The Twisted Tree

Martha's ability to sense people's emotions through their clothing leads her to flee Norway and return to her grandmother's remote cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers her grandmother has died and meets Stig, a mysterious boy who seems to know more about Norse mythology than he should. In this YA supernatural thriller, ancient Norse legends intersect with modern-day horror as Martha uncovers the truth about her strange power. The isolation of the Nordic setting and the constant darkness of winter create an atmosphere of mounting tension and dread. The story explores themes of identity, family secrets, and the persistence of ancient beliefs in the modern world. Through Martha's journey, the novel examines how understanding the past can help make sense of the present.

Readers note the book's quick pace and Norwegian folklore elements, with many finishing it in one sitting. The atmospheric winter setting and creepy mood earn frequent mentions in reviews. Liked: - Norse mythology integration - Short length (200+ pages) that maintains tension - Character development of Martha - Gothic horror elements without excessive gore Disliked: - Some found the romance subplot underdeveloped - Several readers wanted more depth to the mythology - The ending felt rushed to multiple reviewers - A few noted the disability representation could have been handled better Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.9/5 (40+ ratings) One reader called it "a perfect winter night read with just the right amount of scares." Another noted it "could have been longer to flesh out the supernatural elements more fully."

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🌲 The novel draws heavily from Norse mythology, particularly focusing on Yggdrasil, the sacred tree that connects the nine worlds in Norse cosmology. 🧵 Author Rachel Burge was inspired to write the book after learning about "vǫlvas" - ancient Norse seers who could read the future by touching people's clothing. 👻 The book was partly influenced by traditional Scandinavian folk horror, similar to the style seen in films like "Let the Right One In." 🏰 The story is set in Norway, and Burge visited the country to research locations and immerse herself in the atmosphere before writing the novel. 💫 The Twisted Tree was Burge's debut novel, published in 2019, and she wrote it while working as a freelance journalist.