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The Paradise Tree

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Welcome to Paradise. Daniel's alchemy has hurtled them 112 years into the future where a mysterious tree-shaped structure rises into the Moroccan sky. Generations have passed, but a culture grounded in ancient Yoruba traditions has sprung up.

Peri must choose between trusting the friendly strangers she meets and following Ayoub, the terrorist-turned-pirate, into the unknown. She fights to keep her family together, but her faith is shaken. Nothing is as it seems.

Caught between two warring factions, the YUS with brain chips and the Natural Resistance Force, Peri must search within herself to discover what truly makes life worth living. How much is she willing to sacrifice for paradise?

529 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2022

6 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

R.A. Denny

11 books64 followers
R.A. Denny is a history buff with a law degree from Duke University. After many years of practicing criminal law, she retired to do what she loves.

She is the author of Pirates and Puritans, a historical fiction series, and Tales of Tzoladia, an epic fantasy series. She enjoys spending time with her family and looking for adventure.

She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel.

In 2018 she toured Morocco as part of her research for her book, The Alchemy Thief.

R.A. lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Angela Jones-Cuéllar.
1,055 reviews114 followers
March 20, 2022
Pirates and Puritans is such an ever turning adventure that will keep you gasping and guessing. The characters go through obstacles, emotional rollercoasters, and more but it makes for quite the entertainment for us readers! We get to explore different times, cultures, and ideas all through the lens of this series that keeps you intrigued from start to finish. There will definitely be some characters you like more than others, but that just makes it interesting. I really don't want to give any spoilers away, but if you've enjoyed the journey so far then you'll definitely want to read this one and discover where Peri and Ayoub end up and who they become. If you're looking for something a bit different but filled with a mix of fantasy, time-travel, adventure, and more, then definitely consider this series.

Thank you to the author for submitting this book for review!
1,248 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2022
Title: The Paradise Tree
Author: R.A. Denny
Genre: YA, fantasy, historical
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Paradise Tree is the third book in the Pirates and Puritans series. This wraps up Daniel and Peri’s story, after everything they’ve gone through to be together and safe, but it also gives the other characters the endings they deserve.

I liked Daniel and Mya a lot. Both their personalities are strong and distinct, and their intelligences show through, even when I wasn’t quite sure what was true. Peri was kind of their opposite: she comes across as very passive and just lets life happen to her, even against her better instincts, until the very end, when she finally starts to be her own person.

Ayoub isn’t a likable character to me. He flip-flops too much for me to truly believe him: one second he’s missing his time as a corsair, the next he wants an AK-47. Then he’s lusting after Salima—who just lost her husband—then he’s remembering his Native American wife and noticing a woman’s breasts. He proclaims he’ll never marry again—then thinks of Salima’s children as his own. I just wasn’t a fan.

I thought the future culture was fascinating, and a bit scary, but it was totally believable, with the things happening in the world today. I liked that there were two such distinct cultures clashing for control (or for free will), and I enjoyed watching how it all played out.

(Galley courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Susan Lundy.
303 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2022
Did I mention I like this series even more than her previous entirely fantasy series? If not..well, I read the prior series too and this one checks all the right boxes. Not "just" fantasy; but historical fiction, dystopian future (as I wrote in my review for #2) mystery, and now a credible romance/love story. If the author's assignment was to write a "genre-bustin' series" that really hangs together well, she succeeded.
Profile Image for Escape Into Reading.
980 reviews43 followers
April 1, 2022
I was surprised and excited when I got the invite to read/review The Paradise Tree. I wondered when the 3rd and final book would be published and was hoping that I would get the invite. I had also hyped this book up in my mind. Well, The Paradise Tree lived up to that hype. I loved reading it (even if it did scare me in some places).

The Paradise Tree is the 3rd book in the Pirates and Puritans series. Readers cannot read this book as a standalone. If you read the books out of order, you will be confused. It will help if you read The Alchemy Thief and The Sultan’s Court to understand Ayoub, Peri, Mya, and Daniel’s backstory.

The Paradise Tree was an exciting book to read. It starts almost immediately after the events of The Sultan’s Court. Peri, Daniel, Mya, and Ayoub have traveled 112 years into the future. Thinking it would be a sanctuary from the people they escaped from in the present, they soon find the future is much more dangerous. The group is separated, Ayoub trekking to the distant mountains and meeting a woman connected with a group called the NRF, and the other three being picked up by a group called the YUS. The group soon finds itself in a struggle between oppression and freedom.

There are 3; sometimes 4, POVs in The Paradise Tree. The main POVs are Ayoub and Peri’s, with Daniel breaking in occasionally and Mya having a chapter or two to flush out more of the YUS’s plotline. The alternating POVs gave great insight into how each faction worked. It also provided insight into how each society was (if that makes sense). Usually, I wouldn’t say I like it when the book constantly switches back and forth between numerous people, but in this case, it worked.

Ayoub had some character growth in The Paradise Tree. Mainly, it centered around his relationships with Salima and her children. He morphed from only caring about himself to accepting responsibility for her and her children. He also came to terms with everything that had happened to him as a child. But, the biggest surprise was when he went to rescue Peri and Daniel. I didn’t think he would do it, to be honest. But seeing Mya and hearing about what was going on in The Paradise Tree spurred him on.

I felt a connection with Peri during her storyline. She was a middle-aged woman who was introduced to new technology. I laughed out loud during the scenes when she learned how to control (and talk) with her chip. The whole broadcasting of her thoughts to others was hilarious. I also got her wanting to see Daniel and Mya and her devastation when she wasn’t allowed.

Daniel was the real MVP of the book. He got what was going on fairly early in the book, and he actively found ways to get around the chip. I had a feeling what happened to him was going to happen around the middle of the book, but I was still surprised.

The secondary character added depth to The Paradise Tree. Each character, no matter how small, was essential to the plotline.

The science fiction angle of The Paradise Tree was well written. Time travel was mentioned throughout the book, along with ball lighting. The author did a great job of explaining how time travel was commonplace.

The dystopia angle of The Paradise Tree was scary. I had no issue imagining our society inventing a chip that would allow inner thought speaking and that monitored our bodily needs. I could also see plastic surgery as painless as described. I can also see egg harvesting and having genetically modified children happening. But the scariest thing to me was the split in society (one who wants total control and the other free will). That is part of what made the book so enjoyable to read.

The author did wrap up almost all of the storylines during this book, even from previous books. One storyline was left open, and I am curious to see if the author writes books about it. It was nice to see karma happen to the main bad guy in the first two books. I had a feeling who the Oba was when Busi had Peri in her rooms.

The end of The Paradise Tree was a little bittersweet. I can’t go into why I say that, but I did get teary eyes during the last couple of chapters of the book.

I would recommend The Paradise Tree to anyone over 21. There are violence and sexual themes. There is no language.
Profile Image for Lora Shouse.
Author 1 book32 followers
April 19, 2022
The Paradise Tree is the third book in the Pirates and Puritans series. This is an unusual series involving time travel powered by ball lightning. The first two books were primarily historical fiction except for the time travel element. College student Experience Fuller and child terrorist Ayoub separately and somewhat accidentally traveled back in time when they were struck by ball lightning while holding a bodkin made of palladium. After many adventures separately and a few together, they finally recovered all the elements to travel back to their own time, only to find themselves in the middle of some kind of minor battle. The first response they and all their friends had was that they didn’t want to be in the middle of that much conflict again. So, they turned around and traveled to the future once again.

The Paradise Tree is the story of what they found there. Consequently, this book is now more science fiction than historical fiction.

At first, the place looks peaceful, and the people they meet are friendly – sort of. But when somebody mentions that they will be taken to be debriefed, Ayoub freaks out. His experience of “debriefing” by the terrorists he lived among in his childhood involved bad beatings, and this is not something he wants to repeat. He runs off toward the woods intending to get away.

Trees are a big part of this future world. There is the Paradise Tree, which is actually a city in the form of an artificial city where Peri, Daniel, their daughter, Mya, and Daniel’s friend, John are taken by the people in yellow robes. And there is the cork forest where Ayoub meets the woman, Salima. Salima is a member of a resistance movement, and she introduces Ayoub to them. The resistance is planning on attacking and destroying New Yoruba City, the Paradise Tree city. But while he is there, Ayoub curiously finds himself becoming fond of Salima and her children.

Meanwhile, Peri and the others are learning their way around the city and its customs. All the people there have computer chips implanted in their heads. From these chips, they can learn almost anything they want. The chips also allow them to communicate without words – sort of like telepathy, but not quite. This is not an unmixed blessing, however. And have the so-called facts presented by the chips been altered for some nefarious purpose?

Peri becomes suspicious when their guide tries to separate her from Daniel and Mya. She imagines this guide taking Daniel for herself. But then, the guide shows her a written message telling her to hypnotize herself into remembering a message for the Oba – the leader of New Yorubaland – asking about the whereabouts of her father and threatening that the U.S. will attack them if he isn’t returned to them. Peri is confused by this, but she does it anyway and eventually learns that her father and his friend Dr. Prospero are actually there too. So, is the guide a friend or an enemy?

The more they find out about New Yorubaland, the more evident it becomes that something is very wrong with the place. But what, exactly? And who will be able to fix it? The resistance group? Daniel?

The ending is a surprise, not only for how the corruption is exposed and eliminated but also for which people elect not to return to 2019 afterward.
3 reviews
August 9, 2024
Wow!! Exciting and riveting to the very last sentence! Book 3 of the Pirates and Puritans series is The Paradise Tree, and it is an absolute masterpiece of historical fiction that follows Peri, her husband Daniel and daughter Mya along with the ever present Ayoub, into the year 2131.

Rhonda Denny uses her wild, but spectacular imagination to depict a fallen state of man beset by his own greed and lust for power, knowledge, and perfection.

She weaves drama, suspense, and romance into a thrilling and page turning adventure in a future era of super advanced technology that has gotten into the hands of wicked people with evil intentions. Nothing seems right when everyone’s own thinking is chipped, and as a result, is regulated and monitored. That forces Peri and family questioning everything they’ve seen with their own eyes and even everything that they know. Ayoub steps into an unlikely role of trusted friend, and confidant while actually becoming a somewhat likeable and sympathetic character. Once again, twists, turns, changes of direction and irony – specialties of this amazing author – keep you glued and coming back for more.

You’ll love all the excitement and uncertainty of it all, but in the end, be prepared to be challenged on many levels.

If you’re in a book club or just reading this on your own for enjoyment and relaxation, here are some of the questions I wrestled that you might want to consider.
1) How do you view or define enlightenment?
2) What is your version of Paradise on earth?
3) How do you view tyranny and authoritarianism?
4) Are you willing to think critically enough to question everything you know and believe?
5) Are you willing to challenge your own worldview?
6) Is there anyone or group of people that you can trust? Who? Are you sure?

Unquestionably a 5 star MUST READ! Have fun!!
Profile Image for Iris March.
Author 8 books472 followers
May 3, 2022
This epic time travel story is just so good! I have loved following Peri through time and this theoretical future world is extremely unexpected! I love how much trees are incorporated into the story. Very well done, RA!
99 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2022
I've loved following the adventures of Peri and her family in this series, sorry to see it end. This story has lots of surprising plot twists and a really creative design for what a future world could be like.
Profile Image for Nila Eslit.
127 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2024
They avoided the shooting incident in the 21st century and decided to move forward to the future. Peri and her family plus two friends land in Paradise in the year 2131. The period is characterized by high-level technology where many people communicate through the chip. Chipped humans live in the Paradise Tree.

Peri’s group just arrived back in the 21st century when a shooting incident occurred. Afraid of being caught up in the trouble, they decided to move forward to the future instead. That was how the second installment of the Pirates & Puritans series concluded.

The Paradise Tree is the third book in the series. Penned by R.A. Denny, the novel opens with Peri’s group arriving in paradise in the year 2131. It’s around a hundred years advance from Peri’s time period. As soon as they land on the new place, the newcomers stand in awe at the marvelous sights. Everything around them is unlike any of the time periods they experienced. They witness a futuristic infrastructure.

Happy to arrive in the place, Peri hopes to build a safe future here with his family. Although at the back of her mind, she entertains some fear. Peri is worried they might not be able to turn back if they need to. The palladium bodkin for time travel is gone. Another thing that concerns her is Ayoub. He might cause them trouble again.

Debriefing Inside the Paradise Tree

Nevertheless, the five newcomers stand where they land, savoring the moment. Peri, Daniel, and John notice some familiar features in the landscape. Mya marvels at a massive tree that seems to reach the sky. But unlike the typical tree, this one is made of glass. Ayoub, on the other hand, keeps his thoughts to himself.

The five newcomers still admire at the marvelous sights when a resident of the land approaches them. He greets them and introduces himself as Babawale. Soon, Babawale declares that Peri’s group needs to undergo a debriefing. Ayoub gets scared of being debriefed as he believes it means torture. He slips away and heads toward a grove of oak trees. While the rest of the group follows the lead of the yellow-robed men.

Peri’s group is ushered into a building that they later knew as the Paradise Tree. It’s a highly futuristic building that features amenities that none of the group is familiar with. Not even Peri.

However, banking on the hospitality of the yellow-robed people, Peri and the rest of the group consider trusting them. But, being the queen of overreaction, Peri is skeptical about many things they witness and experience inside the paradise tree. She’s particularly worried at the mention of a chip, a requirement in the yellow-robe community.

Ayoub and the Naturals

Meanwhile, Ayoub finds his way through the trees. He aims to get as far away as possible before anyone comes to look for him. He also intends to change his clothes no matter what it costs. As the former corsair is preoccupied with thoughts of survival, a woman suddenly appears. She points a gun at Ayoub. Later on, he learns more about the Muslim woman, her children, and her affiliation. Ayoub joins Salima and her children. They go to a place away from the yellow-robed people.

The Challenges

On one hand, Peri, Daniel, Mya, and John try to assimilate the culture of the yellow-robed community. While, on the other, Ayoub begins to understand the life of the Naturals.

Find out for yourself how the two groups cope with the situations they are in. Explore both the high-tech system inside The Paradise Tree and the lively community of the so-called Naturals.

The Paradise Tree and the Author

This third installment of the Pirates & Puritans series is more of a science-fiction than historical. And, I admire how the author makes the transition from Book 1 to Book 3. The continuity of her story from the 17th century to the future is flawless. For example, R.A. Denny makes sure that traces of the past are still evident in the future.

I don’t doubt Denny’s storytelling ability. In The Paradise Tree she proves her expertise in switching from one genre to another.

Moreover, the author imparts some important lessons in this book. She shows that unity is achievable among varied cultures. Muslims, Christians, Jews, Native Americans or even other ethnic groups can live together in harmony. Likewise, she presents a possible danger of a certain technology.

Overall, I give The Paradise Tree a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend the book to all readers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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