In The Wishing Tree by Bevan Knight, a sorcerer’s apprentice locks a powerful spirit in a tree, unleashing a curse on the tribes of the Arctic. Food supplies get scarcer and scarcer, with little game and fish. The young men of the tribes begin to leave their families to look for a better life elsewhere. Dornio is amongst those who are thirsty for adventure, and with him is Sheena, a woman he saved. Sheena wants to find her missing foster parents. None of them knows that a terrible evil lurks beneath the bowers of a tree. Do they have what it takes to remake their destinies?

This novel is the first entry in the Seeds of Time trilogy, a wonderful meld of science fiction and fantasy, a story brimming with magic, adventure, and realism. Bevan Knight creates a strong premise for the story and imbues the writing with humanity, creating characters that are real and human conditions that are resonant, and weaving compelling subplots to enhance the suspense while keeping tensions high as different characters face unique situations and dangers. Knight's descriptions are terrific, and right from the very opening pages, readers experience the unique blend of premonition and a compelling premise.

You’ll be gripped from the first paragraph as the sorcerer and his apprentice, Roricon, are introduced. The author's sense of setting is keen, exemplified in details like the effect of time on characters, the natural elements, and searing imagery. There is a finely developed magical backdrop against which the story takes place; it is intricately plotted and at times darkly humorous. But what sets Knight's writing apart is his ability to weave humanity into the story, with characters that are complex and rich. The excellent, somewhat lyrical style of writing offers a delectable reading experience in The Wishing Tree. This hugely imaginative world offers a bold opening for readers who will look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.