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Beyond the Trees
When his older brother disappears, Caden must enter a portal to a magical and dangerous realm to rescue him.
When the Murphy family moved to Cedar Falls, South Carolina, Caden and Ansel heard the tales of "the woodland witch." An alleged immortal sorceress who lives deep in the woods. According to legend, she's responsible for the abduction of a teenager every three years. Of course, Caden and Ansel never believed the stories. Then one night, Ansel never returns home, and his name is added to the long list of people who mysteriously vanished from Cedar Falls.
Caden embarks on a quest to find his missing brother. First, he must believe in a world that exists beyond our own. Second, he must pass through the veil separating Cedar Falls from the realm beyond the trees. To save his brother, he must encounter strange sentient beings and travel the magical and dangerous land. If he survives the adventure that awaits him, Caden can rescue Ansel so they can return to Cedar Falls. If not, neither of them will return home.
When the Murphy family moved to Cedar Falls, South Carolina, Caden and Ansel heard the tales of "the woodland witch." An alleged immortal sorceress who lives deep in the woods. According to legend, she's responsible for the abduction of a teenager every three years. Of course, Caden and Ansel never believed the stories. Then one night, Ansel never returns home, and his name is added to the long list of people who mysteriously vanished from Cedar Falls.
Caden embarks on a quest to find his missing brother. First, he must believe in a world that exists beyond our own. Second, he must pass through the veil separating Cedar Falls from the realm beyond the trees. To save his brother, he must encounter strange sentient beings and travel the magical and dangerous land. If he survives the adventure that awaits him, Caden can rescue Ansel so they can return to Cedar Falls. If not, neither of them will return home.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultLGBT
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Renna
16 books53 followersChristopher Renna is an author. He's also a Developmental Editor with a focus on the work of young writers and indie authors. He lives in New York with his husband, two children, and their rescued dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 12, 2023
*I won an ecopy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This has not influenced my review.*
Queer YA portal fantasy about personal growth and the relationship between brothers!
The brother relationship was really touching. And the author did a great job of making me feel right away the bond between them, and then how terrified and distraught Caden was when Ansel went missing.
There was no romance in the story, just a hint of the main character maybe finding some romance after the book ends.
Though the character growth was important and the sibling relationship was the motivation that drove the MC, the story was fairly plot-focused. Lots of running, chasing, and fighting through a magical land. Lots of interesting, magical, and horrifying things along the journey.
Warning that there is some disturbing/horrifying sort of stuff, both in terms of the off-screen past deaths of unnamed characters and in terms of visuals/disgustingness. Not too heavy though.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable portal fantasy with nice character growth and sweet sibling feels.
*3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes portal fantasy, queer rep, no romance, teens finding themselves, and touching sibling relationships.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Queer YA portal fantasy about personal growth and the relationship between brothers!
The brother relationship was really touching. And the author did a great job of making me feel right away the bond between them, and then how terrified and distraught Caden was when Ansel went missing.
There was no romance in the story, just a hint of the main character maybe finding some romance after the book ends.
Though the character growth was important and the sibling relationship was the motivation that drove the MC, the story was fairly plot-focused. Lots of running, chasing, and fighting through a magical land. Lots of interesting, magical, and horrifying things along the journey.
Warning that there is some disturbing/horrifying sort of stuff, both in terms of the off-screen past deaths of unnamed characters and in terms of visuals/disgustingness. Not too heavy though.
Overall, a quick and enjoyable portal fantasy with nice character growth and sweet sibling feels.
*3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes portal fantasy, queer rep, no romance, teens finding themselves, and touching sibling relationships.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 2, 2023
Christopher Renna does it again. Story was well written and kept you wondering what would happen next. I could have guessed that Caden would rescue Ansel, and there were still twists along the way that kept the story alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2022
4.5/5 stars
Beyond the Trees is moving portal fantasy about the bond between brothers. When Caden’s older brother Ansel goes missing in the backwoods of his hometown, he goes on a harrowing journey to another world to bring him back.
This book was just gripping from the onset. I loved the brotherly bond Christopher Renna portrayed between Caden and Ansel. Caden is gay and bullied at school, and Ansel is his biggest protector and supporter. Their loving relationship just shines through the pages, making for an even more devastating impact when Ansel finally goes missing. I was literally in tears at Caden’s deeply emotional reaction at the news, and I was dragged along with him in his search for answers.
When Caden finally goes across the portal at around the 40% mark, the book does start to move quite fast while losing much of the tension and suspenseful atmosphere since the journey is quite straightforward with just one obstacle after another. I think the challenges could have been developed further with more difficult or insurmountable odds. I did like the addition of the Aslan-like mentor we got in the wolf Majesty and the philosophical discussions he had with Caden. The ending came about quickly and somewhat easily, but I still found it satisfying if a bit underwhelming.
Beyond the Trees is a gripping and moving fairytale-like fantasy with a powerful example of brotherly love at its core.
*I received an eARC of this book via Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
Beyond the Trees is moving portal fantasy about the bond between brothers. When Caden’s older brother Ansel goes missing in the backwoods of his hometown, he goes on a harrowing journey to another world to bring him back.
This book was just gripping from the onset. I loved the brotherly bond Christopher Renna portrayed between Caden and Ansel. Caden is gay and bullied at school, and Ansel is his biggest protector and supporter. Their loving relationship just shines through the pages, making for an even more devastating impact when Ansel finally goes missing. I was literally in tears at Caden’s deeply emotional reaction at the news, and I was dragged along with him in his search for answers.
When Caden finally goes across the portal at around the 40% mark, the book does start to move quite fast while losing much of the tension and suspenseful atmosphere since the journey is quite straightforward with just one obstacle after another. I think the challenges could have been developed further with more difficult or insurmountable odds. I did like the addition of the Aslan-like mentor we got in the wolf Majesty and the philosophical discussions he had with Caden. The ending came about quickly and somewhat easily, but I still found it satisfying if a bit underwhelming.
Beyond the Trees is a gripping and moving fairytale-like fantasy with a powerful example of brotherly love at its core.
*I received an eARC of this book via Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
An enchanting tale about overcoming challenges and facing your fears head on. This was an incredible story that I fell down the rabbit hole for and into the realm of Nightmare. A quick and easy read that helps open your eyes to the magic and wonder of the South. Caden and Ansel are two brothers that display a lot of "I've got your back" brotherly relationship and I found myself rooting for Caden's survival and the mystery of his missing brother Ansel.
The ending chapter had me in tears and gave me a lot of feel good vibes and a big WOW at a certain line. I will not spill any spoilers here though. You'll have to read it to find the line about the true witch of the woods for yourself! 😁🌿
The ending chapter had me in tears and gave me a lot of feel good vibes and a big WOW at a certain line. I will not spill any spoilers here though. You'll have to read it to find the line about the true witch of the woods for yourself! 😁🌿
August 25, 2022
Whoa. The pacing of this novella is top notch. I read the whole thing in one night. It's not an epic fantasy with castles and dragons and kingdoms, etc. It's a portal fantasy about the love between two brothers. When Ansel disappears, Caden is determined to find out what happened and how he can rescue him. After he slips through the portal he has to search with the courage and confidence he doesn't think he has.
There were a couple twist moments that made me like the story even more. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a LGBTQ main character who goes on an adventure that doesn't focus on him being gay or in a relationship.
There were a couple twist moments that made me like the story even more. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a LGBTQ main character who goes on an adventure that doesn't focus on him being gay or in a relationship.
October 8, 2022
BOOK:BEYOND THE TREES-TWO BROTHERS ONE BOUND.A DANGEROUS JOURNEY BY CHRISTOPHER RENNA.
BOOK REVIEWER:- OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:-
A poetic style fictional story of the demon(brother/broader-mourn) of the woodland witch being battled in Ceder Falls, South Carolina.The story is told of the author, Caden who is said to be gay(geh as German for go as in the green traffic sign/courageous/used up) and his family looking at the disappearance and capture of his elder brother and role model Ansel Murphy who was said to be straight (meaning to be successive/without a break);his brother earlier advice to him on being pushed around and bullied by Doug Turner; beyond their mothers (murder) waiting point as they went in search of Ansel; a realm that man steps into and leaves him gone from Earth(ate) and finds himself a visitor in a new land and an opening(op(operation)-en(earn)-ni(nee)-ng(Nigeria) ;and the realm of the Chemonas beyond the woods,trees and forests.It is a story about planet Earth and trees that bear fruits ( for rooths/ for Ruth's) and those that don't.The sight of blood (be Lord) at Ansels disappearance ; Caden smearing blood (be Lord) on his cheeks(chicks/children) while in search of Ansel; Caden's plan to return to the spot where Ansel's phone was found and offer his blood(be Lord); Caden's sporting an unguarded openi g into the trees feet from the silent beast(be-east/be st/be saint/be striker) and not taking to the voice telling him to be farther from Ansel by giving up hope on the search; and Caden's saving Ansel and the girl,Micaela at the Chemonas all speak of the power of the Lord and savior who is not going to give up on us.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🤸 Focus ,hope and courage is learnt from Caden and Ansel.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
We learn from the story that with hope ,courage and focus ,we can conquer like Caden and Ansel.
BOOK REVIEWER:- OKOKO AYEZU TAMARAPREYE
SYNOPSIS:-
A poetic style fictional story of the demon(brother/broader-mourn) of the woodland witch being battled in Ceder Falls, South Carolina.The story is told of the author, Caden who is said to be gay(geh as German for go as in the green traffic sign/courageous/used up) and his family looking at the disappearance and capture of his elder brother and role model Ansel Murphy who was said to be straight (meaning to be successive/without a break);his brother earlier advice to him on being pushed around and bullied by Doug Turner; beyond their mothers (murder) waiting point as they went in search of Ansel; a realm that man steps into and leaves him gone from Earth(ate) and finds himself a visitor in a new land and an opening(op(operation)-en(earn)-ni(nee)-ng(Nigeria) ;and the realm of the Chemonas beyond the woods,trees and forests.It is a story about planet Earth and trees that bear fruits ( for rooths/ for Ruth's) and those that don't.The sight of blood (be Lord) at Ansels disappearance ; Caden smearing blood (be Lord) on his cheeks(chicks/children) while in search of Ansel; Caden's plan to return to the spot where Ansel's phone was found and offer his blood(be Lord); Caden's sporting an unguarded openi g into the trees feet from the silent beast(be-east/be st/be saint/be striker) and not taking to the voice telling him to be farther from Ansel by giving up hope on the search; and Caden's saving Ansel and the girl,Micaela at the Chemonas all speak of the power of the Lord and savior who is not going to give up on us.
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY READ
🤸 Focus ,hope and courage is learnt from Caden and Ansel.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNT
We learn from the story that with hope ,courage and focus ,we can conquer like Caden and Ansel.
July 28, 2023
Not my usual cup of tea, but this Young Adult bildungsroman/fantasy/horror did keep me on the edge of my reading chair! Beyond the Trees is novel about a pair of brothers, the younger is our protagonist and narrator, around whom the novel revolves.
The novel opens with Caden and Ansel Murphy, young men surviving high school and all the angst that time and space engenders. Caden struggles to belong; Ansel does not. Living in a small town rife with prejudices of all kinds, but especially against queerness, the younger brother wrestles with identity as a gay man. Renna successfully weaves in social commentary and lessons about inclusion into the story; what is means to be a man, what manhood looks like, “should” or “could” look like, expectations and realities. Ansel embodies the idealized version of manhood, finding it easier to settle into this cultural environment. But the events of the novel reverse the brothers’ roles, and in doing so, challenge the norms of manhood.
One night, Ansel goes missing. The cause is unclear. There are rumors of paranormal phenomena. In the course of recovering Ansel, Caden finds himself in a strange place, one that seems like it could not exist, a fantasy land. As grounded in reality as the novel is, much of it takes place in this fantasy location, the narrative arc of this part of the story mimicking the classic Hero’s Journey. This is the land beyond the trees.
The story is simple, but the undercurrent of social and cultural commentary complicates it in a very appealing way. Additionally, Renna’s smooth prose, swift propulsion of the story, and fleshed-out characters renders a well-crafted novel.
The novel opens with Caden and Ansel Murphy, young men surviving high school and all the angst that time and space engenders. Caden struggles to belong; Ansel does not. Living in a small town rife with prejudices of all kinds, but especially against queerness, the younger brother wrestles with identity as a gay man. Renna successfully weaves in social commentary and lessons about inclusion into the story; what is means to be a man, what manhood looks like, “should” or “could” look like, expectations and realities. Ansel embodies the idealized version of manhood, finding it easier to settle into this cultural environment. But the events of the novel reverse the brothers’ roles, and in doing so, challenge the norms of manhood.
One night, Ansel goes missing. The cause is unclear. There are rumors of paranormal phenomena. In the course of recovering Ansel, Caden finds himself in a strange place, one that seems like it could not exist, a fantasy land. As grounded in reality as the novel is, much of it takes place in this fantasy location, the narrative arc of this part of the story mimicking the classic Hero’s Journey. This is the land beyond the trees.
The story is simple, but the undercurrent of social and cultural commentary complicates it in a very appealing way. Additionally, Renna’s smooth prose, swift propulsion of the story, and fleshed-out characters renders a well-crafted novel.
September 11, 2022
5-star editorial review by Readers' Favorite.
"Filled with mystery, magic, and lot of heart, Beyond the Trees is a fascinating odyssey you don't want to miss."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
"Filled with mystery, magic, and lot of heart, Beyond the Trees is a fascinating odyssey you don't want to miss."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
September 11, 2025
The string bond of the brothers was the most amazing thing about this story. They would literally walk through fire for each other. That kind of love is always worth writing a out and reading about.
Wonderful and heart-warming.
Wonderful and heart-warming.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews