The Iron Tree
Cecilia Dart-Thornton
Tor, Feb 2005, $24.95, 400 pages, ISBN: 0765312050
reviewed by Harriet Klausner

Jarrod grew up in the village of R’shael of the Kingdom of Ashqaleth raised by his mother and her family as his father left them promising to return, but never did. His mother, aunt and friends believe that the talisman his sire left him protects Jarrod from harm even earthquakes. Between his mom and his aunt Jarrod is showered with love, but though he reveres and cherishes his relatives, he yearns to learn more about his patriarchal side. Now that he is of an age to journey into the monster laden countryside, Jarrod decides to seek out his father.

On the quest, Jarrod meets Lilith, who expects to fall into madness like her grandfather and her mother did before her. She joins his quest with her own to find the cure to her family's affliction. As they work together confronting continual peril, they fall in love. Even minor success like Jarred obtaining information about his paternal side places the duo in deeper danger if that is possible.

The first tale of the Crowthistle Chronicles, THE IRON TREE, is a fantastic epic fantasy starring a coming of age champion and a magnificent heroine, both seeking information on their respective families. The story line makes believers of readers that in the Cecilia Dart-Thornton universe monsters seem genuine because some are compassionate while others are killers; humans and half-humans can be divided the same way with some being benevolent and helpful while others evil. This ability to make fantasy creatures and spells an accepted part of mortal life is what makes this action-packed saga terrific except for having to wait for book two.