The Nightmare Tree

Tales from Mysterion #1

by Richard René

Jonah Comfait has many magical adventures as he searches for his missing father, only to discover that he is alive but held captive - and only Jonah can set him free. In this tale set in the gorgeous Seychelles Islands, Jonah refuses to believe his father has drowned at sea and sets out in a sailboat to search for him. His search carries him out of his everyday life to wondrous places with magical beings - like the Angeli, who help him in his quest, and the Djinn, who enslave people and feast on their dreams. Jonah learns about the land of Mysterion, a place of peace that people have forgotten because of their dreams of greed and war. He comes to understand that he must play a part in restoring Mysterion to itself and find a way to free his father.

Genres: Fantasy, Africa

172 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2007

Reviews

[Bill Tillman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Island is a fun quick read that reminded me of elements from Narnia, the Odyssey, The Screwtape Letters, and the Matrix among others. Supposedly it’s reminiscent of the Never Ending Story as well, but I’ve never read it. I loved its themes of family, love, sacrifice, and quest. I had a hard time buying into the “real” world in the novel because I had a hard time feeling fixed in a particular time and place, despite all the descriptions of sailing and sand. Once Jonah got to Mysterion however, I got more into it. I think this is a perfect story for young adult readers and they will love it. I look forward to going back to Mysterion in the following books!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful story, and incredibly rich imagery. I'm a tough grader, and so I'm only giving four stars. But I have to say that this portrayal of good and evil has really stuck with me.

Pros: Relatable characters; lots of action; big themes made approachable

Cons: I found the pacing a little frenetic -- there is so much jumping around with so little warning that you begin to lose track of what's going on. And the descriptive prose, while evocative, felt a bit overdone. The protagonist seemed always at the extremes of wrenching misery, brutal pain, sublime happiness, etc. etc. ... I'd love to see a lighter touch.

All the same, a worthwhile read for those interested in fantasy, spirituality and the nexus of them both.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a beautiful magical story full of adventure, but the most important story that is being told that love conquers all. Also the description of Mysterion is a mix taken from fairy tales. I really enjoyed the journey.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do?

Francis Comfait disappears and his son, Jonah, goes to great lengths to find him. Jonah meets some very strange and unlikely beings in his search.

[Katherine Steimle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the book that put me into a reading slump. The end was decent enough. However , the book began predictable and the world imagined was rather basic and overdone. To say I’m thrilled this one is done is an understatement. I will not (and have no desire to) continue this series.

Read Across Africa
Prompt completed
13/54
Seychelles 🇸🇨

[Naomi Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book. It kept me wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. The author description really pulled you right in as if you were in the story yourself. Definitely would recommend people to read this.
I volunteered for an ARC copy for this review

[Amy Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concepts and story arch of this book, but the actual story telling left something to be desired. Another pass at the dialogue and transitions would have made this book much better.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved that the story was original and different. The characters were well developed and you either liked them or you didn’t. I highly recommend this book!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story.

[Chloe Hey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rather slow. But it has an excellent message and quite adorable creatures and characters.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a bit of a tough time getting through this book. Maybe it was not the right time for me to venture into this story, but I struggled...

[Lindberg]

This was a very enjoyable book. I found the characters quite real and human. The plot was one that kept me stuck to the story right to the end. Highly recommend this to any fantasy readers.