The Burning Tree

By Helen Dent

There’s a secret growing in the woods.

In Ellie Caster’s town of Bishop’s Gap, the Casters and the powerful Levy family have been feuding for generations. The families share just one thing in common—they both dread the mark, a scorch that appears at random on their doors, bringing a curse from the Burning Tree.

When the mark hits Ellie’s door, her sister Jean falls into a coma. Ellie knows the Burning Tree is to blame, and desperate to save her sister, she braves the forbidden woods to confront it. But this choice ignites a chain of unintended consequences, forcing her to work with her nemesis, Charlotte Levy.

Together, they must complete an impossible task, uncover the ancient secret of Bishop’s Gap, and end the curse before time runs out for their entire town.

My Thoughts: A magical modern town was a new setting for me. Not only was The Burning Tree fantastical, it was a great use of thematic symbolism. While I wish the role of the parent was respected more, I was glad when the family was reconciled. Ellie’s change is so impactful!

★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 4/5)

★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 4/5)