The Phantom Tree

Author: Nicola Cornick
Genre: Historical Fiction
Type: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Graydon House
First Published: August 21, 2018
First Line: "She saw the portrait quite by chance, or so she thought."

Book Description from GoodReads: 

“My name is Mary Seymour and I am the daughter of one queen and the niece of another.”

Browsing antiques shops in Wiltshire, Alison Bannister stumbles across a delicate old portrait – supposedly of Anne Boleyn. Except Alison knows better… The woman is Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557 as an unwanted orphan and presumed dead after going missing as a child.

The painting is more than just a beautiful object from Alison’s past – it holds the key to her future, unlocking the mystery surrounding Mary’s disappearance, and the enigma of Alison’s son.

But Alison’s quest soon takes a dark and foreboding turn, as a meeting place called the Phantom Tree harbours secrets in its shadows…

My Rating: 3 stars

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for my complimentary digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

My Review: The Phantom Tree blends history, a lesser known Seymour and a dollop of supernatural to make for a unique reading experience. The story focuses on two women, in two different eras - Allison Bannister in modern day and Mary Seymour, a young woman in Tudor England who has connections to the Crown.

I appreciated that this book wasn't heavy in British history as some Tudor Historical Fiction. I also enjoyed the descriptions of 16th century England but overall, The Phantom Tree fell somewhere in the 'I enjoyed the read, but it's not a fav' realm for me.

I think the biggest issue I had with the book is that the reader isn't given any real explanation to account for the supernatural and time travel elements which were a big part of the overall plot. No standing stones, no magic jewels, no magical cupboard to Narnia etc. I can suspend belief, but I need the issue to be addressed. When you add in the clairvoyance/telepathy aspect, it made for a rather substantial supernatural focus in this Historical Fiction read. 

I appreciated that Mary and Allison's story line are balanced well within the plot, but I was much more drawn to Mary's story. Allison's experiences in modern times felt forced. It bothered me how easily Allison was able to blend in to the 21st century and how readily the people around her accepted her tales of time travel. I guess I expected more 'fish out of water' drama. 

Overall, this is an entertaining read that gives readers a unique supernatural element to the popular Historical Fiction genre. If readers are able to suspend belief and go with the flow, they should enjoy this novel that blends history, supernatural, a bit of mystery and even some romance for good measure.