Shade of the Tree

Rating:
Summary: I'd like a shade in my shade
Review: I'll admit, "Shade of the Tree" is a different genre, but this book is in a world of its own. The tree has its own personality. I love the fish, the ICK! and that whole storyline. Of all his books, I greatly enjoyed this and "Firefly". Not because they weren't Xanth, or Phaze, or any magical land, but because they were to me psychologically attractive. I am drawn to stories which are horrific not because it's realistic, but because it is possible on another psychological level. The idea that a tree could 'befriend' and protect a person such as in this book is possible. And in the end, it becomes apparent that this spirit has feelings too. Granted, I wouldn't hand it to my little brother, not even sure I'd let my mother read it, because it is an aquired taste. Overall though, it was the psychological realism and horror which won me over. But perhaps it is just me. Read it, and enjoy it, or read it and hate it, I assure you there's not much chance you'll read it and decide it's so/so.

Rating:
Summary: I have read most of his books, and by far this is the best!
Review: I'll admit, "Shade of the Tree" is a different genre, but this book is in a world of its own. The tree has its own personality. I love the fish, the ICK! and that whole storyline. Of all his books, I greatly enjoyed this and "Firefly". Not because they weren't Xanth, or Phaze, or any magical land, but because they were to me psychologically attractive. I am drawn to stories which are horrific not because it's realistic, but because it is possible on another psychological level. The idea that a tree could 'befriend' and protect a person such as in this book is possible. And in the end, it becomes apparent that this spirit has feelings too. Granted, I wouldn't hand it to my little brother, not even sure I'd let my mother read it, because it is an aquired taste. Overall though, it was the psychological realism and horror which won me over. But perhaps it is just me. Read it, and enjoy it, or read it and hate it, I assure you there's not much chance you'll read it and decide it's so/so.

Rating:
Summary: A really good Book!
Review: I've read it more than 10 years ago and still thinks this book is one of the better book written by Piers Anthony. I truly loved the story and advise you to buy the book and read it.

Rating:
Summary: I'd like a shade in my shade
Review: I've read many of Peirs Anthony's books for many years but never ran across this book untill last week. I was intregure and amazed. This incredible author is always coming up with new ways to empress me; I guess old ones in this case. I doubt I'll ever see such a an tantalizing terror that kept me glued to the book, while leaving some wits about me.

Rating:
Summary: Not what you'd expect -- and better for it
Review: If you're a fan of Anthony's 'Xanth' novels, you should probably approach this one with caution. Much like his earlier 'Incarnations of Immortality' series, this is fantasy of the darkest nature. Combining both supernatural and psychological horror, Anthony weaves his tale around a haunted tree, the spirit of which both befriends and terrorizes a grieving family. You're never quite sure where things might go, but twists do not disappoint.

Rating:
Summary: Skip this one
Review: Maybe I was just having an off day when I read this book, but a malevolent tree that terrorizes a family into insanity is not what I look for in an Anthony offering. As far as the humor credited to the book in the synopsis here, I do not recall ANY.(And I can find humor in many places others do not) PLEASE read his other books - I find them to be a hoot. This one barely had a smirk.

Rating:
Summary: One of Anthony's Best
Review: Piers Anthony demonstrates his competence at horror novel writing. This story enthralls almost immediately, about a father and his two children taking refuge from The Big City in a safe, rural setting. Anthony builds empathy for the plight of the family, who have just lost their mother to NY crime. But as he does this, he begins to insert elements into the rural Florida setting that don't quite fit, that can be explained away at first, but then ...

I won't give anything away, but this could have made a great X-Files episode. Anthony demonstrates that he can run with King or Straub with this story. His characterization is much deeper than usual, but he doesn't neglect his perversely creative ability to plot beyond the lines.

Great bedtime reading for city dwellers. Not certain I'd read it at all if I lived in an old house under an old tree, miles from anywhere ...

Rating:
Summary: Suspenseful and intelligent
Review: There was a day when Piers was known for more than his stupid and silly fantasies, and this is one the best books from those times. Much of the scenery and background is taken from his real life, but here he creates more suspense and drama than I've ever seen in any of his books. The characters are real and believeable, the writing is tight and descriptive, and the overall suspense of the book keeps you turning the pages until the very end -- where the book goes from suspense/horror to outright light fantasy. But hey, I'm not complaining, at least it's not some cope out, splatter the wall with blood ending that Stephen King has come up with a hundred and one times already. I highly recommend this book to all who are even remotely interested in this genre of writing; it is not, however, for those who are incapable of conceiving of literature beyond Xanth.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, stupid ending.
Review: This book was great. I haven't read it in forever, but as a fan of Piers, I figured I might as well try this one. Wow, was I surprised! Gone was the fun of Xanth, this was some seriously scary writing. I couldn't put it down one night because I was afraid to go to sleep. Maybe it should be in the horror genre. Anyway, it was really great, and then... it had a really, really, REALLY, HORRIBLE HORRIBLE ending. It ruined the entire book, otherwise it would've gotten 5 stars. But the ending was horrible! So if you want to keep the book being nice, near the end.. stop reading there and make up your own ending. Almost anything could be better.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for those that like horror.
Review: This is a well writen book of horror by a fantasy writer. If you bother to read the back cover you will know that this is Anthony's first attempt at horror. I for one think that he did a good job. But I would not advise the younger reader to read it due to some graphical nature. Anthony leaves his rule of no sex from Xanth in the dust.