A tree’s memory is long. Magic’s memory is longer, and far more dangerous. After a century spent as a tree, Finn awakens into a world she barely recognizes. Whispers of the Faie, long thought destroyed, are spreading across the countryside, bringing fears that they are returning to wreak havoc amongst the mortals once again.Dark shapes lurk just out of sight, watching Finn’s every move as she tries to regain the memories of her past. As if by fate, travelers are drawn to her side. Scholars, thieves, and Iseult, a sellsword who seems to know more about her than he’s letting on.When one of Finn’s companions is taken by the Faie, she will be forced to make a rescue a woman she barely knows, or leave with Iseult in search of an ancient relic that may hold the answers she so desperately seeks. Her decision means more than she realizes, for with her return, an ancient evil has been released. In order to survive, Finn must rediscover the hidden magics she doesn’t want. She must unearth her deepest roots to expose the phantoms of her past, and to face the ancient prophecy slowly tightening its noose around her neck. Enter a world of Enchantment, filled with Celtic lore, magic, and just a touch of romance in Tree of Ages, the first book in a series sure to please fans of Lord of the Rings, The Dragonriders of Pern, and Sword of Shannara. This is a single volume set, not three separate physical books. This set of Ages-The Melted Sea-The Blood ForestOther books in this of Wands-The Oaken Throne-Dawn of Forest of Embers-Dawn of Sea of Flames-Dawn of City of Ashes
Sara C. Roethle is a Fantasy author and part-time unicorn. She enjoys writing character driven stories in various fantasy realms with elements of Celtic and Norse myth, humor, and metaphysical ponderings.
Her series include:
Tree of Ages The Thief's Apprentice The Moonstone Chronicles Xoe Meyers Bitter Ashes
Review: An average series that embraces world building via the quest while denuding characterization.
Book One: This type of series is usually not in my wheel house when there is a super speshully gurl that wanders around in a daze of self-deprecation and unawareness. There is some “Oh, I don’t know how, or if that was even me, that forced the ground to swallow three werewolves. Won’t you tell me?” Ho-hum. What makes Finn different from the rest is that she is fallible due to her innate lack of experience and often takes matters into her own hands. Sure she gets led around by the nose by people with bad intent but that is central to the story line. What really made this novel pop were the various characters that round out Finn’s experience. Aed is one of the best built characters I have read as are Anna and Keiren.
*3.7 stars*
Book Two: Aye, yai, yai, whadindafuk happened here? Finn has now become a boy infatuated gurl with a penchant for histrionics. She flounces about, STILL unaware of her power and cries constantly. Not to be outdone with a beat to shjt story line, she now has a pet baby dragon that is brimming with anthropomorphism. I had to suffer through this as I bought the set, but you should skip this p.o.s. and move on to the finale’.
*1.5 stars*
Book Three: Well, Finn is still a Drama Queen and begs everyone “Why haven’t you killed me?”. Well, I certainly would if I was writing this novel. I would have killed you off the minute your vague sense of self-importance reared it’s ugly head. But no, such self-sacrifice only means just how good she is within, and only external forces used her in such a despicable blah, blah, blah, blah.
There has been this weird tri-bangle developing throughout and of course one of the interested parties is named……wait for it…………..wait…………………KAI!. Because all shjtty romance novels feature a dude named Kai. When he appeared in the first novel, I thought “Fug me, this better not be a fukin’ fantasy romance novel…”.
Finn does seem to come out of her fugue state to realize her powers without yelling “Stop Fighting!!” then crying and crying. The Faie Queen should have been expanded upon as she was a very good character. I think she should have been pitted against Keiren, the Queen of , er….bitches?
*2.5 stars*
Conclusion: This started out brilliantly with a character cleaner than a whistle in a virgins butt. Too bad the slate was ascribed with cheap romance novella type mewlings. This series could have been crazy good with a little inventive character building. Yeah, it is more involved and takes effort but at least your not in Trope-Landia. There is some redemption towards the end and I found myself enjoying the story line. And, if you happened to love this series, there is no conclusion so get ready for serialization.
A story of heart, sorrow, pain, suffering and the triumph of the human and not so human spirit
This story draws the reader in and encourages you to fight with all you have; to champion those who believe in the benevolence of mankind. Many characters are introduced and you feel thief distress and anguish as you root for their collective successes. I've lost loved ones and at time parts of myself. But this series reminds me that family is more than blood. It's those whose lives we choose to champion and strive to be better because they are in our lives! Thank you, Sara Roethle for the reminder and reinforcement.
What a fun series! Full of adventure, Faie, magic, & friendship, I've truly enjoyed the first 3 books of this series & am excited to read more. I love stories that are both adventure & character driven, and this series has been a godsend of a read during this stay-at-home coronavirus time. Real danger but not grimdark or graphic, there's always hope for the characters. Friendship, forgiveness, love, power, & the power to choose one's fate, all in this series. I definitely recommend it.
I am so happy I picked this series. Having never read a book by Sara Roethie I enjoyed reading every page. It was interesting and the characters were delightful and exciting. It was fast moving and a fun fantasy. Scary at times but kept me wanting more. Already purchased book 4.
I gave the books 5 stars because they hold your attention and have a very good story line if you like fantasy. It only took three day to read all the books and it only took that long because I had to sleep. But when I stopped reading for the night I would stay awake thinking about the characters and what would happen next.. such great books!
A good fantasy wherein old magic begins to return to the land, causing death and destruction. A young girls holds the key to undoing the encroaching evil. The saga continues in a fourth volume that I have not yet read.
Wow I love this series, which has you rooting for the main characters who are good hearted whether human or not. Well made plot and characters, believable world filled with magic and mayhem, romance and friendships. Truly love this and highly recommend this series.
Enjoyed this story very much, satisfying and different, ready to read the rest of the adventure, rooting for the true Queen. Great that she has a Dragon and a unicorn, loyal warriors plus Faie to help. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's concept was original and intriguing and I was hooked from the start. I esp liked how she didn't give away all the characters secrets right away.
many nights I share up to read. Just had to know what would happen next! Well written. Great storyline and character development. Ms. Roethle is a new fantasy genius. Now to read the next volume! .
I enjoyed this so far but am still not sure about it. Like the characters but can't put my finger on what unsettles me about it. Perhaps it it's the major villans have no redeeming features, while everybody else does.
What a great story so far, purely entertaining, reminiscent of "The Lord of the Rings". I really enjoyed the interplay between the characters, very similar to what you find in real life between a group of friends, where dynamics are continually changing - very realistic.
Amazing! I couldn't out it down! Extremely intertwined such great plots and twists and turns you don't see coming. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
These books we quite the enjoyable read. They kept your interest without being taxing in their descriptions. Would recommend for a fun reading experience.
From book one to three I just couldn't stop reading it,impossible to not fall in love with the characters , how the adventures continue after another is genius
DNF - My wife adored this series. It just isn't doing anything for me. I'll pass along my wife's recommendation, though, as she has a much broader (and less stringent) taste in fantasy.
Tried very hard to read this, but it just did not resonate. Finally gave up and checked it back in. I'm not going to give it a bad rating, though, merely because the story and I did not click. You may love the books, so don't let this review stop you from a possible good/great read.