The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain [Kindle Edition]

T.S. Graham (Author)

Book Description

"The World's Toughest Book Critics" have weighed in, and it's high praise for Trellah!

"An excellent choice for readers eager for a suspenseful, emotionally satisfying fantasy adventure."  -Kirkus Book Reviews (full review below)

Fourteen-year-old Sophina Murray will be the first to tell you: Bad luck comes in threes. First, her father is lost at sea. Then, the rains start. And don't stop. And finally, her little brother is taken from his bed by a monster straight from her worst nightmare. A glimpse into the parallel universe of Trellah - a land of giant trees, bizarre creatures, and a glowing red mineral with mystical properties - convinces Sophina that all may not be lost. But first, she'll have to survive in a hostile world where her darkest fears live and breathe.

Trellah is an original and realistic fantasy for ages 12 to 112, with a cliffhanger-free ending. Parental guidance suggested for advanced readers ages 10-11 for moderate elements of horror.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Graham's writing deftly evokes the story's atmosphere, setting the tone beautifully from the start with a haunting description of Thomasville's rain-swept terrain; a sense of mystery and danger permeates the prose. Meanwhile, Sophina is a brave, intelligent heroine for young readers to follow.... The book exhibits fine character development and powerful dramatic tension. An excellent choice for readers eager for a suspenseful, emotionally satisfying fantasy adventure."  - Kirkus Book Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 414 KB
• Print Length: 252 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Jagged Coast Publishing (March 10, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007JBBS54
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,442 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Written Book March 16, 2012

By Trebor

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book. I have read several Young Adult novels and found this to be particularly enjoyable. The characters are believable and the dialog comes across as natural. Sophina, a strong willed 13 year old girl makes an excellent heroine and her old science teacher Mrs. Tanner proves to be an essential companion and counterbalance as they navigate their way through an alien world in search of Sophina's brother.

I loved the idea of a completely separate and alien world existing in another dimension that occupies the same space as the surroundings of Sophina's home town. The same basic land forms exist in both dimensions yet they are as different as night and day. Graham does an excellent job of creating a completely alien world and showing the two dimensions as separate yet connected where a balance is maintained. On our Earth side we have vague notions of ghosts yet on the Trellah side, the dead are far more solid and often dangerous. Where there is drought in Trellah, there is perpetual rain on the opposite side in Thomasville Maine.

Many Young Adult novels fall back on magic or unexplained supernatural phenomena. While much more difficult to do, I appreciated the way Graham explained the mechanics of the separate dimensions and how it was possible to travel between the two. It was a fun read and I look forward to the continuation of this series.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Kirkus made me do it! April 24, 2012

By Booknut

Format:Kindle Edition

I bought this book because of the glowing review from Kirkus inside the cover. There's no point in elaborating on what "The World's Toughest Book Critics" so eloquently stated, so I'll keep this short and to the point: Finally, an Indie book that's worthy of all the praise it's getting in the reader reviews!!! I'll be surprised if Hollywood isn't soon in the midst of "Trellah-mania." This story is perfectly suited for film.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Join Sophina on her journey and slip into a fantastic, yet familiar, world that is sure to satisfy. March 29, 2012

By Topher Gee

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Evocative of Madeleine L'Engle, John Connolly, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis, Graham's creation takes you beyond this world and into a vividly rendered realm. Sophina, the places she visits, the creatures she encounters, and the adventures she has will surprise and delight. The creativity and consistency with which Graham builds and describes the land of Trellah and the integration he provides with our own dimension provide a remarkably coherent tapestry. Whether read for fun or analyzed in a classroom or book club, The Perpetual Rain will linger in the memory and Trellah will be a place that the reader enjoys visiting time and again.

Suspect my comparisons to other authors are hyperbolic? That's because you haven't read the book. Remedy that. Now.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Summer Read. May 2, 2012

By B. Nelson

Format:Kindle Edition

The story is captivating--Fantasy and Mystery. The story is unique and imaginative with the best part being the dialogue between the characters. The conversations are so real that you can imagine being in the midst of the adults and children. You are transported to a parallel world where the creatures are described in detail and leave you breathless.For example, from the book, this description: "There, high in the peaks between the enormous stalactites, a nightmarish collage of blinking red eyes and mashing white fangs kept Sophina's feet glued to the ground." This book is worth the time.The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An unforgettable journey that bridges two worlds May 1, 2012

By Joy H.

Format:Kindle Edition

I'm an avid reader, and enjoy a wide range of literature, including fantasy, mystery, and literary fiction. I've also worked in a library--both the children's and adult departments--and can say unequivocally that The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain (Kindle Edition) is a wonderful book that will appeal to all ages. T. S. Graham has created an engaging and beautifully written novel that grabs you from the first page, taking you on an unforgettable journey that bridges two worlds. Sophina is a strong and compelling heroine whose unquenchable curiosity, compassion, and courage equip her for the amazing adventures she has in store. Graham's supporting characters are equally well developed--especially Sophina's fascinating teacher/mentor, Mrs. Tanner, her friend Erickson, and her loving family. With his vivid descriptions, fast-paced plot, and hints of further adventures to come, Graham transports you to a magical world that rivals the fictional realms of Rowling, Tolkien, Pullman, and Paolini, and leaves you wanting more. I eagerly await the chance to rejoin Sophina in the next installment of The Chronicles of Trellah.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! July 2, 2012

By McGoo

Format:Kindle Edition

An amazing adventure filled story with irresistible suspense and vivid descriptions of a parallel dimension/world. The story telling is outstanding with a mixture of the ordinary and supernatural. I enjoyed the plot line and great characterizations. Enthralled after the first few chapters, I could not put the book down...stayed up until 2AM on a Sunday to finish. This amazing fantasy adventure with inventive descriptions of alien-like creatures and a dreamlike world is supported by explanation that makes this mystical story totally possible. I can't wait to read the next book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK! June 24, 2012

By Engie

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. Normally I read to fall asleep at night, but the Chronicles of Trellah had the opposite effect. The characters are fantastic and the descriptions of the inhabitants of the other world are amazing. What an incredible imagination - can't WAIT for more!!!

More About the Author

T.S. Graham was born and raised in midcoast Maine. He has worked as a sea urchin diver, fish monger, home renovator, and in several group homes for children and adults with disabilities. His original screenplay, Stone's Point, written as Clint Elliott, has won multiple awards. He studied English Literature at the University of Southern Maine, where, despite developing a strong dislike of the traditional curriculum focused on old, dead (and boring) scribes, he somehow managed to graduate with honors. His greatest influences are writers like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, whose talents would have allowed them to write more literary fare, but they chose to thrill and entertain instead. He now lives on a horse farm with his beautiful wife and five daughters, two poodles, two cats, two happy turtles, four playful ferrets, three fish, a corn snake named "Tiger," dozens of chickens, and, of course, four awesome equines. The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain is his debut novel.