Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.
Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.
When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.
Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.
I really really enjoyed this book.
To be honest, I hadn't heard much about A Treason of Thorns before I saw it on Edelweiss and so my expectations weren't huge for it, and whilst it did take a little while to draw me in... when I was in, I was in.
This book has a Victorian Gothic kind of vibe, and what I found was particularly good was how Weymouth managed to give the house a personality and - even more amazing - an arc. I loved how Violet's personal development changed the way we saw the house, from her friend and protector so something so much more wild and terrifying.
I loved the romance story as well, it was swoon worthy and even more, it wasn't straight up instalove. They've known eachother since they were kids so it makes it so much more believable.
I did feel that at times this book could be a little repetitive. Vi would try to save Burleigh and everytime someone throws a spanner in the works she repeats her mantra of 'A Caretaker always puts their house first'. I also feel like the magic was just 'there' and wasn't described in a way in which I could visualise it, and there were some very good descriptions in this book and so many lush things I could visualise that it felt a bit like a cop out.
All being said, despite a few small issues, I did absolutely love this book. Weymouth is a skilled writer and this book had an amazing atmosphere and brilliant characters.
Book released 10th September 2019 by HarperTeen
Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review
