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The Harm Tree
You're too young to remember why we needed heroes. You should be glad... Nine years ago, two princes waged a bloody civil war for the right to rule Arngard. The younger prince took the throne and outlawed the ancient beliefs, but some wounds don't heal. New religion replaced the barbaric traditions and finally, there's peace. Torny and Ebba are friends. Sent away by their families, they work together and watch out for each other. Too young to remember the war that tore apart the kingdom, Torny dreams of the glorious warriors of old, while Ebba misses her family, despite the darkness she left behind. But when a man is murdered on the street and Torny finds herself in possession of a dangerous message, the two friends must tread separate paths. These will lead them through fear, through grief, to the source of their own power and to the gates of death itself. As Torny and Ebba are used as tools for the opposing factions of the war, a deep power is ignited in them both. Can they uncover their own strength to finally heal the wounds of a nation?
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Rose Edwards
25 books27 followersRose Edwards grew up in Luxembourg, and learned her love of languages, history, and writing from her parents. Although she was terrible at spelling she did not let that stop her: she wrote her first story (a Redwall fanfic about a
warrior squirrel) at age 9, and misspelled “squirrel" throughout. Undeterred, she followed up with a Star Wars fanfic, in which she misspelled “rebels.”
After completing a PGCE in London, Rose decided not to become an English teacher. Instead she enrolled in the Creative Writing MSt at Oxford and wrote The Harm Tree (with acceptably artistic misspellings), which was published by UCLAN
Publishing in July 2019. She is currently working on the sequel.
Rose writes young adult fantasy that focuses on coming of age stories and how we survive our pasts. She has a soft spot for complex female and LGBT characters. She lives in Luxembourg and works in the non-profit sector as well as writing.
warrior squirrel) at age 9, and misspelled “squirrel" throughout. Undeterred, she followed up with a Star Wars fanfic, in which she misspelled “rebels.”
After completing a PGCE in London, Rose decided not to become an English teacher. Instead she enrolled in the Creative Writing MSt at Oxford and wrote The Harm Tree (with acceptably artistic misspellings), which was published by UCLAN
Publishing in July 2019. She is currently working on the sequel.
Rose writes young adult fantasy that focuses on coming of age stories and how we survive our pasts. She has a soft spot for complex female and LGBT characters. She lives in Luxembourg and works in the non-profit sector as well as writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 7, 2020
“This whole kingdom floats on a sea of blood...you think you walk on dry land, but all you need do is plough the fields, and it comes seeping up.”
This was a solid debut fantasy. I didn’t entirely understand everything about the world building and a lot of the names are very similar (Arf, Urn, Urf) but it was full of action and great characters.
Two heroines, Ebba and Torny, both sent away from their homes to work end up caught in a war that has been ongoing for generations. A war between those who support the old king and those who support his son, who killed him before getting killed himself.
The religions were well described and fleshed out - though sometimes one of them seemed slightly too similar to religions we have irl.
As Torny and Ebba are separated and used by men in the war a battle ensues and suddenly no one is safe.
Enjoyable enough, not sure it’s one I’ll remember but I had a good enough time reading it.
3.5 ⭐️
“From what I can see, it’s men and women who are at the root of evil, not gods.”
This was a solid debut fantasy. I didn’t entirely understand everything about the world building and a lot of the names are very similar (Arf, Urn, Urf) but it was full of action and great characters.
Two heroines, Ebba and Torny, both sent away from their homes to work end up caught in a war that has been ongoing for generations. A war between those who support the old king and those who support his son, who killed him before getting killed himself.
The religions were well described and fleshed out - though sometimes one of them seemed slightly too similar to religions we have irl.
As Torny and Ebba are separated and used by men in the war a battle ensues and suddenly no one is safe.
Enjoyable enough, not sure it’s one I’ll remember but I had a good enough time reading it.
3.5 ⭐️
“From what I can see, it’s men and women who are at the root of evil, not gods.”
March 20, 2019
This was an ARC I picked up at the 2019 Northern YA Literary Festival. When I met the author, Rose Edwards, she signed my book with a note thanking me for being an early reader. I would like to thank Rose for writing this (and UCLan Publishing for publishing it) because I really enjoyed it.
The Harm Tree is a fantasy novel about a country recovering from a war and about to enter into another one. Thrown into the middle of this are two friends, Torny and Ebba, who end up on opposing sides of the war. Actually, there's more to it than that but I don't want to give too much away.
Occasionally, it was a teeny bit hard to keep track of all the characters but I was grateful for the character list in my copy. Overall, though, this was very gripping and unputdownable and I hope Rose writes more because her writing is so good.
The Harm Tree is a fantasy novel about a country recovering from a war and about to enter into another one. Thrown into the middle of this are two friends, Torny and Ebba, who end up on opposing sides of the war. Actually, there's more to it than that but I don't want to give too much away.
Occasionally, it was a teeny bit hard to keep track of all the characters but I was grateful for the character list in my copy. Overall, though, this was very gripping and unputdownable and I hope Rose writes more because her writing is so good.
August 25, 2019
I love books, of course, but I have to confess I'm actually a terribly distracted reader. It takes quite a page turner to keep me in the same spot for over half an hour at a time, and I can count on one hand the times I've been so utterly enthralled by something that I stayed up all night to finish it. The Two Towers was one. The Harm Tree was another. It pulls you in quietly but fiercely, like a rip tide, but without the unpleasant results.
There are a lot of things to love about this book, from the honest (and honestly complicated) characters, to the compelling plot, to the darkly magical tone (pretty well emulated by the quote on the cover). It's sinister, it's beautiful, it's fun, it's exciting, it's terrible, it's haunting, it's worth reading. In traveling through it you never find yourself quite where you expect, and yet you're always somewhere fascinating and right. The plot feels a bit like riding the outer edge of a whirlpool, slowly circling at first and then faster and faster as you converge on the point of no return. Once that happens, I hope it's not 1 in the morning, because you're stuck now, and you're just going to have to ride it out and hope someone brings you extra coffee tomorrow. I'm sorry. I warned you. Plan accordingly.
There are a lot of things to love about this book, from the honest (and honestly complicated) characters, to the compelling plot, to the darkly magical tone (pretty well emulated by the quote on the cover). It's sinister, it's beautiful, it's fun, it's exciting, it's terrible, it's haunting, it's worth reading. In traveling through it you never find yourself quite where you expect, and yet you're always somewhere fascinating and right. The plot feels a bit like riding the outer edge of a whirlpool, slowly circling at first and then faster and faster as you converge on the point of no return. Once that happens, I hope it's not 1 in the morning, because you're stuck now, and you're just going to have to ride it out and hope someone brings you extra coffee tomorrow. I'm sorry. I warned you. Plan accordingly.
March 21, 2019
I’m so impressed by this book, and Rose Edwards really is a brilliant writer. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be keeping my eye on this author.
I was hooked from the beginning and stayed invested until the very end. No irks or qualms ever, just a great story with fantastic characters. Not to mention depth and a thought through history and context to develop her world on top of (and blimey, is Rose Edwards good at world building).
Really really REALLY good.
I was hooked from the beginning and stayed invested until the very end. No irks or qualms ever, just a great story with fantastic characters. Not to mention depth and a thought through history and context to develop her world on top of (and blimey, is Rose Edwards good at world building).
Really really REALLY good.
February 18, 2019
The Harm Tree is absolutely phenomenal. I was gripped from the very beginning and could not put it down. Rose Edwards magnificently navigates you through a kingdom on the brink of war and takes you on a journey filled with fear, grief and power. You fall in love with characters and experience their journey as your own. Brilliantly written and absolutely amazing!!
July 15, 2019
The entire time I was reading this book I’m basically thinking ‘this is EXACTLY the kind of book people who’re super into Priory of the Orange Tree would like.’ Except, instead of dragons and .. evil dragons, there’s gods and spirits. At least, I assume so, since I… haven’t managed to finish Priory yet. But I finished this! And it’s a similar kind of vibe, except waaaay shorter, and only two protagonists.
Of the two main POV characters, Ebba is hands down my favourite. I have a weakness for characters who encapsulate ‘everyone thinks you’re dumb, just because you talk like you’re from the country and can’t lie well’. When really, girl is just good-hearted and smart as a whip. Because of that, she reminds me a liiiitle of Daine Sarrasri from Tamora Pierce’s Immortals Quartet.
The prose was beautiful, and the two separate journeys were weaved together impressively well in a way that felt convincing. Sometimes, I lost the narrative thread – high fantasy + a hell of a lot of plot + standalone can make things confusing, especially if you’re like me, and more used to Urban fantasy. But it ended strong, and that carries a lot of weight with me. I liked the religious themes that ran throughout. And that Torny, at least, is definitely queer. At its heart, this is about female friendship, and I have to appreciate this.
Of the two main POV characters, Ebba is hands down my favourite. I have a weakness for characters who encapsulate ‘everyone thinks you’re dumb, just because you talk like you’re from the country and can’t lie well’. When really, girl is just good-hearted and smart as a whip. Because of that, she reminds me a liiiitle of Daine Sarrasri from Tamora Pierce’s Immortals Quartet.
The prose was beautiful, and the two separate journeys were weaved together impressively well in a way that felt convincing. Sometimes, I lost the narrative thread – high fantasy + a hell of a lot of plot + standalone can make things confusing, especially if you’re like me, and more used to Urban fantasy. But it ended strong, and that carries a lot of weight with me. I liked the religious themes that ran throughout. And that Torny, at least, is definitely queer. At its heart, this is about female friendship, and I have to appreciate this.
January 13, 2020
I was so lucky to get an ARC of this. Rose Edwards debut is STUNNING. At the collision of the old ways and the new ways two best friends friend themselves manipulated on opposite sides of a war. Beautifully crafted from norse inspired roots I enjoyed every second of Ebba and Torny's journeys. There is never a right side. And this beautiful story explores so much of life, faith, love and loss. Keep an eye on Rose. She's going to go a long way.
January 31, 2020
2.5
This was chronically disappointing. It has such an interesting premise for the world and clearly is packed full of lore. However, the “harm tree” bit of lore is clumsily explained and largely skimmed over. There is very little plot until the last 100 pages...
Without a doubt, I’d have enjoyed this 10x more if I had begun at page 300.
But still, it wasn’t terrible. But I am not going to reread this ever.
This was chronically disappointing. It has such an interesting premise for the world and clearly is packed full of lore. However, the “harm tree” bit of lore is clumsily explained and largely skimmed over. There is very little plot until the last 100 pages...
Without a doubt, I’d have enjoyed this 10x more if I had begun at page 300.
But still, it wasn’t terrible. But I am not going to reread this ever.
July 10, 2019
I was totally drawn into the stories of Torny and Ebba - changing between each of their stories for each chapter made me want to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next and to see how their stories might converge! And despite the harshness and darkness they were faced with, their strength and love for each other really came through. The world they lived in and language they used were also beautifully described, making it easy on the imagination. Looking forward to more from Rose!
April 24, 2019
It's difficult not to pidgeonhole certain types of books. Young adult fiction carries a certain level of stigma and snobbery against it because it is marketed to teenagers, and usually teenage girls. That kind of mentality will prevent you from reading some of the most accomplished and interesting writing around. Many people would turn their noses up at the description of The Harm Tree, as a story of two young girls trying to find their way in a country divided by religious and political tensions, just because of the age and gender of the protagonists, and that really is unfortunate.
The Harm Tree is closer in tone to A Song of Ice and Fire (or Game of Thrones, if you prefer) than your typical young adult story. Much like that series it takes place in a fictional world similar to our own history, and where magic exists but is part of a past that has turned into legend. It alternates between two main characters who begin the story together but go on very different journeys. Many characters toe a morally grey line based on their own beliefs about what is just, and both heroes and villains are shown to be sympathetic in their motivations. The author perfectly captures the creeping unease of interpersonal divides kept at bay only by the threat of persecution or the rekindling of a war that took the lives of many young people ten years before the events of the novel. I hesitate to continue the comparisons to the work of George R. R. Martin, but The Harm Tree uses similar devices to great effect, but at a pace much faster than the former work. The use of just two primary perspective characters refines the story and prevents it from getting too complicated and difficult to follow. Also Mr. Martin's work spends far too much time describing the food on offer, but that's just a personal preference.
Of course tensions come to a head through the course of the story, and we are treated to some deliciously exciting action, while at the same time telling a very personal story about overcoming trauma in its many forms. The author is able to weave together satisfying conclusions to emotional arcs, through characters who are imperfect and believable. The world created is rich enough that I would happily read further stories delving deeper into Arngard and its many characters.
The Harm Tree is closer in tone to A Song of Ice and Fire (or Game of Thrones, if you prefer) than your typical young adult story. Much like that series it takes place in a fictional world similar to our own history, and where magic exists but is part of a past that has turned into legend. It alternates between two main characters who begin the story together but go on very different journeys. Many characters toe a morally grey line based on their own beliefs about what is just, and both heroes and villains are shown to be sympathetic in their motivations. The author perfectly captures the creeping unease of interpersonal divides kept at bay only by the threat of persecution or the rekindling of a war that took the lives of many young people ten years before the events of the novel. I hesitate to continue the comparisons to the work of George R. R. Martin, but The Harm Tree uses similar devices to great effect, but at a pace much faster than the former work. The use of just two primary perspective characters refines the story and prevents it from getting too complicated and difficult to follow. Also Mr. Martin's work spends far too much time describing the food on offer, but that's just a personal preference.
Of course tensions come to a head through the course of the story, and we are treated to some deliciously exciting action, while at the same time telling a very personal story about overcoming trauma in its many forms. The author is able to weave together satisfying conclusions to emotional arcs, through characters who are imperfect and believable. The world created is rich enough that I would happily read further stories delving deeper into Arngard and its many characters.
June 23, 2019
I was given a copy of this at a YA festival, and after hearing Rose talk on a panel about fantasy and feminism. The way she spoke about writing and the amount of thought she'd clearly put into it - I knew it was going to be great, and I wasn't disappointed. The protagonists are layered young women, the world-building is great (I hope there are going to be lots of books set in this 'verse, because there are so many stories that could be told here), and the plot moves smartly. It finds a great balance between being pacy enough to sustain the interest of the intended YA audience, but giving depth to everything that happens. You kind of get the feeling that for everything that is said, there's a lot more that could be, but isn't. Which is just as it should be when writing for a younger audience.
All in all, a great read and I hope for more in the future.
All in all, a great read and I hope for more in the future.
April 6, 2019
***CALLING ALL YA FANTASY FANS***
Your mission is to pick up a copy of The Harm Tree and immerse yourself in its unique, complex world. Here's why:
Arnsgard is a world divided. The effects of a war between the royal family ten years prior is still being felt between the four regions. Two best friends are torn from their home and each other and thrust into the desolate lands that surround them. Soon they're encompassed in what promises to be a revival of the decade-old war, will they play the part that destiny has presented them? Or fight back for the sake of a better world?
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sword, change your horse's shoes and get ready for a journey you'll never forget.
Your mission is to pick up a copy of The Harm Tree and immerse yourself in its unique, complex world. Here's why:
Arnsgard is a world divided. The effects of a war between the royal family ten years prior is still being felt between the four regions. Two best friends are torn from their home and each other and thrust into the desolate lands that surround them. Soon they're encompassed in what promises to be a revival of the decade-old war, will they play the part that destiny has presented them? Or fight back for the sake of a better world?
So what are you waiting for? Grab your sword, change your horse's shoes and get ready for a journey you'll never forget.
January 20, 2022
Wow! Wow! Wow! For a debut novel this is spectacular! I was so invested in the character of Ebba, oh my word it was so good! As someone who is just getting into fantasy, this set the standards really high. I’ve got to say I’m a bit in awe of this book, like I’m sat here typing this out and I’m shaking. There is so much development, so much information, so much thought out. I loved it! One of my favourite characters was Erland! I just loved this book! It has really set the bar high for YA fantasy 😱
July 23, 2020
2.5
This was chronically disappointing. It has such an interesting premise for the world and clearly is packed full of lore. However, the “harm tree” bit of lore is clumsily explained and largely skimmed over. There is very little plot until the last 100 pages...
Without a doubt, I’d have enjoyed this 10x more if I had begun at page 300.
But still, it wasn’t terrible. But I am not going to reread this ever.
This was chronically disappointing. It has such an interesting premise for the world and clearly is packed full of lore. However, the “harm tree” bit of lore is clumsily explained and largely skimmed over. There is very little plot until the last 100 pages...
Without a doubt, I’d have enjoyed this 10x more if I had begun at page 300.
But still, it wasn’t terrible. But I am not going to reread this ever.
September 1, 2021
This book is absolutely incredible and I am so excited to see what happens in the next book becasue the setup of this book was amazing and I cannot wait to see what else Rose Edwards comes up with for this world.
Torny and Ebba were such brilliant characters and I just loved watching how they evolved over the course of the journeys that they both ended up taking over the course of the book, especially seeing as they ended up on opposing sides of the war that was brewing. I loved the fact that they had such distinctive voices in a story with so many wonderful characters. Speaking of those characters, I particularly loved Galen and Fetch (who is of course a dog) and particularly hated the prester becasue he was so manipulative and sleazy. And I cannot wait to see what happens to everyone over the course of the series.
The plot was so interesting and it moved at such a great pace that I just had to know what was going to happen next so I just kept reading and reading. I particularly liked how it was based on a religious batter between "old" and "new" gods and how that played into the past as well as the future and the character's journey. There was drama and action and romance and it was just so much fun to watch it all unfold and try to see what is going to happen throughout the book and I cannot wait to see how it all continues to happen.
Rose Edwards has created such a wonderful world in which her characters can live, it was so rich and alive with detail that I could just imagine everyone living in it. I also particularly enjoyed how the language of the book used reflected not only the characters but also where they were from and the time and place that the book was set!
Torny and Ebba were such brilliant characters and I just loved watching how they evolved over the course of the journeys that they both ended up taking over the course of the book, especially seeing as they ended up on opposing sides of the war that was brewing. I loved the fact that they had such distinctive voices in a story with so many wonderful characters. Speaking of those characters, I particularly loved Galen and Fetch (who is of course a dog) and particularly hated the prester becasue he was so manipulative and sleazy. And I cannot wait to see what happens to everyone over the course of the series.
The plot was so interesting and it moved at such a great pace that I just had to know what was going to happen next so I just kept reading and reading. I particularly liked how it was based on a religious batter between "old" and "new" gods and how that played into the past as well as the future and the character's journey. There was drama and action and romance and it was just so much fun to watch it all unfold and try to see what is going to happen throughout the book and I cannot wait to see how it all continues to happen.
Rose Edwards has created such a wonderful world in which her characters can live, it was so rich and alive with detail that I could just imagine everyone living in it. I also particularly enjoyed how the language of the book used reflected not only the characters but also where they were from and the time and place that the book was set!
July 16, 2019
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an uncorrected pre-release copy of this at a literary festival! It starts out as a story of two people who are just living the lives that fate has thrown at them and enjoying friendship and life’s small pleasures where they find them, as we all do. Thanks to a healthy level of curiosity, adventure soon unfolds, and the two friends’ fates unfold separately. The adventure is filled with a perfect level of folklore and mysticism, although there’s a lot more to it than a fantasy story line. It was the characters that really stayed with me!
The stories of both characters are totally gripping and both girls are great and kick ass in completely different ways. They have different takes on the ongoing political situation, but it doesn’t define them. For me, this came as a timely reminder that there’s no single way to be an awesome female and that even when the world is being turned upside down, it’s not all about politics.
I devoured this book quickly but I intend to pick it up again to savour it!
Aside - I should note that I am normally not a big fantasy reader because I end up rolling my eyes at the portrayal of women. How wonderful to read a fantasy story where girls are normal people!!
The stories of both characters are totally gripping and both girls are great and kick ass in completely different ways. They have different takes on the ongoing political situation, but it doesn’t define them. For me, this came as a timely reminder that there’s no single way to be an awesome female and that even when the world is being turned upside down, it’s not all about politics.
I devoured this book quickly but I intend to pick it up again to savour it!
Aside - I should note that I am normally not a big fantasy reader because I end up rolling my eyes at the portrayal of women. How wonderful to read a fantasy story where girls are normal people!!
August 21, 2019
A well written and thought out book. I was very surprised. The only issue I had was giving Ebba an accent that made some passages hard to read as my brain stumbled over the words
October 7, 2019
Rose Edwards' ambitious debut is imagined on an epic scale, with a richly woven Norse-inspired history and meticulously constructed world. The cast of characters is no less developed; the plot follows two young friends, Torny and Ebba, with complex personal histories who come to play conflicting yet instrumental parts in the fate of their nation, Arngard.
Of note, Edwards writes refreshingly nuanced and trope-defying female characters who show different facets of strength and vulnerability in equal measure. While the narrative structure hinges on their distinctive paths and voices, I'd like to have seen more of Torny and Ebba's interactions, as their bond is touching and important. But there is much to admire here, not least a narrative that doesn't underestimate its YA audience by shying away from the complexities of war, love and loss. And then there's the beautiful, often lyrical prose. For example...
‘Under my ribs, the hook of my homesickness tugs me north. I wonder if this is what the gulls feel, flying back to their nests in the spring.’
‘At first there’s just emptiness, a gap in the sounds of the world. But then I feel a shiver going through me in the middle of that emptiness. Like the way whalesong shivers through the cliffs back home [...], except this is deeper, so deep it’s not a sound, and it doesn’t waver or change. I open my eyes. Fenn is beaming at me. “What is it?” I ask. Fenn says a word I don’t understand. He says it lovingly, like a beautiful name, or something he lost long ago. Aimi. “The world breathing,” he says. “My mother taught me to hear it.”’
For more of my thoughts on The Harm Tree, please check out my blog post on Inky Squiggles.
Note: I received a free digital proof copy of this book for the purposes of a university assignment.
Of note, Edwards writes refreshingly nuanced and trope-defying female characters who show different facets of strength and vulnerability in equal measure. While the narrative structure hinges on their distinctive paths and voices, I'd like to have seen more of Torny and Ebba's interactions, as their bond is touching and important. But there is much to admire here, not least a narrative that doesn't underestimate its YA audience by shying away from the complexities of war, love and loss. And then there's the beautiful, often lyrical prose. For example...
‘Under my ribs, the hook of my homesickness tugs me north. I wonder if this is what the gulls feel, flying back to their nests in the spring.’
‘At first there’s just emptiness, a gap in the sounds of the world. But then I feel a shiver going through me in the middle of that emptiness. Like the way whalesong shivers through the cliffs back home [...], except this is deeper, so deep it’s not a sound, and it doesn’t waver or change. I open my eyes. Fenn is beaming at me. “What is it?” I ask. Fenn says a word I don’t understand. He says it lovingly, like a beautiful name, or something he lost long ago. Aimi. “The world breathing,” he says. “My mother taught me to hear it.”’
For more of my thoughts on The Harm Tree, please check out my blog post on Inky Squiggles.
Note: I received a free digital proof copy of this book for the purposes of a university assignment.
October 15, 2021
This is an incredible debut about two friends used by opposing sides in a war, set in such a rich, Norse-inspired world.
July 13, 2021
In preparation for the upcoming release of The Ember Days, I was sent a complimentary copy of The Harm Tree from the publisher. I loved the bold cover and was thrilled to see a cast of characters list and a map within the first few pages. You know you're getting a great fantasy when you see those.
After a civil war between two princes, the story opens in a land still healing from the consequent devastation. The new religion of victorious King Kolrand fights for dominance with the old religion still prevalent in many parts of the country. This tension drives a lot of the characters and is represented most forcefully by the Prester, a warrior-priest who vows to crush the old religion completely. The push and pull of this aspect worked brilliantly and fully rounded out the plot.
The narrative is told from the perspective of two teenage girls, Torny and Ebba. Both sent to a wayhouse by their families, the girls have forged a friendship that is soon to be tested as they find themselves on opposite sides of the brewing war. Torny dreams of being a warrior but is soon unwillingly embroiled with proponents of the old religion. Meanwhile, the Prester decides to make Ebba a symbol of the new religion and to show the power of their White God.
The world-building was richly detailed and extensive, and its epic sweep had me heavily invested. Each character was fascinating and fleshed out enough to feel authentic. An engaging writing style is enhanced by the choice of casual language that mimics the dialect of the two girls. This sometimes fails to work for an author as it jars the reader from the story but, in this case, it's highly successful.
Torny and Ebba are soon on a path of collision and the tension rapidly builds from this point. The fighting scenes are tense and well written and I raced through the final quarter. The ending feels satisfying enough that the reader won't feel cheated by a cliffhanger but there's also plenty of room for the upcoming sequel to spread its wings and continue the adventure.
After a civil war between two princes, the story opens in a land still healing from the consequent devastation. The new religion of victorious King Kolrand fights for dominance with the old religion still prevalent in many parts of the country. This tension drives a lot of the characters and is represented most forcefully by the Prester, a warrior-priest who vows to crush the old religion completely. The push and pull of this aspect worked brilliantly and fully rounded out the plot.
The narrative is told from the perspective of two teenage girls, Torny and Ebba. Both sent to a wayhouse by their families, the girls have forged a friendship that is soon to be tested as they find themselves on opposite sides of the brewing war. Torny dreams of being a warrior but is soon unwillingly embroiled with proponents of the old religion. Meanwhile, the Prester decides to make Ebba a symbol of the new religion and to show the power of their White God.
The world-building was richly detailed and extensive, and its epic sweep had me heavily invested. Each character was fascinating and fleshed out enough to feel authentic. An engaging writing style is enhanced by the choice of casual language that mimics the dialect of the two girls. This sometimes fails to work for an author as it jars the reader from the story but, in this case, it's highly successful.
Torny and Ebba are soon on a path of collision and the tension rapidly builds from this point. The fighting scenes are tense and well written and I raced through the final quarter. The ending feels satisfying enough that the reader won't feel cheated by a cliffhanger but there's also plenty of room for the upcoming sequel to spread its wings and continue the adventure.
Want to read
October 12, 2021Thank you to Graeme Williams and @uclan_publishing for the gorgeous copies of The Harm Tree and The Ember Days (I love a series that match so beautifully)
Thank you also to Rose Edwards for not only the gorgeous books but also for her piece on World Building which is in the last couple of slides.
The Harm Tree is set in a place that is recovering from the ravages of one war, whilst staring down the barrel of another.
The Harm Tree, like The Ember days benefits from what I have to say is excellent and well thought out world building. We gain from both books an understanding of what came before and influenced the culmination of where we are now, in each book.
It really shows the calibre of a writer who can draw on your own emotions through their writing and make you feel as though you are right there, within the pages yourself.
In Rose’s writing you will find strong female characters who have their own internal struggles to deal will along with those of the world around them.
Whilst this is a YA Fantasy series seated with Norse history inspirations, I feel like it would speak to and enchant any reader, no matter their preference.
You know the age old saying of “Strong Women, May We Know Them, May We Be Them and May We Raise them”?? Well Rose has definitely taken that and woven it into her stories.
This book was certainly a path of self learning and self acceptance for both of the protagonists, Ebba & Torny, and one I am sure many can relate to. I know I did.
These books will remain on my shelves for future reading again as I feel like I will relate to parts differently as I age and grow.
Beautifully written and an encapsulating world both The Harm Tree & Ember Days is set to become a staple amongst YA Readers for sure.
Thank you also to Rose Edwards for not only the gorgeous books but also for her piece on World Building which is in the last couple of slides.
The Harm Tree is set in a place that is recovering from the ravages of one war, whilst staring down the barrel of another.
The Harm Tree, like The Ember days benefits from what I have to say is excellent and well thought out world building. We gain from both books an understanding of what came before and influenced the culmination of where we are now, in each book.
It really shows the calibre of a writer who can draw on your own emotions through their writing and make you feel as though you are right there, within the pages yourself.
In Rose’s writing you will find strong female characters who have their own internal struggles to deal will along with those of the world around them.
Whilst this is a YA Fantasy series seated with Norse history inspirations, I feel like it would speak to and enchant any reader, no matter their preference.
You know the age old saying of “Strong Women, May We Know Them, May We Be Them and May We Raise them”?? Well Rose has definitely taken that and woven it into her stories.
This book was certainly a path of self learning and self acceptance for both of the protagonists, Ebba & Torny, and one I am sure many can relate to. I know I did.
These books will remain on my shelves for future reading again as I feel like I will relate to parts differently as I age and grow.
Beautifully written and an encapsulating world both The Harm Tree & Ember Days is set to become a staple amongst YA Readers for sure.
April 18, 2020
I bought this book when I went to YALC 2019 as the concept and blurb intrigued me. I am extremely happy I picked it up. The start was a little slow as the characters were introduced but quickly picked up and kept running!
This follows two girls who have both been sent away by their families and have become friends in a way house in a centrally located city, as servers. Events unfold that connect to a past conflict that sends the girls moving towards their own homes, but on two very different paths, one to become the symbol of an invading faith, the other to oppose it.
This was a wonderful read and kept me invested throughout, the characters were deep, their lives were interesting, and the switching between viewpoints was done wonderfully, in a way that never broke immersion once. I will be looking out for more by Rose Edwards, as well as more in this series if it becomes one, and recommending this book to others.
This follows two girls who have both been sent away by their families and have become friends in a way house in a centrally located city, as servers. Events unfold that connect to a past conflict that sends the girls moving towards their own homes, but on two very different paths, one to become the symbol of an invading faith, the other to oppose it.
This was a wonderful read and kept me invested throughout, the characters were deep, their lives were interesting, and the switching between viewpoints was done wonderfully, in a way that never broke immersion once. I will be looking out for more by Rose Edwards, as well as more in this series if it becomes one, and recommending this book to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2019
I bought The Harm Tree from Amazon.co.uk I have read a huge number of books but
nothing like this one. The voice of Rose Edwards is quite unique and I loved it.
A fascinating fantasy story about Arnsgard, a country ruined by a war and another one about to
strike out.
I followed the two friends, Torny and Ebba throughout this gripping story; I felt their grief, their fears, their strong friendship and deep love for each other.
An unforgettable story that will stay with me for a very long time and I would greatly recommend it.
nothing like this one. The voice of Rose Edwards is quite unique and I loved it.
A fascinating fantasy story about Arnsgard, a country ruined by a war and another one about to
strike out.
I followed the two friends, Torny and Ebba throughout this gripping story; I felt their grief, their fears, their strong friendship and deep love for each other.
An unforgettable story that will stay with me for a very long time and I would greatly recommend it.
June 16, 2021
Torny and Ebba are best friends, thrown together in a world about to be torn apart again in war. These two are the unwitting catalysts and story tellers for a tale that took my breath away. An epic saga in the making. The writing is excellent, fast paced and in a fantasy world that comes to life. Loved it. Can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 14, 2021
An interesting read with lots of potential, I feel it needs a little more wrk and it could easily be 5 stars, but it’s still such a strong and fantastic story especially as the author’s debut. This is a Norse inspired YA Fantasy, with strong female characters, rich world building and an entertaining tale, I will definitely be reading the next.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 24, 2024
i loveeee the vibe, and wish the author leaned more towards this being an atmospheric fantasy. because to put it plainly, the plot was lackluster and a bitt confusing at times. which wouldd've fine if the writing focused more on being immersive, but it did not.
the relationship of the characters were not developed well enough for me to believe they'd care THAT much for each other. so unfortunately i was left feeling unattached to anything towards the end of the book🙁🙁
the relationship of the characters were not developed well enough for me to believe they'd care THAT much for each other. so unfortunately i was left feeling unattached to anything towards the end of the book🙁🙁
July 24, 2019
I bought this book at the launch and once i started found it very difficult to put down. A whole new fantasy world has been created with a plot of great suspense and excitement. Having young heroines does not mean it is only for young readers - indeed the realism is often very grown up. The nail biting ending was clever enough to give closure while leaving many possibilities open.
October 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot. The distinct voices of the two main characters were particularly strong and compelling and the plot was interesting. I did find it a little confusing at times (the various religious systems were very complex and didn't always feel distinct) and wasn't sure about some of the plot twists, but I would happily read more.
December 18, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and UCLan publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a Norse tale about two girls left to fend for themselves on opposite sides of a conflict. This started of really slow and I found myself struggling to get I to it. Maybe I'll try this again in the future as it could be me as everyone else has appeared to have loved it.
This book is a Norse tale about two girls left to fend for themselves on opposite sides of a conflict. This started of really slow and I found myself struggling to get I to it. Maybe I'll try this again in the future as it could be me as everyone else has appeared to have loved it.
Read
November 1, 2020I give up. The writing style is just not for me. I don't know what it is exactly, I just can't get into it and I still have no idea what is going on. A shame, because the premise sounded like something I would enjoy.
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