OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Terras" by Peter Mitchell.]

Abby thinks the strange feeling she has in her stomach is just stress from being a teenager. Then she sees a small animal running along the classroom wall and thinks she may be losing her sanity because of its appearance. After school, she goes straight home and goes to bed, not waking up until the next morning. Unable to locate her two dogs, Jack and Georgia, in the house, she goes outside, where she hears dogs barking and a familiar voice she cannot place. After walking a few steps through a hazy fog into the woods, she discovers that her home and everything familiar are gone. She faints and awakens to find her two dogs and her deceased grandmother. Recalling the dream she had had, Gramma and Abby decide to walk further into the forest to find out why they were there and for what purpose. Do they have a purpose in this new world they are in? Is Abby still dreaming, or has she lost her sanity? What had Abby dreamed?

Peter Mitchell did an excellent job writing this fantastic tale of magic, talking animals, golems, zombies, shapeshifters, dragons, dryads, and merfolk, among others. The characters are fully developed and are easy to visualize with the author's descriptions. One example is Opie, a possum who wears a top hat, spectacles, a cape, and suspenders. Jack and Georgia are adorable with their need for tummy rubs. I like the life lessons and morals about communication, creation, evolution, cultural differences, etc. that Abby learns on her journey. For example, how biases, habits, and opinions influence communication. I never knew what to expect next, but I knew something would happen, given the mystery and suspense that flowed smoothly throughout the storyline. The map of Terras at the beginning of the book is appreciated because it helped me picture the distance the characters traveled on their journey. I enjoyed the inclusion of characters like Toto, Alice, and Willie E. Coyote from other books and cartoons.

I prefer having chapter numbers with the chapter headings, but I did not consider this a negative aspect, as it may not bother other readers. I gave this enjoyable book 5 out of 5 stars because it has been professionally edited, has no objective negative aspects, and the ending left me eager to read the next book in the series. My rating is further justified due to my reading enjoyment and the positive aspects discussed above.

Terras: Book 1 of The Tree of Tales by Peter Mitchell is an excellent book for teenagers and adults who enjoy reading philosophical, science fiction, and fantasy books. I will caution sensitive readers that this book does contain some violence and gory content that may be offensive to them. Although some of the various characters believe in God, gods, and goddesses, there are no specific religious beliefs that would restrict the book to any particular audience.

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Terras
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"Terras" by Peter Mitchell aspires to be an intricate exploration of land, heritage, and personal identity, but unfortunately, it falls short of its potential in several key areas.

While Mitchell demonstrates clear skill in crafting atmospheric prose and richly textured settings, the novel often feels weighed down by its own ambition. The emphasis on detailed descriptions of the landscape — although initially evocative — eventually becomes repetitive, detracting from the narrative drive and slowing the plot to a crawl.

Character development, though at times compelling, lacks consistency. Some characters are drawn with care and complexity, yet others feel like vehicles for themes rather than fully realized individuals. This inconsistency makes it difficult to become truly invested in their journeys or to care deeply about the outcomes of their choices.

Thematically, Terras tackles big ideas — belonging, change, and the pull of history — but it sometimes does so at the expense of storytelling. Rather than integrating these themes seamlessly into the plot, the novel occasionally drifts into passages that feel overly philosophical or didactic, interrupting narrative momentum and diminishing emotional impact.

Perhaps most frustrating is the pacing. The novel starts strong but quickly becomes mired in slow-moving sections that do little to advance either plot or character arcs. Readers looking for a compelling story may struggle to stay engaged through these stretches.

Despite these weaknesses, Terras is not without merit. Mitchell’s talent for vivid imagery and his evident passion for the landscapes he describes shine through. For readers drawn to quiet, contemplative fiction that prioritizes setting and atmosphere over plot, Terras may still hold appeal.

Overall, while Terras contains flashes of brilliance, it ultimately feels uneven and overly long, making it a challenging read for those seeking a well-balanced narrative.

Well, one would for sure wonder whether Abby is dreaming or what might have happened. My curiosity is piqued and I would, definitely, like to read this book to learn more about Abby's mission. The fact that the book is packed with twists and turns that keep readers turning one page after the other is also amazing. Thanks for the review, @Bertha Jackson.

Wow, this review makes Terras sound like a rich and imaginative read! I love stories that blend fantasy with deeper themes like communication and cultural differences. And talking animals in suspenders? I'm in. Sounds like a great start to a magical series!