My Review

Rich values underscore the whimsical adventure in Derek McHenry’s debut novel, The Colossal Forest: a Ferguson Family Adventure. Showcasing the importance of familial bonds throughout the fantastical journey, McHenry opens up an entirely new world.

With enchanting characters and magical settings, this delightful blend of fairy tale and fantasy captivates all audiences. With a stroke of a few computer keys, Tom Ferguson and his family arrive in Enigami, an alien world teeming with strange, somewhat comical, creatures. Their arrival heralds the unexpected impact they’ll have on its fate.

Hints of a C.S. Lewis style influence peek through the world-building in the novel in a manner that adds depth to the narrative. The colorful characters and evenly paced plot evoke the magical sounds and smells of another world with its strange customs, creating a truly immersive reading experience.

Each chapter presents a unique challenge or threat, testing the family’s resilience in unexpected ways. Stunned, the heroes, each with their unique and varied powers, face off against the nasty villains in a story reminiscent of The Incredibles.

Though written in a style suitable for young adults, the whimsical descriptions and engaging characters in The Colossal Forest will enchant readers of all ages. Be sure to add this one to your home library.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.

D.T. (Derek Thomas) McHenry is a native Californian. As a teen, he had many adventures exploring the American River Parkway, and that passion for exploration continues to this day. He fed his vivid imagination on superhero comic books, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery novels. Married since 1986, he has seven children (not a typo) and about twice as many grandchildren. After almost dying from a major medical event in 2021 (which left him looking like a pirate), he retired from the Sacramento Public Library. He has been a follower of Jesus Christ since 1983 and lives by six words: love God, love people, do good.

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