Although this story was a slow start for me, once It hooked me, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the flashbacks from Nathaniel's perspective as well as Tori's dreams through Emmaline's perspective. I know some reviews stated that they felt disconnected with the main bulk of the story being told in third person but I think it worked really well this way. With the flashbacks and dreams told in first perspective, it helped the reader distinguish the story lines and keep everything separated better. The other cool thing about this book is that it could easily work as a standalone or it could continue on with a sequel. If there does happen to be a sequel later on, I would definitely be interested in reading it.

This historical+contemporary fiction novel would be a good choice for readers (like me) who aren't comfortable with an entirely historical tale. The ties to early-colonial "witches" make a good hook for fantasy fans, and the necromancy will grab horror readers. Extra bonus points for queer characters in both eras. I'll recommend to fans of Hodkins' "Mara Dyer" series and Howe's "Conversion".

Right from the start we meet Tori, with issues of sorts that has affected her life and how her mom acts around her. It's intense and not just emotionally but physically as well. She has gotten herself in a bit of a situation because of it. On the night she was out trying to hide it from her family, Nathaniel shows up. His entrance and other parts of that encounter lead her to believe the whole thing never happened. Until later the next day when the bizarre meeting turns out to have been an actual part of reality.

Those are only the first few pages of this novel. And I was sucked right into that world from then on. Emotions run high in this read as Tori is trying to cope with the loss her father in ways she feels only she can. In a place that's completely new to her, which of course she hates the minute they move there. Not to mention, members of the Slaughter family, who are bent on making sure Tori and her family are nowhere near content in the new place they have begun calling home.

But there is so much more going on in The Suffering Tree than just loss, pain, or conniving people. If that wasn't enough, the readers are also given the mystical realm brought forth by Emmeline, who has a lot to do with how Nathaniel is there in Tori's time. Dark magic that drives Nathaniel to his true purpose, the reason why he has been given the chance to return to the land of the living. And it might just conflict with Tori's new beginnings or make her finally feel alive again.

If somehow the reader thinks that's the biggest surprise in this book, think again because the roller-coaster doesn't stop there. Questions fill Tori's mind about the reasons behind the house being gifted to her family. Knowing that none of them have anything to do with the estate's previous owner. Why did Al Senior leave it in the hands of her family, changing the will in such a quick manner? Only a little bit of time before his passing. And how is Nathaniel connected to the Slaughters?

I couldn't place this read down because of all those questions. When it felt like I had all the story, more was revealed and kept me fascinated by the turn of events. The Slaughter's story is woven in such a way that everything intersects perfectly. Everything answered for each character. Tori's family is not left without the truth about every happening. Even though the main characters were a pain for a great extent of it and seemed extremely brooding, it actually made things that much better. And an ending I was very pleased with.

***I received this copy from Disney-Hyperion via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

There were parts of this book that I really liked and parts that I didn't. For that reason, my rating is a 3.5. Personally, I thought Tori was a likable character, and I really liked Nathaniel. The progression of the book was solid; there weren't really any slow parts. The ending disappointed me a little bit, but I could certainly see younger readers enjoying it a lot. As far as age range go, I would suggest middle school or early high school

Exciting, chilling, and everything I expected it to be. Although it could work as a stand alone, the sequel/companion vibe is there. It's always refreshing when I find a little gem of a story that is a genre of its own, and not the same subject rehashed.
5 out of 5 stars.