Tree of Life (Ward)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have all your decisions made for you? What you wear, how much you can eat, or even what job you will have? Able Smith is about to turn sixteen, and this means the Life Line Marking process is close at hand. In this society, young people's place in society in decided by the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life has infiltrated every part of Able's life. He knows his father was forever changed because of The Tree, and as Able's birthday approaches, the thought of his own future haunts him. When the Tree of Life takes control of Able's existence, his entire future is at stake. While he finds deeper meaning about who he is, the knowledge will come a great cost.

"The Tree of Life: Book 2" shows there's more to Mary than just being the beautiful girl with the golden hair. Book 2 allows readers to see the story from Mary's perspective. As a child, Mary danced in the lights of the Tree Robots, but now that she is older, she has learned more about what The Tree has done to her family and many others. She is no longer dancing in their lights but fighting to learn the truth about The Tree. However, Mary would also do anything to have the innocence she once had as a child, and not know anything about The Tree, the Life Lines, or the Markings. Mary asks the question of how to know when someone or something is good or bad and is met with the difficult answer that it depends on what side you are on, and sometimes even that doesn't matter. Morality and its relation to decision making plays a crucial role in Mary's perspective, and it shines new insight into her evolution. Readers will gain answers to questions they have from Book 1 and be challenged as new and old characters navigate the pressures of The Tree. Join Mary, Able, Zoe, and others as they discover the true meaning behind the world of The Tree of Life.