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School of Roots and Vines #1
Sophie Briggs and the Spike of Death
Sophia Briggs has passed the entrance exam and is a freshman at the famous School of Roots and Vines. The young magical is an Elemental with a twist. She can help everything that grows out of the ground – and then some. Her magic is a kind that hasn’t been seen in generations.
A secret even to her, but not for long.
In the center of the boarding school stands an oversized oak tree that stretches across the campus and houses the classrooms – and is still alive. Even the tree holds a powerful secret that is being protected by a few.
But there are dark forces that are searching for the roots of the secret, and they pose a threat to the school.
Will Sophia discover what special magic she holds in time? Will it be enough?
There is even an enemy among them that could bring it all down if Sophie and her new crew of friends don’t unravel the mystery in time. Can you figure out the secrets of The School of Roots and Vines?
A secret even to her, but not for long.
In the center of the boarding school stands an oversized oak tree that stretches across the campus and houses the classrooms – and is still alive. Even the tree holds a powerful secret that is being protected by a few.
But there are dark forces that are searching for the roots of the secret, and they pose a threat to the school.
Will Sophia discover what special magic she holds in time? Will it be enough?
There is even an enemy among them that could bring it all down if Sophie and her new crew of friends don’t unravel the mystery in time. Can you figure out the secrets of The School of Roots and Vines?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2022
395 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Martha Carr
560 books765 followersOkay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 7, 2023
I understand from reading this that it was written for young adults or teenagers; as a full adult, I could NOT finish this book as it didn't make sense. The majority of all of the problems in this book could have been cleared up much faster if the stupid teenagers went to the adults when they encountered life altering experiences and changes.
I genuinely could not understand why the main character thought the problem in this book was so serious but somehow months would pass by in the storyline before she remembered or did something. It made ZERO sense and was driving my brain crazy by all of the stupid.
I genuinely hope you enjoy the book much better than me. I gave up at 80%, during the school dance.
I genuinely could not understand why the main character thought the problem in this book was so serious but somehow months would pass by in the storyline before she remembered or did something. It made ZERO sense and was driving my brain crazy by all of the stupid.
I genuinely hope you enjoy the book much better than me. I gave up at 80%, during the school dance.
May 12, 2024
the concept is great but the dialog was terrible. I enjoy the authors other works so I was excited to dive into this one but i had to stop after the third book. I couldn't do it anymore.
January 5, 2025
Despite the sexy cover, this is a fairly tame young teen romance. I enjoyed it for what it was.
The Story: Sophie Briggs has come to boarding school at the School of Roots and Vines. One of the major structures at the school is the very large tree that Sophie can speak to (when no one else can). It is in distress since someone has spiked the tree with a magical spell of death. And if the tree dies, the power of the elementals will rise and many people will die. How do they know this? It happened before. Only Sophie can know exactly what the tree needs to save itself, but it will take more than Sofie's healing powers to do it.
Any problems with this story? Well... other than all the young teens seemed to be insane (the normal insanity of young teens), the characters were a little too cliche. I would expect that from a novel aimed at young teens. The story was also predictable and at times I had a vague feeling that I had heard this story before... shades of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" although there was no serpent involved here.
Over all, for a young teen romance I prefer the Gallagher Girls series starting with "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter. It is tongue-in-cheek and thus doesn't take itself too seriously.
Any modesty issues? Nothing out of line. Boys and girls do kiss, chastely, on occasion. I don't recall any vulgar language in the story itself although the S-word does appear once in Michael Anderle's Author's Notes.
The ending was predictable and left a big opening for a sequel. I will probably read the next book in the series. I'm not sure if I would read this book again except as part of an overall strategy to understand what young teens are interested in today.
The Story: Sophie Briggs has come to boarding school at the School of Roots and Vines. One of the major structures at the school is the very large tree that Sophie can speak to (when no one else can). It is in distress since someone has spiked the tree with a magical spell of death. And if the tree dies, the power of the elementals will rise and many people will die. How do they know this? It happened before. Only Sophie can know exactly what the tree needs to save itself, but it will take more than Sofie's healing powers to do it.
Any problems with this story? Well... other than all the young teens seemed to be insane (the normal insanity of young teens), the characters were a little too cliche. I would expect that from a novel aimed at young teens. The story was also predictable and at times I had a vague feeling that I had heard this story before... shades of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" although there was no serpent involved here.
Over all, for a young teen romance I prefer the Gallagher Girls series starting with "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You" by Ally Carter. It is tongue-in-cheek and thus doesn't take itself too seriously.
Any modesty issues? Nothing out of line. Boys and girls do kiss, chastely, on occasion. I don't recall any vulgar language in the story itself although the S-word does appear once in Michael Anderle's Author's Notes.
The ending was predictable and left a big opening for a sequel. I will probably read the next book in the series. I'm not sure if I would read this book again except as part of an overall strategy to understand what young teens are interested in today.
October 27, 2024
Sleep took me over last night, before I could even write one word of a review so, even though I'm dying to start book two, now I'm awake again, I thought I'd tell you about book one, first!
Even though this story seems to be aimed more towards young adults, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, which is quite strange, when you consider I'm in my early 60's now, and am British, so was brought up with a different kind of schooling .
But I guess that Martha and Michael's writing, appeals to every age group - rather like the Harry Potter phenomenon (I'm mid-watch, with the third film at the moment, as I don't have the time, or energy, to read the book again!)
Anyhoo, Sophie Briggs appealed to me from the first page, and I went on to read the whole book with barely a rest stop! Lol
I really enjoyed the world that she inhabits - so much like our own, but with everyone having some form of elemental magic - and I loved that those who were strong in their magic, went on for further training, rather like our kids going on to Uni, or Vocational college.
Sophie was, from the get-go, a little different from her fellow students, and she showed a kind heart, and a willingness to admit when she was wrong - something so many find hard to do.
But, as her story unwound, and she had to start dealing with situations that even her Professors found hard, Sophie excelled, while willingly asking for the help she knew she needed, to win the day.
Her story ends at her school's Christmas break, and so book Two: 'Sophie Briggs and the Crystal Contraption', is probably going to start after that holiday, so I'm going to go now, to find out exactly what will happen next.
So, once I've finished this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought of it!
Even though this story seems to be aimed more towards young adults, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, which is quite strange, when you consider I'm in my early 60's now, and am British, so was brought up with a different kind of schooling .
But I guess that Martha and Michael's writing, appeals to every age group - rather like the Harry Potter phenomenon (I'm mid-watch, with the third film at the moment, as I don't have the time, or energy, to read the book again!)
Anyhoo, Sophie Briggs appealed to me from the first page, and I went on to read the whole book with barely a rest stop! Lol
I really enjoyed the world that she inhabits - so much like our own, but with everyone having some form of elemental magic - and I loved that those who were strong in their magic, went on for further training, rather like our kids going on to Uni, or Vocational college.
Sophie was, from the get-go, a little different from her fellow students, and she showed a kind heart, and a willingness to admit when she was wrong - something so many find hard to do.
But, as her story unwound, and she had to start dealing with situations that even her Professors found hard, Sophie excelled, while willingly asking for the help she knew she needed, to win the day.
Her story ends at her school's Christmas break, and so book Two: 'Sophie Briggs and the Crystal Contraption', is probably going to start after that holiday, so I'm going to go now, to find out exactly what will happen next.
So, once I've finished this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought of it!
February 22, 2023
2 1/2 stars. There aren't that many books of this type where the protagonist has a power that accelerates plant life so it is interesting because of that. One thing that is a little harder to buy is that if Sophia knows that there the tree is in so much danger and is so important, why does she get so caught up in the school work without going to help more often. It seems that weeks go buy when she doesn't even try anything. But I am glad that the solution was not just her but a bunch of people working together.
June 24, 2023
An enchanting new series that’s totally entertaining and enjoyable!!!!!!
Congratulations to Martha Carr and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such intexresting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Martha Carr and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such intexresting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
November 30, 2022
Wonderful YA fiction
I have always admired Martha Carr and Michael Anderle's stories. This one is well written for middle school and up . Sophie Briggs the School of Roots and Vines was such an excellent book and I am very excited about reading the second book in the series.
I have always admired Martha Carr and Michael Anderle's stories. This one is well written for middle school and up . Sophie Briggs the School of Roots and Vines was such an excellent book and I am very excited about reading the second book in the series.
October 25, 2022
Great Start to the Series
I loved the characters. The tension between characters and the fight to save the school. Who knew a tree could mean so much.
I loved the characters. The tension between characters and the fight to save the school. Who knew a tree could mean so much.
October 26, 2022
Sweet story
I have enjoyed this fun new adventure of all the elements in a school as they learn that no element is more important that they need a balance to make life move on.
I have enjoyed this fun new adventure of all the elements in a school as they learn that no element is more important that they need a balance to make life move on.
December 2, 2022
Good book very entertaining
This is a well written book. Very interesting and a good read. Reminds me of the School for Necessary Magic series.
This is a well written book. Very interesting and a good read. Reminds me of the School for Necessary Magic series.
January 15, 2023
excellent start
Great start to a new series. Very reminiscent of School of Necessary Magic. I love the characters that Martha creates, they’re so likeable and real.
Great start to a new series. Very reminiscent of School of Necessary Magic. I love the characters that Martha creates, they’re so likeable and real.
November 1, 2024
What's with Michael Anderle? How come his name appears everywhere? Does he ever write anything?
December 22, 2024
If you are in high school, you will probably enjoy this series. It is all about the 15-17 year old drama with a little bit of arse kicking. OMG, the stupid drama. All you hear about is who likes who, who broke up with who, who gets to sit at the "cool kids" lunch table. Bullying and very churchy, do-gooder vibes that everything can be sunshine and rainbows if you only are nice. Not enough action to make the non-stop TEEN drama worth it. I kept reading the series, thinking it would get better, but let me tell you, it doesn't. I really was hoping that after the second book, they would grow up SOME. NOPE! I forgot the endless star gazing is way TOO much. It felt like they used it as book filler to pump up the word count.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews