Terracolina – A Place to Belong

A forest is being devoured, a magical garden smothered, the adults too busy to notice. Can one quiet boy save them from disaster?

Thomas Smithers is drowning in loss. Grappling with the death of his Grandpa, the twelve-year-old sinks into despair. The solitary boy is stunned when he finds an old note from Grandpa outlining plans for the two of them to save their favorite forest from a vicious parasite.

Sneaking away on a school day, Thomas hopes to tackle the problem but instead discovers a magical world that he yearns to share with Grandpa, if only…. When its inhabitants are attacked, he realizes he is the key to their salvation but battles with his loyalties, fearful for both worlds.

Can Thomas save this magical world and still protect his cherished forest, or will saving one mean the extinction of the other?

Terracolina is the uplifting first book in The Terracolina Trilogy’s middle-grade magical realism series. With talking plants, a telepathic gardener, and a nymph-like girl who speaks in rhymes, all discoverable through a portal, you will love this “soothing and enchanting” world.

Editorial Reviews

“…an enchanting and thought-provoking read that will appeal to readers of all ages. It is a tale of adventure, bravery, and the importance of finding one’s own path. The book encourages readers to believe in themselves and to understand that everyone has a unique role to play in making the world a better place. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and cares about the future of our planet. Jeyran Main Editor-in-chief – Review Tales Magazine

“This is a lovely story of a young person discovering how much influence he has over his world, finding the balance between the fantasy world and the real world where he can escape to one, but must live in the other…. His transformation to confidence is heartwarming, and the reader is rooting for him throughout.” — Mavis Williams author of Love Like the Dickens

“I love the way you describe Thomas’s experiences in nature. It’s incredibly vivid and magical.” — Eliza Turjian, Editor, Bookseller

The Esperanza – Chasing Hope

Thomas thought he saved the magical garden world of Terracolina from the slimy, oil-spewing Olgrots. He was wrong.

He realizes this time he alone can’t stop the tragedy unfolding in Terracolina. His real world friends have just the right skills to help out. He wants to connect his two worlds, but can they coexist?

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Carla Kessler weaves a compelling continuation of twelve-year-old Thomas’s journey, blending themes of fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery…. Amidst personal struggles and looming ecological threats, Thomas embarks on a search for meaning, confronting both inner turmoil and external perils…. For Middle-Grade readers, The Esperanza offers a magical, emotionally resonant adventure, interwoven with messages of resilience, self-confidence, and the power of small actions to effect change. This fantasy tale, with its touches of adventure and thought-provoking themes, is sure to captivate young and old alike.    A Literary Titan Book Review – 5 Stars
 
 
I very much enjoyed this adventure from the pen of talented author Carla Kessler. Written for 9 – 12 year olds (and possible even older), it’s the second book in the set following a young boy, Thomas, as he attempts to save a forest/garden from the Olgrots and an invasive vine. I must admit, I hunted out the first book before attempting the second. And I’m glad I did; there’s a lot of backstory, and I enjoyed The Esperanza much better having read Terracolina first.
 
So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, I loved getting to know the protagonist, Thomas. He’s strong, determined and ‘fit for fight’ as they say. He’s so determined to save the magical world of Terracolina, and I was very much rooting for him. I also liked how the author balanced the MCs ‘real’ life – which is pretty complicated – and his ‘magical’ life. This added much depth, not only to the character. but also to the story. Finally, I was impressed by the pacing. Yes, the author wants to put over a strong ‘nature’ message, but she never forgets to keep the story moving and to keep the twists and turns coming.
 
So, if you happen to be looking for a well-written adventure for, say, a 12 year old, I’m happy to recommend this book to you. I think most young readers will enjoy getting to know the magical gardens and forests of Terracolina, and they’ll be rooting for Thomas (and his pals) to save the day. But I would also recommend you start with the first book; like me I think you’ll then enjoy this book considerably more.     A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review – 5 Stars