Visit Thornbrooke

We're SO close to the release of Tithe, guys!!! I'm so excited and can't wait for you all to get your hands on a copy! Until then, I've decided to put together a little "tour" of the town where the events of the book take place! Just as a quick side note: I do not own any of the following photos. I took them off of google and some of them might be of more recognizable places--this is just to give you an idea of what I sort of had in mind when I thought these locations up (Thornbrooke isn't real), that's all! :)

Anyway, let's get started!

Thornbrooke is an incredibly tiny town located in upstate NY. What mostly keeps it afloat and on the map is their small community college, and their fame for being "haunted" by what the locals refer to as, "the Unseen".

Thornbrooke Community College is where many of our characters attend school. The semester is already a month in at the beginning of Tithe. Though the campus is small, it's cozy, and the school is very well known for their arts program. There's a "myth" that Hall B is haunted by the ghost of a Junior who was attacked and killed by the Unseen back in the sixties, and it's common for kids to dare each other to hang around the common area where it's said she's often seen peering out the window at the East woods where her murder supposedly took place.

Howl Books is the college bookstore, located just on the edge of campus and partially on the main strip of town. They're open from 6 AM to 11 PM, and have a very tiny coffee station in the far right corner that has surprisingly good coffee--if you like it burnt and black, that is. Arden and Tabitha both work here, often times with overlapping shifts. Since the nearest large bookstore is over a thirty minute drive away, most students purchase what they need here. There is also an extensive arts supply section which can be found around the local legends area of the store.

Tollbooth's Pizzeria is one of the most popular local hangouts. During the school season, it's packed with college and high school students, though they're still pretty busy over the summer thanks to the locals. Tollbooth's offer a "make your own" option on their menu, and will even add it if they think your creation is good! Arden and Tabitha have a specialty pizza that made the cut, however it's only shown on their summer menu, and at the very bottom. Though they also sell fries, burgers, and chicken tenders, most people go to Tollbooth's for the pizza. An interesting waiter who always seems to be on shift works there named George.

Willow's Brew is the local coffee shop. Since this is the only place to grab coffee--other than on Thornbrooke campus or a diner--it's often packed. The owner, Aspen, likes to experiment and often has seasonal drinks available for each month. They offer other beverages besides coffee, such as an assortment of teas and coco's, and serve breakfast pastries and cookies all day. Once in a while, they allow a local band come perform, or hold poetry readings.

Arden's house is located a few blocks from Main Street, and is tucked between two homes slightly bigger than her own. She doesn't own a car anymore, so rides her bike around and leaves it on the back porch to keep it from being stolen. Since her mother's death and her sister moving in with their aunt in another state, Arden has lived here alone. It's a small two bedroom home with a dingy basement, but the tight space makes her feel safe.

Rose Manor is an "abandoned" gothic structure located in the oldest, and wealthiest, part of town. Though it is said to be owned by somebody, it's rare to ever see anyone coming or going, therefore it has been dubbed abandoned by the locals. Some do swear, however, that they see lights on in the middle of the night, and hear strange noises. Another time, a college student who'd gotten lost in the twists and turns of the streets, claimed there'd been a party taking place in the back. Few people believed him, but for a while it was a fun game to stake the place out at night. Fortunately for the students, this grew old fast and they dropped it before any one could get hurt. Rose Manor is run and owned by Mavek Midnight, the notorious Midnight Prince, and he's not a fan of humans lurking about. With the one exception, of course.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of the town, and that you come back often! If you have any questions, or just want to place a pizza or coffee order at Tollbooth's or Willow's, please leave a comment below, and we'll try to get back to you faster than that Unseen at your back can attack! ;)