In Holly Searcy's The Shiver Tree, a sweeping fantasy adventure unfolds in the fractured land of Amarra. Once protected by five powerful Druid Orders, Amarra now faces blight, monstrous creatures, and pirate raids. Kiana Paletine, daughter of the High Druid, believes reuniting the Orders is the key to salvation. Ignoring her father's disapproval, she embarks on a perilous journey to enlist her estranged sister and recover the Shiver Seed, a potent artifact stolen by the malevolent Deep Ones. Haunted by visions and facing political turmoil, Kiana's quest for the lost Ice Druids is a race against time to save Amarra from utter destruction. This is a story of self-discovery, sisterhood, and the fight for a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
Review The Shiver Tree
Oh my gosh, I absolutely devoured The Shiver Tree! It was such a fun, fast-paced read that completely swept me away. I loved how Holly Searcy didn't bog down the story in endless world-building exposition; instead, the world of Amarra unfolded organically through the thrilling adventure. Each chapter felt like a new exciting step in Kiana's journey, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. It's the kind of book where you just want to keep turning the pages, desperate to find out what happens next.
The backstory of the author crafting this world from a long-running D&D campaign with friends really shines through. You can feel the heart and collaborative spirit woven into the narrative. It's clear there’s a deep love for the characters and the world they inhabit, and that love is infectious. While there are definitely nods to classic fantasy tropes – which I adored – Searcy builds upon them to create something fresh and unique. The magic system felt engaging and well-thought-out, never feeling overly complicated or overwhelming.
Kiana herself is a fantastic protagonist. She’s strong, resourceful, and determined, yet she also possesses a vulnerability that makes her relatable and endearing. I especially appreciated her proactive nature and her ability to communicate her goals effectively; she's a leader who inspires those around her. Watching her grow and develop her relationships with her sister, Ravaini, and the other characters she meets along the way was genuinely satisfying. The found family dynamic felt organic and heartwarming, a welcome counterpoint to the darker elements of the plot.
The threat posed by the Deep Ones and the looming danger to Amarra provided a constant sense of urgency, keeping the stakes high throughout the story. The pacing is masterful; the action sequences are exhilarating, and the quieter moments of character interaction are equally compelling. It’s a well-balanced mix of action, intrigue, and emotional depth. The overall tone manages to be both exciting and hopeful, making for a truly captivating reading experience. It perfectly captures that classic fantasy feeling of epic adventure and the bond between companions facing seemingly insurmountable odds, a refreshing throwback to the high-fantasy stories I loved growing up.
In short, The Shiver Tree is a fantastic adventure that delivers on all fronts. It's a captivating blend of classic fantasy elements with a fresh, modern sensibility. The characters are memorable, the plot is gripping, and the world is richly detailed without being overly dense. I heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys high-fantasy adventures, found family stories, and strong female leads. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment and hoping to see more of Kiana and her companions!
Information
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 382
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing, Inc.