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Tree of Jesse
Two star crossed lovers, one ancient prophecy, and a secret society that will stop at nothing to keep them from fulfilling their destiny. On a lonely strip of Death Valley a failing musician awakens from a head injury only to find it has unleashed something inside him he never could have imagined... an ancient language.. a hidden identity... and the woman who holds the key to unlocking the mystery.
- GenresSuspense
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2013
About the author
Jenna Mattison
4 books11 followersMattison started her career in Chicago appearing on television and radio. She founded founded Cheshire Smile Productions, bringing to life and penning her first feature film FISH WITHOUT A BICYCLE, a festival winning coming of age comedy which was directed by Brian Austin Green. “Fish” is now available on Netflix. Mattison also wrote Cheshire’s second release THE THIRD WISH now available at Blockbuster and distributed by the Hallmark Channel.
Lionsgate’s FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, based on a true story of Jewish gangsters set in the 1970’s starring James Caan, Paul Sorvino, Edward Furlong and Jeffrey Tambor was also produced and written by Mattison. Most recently Jenna has written a TV movie called COMMITTED, which wrapped production this spring to premiere on television this fall. Her debut novel The Tree Of Jesse, a paranormal romantic thriller, was released this spring, available worldwide. Mattison next novel is Eye Spy the first in a comedic romantic suspense series available this summer.
Lionsgate’s FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY, based on a true story of Jewish gangsters set in the 1970’s starring James Caan, Paul Sorvino, Edward Furlong and Jeffrey Tambor was also produced and written by Mattison. Most recently Jenna has written a TV movie called COMMITTED, which wrapped production this spring to premiere on television this fall. Her debut novel The Tree Of Jesse, a paranormal romantic thriller, was released this spring, available worldwide. Mattison next novel is Eye Spy the first in a comedic romantic suspense series available this summer.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 7, 2013
The Tree of Jesse is a fast-paced, suspenseful mystery, with a touch of romance revolving around the end of the world as prophesized by biblical scripture. The book is a written puzzle that tasks the reader with taking the various storyline threads interwoven throughout the book and finding their connections to the major plot. It is difficult to write a review where delving into the plot may give too much away to readers. However, there are some important aspects that I can convey regarding this book.
Unlike many novels that clearly distinguish the major characters from the minor ones, Mattison introduces us to numerous characters from all over the world with their own agendas, but each character plays an integral role in advancing the plot. The challenging part is figuring out how the characters are connected and the motives behind their actions.
The succinct chapters focusing on one or more characters and their point-of-views keeps the story moving along quickly, so much so, I found the book hard to put down at times. Furthermore, I think the brevity of each chapter allowed me to find clues often embedded in religious symbolism and biblical allusions. I am impressed by Mattison’s ability to provide enough detail to keep readers engrossed while not revealing too much, too soon.
Mattison also uses the technique of pulling the readers into a chapter that focuses on a particular character or scene only to have that chapter end and the next begin by describing a seemingly unrelated situation. At first the sometimes abrupt chapter endings and unexpected shifts of focus took me surprise. However, it didn’t take long to adapt to this style. I found myself often pausing to reflect on a chapter’s significance before moving forward.
When I was halfway through the book, I began to wonder how Mattison was going to be able to tie everything together by the end. Amazingly, she does so with a seamless, well-executed plot. Although there were minor proofreading errors, they were not significant enough to distract me from the read. However, I wish there were more scenes of Jesse and Mara together to really show that magnetic pull that keeps drawing them together and the deep connection they have with one another.
Overall, I found The Tree of Jesse to be an engaging and thought-provoking read that will stay with me for a long time.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Unlike many novels that clearly distinguish the major characters from the minor ones, Mattison introduces us to numerous characters from all over the world with their own agendas, but each character plays an integral role in advancing the plot. The challenging part is figuring out how the characters are connected and the motives behind their actions.
The succinct chapters focusing on one or more characters and their point-of-views keeps the story moving along quickly, so much so, I found the book hard to put down at times. Furthermore, I think the brevity of each chapter allowed me to find clues often embedded in religious symbolism and biblical allusions. I am impressed by Mattison’s ability to provide enough detail to keep readers engrossed while not revealing too much, too soon.
Mattison also uses the technique of pulling the readers into a chapter that focuses on a particular character or scene only to have that chapter end and the next begin by describing a seemingly unrelated situation. At first the sometimes abrupt chapter endings and unexpected shifts of focus took me surprise. However, it didn’t take long to adapt to this style. I found myself often pausing to reflect on a chapter’s significance before moving forward.
When I was halfway through the book, I began to wonder how Mattison was going to be able to tie everything together by the end. Amazingly, she does so with a seamless, well-executed plot. Although there were minor proofreading errors, they were not significant enough to distract me from the read. However, I wish there were more scenes of Jesse and Mara together to really show that magnetic pull that keeps drawing them together and the deep connection they have with one another.
Overall, I found The Tree of Jesse to be an engaging and thought-provoking read that will stay with me for a long time.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2013
The Tree Of Jesse by J. R. Mattison
Jesse is a gifted musician with some very unique abilities to heal the sick, and make flowers rejuvenate right before his eyes. Jesse’s starts out an addict whose substance abuse issues always sabotage his success. He takes a terrible fall and while he is recovering he chants new “psalms” in an ancient language. Mara is the “angel” who watches over him and nurses Jesse back to health. She writes his incoherent mumblings in a notebook that she has translated and then asks Jesse to make into to song lyrics. A new band, the Prophets, is formed and they get a producer named Abaddon. Abaddon is the tempter himself. He does all that he can to get Jesse to fall for the things that this world would have to offer him.
The Bishop, David, Montbard, and Berg are all on a quest to find the chosen one. As they look their journey implies that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had a son together. The sarcophagus of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is found and remains verify the DNA of the lineage of David. The child of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is the ancestor of Jesse, “The chosen one”.
I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone so I will not divulge the ending of the book.
I am a Christian, so of course I am disappointed anytime I read something that does not agree with the Bible. I worry that although this is a work of fiction that it will taint the minds of those who don’t know any better. Honestly, when I stated to read the book I did not anticipate it to take the stance it did. I love to read Christian fiction that opens the door to the imagination as to the thoughts and personal character of those worthy enough to be mentioned by name in the Bible. This book was not that type of Christian fiction. It was well written and did keep me captivated wanting to complete what I had started. Would I recommend it to others to read? With a good conscience I must said No, Christian’s, myself included, need to spend our time reading what supports the Bible.
Jesse is a gifted musician with some very unique abilities to heal the sick, and make flowers rejuvenate right before his eyes. Jesse’s starts out an addict whose substance abuse issues always sabotage his success. He takes a terrible fall and while he is recovering he chants new “psalms” in an ancient language. Mara is the “angel” who watches over him and nurses Jesse back to health. She writes his incoherent mumblings in a notebook that she has translated and then asks Jesse to make into to song lyrics. A new band, the Prophets, is formed and they get a producer named Abaddon. Abaddon is the tempter himself. He does all that he can to get Jesse to fall for the things that this world would have to offer him.
The Bishop, David, Montbard, and Berg are all on a quest to find the chosen one. As they look their journey implies that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had a son together. The sarcophagus of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is found and remains verify the DNA of the lineage of David. The child of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is the ancestor of Jesse, “The chosen one”.
I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone so I will not divulge the ending of the book.
I am a Christian, so of course I am disappointed anytime I read something that does not agree with the Bible. I worry that although this is a work of fiction that it will taint the minds of those who don’t know any better. Honestly, when I stated to read the book I did not anticipate it to take the stance it did. I love to read Christian fiction that opens the door to the imagination as to the thoughts and personal character of those worthy enough to be mentioned by name in the Bible. This book was not that type of Christian fiction. It was well written and did keep me captivated wanting to complete what I had started. Would I recommend it to others to read? With a good conscience I must said No, Christian’s, myself included, need to spend our time reading what supports the Bible.
June 17, 2013
Rating: 10.0/10.0
Review: This review is hard to write without putting a lot of spoilers. However, this book had me enticed from the moment I read the first page. The way Author J.R. Mattison describes every turn in the book makes you yearn for more. This has become one of my favorites and I cannot wait until Book Two and Three come to life. This book will have you thinking long after you put it down. I did have to look up a couple of things while reading, but I believe that's because of my ignorance on religion as a whole. And learning about the things I looked up made the book ever so more likable. I scored this at the highest rating we use because it left me yearning for more, it held my attention even while I wasn't reading it, and the fact that some of what is described in the book actually happened in history. The synopsis above is taken directly from Amazon, as every time I tried to write my own, it was laced with spoilers and I can't do that to my readers. Just know that if you liked the "Left Behind" series or the "Divinci Code", you are going to LOVE this book!
Review by IABookReviews.com
Review: This review is hard to write without putting a lot of spoilers. However, this book had me enticed from the moment I read the first page. The way Author J.R. Mattison describes every turn in the book makes you yearn for more. This has become one of my favorites and I cannot wait until Book Two and Three come to life. This book will have you thinking long after you put it down. I did have to look up a couple of things while reading, but I believe that's because of my ignorance on religion as a whole. And learning about the things I looked up made the book ever so more likable. I scored this at the highest rating we use because it left me yearning for more, it held my attention even while I wasn't reading it, and the fact that some of what is described in the book actually happened in history. The synopsis above is taken directly from Amazon, as every time I tried to write my own, it was laced with spoilers and I can't do that to my readers. Just know that if you liked the "Left Behind" series or the "Divinci Code", you are going to LOVE this book!
Review by IABookReviews.com
July 1, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up The Tree of Jesse, but whatever it was, I was wrong! This book has a vague "The DaVinci Code" feel to it, with the race against time to translate clues that relate to Biblical prophecy. But that's only one part of the story. Ms. Mattison has combined numerous points-of-view in this book to include so many people who are involved with the possible coming true of a Messianic prophecy.
Now, this isn't a religious book, per se, but there are religious (and many not-so-religious) characters. Some can quote the Bible from beginning to end, others are dark and evil, while others are just out to have a good time (there is drinking and drug use in the book).
There is a depth of description here, and no skimping on character creation. Sometimes is slows the story a bit, but it does make the overall experience more enjoyable. Ms. Mattison is a truly skilled author with an amazing way with words. While this may not have been my favorite story I've every read, I did enjoy it and never considered not finishing it. More, I really admired the author's skill and would not hesitate to pick up another one of her books.
Now, this isn't a religious book, per se, but there are religious (and many not-so-religious) characters. Some can quote the Bible from beginning to end, others are dark and evil, while others are just out to have a good time (there is drinking and drug use in the book).
There is a depth of description here, and no skimping on character creation. Sometimes is slows the story a bit, but it does make the overall experience more enjoyable. Ms. Mattison is a truly skilled author with an amazing way with words. While this may not have been my favorite story I've every read, I did enjoy it and never considered not finishing it. More, I really admired the author's skill and would not hesitate to pick up another one of her books.
June 3, 2013
Ms. Mattison has some pretty amazing writing chops… this book was well written and descriptive, placing you right into the story from the first page. I admired her ability to tie together a complex plot and make all the many characters and their desired, needs and goals intersect seamlessly.
The story is about the coming of a new messiah (of sorts), an unlikely one who is guided on his path by the woman who loves him more than anything else, including life itself. There are many who want to help, and equally as many who want to hinder.
If you like to read a complicated story with many characters and a plot that doesn’t always make perfect sense (until the end), then I can recommend The Tree of Jesse. It’s not your typical suspense novel.
The story is about the coming of a new messiah (of sorts), an unlikely one who is guided on his path by the woman who loves him more than anything else, including life itself. There are many who want to help, and equally as many who want to hinder.
If you like to read a complicated story with many characters and a plot that doesn’t always make perfect sense (until the end), then I can recommend The Tree of Jesse. It’s not your typical suspense novel.
June 9, 2016
Where has this book been hiding? It’s been a long while since I’ve read such a page turner, and even longer since I found myself ditching chores to get back to a great read. “The Tree of Jesse” is a complex story bursting with intrigue and deception — a fast-paced journey of prophecy and divination, as well as frailty and faith. Frankly, J.R. Mattison has woven a host of international characters and divergent plotlines into an emotionally fulfilling and thought-provoking masterpiece. It’s been 2 days since I finished the book, and without giving away any secrets, I’m still mulling over the prospect of a world touched by Jesse and Mara. I want to see more from J.R. Mattison. If you’re looking for a spell-binding mystery, pick up, “The Tree of Jesse”. You won’t be disappointed.
July 20, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to read this book. All the reviews so far have been very good. When I started to read The Jesse Tree, I was a bit confused by who was who. It took me awhile to figure out who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. After a few chapters, it begins to become apparent. Once I figured that out, I started to really enjoy the story and looked forward to my daily reading time. The story is captivating and draws in the reader. If you liked "The Da Vinci Code" and stories like it, you will love this book. I highly recommend this incredible "must read".
Two thumbs up and 5 stars!!!
Two thumbs up and 5 stars!!!
April 30, 2013
I can't say I am a big reader, so when a few friends told me to read it, I was nervous to tackle it all. Well, I am glad they did.
I absolutely loved it. I loved the short chapter style. This type of writing kept me engaged and focused, which as I was reading kept me motivate to keep going. The story itself is amazing. I felt like I closed my eyes and traveled the world. Even more appealing was how much the writer left for me me, the reader, to discover and see with my imagination.
The characters were great. The story is great. I loved this book. I can't recommend highly enough!
I absolutely loved it. I loved the short chapter style. This type of writing kept me engaged and focused, which as I was reading kept me motivate to keep going. The story itself is amazing. I felt like I closed my eyes and traveled the world. Even more appealing was how much the writer left for me me, the reader, to discover and see with my imagination.
The characters were great. The story is great. I loved this book. I can't recommend highly enough!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews