting to be used and experienced by the reader, but…parts of it are dried and hard; in need of a bit of water and sussing out by the author. Luckily, the novel progressively solves this problem on its own. It’s quite interesting to watch, from a technical perspective, but I won’t bore you with that.
My personal view of the book is overall positive. I rate it 5.8/7; a wonderfully confusing fraction that takes a bit of math to orient around. As a result, I refuse to do the math, and will be giving it a rating of 5.8/7 across all platforms. It isn’t my fault that the maximum rating is five stars out of five and that my numbers don’t fit. Go complain to Amazon/Goodreads, not me. Anyway, on to the book.
What follows is a full length review, broken down for clarity and simulated objectivity.
Characters.
The main character was Hesper, but the issue is that after the first act, Hesper takes on a supporting role and the focus really shifts to her friend Cole. Hesper is simply excitement and quiet interest. There is an element of sublime femininity hiding deep within her that I’m hoping we’ll see down the line. Hesper needs to yell at her husband more.
Cole is the other main character. His fade into the narration happens in tandem with his fade into Hesper’s life; quite an interesting, even scholarly, marriage of content and form. Cole is even more subdued than Hesper, but that’s to be expected since he is sort of the opposite of his brother, David, who I will touch on later (because he’s awesome).
Cole is competent and diligent, and like Hesper, he too has an element of righteous indignation just waiting to be unleashed against his ideological opponents. He doubts the system he grew up in, a system that privileges him, and he stands up against it twice. I’m really hoping to see more of his zeal in later books. I appeal to the book of light!
Setting.
The setting is new and interesting, and very much like a hard sponge. I won’t go into it, I’m sure the blurb and other reviews do a good enough job. Essentially, there was a war in the past and now there are two factions; the more tribal Unified, and the hierarchical Meros.
But—I want to know more! I need details, habits, customs, laws; when Cole goes to court to be impressive in front of Hesper, I want to know exactly how he’s arguing his position! Personal wishes aside, the setting is unique and never disorienting. That’s something that can’t be said for most books of this genre. The writer never assumes you know something about her world, she’s just rather conservative with its exposition.
Issues.
Let’s be fair, no book is perfect. I want to preface this section with this: I’d rather read the work of Mrs. Green-Hart than I would the work of certain great classical and contemporary novelists who will go unnamed. (Dickens, Atwood.) However, even works I like; Pride and Prejudice, Wordsworth’s Michael; have issues that can be revealed to help us better understand the text, rather than to reject it.
As mentioned before, the description of setting was rather sparse, and the conveyance of was inconsistent. We don’t get a lot of the more interesting information regarding the setting until near the end. There were also sudden shifts in the writing from one scene or situation to the next; an example being the two important deaths, which end up being sort of moved on from just a little too fast. Let us dwell and feel alongside the characters.
Finally, there’s a lack of explained foundation. It’s clear that a lot of work went into developing this unique setting, but there seems to be chunks of information that’s either absent or assumed on the reader’s part. A little more accommodation would be good; for example, I wouldn’t mind knowing exactly what the hierarchy is, if there’s a leader or a king, anything of this sort, clearly defined, would be helpful to us non-Meros. Give us district names, Unified tribe names, a map maybe. Surely someone could lay certain things out for Hesper the outsider at some point?
Good Stuff
The style. Wow. You ever read a writer’s first novel, and then move onto the second right away, and see a large improvement? And then their third one is even better? That’s what reading Tree of Life is like. All three, in one book. Interestingly, these shifts all occur around the times where Hesper moves to a new location. Now, I should be clear, it isn’t abrupt, and would probably go unnoticed to most readers. 80% of the writing stays the same, but the rest seems to accommodate to the shifting landscape. Again, content and form lining up.
The beginning of the book, I didn’t really like the writing to be honest. When Hesper moved in with David was my favourite style. Things got smoother, and like David himself, they got chill AF, and kind of lazy. When Hesper and Cole went on their mission, the style changed to something closer to a mystery. There was a lot of collection of information, density of prose, and interesting action and chase sequences. A really terrific way to end a novel like this.
Moving on to my favourite character, David. The man is a few wives short of a kingly harem, but he’s doing a good job of losing them one by one. This guy has one thing I always look for in characters from narratives of any sort, not just novels. That’s character development. Hesper and Cole seem like pretty solid people with elements of their pre-existing personality waiting to burst out. David? He’s kind and considerate, but he also kinda sucks. Near the end, I wasn’t sure if he would remain as an important character in later books and I was on the edge of my seat. There’s nothing worse than a redemption story that the writer has forgotten. Luckily, it looks like my boy will make a great return in the future! Here’s hoping.
Finally, since we’re on the topic, writing men. I’ve noticed this in almost all books. Men can’t seem to write women properly, and women can’t write men either. They seem to get in about 70% right, and 30% kind of blank or off. The male characters in Tree of Life are definitely men; but it’s weird. I won’t get into it, but I’d give them 80% man, 20% tightness. There’s something tight with Cole and especially Jes; a tightness where there should be a testosteronic urge for violence. David too (sorry man) doesn’t have the underlying sex drive that men struggle with; and he’s surrounded by women! Nonetheless, this is a minor point. Moving on.
“Hope of Morning”
I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. As very vaguely mentioned above, things really heat up near the end. Even near the beginning, the novel was a very comfortable read. I’m hoping we dive deeper into Meros culture in the future, as developing Cole at least to the level of his brother, and tightening the narrative style a bit.
Hesper also needs more screen time, and hopefully some handgun training. Women learn faster and shoot better than men. She might as well take her side by Cole in whatever the future brings them.
I hope you enjoy the book more than you enjoyed my review.
Read
May 9, 2019This book has everything I love about dystopian fiction without the stale tropes.
Tree of Life was an unexpected surprise. From the first chapter its descriptions and language drew me further into the sharply crafted world. After a few lines I knew I wasn’t in Kansas any more. Instantly recognizable touches kept me anchored among the unusual dialogue, a nice contrast of the familiar and alien which stretched my imagination without making me feel constantly lost.
The situations each character faced were ethically and emotionally complex. I liked that while the morality of the book is currently relevant, it wasn’t a thinly veiled political sermon. The story was not a device to make a moral point, the moral dilemmas were used to move the story, which in turn moves the reader. Further, the situations were fresh and imaginative, not the tired, rehashed scenarios we see a mile away so frequently in this genre.
While the book started a little slow for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. The domesticity and mild conflicts at the beginning lulled me into a false sense of where the story was going just before I got hit with a massive sucker punch. The engine may have started a little late, but when it did I was fully invested.
The writing itself ranges from charmingly quirky to elegant. The writer has a unique voice that I enjoyed very much. I am definitely going to purchase the next book in the series as soon as it is available. I can’t wait to see what surprises the author has planned for us next.
Tree of Life was an unexpected surprise. From the first chapter its descriptions and language drew me further into the sharply crafted world. After a few lines I knew I wasn’t in Kansas any more. Instantly recognizable touches kept me anchored among the unusual dialogue, a nice contrast of the familiar and alien which stretched my imagination without making me feel constantly lost.
The situations each character faced were ethically and emotionally complex. I liked that while the morality of the book is currently relevant, it wasn’t a thinly veiled political sermon. The story was not a device to make a moral point, the moral dilemmas were used to move the story, which in turn moves the reader. Further, the situations were fresh and imaginative, not the tired, rehashed scenarios we see a mile away so frequently in this genre.
While the book started a little slow for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. The domesticity and mild conflicts at the beginning lulled me into a false sense of where the story was going just before I got hit with a massive sucker punch. The engine may have started a little late, but when it did I was fully invested.
The writing itself ranges from charmingly quirky to elegant. The writer has a unique voice that I enjoyed very much. I am definitely going to purchase the next book in the series as soon as it is available. I can’t wait to see what surprises the author has planned for us next.
February 28, 2019
I'm sorry, I didn't connect with this book the way other readers seem to. Even from the beginning it lost me - The government falls so those that are left take shelter in the trees? I've read/seen too many dystopian stories - this particular set-up didn't wash with me. But, that's ok, I rolled with it and kept going.
Spoilers ahead!
Our (extremely) sheltered heroine Hesper comes into contact with her people's rival group - and they're literally only a partial day's walk from her home? And she touched one of them & now she's an outcast? And can't escape? But? She's so close to home? I really struggled to get over this as the story progressed.
There were a few too many scenes I found embarrassing to read - and I've read some pretty weird erotica in my day without batting an eyelash. Hesper being spanked felt like something that might feel more at home in an erotic novel - but this book is definitely not that. The totally oddball visit she has later on to "the doctor" left me pretty weirded out, too. What did I just read?!
Then there's David - oh, David. I hated him so much. In chapter 12 Hesper is afraid to shake hands with him (in her society women don't touch any outsider males) and the sex-slave collector David tells her not to feel "embarrassed or guilty" in a stunning display of socipathy. Of course she shouldn't feel embarrassed or guilty! Why would she? She's done nothing wrong. Then we've got David's bitter wife who is just the stereotype of the "angry frigid wife" (who in spite of being frigid is cheating on him, of course, because the only thing worse than being frigid is being hot for someone besides your husband - your husband who is currently having sex with like, 4 or 5 other women.)
Almost everything in the book takes place in a very short space of time - apparently with Hesper it only takes about a day for Stockholm Syndrome to set in and she's looking for comfort from David, her captor. Something major that really bothered me was that Hesper doesn't even recognize her own fiance when she meets him... because he's wearing different clothes, I guess?
There is a reveal in this book relating to reproductive autonomy that is supposed to shock the reader to the core. But, I remained unshocked. Various western governments, including the USA, regularly sterilized women with and without their knowledge until relatively recently. So, the pretense surrounding this major plot point really felt anti-climactic to me – it didn't seem like a very efficient or effective way to achieve their stated goal.
There is more (they go on a 'road trip' cross country, there's political stuff, there's magical stuff) but suffice to say I personally did not get on with this book, though I did finish it. Stylistically it was a bit more flowery than I prefer, though this is just a matter of taste. But I also really struggled with the plot which I found unconvincing.
Spoilers ahead!
Our (extremely) sheltered heroine Hesper comes into contact with her people's rival group - and they're literally only a partial day's walk from her home? And she touched one of them & now she's an outcast? And can't escape? But? She's so close to home? I really struggled to get over this as the story progressed.
There were a few too many scenes I found embarrassing to read - and I've read some pretty weird erotica in my day without batting an eyelash. Hesper being spanked felt like something that might feel more at home in an erotic novel - but this book is definitely not that. The totally oddball visit she has later on to "the doctor" left me pretty weirded out, too. What did I just read?!
Then there's David - oh, David. I hated him so much. In chapter 12 Hesper is afraid to shake hands with him (in her society women don't touch any outsider males) and the sex-slave collector David tells her not to feel "embarrassed or guilty" in a stunning display of socipathy. Of course she shouldn't feel embarrassed or guilty! Why would she? She's done nothing wrong. Then we've got David's bitter wife who is just the stereotype of the "angry frigid wife" (who in spite of being frigid is cheating on him, of course, because the only thing worse than being frigid is being hot for someone besides your husband - your husband who is currently having sex with like, 4 or 5 other women.)
Almost everything in the book takes place in a very short space of time - apparently with Hesper it only takes about a day for Stockholm Syndrome to set in and she's looking for comfort from David, her captor. Something major that really bothered me was that Hesper doesn't even recognize her own fiance when she meets him... because he's wearing different clothes, I guess?
There is a reveal in this book relating to reproductive autonomy that is supposed to shock the reader to the core. But, I remained unshocked. Various western governments, including the USA, regularly sterilized women with and without their knowledge until relatively recently. So, the pretense surrounding this major plot point really felt anti-climactic to me – it didn't seem like a very efficient or effective way to achieve their stated goal.
There is more (they go on a 'road trip' cross country, there's political stuff, there's magical stuff) but suffice to say I personally did not get on with this book, though I did finish it. Stylistically it was a bit more flowery than I prefer, though this is just a matter of taste. But I also really struggled with the plot which I found unconvincing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
This book was one of those that is hard to put down. I stayed up late into the night several times reading this book.
Tree of Life is a fast-moving book, with each chapter giving you clues and information on what is going on in this world. Hesper especially is a wonderful character to follow as we learn about the world outside the forest. Cole and David give us insight into the world outside the forest, both wanting to do what's right but struggling to figure that out within the confines of their government and religion.
This is really a story of seeking truth and how to act once you find it. I really enjoyed that Hesper and Cole had different views and perspectives yet still were in love and respected each other.
This book reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, though there is plenty of differences. If you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale you will certainly enjoy Tree of Life!
Tree of Life is a fast-moving book, with each chapter giving you clues and information on what is going on in this world. Hesper especially is a wonderful character to follow as we learn about the world outside the forest. Cole and David give us insight into the world outside the forest, both wanting to do what's right but struggling to figure that out within the confines of their government and religion.
This is really a story of seeking truth and how to act once you find it. I really enjoyed that Hesper and Cole had different views and perspectives yet still were in love and respected each other.
This book reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, though there is plenty of differences. If you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale you will certainly enjoy Tree of Life!
April 4, 2019
Tree of Life pulled me into the story on the first page and didn't let me go, even after finishing it. Sarah Joy Green-Hart is a master wordsmith, phrasing in such a way that the reader feels fully immersed in the scene. This book is full of lovable characters, an engrossing plot and captivating prose. Green-Hart does an excellent job of world-building with details peppered throughout the book and she tackles philosophical/religious beliefs. I cannot wait to see what comes next from Sarah Joy Green-Hart.
December 3, 2020
What I Did Like:
-Lessons. Oh this one is great! We’re tackling deep messages about religion, government, separation of the two, and trust in our sources. I love the buried message without hitting you over the head with it. I loved the way this one made you THINK.
-Relationships. This is a dystopian story that thrusts us into a future no one wants to think about. And yet it also has romance and love as its cornerstones. This one is about relationships (brothers, lovers, husband-wife, friends) as much as anything else.
-Language. The book is well written and the language is pretty. Things are explained well.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of the Handmaid’s Tale may like this one for it’s adult dystopian vibe (totally reminded me of that book) and big lessons.
My Rating: 4 Stars. Great book, worth the read for fans of this genre!
For Full Review (including what I didn’t love): https://youtu.be/voknigsSdIQ
-Lessons. Oh this one is great! We’re tackling deep messages about religion, government, separation of the two, and trust in our sources. I love the buried message without hitting you over the head with it. I loved the way this one made you THINK.
-Relationships. This is a dystopian story that thrusts us into a future no one wants to think about. And yet it also has romance and love as its cornerstones. This one is about relationships (brothers, lovers, husband-wife, friends) as much as anything else.
-Language. The book is well written and the language is pretty. Things are explained well.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of the Handmaid’s Tale may like this one for it’s adult dystopian vibe (totally reminded me of that book) and big lessons.
My Rating: 4 Stars. Great book, worth the read for fans of this genre!
For Full Review (including what I didn’t love): https://youtu.be/voknigsSdIQ
January 20, 2024
Rebellion stirs in the dystopian remains of a once-great nation...
Abducted into a society that devalues her, a young woman from the forest struggles to retain her hope and humanity, while the two men who love her are caught between conscience and duty.
Meanwhile, a young man comes into supernatural powers. In the right hands, he's a shield against oppression, but in the wrong ones, a weapon for tyranny.
With death as the penalty for noncompliance, what can they do against corrupt rulers who control the military, the government, and maybe even the afterlife?
I received this book from the now defunct Indie Book Box, and my review is for that edition, now out of print.
Tree of Life is a compelling dystopian tale with intriguing premise, engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and an unexpected, angsty romance (almost a forbidden love/love triangle). The romance was my favorite part (especially Chapters 14 and 21).
I think the book could have started at Chapter 2 with Hesper. That was when I was able to settle in and become invested in the story. I found what came before (Prologue and Chapter 1) to be vague and disorientating.
I also think Jesurun's story could have been developed alongside Hesper's, with equal, alternating time on the page. He seems to be a pivotal character, vital to the rebel cause and to the plot of subsequent books... but I didn't get much of a chance to know or even like him. The transformation he experiences living with Jones and meeting his dark-haired girl is essentially relevant but glossed over. Also, is he David's son or not?!
I kept forgetting that this book is dystopian rather than fantasy... I had a lot of questions and confusion related to the world-building as well as differentiating the Meros and Kyrios. I'm pretty sure that Theocracia is a future United States of America, but the reader's view of the dystopian world is mostly limited to the Gentles' forest and nearby Gate/Base. I think that exploring Jesurun's story would have offered a wider understanding of Meros society (beyond the base) and of the Earth People (beyond the forest).
I wondered: How much of the ancestors' culture survived the second civil war? After 200 years, why hasn't more of the country been rebuilt? Was technology erased? What about knowledge? How could it not be recovered or reinvented after so long? How are once-basic amenities now only available to the wealthiest? If the Kyrios still have guns and planes, do civilians have them as well?
It is hard to believe that the Kyrios could suppress/restrict so much information (once common knowledge). It would be easier to think they might use misinformation and propaganda (even Artificial Intelligence) to confuse the populace and discredit their adversaries.
Also, is the Kyrios really only a handful of people? How could so few have such long reach? I had assumed there must be a Bastion of Holiness manned with Kyrios officials in every Gate/section of the country.
Abducted into a society that devalues her, a young woman from the forest struggles to retain her hope and humanity, while the two men who love her are caught between conscience and duty.
Meanwhile, a young man comes into supernatural powers. In the right hands, he's a shield against oppression, but in the wrong ones, a weapon for tyranny.
With death as the penalty for noncompliance, what can they do against corrupt rulers who control the military, the government, and maybe even the afterlife?
I received this book from the now defunct Indie Book Box, and my review is for that edition, now out of print.
Tree of Life is a compelling dystopian tale with intriguing premise, engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and an unexpected, angsty romance (almost a forbidden love/love triangle). The romance was my favorite part (especially Chapters 14 and 21).
I think the book could have started at Chapter 2 with Hesper. That was when I was able to settle in and become invested in the story. I found what came before (Prologue and Chapter 1) to be vague and disorientating.
I also think Jesurun's story could have been developed alongside Hesper's, with equal, alternating time on the page. He seems to be a pivotal character, vital to the rebel cause and to the plot of subsequent books... but I didn't get much of a chance to know or even like him. The transformation he experiences living with Jones and meeting his dark-haired girl is essentially relevant but glossed over. Also, is he David's son or not?!
I kept forgetting that this book is dystopian rather than fantasy... I had a lot of questions and confusion related to the world-building as well as differentiating the Meros and Kyrios. I'm pretty sure that Theocracia is a future United States of America, but the reader's view of the dystopian world is mostly limited to the Gentles' forest and nearby Gate/Base. I think that exploring Jesurun's story would have offered a wider understanding of Meros society (beyond the base) and of the Earth People (beyond the forest).
I wondered: How much of the ancestors' culture survived the second civil war? After 200 years, why hasn't more of the country been rebuilt? Was technology erased? What about knowledge? How could it not be recovered or reinvented after so long? How are once-basic amenities now only available to the wealthiest? If the Kyrios still have guns and planes, do civilians have them as well?
It is hard to believe that the Kyrios could suppress/restrict so much information (once common knowledge). It would be easier to think they might use misinformation and propaganda (even Artificial Intelligence) to confuse the populace and discredit their adversaries.
Also, is the Kyrios really only a handful of people? How could so few have such long reach? I had assumed there must be a Bastion of Holiness manned with Kyrios officials in every Gate/section of the country.
May 8, 2019
I had a complicated relationship with this book. Thanks to my own work schedule, commuting, personal schedules, etc., I kept starting and restarting, never really finding enough time to really get going.
But then I did it, and I'm glad I did.
Tree of Life is an interesting mixture of dystopian futures and magical fantasy, one where oppression and repression are the norms, regardless of what side of society you find yourself on. The prose is, may I say, absolutely beautiful, and the characters are flawed and realistic. We navigate much of the story through the eyes of Hesper, and are introduced to this divided future where religion is used to oppress others (hmm, not so different from today... but I digress). With every character that is introduced, the world blossoms a little farther, giving the reader further view into the inner workings of a deeply corrupt system and those who seek to overthrow it for something better.
Read it if you have a chance. I promise you won't regret it.
PS. I also love David. That is all.
But then I did it, and I'm glad I did.
Tree of Life is an interesting mixture of dystopian futures and magical fantasy, one where oppression and repression are the norms, regardless of what side of society you find yourself on. The prose is, may I say, absolutely beautiful, and the characters are flawed and realistic. We navigate much of the story through the eyes of Hesper, and are introduced to this divided future where religion is used to oppress others (hmm, not so different from today... but I digress). With every character that is introduced, the world blossoms a little farther, giving the reader further view into the inner workings of a deeply corrupt system and those who seek to overthrow it for something better.
Read it if you have a chance. I promise you won't regret it.
PS. I also love David. That is all.
July 21, 2019
A caveat on the three-star rating: I read this book at the same time as watching the latest series of The Handmaid's Tale, and the thematic overlap between them has probably affected my appreciation of the story.
Lushly written, envisioning a dystopic future where a militaristic, religious society sometimes tolerates and sometimes hunts down their forest-dwelling pacifist neighbours, the story follows Hesper, a young woman from the forest, as she is lost to her own society and must adapt to that of the dominant one. Married to a man carrying many secrets and many questions, her quiet strength encourages his resolve to discover the truth about his own society.
Unfortunately I never really engaged with this book, either with the characters or the world. The basic story premise, while not new, is sound; it is its execution that did not capture my attention. To me, it lacked clarity; perhaps that is purposeful, to reflect the characters' confusion and bewilderment. There are some wonderful descriptive passages in the book, and the ending sets up the next installment well.
Lushly written, envisioning a dystopic future where a militaristic, religious society sometimes tolerates and sometimes hunts down their forest-dwelling pacifist neighbours, the story follows Hesper, a young woman from the forest, as she is lost to her own society and must adapt to that of the dominant one. Married to a man carrying many secrets and many questions, her quiet strength encourages his resolve to discover the truth about his own society.
Unfortunately I never really engaged with this book, either with the characters or the world. The basic story premise, while not new, is sound; it is its execution that did not capture my attention. To me, it lacked clarity; perhaps that is purposeful, to reflect the characters' confusion and bewilderment. There are some wonderful descriptive passages in the book, and the ending sets up the next installment well.
November 11, 2020
Dystopian Future
So many elements can be seen to be playing out “RIGHT NOW”, but yet in other ways “not yet”. I’ve read this book so many times and each time it feels like a new adventure in a world like my own, but yet not quite there. I notice things I never noticed before each time I read/reread it. This begin saga needs read by all in the hopes it opens the eyes to what is happening around us NOW more than ever before. How we are being manipulated and controlled to believe things that are a farce. Yes, I do know this is not our real reality, but it could be some day if major things do not change. Not referring to the Book or anything surround that, but rather the elements you come across in the story. I VERY much enjoyed this beginning and know the author will just keep impressing with each book.
So many elements can be seen to be playing out “RIGHT NOW”, but yet in other ways “not yet”. I’ve read this book so many times and each time it feels like a new adventure in a world like my own, but yet not quite there. I notice things I never noticed before each time I read/reread it. This begin saga needs read by all in the hopes it opens the eyes to what is happening around us NOW more than ever before. How we are being manipulated and controlled to believe things that are a farce. Yes, I do know this is not our real reality, but it could be some day if major things do not change. Not referring to the Book or anything surround that, but rather the elements you come across in the story. I VERY much enjoyed this beginning and know the author will just keep impressing with each book.
April 19, 2020
We come to the world of speculative fiction.
This book hits many genres. It is a romance, an adventure, a mystery, all wrapped in speculation. The more you read the more you wonder. Just what have I gotten myself into? And what the heck is going to happen next? I loved it. It's been years since a book has fascinated me like this.
This book hits many genres. It is a romance, an adventure, a mystery, all wrapped in speculation. The more you read the more you wonder. Just what have I gotten myself into? And what the heck is going to happen next? I loved it. It's been years since a book has fascinated me like this.
October 14, 2019
I became easily immersed within the dystopian setting, and my interest was held throughout this unique novel. 'The Tree of Life' is beautifully written, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Sarah Joy Green-Hart.
June 3, 2020
What a fun book! I enjoyed the heck out of it. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat.
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