The Woman in the Tree, by Natasha D Lane is set in the time of Camelot and the great Knight, Arthur, one of my favourite historical periods next to the Victorian age. Our fierce protagonist, Lady Gwynevere, who goes by her middle name, Robin is fleeing danger when she spies a tree.
Once nestled safely in the tree’s hollow, it closes around her, leaving her trapped for ten years- she later comes to learn. The story mainly takes place after Robin has spent a decade trapped inside the magical tree. Once freed, she must seek out Arthur and try to put a stop to the tyranny going on in her uncle’s kingdom.
*Pacing*
This steady-paced tale is a mixture of happy, tearful moments, suspense, and positively loaded with personal betrayal. Robin’s reunion with Arthur isn’t what she expected at all (no spoilers), leaving Robin somewhat deflated.
*Character Impressions*
Of all the characters, Robin got along grandest with Alistair, Arthur, and Maddy- three crucial characters to the plot.
One character that got on my nerves whenever she appeared was Morgana.
Isn’t that always the way? No matter who is portraying Morgana or where she pops up, she’s always such a conniving demon.
Morgana only descends further into the temptations of the darker realms as she stands to lose what she adores most (again, no spoilers.) Her character possesses a rather childlike view of what love actually is and leads her to become one of the most dangerous characters in the book.
While the other characters possessed a mixture of both positive and negative personality traits, Morgana is purely a negative being. She seeks to harm others, simply because she craves ownership of something that was never truly hers to begin with.
Phew, mini rant over.
*Robin*
As the leading female, Robin was fierce, intelligent without compare, and resourceful, as well as kind and compassionate toward others. If she can help out a friend in need, then she will, even if it means making some sacrifices of her own.
Her sense of humour when with Alistair had me cracking up at different points, all of which was a welcome surprise to me. For an author to blend good-natured humour into a book so dark and tense shows real talent, which Natasha D Lane has plenty of.
*Alistair*
Why discuss Alistair first before Arthur?
Simple, he’s in a lot more of the story than Arthur is, having come to Robin’s aid once freed from the magical tree.
Alistair plays a crucial part in helping Robin to readjust to life as it is a decade after she was last properly conscious. His witty banter and willingness to help Robin on her quest to find Arthur (without wanting anything in return) is the epitome of selflessness.
Alistair was probably my favourite character, after Robin of course. He provided a lighthearted aura when tensions reached an all high.
*Arthur*
The fabled knight, Arthur. Most often, we’d all probably refer to him as King Arthur of Camelot, but not in this story.
Arthur is portrayed as a heroic young man that is sometimes perceived as arrogant by those who don’t know him well. He’s willing to stand up for everyone, whether they be rich or poor.
His intentions throughout the novel are unclear at first but he makes them known once he and Robin finally meet again. His tale is a unique one in itself but I won’t spoil it for you. You’ll have to read to find out.
*Writing Style*
Author Natasha D Lane has an exquisite writing style that had me engaged from start to finish. I found it surprisingly difficult to put the book down and even began daydreaming about the incredible world she has brought to life. The book changed moods on several occasions, shifting from lighthearted and warm, to tense and mysterious, to violent, to peaceful, and back to tension again. Lane’s beautiful writing style, ability to make me connect with the main characters, and style of humour blended well throughout the story.
I’m eager to begin another of her books, The Pariah Child and the Ever-Giving Stone.
*My Takeaway From This*
If you love stories involving magical lands, legends, sorcery, and friendship, then I’d recommend The Woman in the Tree, by Natasha D Lane.