What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dragon Tree: A haunting medieval time-slip
Echoes of the past resonate through time and disturb medievalist Dr DuLac as she struggles with misfortune in the present. She and Rev Rory have escaped to the island of Madeira on a secondment from their posts, yet they are not to find peace – until they can solve the mystery of the shard of azulejo and the ancient ammonite. Viv’s search brings her into contact with two troubled women: a noblewoman shipwrecked on the island in the 14th century and a rebellious nun from the 16th century. As Viv reaches out across the centuries, their lives become intertwined, and she must uncover the secrets of the ominous Dragon Tree in order to locate lost artefacts that can shape the future.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2021
11 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Julia Ibbotson
12 books53 followersAcclaimed award-winning author Dr Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and concepts of time. She writes the Dr DuLac series of medieval time-slips/time travel mystery romances: A Shape on the Air, The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone are the first three. Her new series (Dr Anna Petersen mysteries) starts with Daughter of Mercia. She studied English at Keele University, England, specialising in early medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. She wrote her first novel at age 10, but became a school teacher, then an academic as a university lecturer and researcher. Julia spent a turbulent but exciting time in Ghana, West Africa, teaching and nursing, which inspired the Drumbeats trilogy (which begins in Ghana in the 1960s and continues through to the 1990s). Apart from insatiable reading, Julia loves world travel, choral singing, swimming, yoga, and walking in the UK and Madeira. Check out her website at http://www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 2, 2022
A fresh timeslip historical fiction novel.we are re acquainted with Dr Viv Dulac. Who again has misfortune in her life and echoes of the past reverberate through the ages.
Another captivating timeslip historical fiction novel from Julia Ibbotson. With Viv Dulac and Rev Rory escaping to the island of Madeira on secondment. They have a mystery to solve, the mystery of the shard of Azelujo and ancient ammonite.
As Viv searches, she doesn't find the historical artefacts; she instead reaches out across centuries to not one but two women. One from the 14th century, a noblewoman shipwrecked on the island. The other from the 16th century, a rebellious nun. Their lives become entangled and she finds she needs to unearth the secrets of the Dragon Tree before she can find the objects that can shape the future.
Just as I found with A Shape On The Air, The Dragon Tree is another totally immersive, historical, so historical, in fact that the author has brought two timeslips into the story. The characters are again so real that I was with Viv, in my head anyway!
Again, Julia Ibbotson has created a mystery that flows perfectly between the timelines. I always love a historical story, and I almost feel spoilt with this book. Adventure, mystery, and history! It has everything needed for an excellent read.
Another captivating timeslip historical fiction novel from Julia Ibbotson. With Viv Dulac and Rev Rory escaping to the island of Madeira on secondment. They have a mystery to solve, the mystery of the shard of Azelujo and ancient ammonite.
As Viv searches, she doesn't find the historical artefacts; she instead reaches out across centuries to not one but two women. One from the 14th century, a noblewoman shipwrecked on the island. The other from the 16th century, a rebellious nun. Their lives become entangled and she finds she needs to unearth the secrets of the Dragon Tree before she can find the objects that can shape the future.
Just as I found with A Shape On The Air, The Dragon Tree is another totally immersive, historical, so historical, in fact that the author has brought two timeslips into the story. The characters are again so real that I was with Viv, in my head anyway!
Again, Julia Ibbotson has created a mystery that flows perfectly between the timelines. I always love a historical story, and I almost feel spoilt with this book. Adventure, mystery, and history! It has everything needed for an excellent read.
September 5, 2024
This is the second book in the Dr DuLac series and after reading and enjoying book 1, A Shape On The Air, last year, I was keen to continue the story.
Although not essential, I think I'd recommend that you read this series in order, just to have that continuity in the characters and relationship dynamics. But I feel the actual storyline would have worked well enough without.
I found it took me a few chapters to get back into this timeslip world but once I'd remembered back to book 1, it was great to be back with Viv and Rory - and another adventure and puzzle to be solved.
This storyline gives us an extra treat as we follow the timeline over to the 14th and the 16th century.
I love that this was so well researched and I came out of this having learned so much more about medieval times.
The slips feed us the information gradually so don't bombard us with facts, but more weave the details seamlessly into the storyline allowing it to flow naturally still.
I usually struggle with historical fiction (and epic fantasy) but I find that the writing style is nice and easy to follow with a good pace that keeps us moving forward to the conclusion.
A great development on the first book and enhanced both the world and our main characters.
I know that I'll be eager to dive into book 3 once it's released.
Although not essential, I think I'd recommend that you read this series in order, just to have that continuity in the characters and relationship dynamics. But I feel the actual storyline would have worked well enough without.
I found it took me a few chapters to get back into this timeslip world but once I'd remembered back to book 1, it was great to be back with Viv and Rory - and another adventure and puzzle to be solved.
This storyline gives us an extra treat as we follow the timeline over to the 14th and the 16th century.
I love that this was so well researched and I came out of this having learned so much more about medieval times.
The slips feed us the information gradually so don't bombard us with facts, but more weave the details seamlessly into the storyline allowing it to flow naturally still.
I usually struggle with historical fiction (and epic fantasy) but I find that the writing style is nice and easy to follow with a good pace that keeps us moving forward to the conclusion.
A great development on the first book and enhanced both the world and our main characters.
I know that I'll be eager to dive into book 3 once it's released.
September 1, 2024
This is the second timeslip novel I’ve read by Ibbotson and the second in her Dr DuLac series. I originally loved A Shape On The Air, the first in the series and I have to say I think I loved this one even more. It was lovely to see Viv back and of course Rory. I would say that you do benefit from reading the first novel prior to starting this one to get a better understanding of what is happening rather than reading it as a standalone.
Ibbotson further explores the connection between the Shard of azulejo and the ammonite as well as Viv’s ability to reach across time. One thing I love, apart from the fantasy aspect and characters, is the history or should I say the historical realism we get in this series. It is clear that Dr Ibbotson love of history particularly medieval shines through as well as her research and knowledge.
I honestly loved The Dragon Tree and I think anyone who loves historical fiction or timeslip novels needs to read this series. It has everything you could wish for including fantastic writing, memorable and interesting characters, attention to detail and a captivating plot. An easy 5 star.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest and truthful.
Ibbotson further explores the connection between the Shard of azulejo and the ammonite as well as Viv’s ability to reach across time. One thing I love, apart from the fantasy aspect and characters, is the history or should I say the historical realism we get in this series. It is clear that Dr Ibbotson love of history particularly medieval shines through as well as her research and knowledge.
I honestly loved The Dragon Tree and I think anyone who loves historical fiction or timeslip novels needs to read this series. It has everything you could wish for including fantastic writing, memorable and interesting characters, attention to detail and a captivating plot. An easy 5 star.
As always thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest and truthful.
September 5, 2024
This is Book 2 in the Dr DuLac Series and the story continues with Dr Dulac, a medievalist and someone who keeps experiencing echoes of the past.
It was great to read about Viv and the next part of her adventure. Now I understand the concept of what happens to Viv then it was very easy to get into.
While this is Book 2, I don't think you would be at a disadvantage if you started here having not read Book 1.
The one thing I do enjoy with Julia's book a great deal is the different stories of different times that are woven together are are indeed linked, even if this isn't actually easy to spot initially - that's part of the fun.
The amount of research for the stories that happen in the time slip must have been immense and it shows.
If you enjoy historical fiction and would like to Tey something new, then this time slip story is definitely for you!
Highly recommend Julia, once again!
It was great to read about Viv and the next part of her adventure. Now I understand the concept of what happens to Viv then it was very easy to get into.
While this is Book 2, I don't think you would be at a disadvantage if you started here having not read Book 1.
The one thing I do enjoy with Julia's book a great deal is the different stories of different times that are woven together are are indeed linked, even if this isn't actually easy to spot initially - that's part of the fun.
The amount of research for the stories that happen in the time slip must have been immense and it shows.
If you enjoy historical fiction and would like to Tey something new, then this time slip story is definitely for you!
Highly recommend Julia, once again!
February 22, 2022
Ahh, returning to the Dr. Dulac series with The Dragon Tree. I love time slip novels because they are so uniquely crafted. Julia Ibbotson’s writing is impressive because she keeps the reader engaged and keeps the plot seamless.
I was transported into this story. This story is so easy to get lost in and I really enjoy the mystery throughout the story.
Viv is back. I love her growth as a character and it’s been really great to watch her through this series so far.
If you like time-slip novels that allow you to get lost in the story and feel as though you’re there, check this series out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I was transported into this story. This story is so easy to get lost in and I really enjoy the mystery throughout the story.
Viv is back. I love her growth as a character and it’s been really great to watch her through this series so far.
If you like time-slip novels that allow you to get lost in the story and feel as though you’re there, check this series out.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
February 24, 2022
My review of The Dragon Tree can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
September 4, 2024
The Dragon Tree is the second in a historical time travel series and I think that if you enjoy romance and stories set in different time periods this will be one for you.
I have previously read the first story and this one is fast paced, full of historical settings and well written and planned out.
I have previously read the first story and this one is fast paced, full of historical settings and well written and planned out.
March 13, 2022
I was pleased to see the whole Dr DuLac series on tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Having previously read A Shape on the Air, I was looking forward to reading the next novel in the series, The Dragon Tree. And it was worth the wait!
A Shape on the Air introduced us to Dr Vivienne ’Viv' DuLac, a historian with a focus on medieval England. We discovered her link to the past, through her late mother, and a bloodline that dates back to the Lady of the Lake.
The Dragon Tree begins with a tragic loss that knocks Viv sideways. Falling into deep depression, she struggles to deal with the loss of her unborn daughter, Ana. Her husband Rory, meanwhile, throws himself into his work.
When Rory is offered a temporary assignment to take over a small church on the Portuguese island of Madeira, off the African west coast, he sees it as a chance to move forward. Reluctantly, Viv agrees. But once in Funchal, Rory shuts himself away, busy discovering what went wrong at the parish.
Viv, meanwhile, begins to have the same visions she had previously, only now it is a young woman called Ana who calls out to her. As Viv sets out to uncover Ana's story, unusual happenings make her wonder if she and Rory are safe.
When she discovers that her trusted ammonite is linked to Ana, together with an other artefact with both Greek and Arabic inscriptions, local to Madeira, she begins to wonder if history of the island's discovery needs to be rewritten. Then another woman of the past reaches out to her, and she realises that she's not the only one who can reach across time...
The Dragon Tree is a wonderful novel of tragic loss, of discovery, and new beginnings. As the past unravels in front of Viv's eyes, we are taken back to early settlements on the island. Ms Ibbotson's plot makes me want to read up more about that incredible place.
The description of the island is vivid, and the author brings the dramatic landscape and beautiful architecture to life. The pace throughout matches Viv's mood. As the tension grows, we see her becoming more emotional, and it's a credit to the author that she made Viv not a hysterical mess, but a woman dealing with a traumatic loss.
All ends are tied up neatly in relation to the tile (in the Author's Note at the end of the novel – make sure to read it!), and the fictional plot concludes dramatically. The ending fits the situation and the three women's fates that are entwined in the story.
The Dragon Tree is a heartwarming novel that you can't put down. I read it in two sittings, so engrossed was I in the adventures of Viv, Ana, and Anja-Filipa.
Readers of timeslip and dual-timeline novels will love this suspenseful adventure.
Oh, and now I have to buy the third novel in the trilogy, The Rune Stone. I'm hooked!
A Shape on the Air introduced us to Dr Vivienne ’Viv' DuLac, a historian with a focus on medieval England. We discovered her link to the past, through her late mother, and a bloodline that dates back to the Lady of the Lake.
The Dragon Tree begins with a tragic loss that knocks Viv sideways. Falling into deep depression, she struggles to deal with the loss of her unborn daughter, Ana. Her husband Rory, meanwhile, throws himself into his work.
When Rory is offered a temporary assignment to take over a small church on the Portuguese island of Madeira, off the African west coast, he sees it as a chance to move forward. Reluctantly, Viv agrees. But once in Funchal, Rory shuts himself away, busy discovering what went wrong at the parish.
Viv, meanwhile, begins to have the same visions she had previously, only now it is a young woman called Ana who calls out to her. As Viv sets out to uncover Ana's story, unusual happenings make her wonder if she and Rory are safe.
When she discovers that her trusted ammonite is linked to Ana, together with an other artefact with both Greek and Arabic inscriptions, local to Madeira, she begins to wonder if history of the island's discovery needs to be rewritten. Then another woman of the past reaches out to her, and she realises that she's not the only one who can reach across time...
The Dragon Tree is a wonderful novel of tragic loss, of discovery, and new beginnings. As the past unravels in front of Viv's eyes, we are taken back to early settlements on the island. Ms Ibbotson's plot makes me want to read up more about that incredible place.
The description of the island is vivid, and the author brings the dramatic landscape and beautiful architecture to life. The pace throughout matches Viv's mood. As the tension grows, we see her becoming more emotional, and it's a credit to the author that she made Viv not a hysterical mess, but a woman dealing with a traumatic loss.
All ends are tied up neatly in relation to the tile (in the Author's Note at the end of the novel – make sure to read it!), and the fictional plot concludes dramatically. The ending fits the situation and the three women's fates that are entwined in the story.
The Dragon Tree is a heartwarming novel that you can't put down. I read it in two sittings, so engrossed was I in the adventures of Viv, Ana, and Anja-Filipa.
Readers of timeslip and dual-timeline novels will love this suspenseful adventure.
Oh, and now I have to buy the third novel in the trilogy, The Rune Stone. I'm hooked!
March 25, 2025
The Dragon Tree by Julia Ibbotson is a historical romance with a time-travel twist and the second book in the Dr Du Lac series. Although I typically prefer to read a series in order, having already read books one and three, I found that this instalment works well as a standalone.
I love getting invested in a series, and this one is no exception. The depth of character development makes Dr Du Lac a truly immersive experience. Julia Ibbotson has crafted Dr. Vivienne Du Lac so vividly that she feels like an old friend, complete with all her idiosyncrasies and flaws.
The pacing of the book is spot on, with each chapter propelling the story forward with purpose. My favourite parts are the time slips, where the tension and connections between past and present feel almost tangible. If you're a fan of Barbara Erskine’s books, you'll find a lot to love here.
Overall, The Dragon Tree is a compelling blend of history, romance, and time travel. Julia Ibbotson's storytelling is both engaging and atmospheric, making this a worthy addition to the series. Whether you're new to Dr Du Lac or a returning reader, this book is a captivating journey through time.
I love getting invested in a series, and this one is no exception. The depth of character development makes Dr Du Lac a truly immersive experience. Julia Ibbotson has crafted Dr. Vivienne Du Lac so vividly that she feels like an old friend, complete with all her idiosyncrasies and flaws.
The pacing of the book is spot on, with each chapter propelling the story forward with purpose. My favourite parts are the time slips, where the tension and connections between past and present feel almost tangible. If you're a fan of Barbara Erskine’s books, you'll find a lot to love here.
Overall, The Dragon Tree is a compelling blend of history, romance, and time travel. Julia Ibbotson's storytelling is both engaging and atmospheric, making this a worthy addition to the series. Whether you're new to Dr Du Lac or a returning reader, this book is a captivating journey through time.
February 12, 2025
Dr Viv DuLac is struggling after an awful and heartbreaking time. When Revd Rory discusses a move to Madeira on a secondment from their posts, Viv eventually agrees to it.
Once in Madeira, Viv soon finds herself in contact with a noblewoman from the 14th century, who was shipwrecked on the island, and a nun from the 16th century.
As Viv tries to help both of these women, she must work out what the mystery is surrounding the shard of azulejo and the ancient ammonite, as well as uncovering the secrets of the Dragon Tree.
This is the second book in the series, and although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order to get the feel for the whole series.
I enjoyed being back with Viv and Rory again. It was a difficult time for them, and I did feel for their characters.
The descriptive writing helped me to feel as though I was in Madeira with Viv and Rory.
I enjoyed the time travel that Viv experienced again, and also loved reading about some of the history of Madeira.
Once in Madeira, Viv soon finds herself in contact with a noblewoman from the 14th century, who was shipwrecked on the island, and a nun from the 16th century.
As Viv tries to help both of these women, she must work out what the mystery is surrounding the shard of azulejo and the ancient ammonite, as well as uncovering the secrets of the Dragon Tree.
This is the second book in the series, and although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order to get the feel for the whole series.
I enjoyed being back with Viv and Rory again. It was a difficult time for them, and I did feel for their characters.
The descriptive writing helped me to feel as though I was in Madeira with Viv and Rory.
I enjoyed the time travel that Viv experienced again, and also loved reading about some of the history of Madeira.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews