Review – A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth

Title A Treason of Thorns

Author Laura E. Weymouth

Release Date September 3, 2019

Description from Amazon

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 kept both the countryside and Violet happy.

That is, until her father’s treason destroyed everything.

Now she’s been given a chance to return home. But Burleigh isn’t what she remembered. Wild with grief, Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain. As its tormented magic ravages the countryside, Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

A house left unchecked will lead to ruin.

But I will not let it ruin me.

Initial Thoughts

I picked this book up at Book Con 2019 from the Epic Reads booth. The line for their booth was insane and the first time I waited, I scooped up Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin.  They were giving out 5 books so I had to choose carefully because I wouldn’t be able to get all 5.  I am so glad I chose A Treason of Thorns.

Cover Art

I like the cover at of this book.  I think it suits the title nicely.  I probably would have passed this book by if I hadn’t seen the Downton Abbey tag line printed below it.  But, I think the cover works after having read the book.  It’s not something I’d buy for my shelf on looks alone.

Some Things I Loved

• I loved that the house itself was a character.  It reminded me of a dark Downton Abbey.
• Alternate history — I love alternate tellings of history (especially periods of history I know well).  I thought this was a really interesting setting.  Some of the places and characters were familiar but I love the way Laura E. Weymouth altered them and their purposes to fit into her story.

Some Things I Wasn’t Crazy About

• No background on Wyn.  I wanted him to be more than what he ended up being because his story is quite sad otherwise.
• Lack of characters — I feel like most of the book revolved around Violet.  I wanted more background and more story involving everyone else.

Series Value

I think this could turn into a series.  There are still 4 other great houses in England that could be liberated and per the story, there are great houses around the world.  I could see Violet and her friends having more adventures freeing the great houses from their bonds.  And, I can also see the continuation of just the great houses’ stories with their respective owners.  But, overall, I think this premise has a lot of series potential.

Final Thoughts

I loved how much this book reminded me of Downton Abbey with magic.  I thought it was dark and a little creepy at times and I really enjoyed that.  It was a surprise pick up from Book Con 2019 and I am so glad I got to read it.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett — this book is also not released yet but if you liked the historical fiction elements in A Treason of Thorns, you will love The Lady Rogue.
• A Curse of Thorns by Nicole Mainardi — another book for the historical fiction lover.  A Curse of Thorns is a masterfully told retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a fascinating alternate history setting.  In much the same way that Violet protects Burleigh, Belle strives to protect her books.
• Smoke and Key by Kelsey Sutton — both Smoke and Key and A Treason of Thorns take place in similar time periods and have a sort of creepy, eerie magical setting.  If you liked the vibes from the setting and plot of A Treason of Thorns give Smoke and Key a try.