The Memory of Trees

F.G. Cottam

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A billionaire sets in motion a project to restore an ancient forest on the western coast of Wales. The motivation behind the project is more about the restoration of dark forces from ancient times. Eccentric billionaire Saul Abercrombie hires young arboreal expert Tom Curtis to oversee this massively ambitious project, believing that restoring the land to its original state will rekindle ancient spirits. However, the re-planting of the forest awakens a darker and more dangerous entity, leading to an epic battle between good and evil. F.G. Cottam's slow-burning tale has a sense of brooding eeriness that grows into palpable malevolence, with well-drawn and believable characters and a location that has a presence of its own. The author takes risks with characters and plotlines, creating an off-kilter feeling of uneasiness that keeps readers on edge.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed, multi-dimensional, and relatable, featuring an eccentric billionaire and a struggling scientist, alongside well-developed female characters.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is atmospheric and richly descriptive, effectively building a sense of foreboding while developing multi-faceted characters and blending traditional horror with modern storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative is captivating and intricately woven, combining elements of science and folklore as it follows the restoration of an ancient forest and the awakening of a hidden evil, though it occasionally leans towards predictability.

Setting:

The setting is framed in the eerie backdrop of Pembrokeshire, Wales, rich with ancient folklore and legends, enhancing the story's supernatural elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is largely slow, with a buildup of suspense that enhances the climax, though some readers find it stunted or rushed in places.

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Notes:

The Memory of Trees combines science and mythology.

The story spans centuries, from ancient times to modern day.

Billionaire Saul Abercrombie aims to restore an ancient forest in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Tom Curtis is hired as an arboreal expert to oversee the ambitious project.

The plot involves an ancient evil tied to the forest restoration.

The setting evokes a primal fear of nature and hidden dangers.

The book features a diverse cast of well-developed characters, including strong female roles.

Cottam's work is noted for its slow-building atmosphere of unease and suspense.

Reviewers appreciate the author’s interaction with readers on social media.

Some found the ending rushed and lacking depth compared to the rest of the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features themes of horror and ancient evils that may be unsettling to some readers, but there are no explicit content warnings.

From The Publisher:

Hoping to rekindle ancient spirits of folklore, Saul Abercrombie enlists an arboreal expert to oversee the replanting of the forest that stood in pre-Medieval times on his tract of Welsh coast, but the project revives a dark entity.

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