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Deciduous
It has been ten months since forest conservationist Sienna lost her daughter in a tragic home accident when she was the only other person around. Kira's death transforms Sienna into an overprotective mother to her son. But then Kai dies under similar circumstances. Desperate to keep from losing her mind, if only to preserve the memories of her children, Sienna climbs into the treehouse where Kai took his last breath.
While meditating to connect with him, terrifying images of a "mother tree," a nurturing hub tree Sienna studied in an isolated meadow near their lake house, corrupt all memories of her kids. No longer a majestic, colorful sentinel, the tree menaces her with its limbs draped in leaves that morph into skeletal hands. As Sienna's thoughts fester, convincing her that her children's deaths were not simple accidents, those around her try to persuade her she must be guilty of harming Kira and Kai, even if she can't remember. Anxious to unveil the terrible truth hiding in her psyche, Sienna instead finds herself in very physical danger as secrets come to light.
While meditating to connect with him, terrifying images of a "mother tree," a nurturing hub tree Sienna studied in an isolated meadow near their lake house, corrupt all memories of her kids. No longer a majestic, colorful sentinel, the tree menaces her with its limbs draped in leaves that morph into skeletal hands. As Sienna's thoughts fester, convincing her that her children's deaths were not simple accidents, those around her try to persuade her she must be guilty of harming Kira and Kai, even if she can't remember. Anxious to unveil the terrible truth hiding in her psyche, Sienna instead finds herself in very physical danger as secrets come to light.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
28 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Michael Devendorf
1 book38 followersMichael Devendorf aspires to surprise and provoke the reader by intertwining contrasting emotions within stories that defy strict categorization. In addition to writing, he is a passionate animal welfare advocate. He and his family split their time between Dallas, Texas, and northern Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 10, 2021
"Grief can play tricks on the mind..."
This story is a gut-wrenching mystery thriller. Sienna loses two children within 10 months of each other. It's almost too horrible to be true. When a social media trial by fire ignites around her, Sienna is left questioning whether she herself is guilty. This question plagues the characters and the readers.
A story of devastating loss, delivered in unapologetic prose, Deciduous in unforgettable. The reader remains glued to their seat as they witness the mother's ill-fated attempts to save her children and watch as she struggles to wrap her mind around the gravity of the events.
There's something wrong with the treehouse...
The perspective shifts between the parents, Sienna and Jordan, and their neighbor Yvonne. We can't be sure if paranormal events are at play or not. Nightmares plague Sienna, but we are forced to ask whether the mother's grief for her children is coloring our view of the story. While some characters are convinced of Sienna's guilt, Jordan seems to be her rock. Despite a somewhat rocky marriage, he seems to be supportive of her. When it seems like they've lost everything, the stakes are raised again with a shocking twist.
Dark secrets lurk in the trees, but they aren't what you think.
If you love a book that keeps you guessing until the last moment, you'll love Deciduous by Michael Devendorf.
This story is a gut-wrenching mystery thriller. Sienna loses two children within 10 months of each other. It's almost too horrible to be true. When a social media trial by fire ignites around her, Sienna is left questioning whether she herself is guilty. This question plagues the characters and the readers.
A story of devastating loss, delivered in unapologetic prose, Deciduous in unforgettable. The reader remains glued to their seat as they witness the mother's ill-fated attempts to save her children and watch as she struggles to wrap her mind around the gravity of the events.
There's something wrong with the treehouse...
The perspective shifts between the parents, Sienna and Jordan, and their neighbor Yvonne. We can't be sure if paranormal events are at play or not. Nightmares plague Sienna, but we are forced to ask whether the mother's grief for her children is coloring our view of the story. While some characters are convinced of Sienna's guilt, Jordan seems to be her rock. Despite a somewhat rocky marriage, he seems to be supportive of her. When it seems like they've lost everything, the stakes are raised again with a shocking twist.
Dark secrets lurk in the trees, but they aren't what you think.
If you love a book that keeps you guessing until the last moment, you'll love Deciduous by Michael Devendorf.
April 11, 2021
Debut author Michael Devendorf will have the fortunate “problem” of trying to duplicate the intricate story he’s written in Deciduous. And I can’t wait to see what he crafts next.
The book excels by building both on paper and in your mind. It’s a genre-bending journey for the reader. With both paranormal and supernatural leanings, you will be kept guessing as the family’s devastating drama and deep secrets are skillfully exposed.
I was immediately grabbed by one of the most emotional first chapters of any book in recent memory. Sienna and her husband Jordan mysteriously lose both of their children in questionable home accidents within months of each other. As Sienna emerges from their shadowy family treehouse with her young son Kai (just a few pages in) Devendorf writes she is “spinning on her knees into the doorway with him dangling in her outstretched arms. Sienna screams into the void of summer evening air, ‘HELP ME’.” One immediately feels for this woman, but will we like her? Hate her? The author keeps delivering these poignant payoffs throughout.
In addition to the story that is told with skill and care, the author creates rich, vivid characters that play with your emotions. I liked the way Kira, the daughter, is given voice and depth through flashbacks, especially via her video diary. The character of Yvonne emerged as one of my favorites as she tries to provide support to the family. All characters, even those on the periphery, are written as needed pieces to the puzzle that Devendorf has put together.
The book reads as a classic novel, but it feels fresh in the age of social media. Sometimes frantic, sometimes methodical, with a surprise ending Deciduous will have you filled with questions while you doubt both the characters and your loyalties to them.
Five stars.
The book excels by building both on paper and in your mind. It’s a genre-bending journey for the reader. With both paranormal and supernatural leanings, you will be kept guessing as the family’s devastating drama and deep secrets are skillfully exposed.
I was immediately grabbed by one of the most emotional first chapters of any book in recent memory. Sienna and her husband Jordan mysteriously lose both of their children in questionable home accidents within months of each other. As Sienna emerges from their shadowy family treehouse with her young son Kai (just a few pages in) Devendorf writes she is “spinning on her knees into the doorway with him dangling in her outstretched arms. Sienna screams into the void of summer evening air, ‘HELP ME’.” One immediately feels for this woman, but will we like her? Hate her? The author keeps delivering these poignant payoffs throughout.
In addition to the story that is told with skill and care, the author creates rich, vivid characters that play with your emotions. I liked the way Kira, the daughter, is given voice and depth through flashbacks, especially via her video diary. The character of Yvonne emerged as one of my favorites as she tries to provide support to the family. All characters, even those on the periphery, are written as needed pieces to the puzzle that Devendorf has put together.
The book reads as a classic novel, but it feels fresh in the age of social media. Sometimes frantic, sometimes methodical, with a surprise ending Deciduous will have you filled with questions while you doubt both the characters and your loyalties to them.
Five stars.
March 4, 2021
Throughout Deciduous, flashbacks to Sienna’s memories reveal Kira and Kai’s personalities and the affection between mother and children. These realistic moments continue to develop the relationships in the family, with a tragic edge because the reader is always aware that the children won’t live to grow up. This bittersweet quality, blending the joy of mother love with tragic loss, fills the story, even in scenes of great tension.
My full review (without spoilers) is on my blog.
My full review (without spoilers) is on my blog.
April 28, 2021
The writing is smooth you can read without know you absorb. From the opening the grab a mother's grief and the more you learn the more it drives sadness. I was almost to stop because I couldn't my emotional builds. When I forced to continued, and found suspense and action pushing engrossing focus. I recommend this book for something that is different and satisfied.
September 1, 2022
Great story! A very suspenseful page turner. I only wish women would listen AND believe their inner voice the first time they hear it🙏 Sienna and Yvonne should have called the police, and don't drink the oj he just gave you...duh! Thank you Michael Devendorf for my copies! ☺️🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2021
Ten months ago, Sienna lost her young adult daughter, Kira, when she fell to her death from their family tree-house. It was devastating and heart-breaking, and she tried real hard to deal with this traumatic incident..
And, today, when Sienna found her 12-year-old son, Kai, dead on the floor of the same tree-house, the burden of grief and guilt was so unbearable that had severely affected her mental health..
When the law enforcement discovered evidences that potentially dictate Kai’s death was something else other than accidental, Sienna’s world was turned upside-down, not knowing that herself was in great danger!
The brilliant Michael Devendorf has cleverly crafted this phenomenal DECIDUOUS, a very original thriller comprises of anguished emotion, suspense and dark secrets that ends with an unexpected twist!
I would like to thank Devendorf for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this enthralling thriller!
And, today, when Sienna found her 12-year-old son, Kai, dead on the floor of the same tree-house, the burden of grief and guilt was so unbearable that had severely affected her mental health..
When the law enforcement discovered evidences that potentially dictate Kai’s death was something else other than accidental, Sienna’s world was turned upside-down, not knowing that herself was in great danger!
The brilliant Michael Devendorf has cleverly crafted this phenomenal DECIDUOUS, a very original thriller comprises of anguished emotion, suspense and dark secrets that ends with an unexpected twist!
I would like to thank Devendorf for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this enthralling thriller!
May 21, 2021
The author is obviously not afraid to take risks. A woman who loses three children in this book is the protagonist, and she is pushed to her mental limit. There were several times I wasn't quite sure where the book was going and I was second-guessing on who or what the culprit was behind the mayhem.
I was a bit confused with the neighbor character who was a yoga teacher who also smokes cigarettes, as the two don't really go together. Another minor detail I found odd is the same police officer--Rodriguez, who made the arrest in the beginning also happened to be working on a separate case for the same family. Overall the book is quite strong for this author's first novel. The story really takes off around page 255… I couldn’t put it down after that..
I was a bit confused with the neighbor character who was a yoga teacher who also smokes cigarettes, as the two don't really go together. Another minor detail I found odd is the same police officer--Rodriguez, who made the arrest in the beginning also happened to be working on a separate case for the same family. Overall the book is quite strong for this author's first novel. The story really takes off around page 255… I couldn’t put it down after that..
November 30, 2022
What whirlwind of emotions
This book is a roller coaster of feeling that overtake your mind. A family loses 2 children under a years time but it’s not what it seems. This story was a completely different kind of story that I’ve never read before. The author really grabs you from page one and doesn’t let you go until the last. I highly recommend it
This book is a roller coaster of feeling that overtake your mind. A family loses 2 children under a years time but it’s not what it seems. This story was a completely different kind of story that I’ve never read before. The author really grabs you from page one and doesn’t let you go until the last. I highly recommend it
May 28, 2022
Deciduousby Michael Devendorf was a riveting read. A book that I wished I could have read in one sitting as it played on my mind until I could pick it up and keep reading. Very cleverly written. Everytime I thought the book was headed in one direction it changed course. It now sits on my favourite thrillers shelf with the other few thrillers that have so captivated me. Thank-you to Michael Devendorf for the experience. Hopefully there will be more from the author.
June 5, 2021
Fantastic book
I opened my ebook and didn't put it down (except to eat dinner) until I got to the the end! I haven't been that engrossed in a book in a long time, Beautifully written!
I opened my ebook and didn't put it down (except to eat dinner) until I got to the the end! I haven't been that engrossed in a book in a long time, Beautifully written!
May 21, 2021
Amazing! This was a page turner for sure. Sienna sadly loses two children in the span of 10 months. We get to see her fight to find out what has happened to them.
July 5, 2021
Keeps you guessing
I dint have a clue till almost the end. Good book never would have guessed. Definitely recommend anyone to read this
I dint have a clue till almost the end. Good book never would have guessed. Definitely recommend anyone to read this
October 31, 2021
Fabulous!
Read this book! It is entrancing and addictive. Could not stop reading when I got to about 1/3 of the way through! Loved it!
Read this book! It is entrancing and addictive. Could not stop reading when I got to about 1/3 of the way through! Loved it!
April 21, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to reading more from them in the future. This is a well developed story that surrounds a mother and her two children's suspious deaths. The characters are relateable and the bring the story to life on each page. The twists and turns will leave you guessing on how both of these children fell to the same type of death. This is a faster paced book that I found to be both engaging and entertaining. I highly recommend this book.
May 4, 2021
Wow! I’m still trying to grasp all that I just read. The author has a talent for vivid details. I was able to picture everything in my mind. I did have a hard time with the sci-fi aspects of the book. This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story. Things take an unexpected twist in the last 20% of the book that will leave you on the edge of your seat unable to put the book down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
September 14, 2021
This is both a mystery and a study of overwhelming grief. A mother loses both her children in the span months and questions arise especially as to what role she played in the second child's death. Did she kill him? The book is written in direct, unadorned prose and it is a difficult read. You share the characters' feelings of grief, disbelief and confusion. It is a hard wrenching book but it's a worthwhile read if you know what you're in for. This book was received as a Goodreads giveaway.
December 9, 2024
Deciduous
I am hoping for Michael to write and publish a new book soon. It was excellent and full of descriptive and engaging dialogue that made this book even more engrossing. initially I thought this was going to be a book about mystical affirmations and was I wrong. I highly recommend, as it was fast paced and an excellent thriller. The ending is mind boggling. Job well done.
I am hoping for Michael to write and publish a new book soon. It was excellent and full of descriptive and engaging dialogue that made this book even more engrossing. initially I thought this was going to be a book about mystical affirmations and was I wrong. I highly recommend, as it was fast paced and an excellent thriller. The ending is mind boggling. Job well done.
May 15, 2021
I wanted more from this story. On page 200-something, it still felt as if nothing had happened. No drama, no suspense, no action. The story concluded nicely, but not the thriller the blurbs implied it would be.
May 31, 2021
This was a good vacation read but the ending disappointed.
November 8, 2021
Took me quite awhile to get into. But 1/4 of the way through I finally did, and it got alot better. Pretty crazy story! I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews