A Branch of Thorns [Paperback]

Kyle Bladow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 2002

Aiden Thorne knows he's different than other teens. Orphaned at two, he lives with his grandmother in his family's mansionone of the last original buildings left in town after its expansive, modern renovations. Its dim hallways and somber rooms harbor generations of memories, many of which Aiden can sense easily. For there is something else that sets him aparthe is a witch.Nevertheless, Aiden does well with maintaining a sense of normalcy in his life. At least, until he hears an unsettling whisper on the wind. Suddenly, a series of bizarre incidents occur, and he is led into discovering much more about his family's paststories about other witches in the family, including one who raised a spirit in a fit of rage to seek revenge on one of Aiden's ancestors.As Aiden begins to uncover other secrets, each more shocking than the last, he realizes he must find solutions to old problems before they destroy everything important to him. But by confronting his family's past, how will it affect his future?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kyle Bladow was born in 1985 and lives in Marysville, Michigan. He wrote A Branch of Thorns, his first novel, when he was fifteen.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (April 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595226132
• ISBN-13: 978-0595226139
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,322,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Struggle, February 2, 2005

By 

Ali Coleman (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Branch of Thorns (Paperback)

I had the hardest time getting a hold of this book. I found it while looking through Border's recommendations and while looking over another reviewer's favorite book list. I liked the idea of the plot mainly from the review and he was recommend later on by another author who's writing style I enjoyed. After finally ordering the book and having it come in; which I was told may not be possible because of so little demand, I had the book finished in less than two days which is no big feet. By the third chapter I was greatly getting bored of all the descriptions and there was no need for them. I was also put off by the way the book was lay-out out ... some of the chapters were so small and could have easily been combined. I felt it dragged towards the end of the story line when Aiden was fighting the demon and I found myself skimming paragraph after paragraph. I understand greatly how hard it is to write and how much goes into it, but I feel a lot more could have and maybe Kyle's next book; if there ever is one, will show more maturity.

For those who do not know and do not want to dive into the book themselves a quick summary tells you that the book is about a family [the thornes] and a young witch who raises a demon to kill her father who is cheating on her mother and the demon ends up killing her mother [also a witch], the mistress, and her father. Aiden is her great great great cousin and because of some force [not really described] which she transforms into she lives for 150 years and will probably forever. The demon is after Aiden and later we find out he killed Aiden's parents and then later on his grandmother whom he lived with and only him and his newly found relative can defeat the demon and for a surprise ending he does and becomes immortal like Clair [the cousin].

3.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to this author's next book, December 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Branch of Thorns (Paperback)

I have a feeling that Kyle Bladow will be writing about his line of witches for years to come. And one of these days he's going to wow us all.

Aiden Thorne is the last of his line. He is a witch, like so many in his family before him. But when he finds a strange book in the local bookstore, a journal written by one of his ancestors, strange things start happening in the Thorne Manor. Caught up in a furious desire to paint, Aiden draws the very girl who wrote the journal- and the evil she had brought with her that destroyed his family!

A quick reader, recommended to young adults, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes fans, Christopher Pike fans, and R.L. Stine fans.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, October 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Branch of Thorns (Paperback)

I know Kyle Bladow personally. I have found out about this fantastic book through a friend, who, in turn, also knows Kyle Bladow. She is friends with one of Kyle's friends mentioned in the dedications. I would like to review the book. This book lead you through a suspenseful, twist. Its characters play a MAJOR signifigance, of course. If you have not read the book pay very close attention to everything, especially to a certain wall, and just pay attention to everything. It is hard to believe that a 15 year old wrote this (now 17 or 18). This book is magnificent. The essence of the book leads you on. It is very mysterious, and it is very enjoyable. You will NOT want to put this down. Kyle if you are reading this, I loved your book, it is one of my favorites, and I wish you good luck in everything that comes to you.