Catholic Review of: A World Away

T. J Smith has taken a bold step into a genre often given over to evil influences  and bad writing.   Not only has he succeeded in writing an adventure worthy of high praise, he has done so with purity of heart and prayer being the focus of his character's development.  Not only is this series a rare treat in the world of fantasy in general, it is  one notable for being uniquely and faithfully Catholic.

The story begins with Dan Clay, just on the verge of graduating high school.  He's unremarkable save for his uncommon intelligence.  He struggled, like a lot of us, with bullies and a town who couldn't really appreciate his intellect.  He lost out on a scholarship, his one ticket out of his small town existence, when the school bullies destroyed his entry for the most important science fair of his life.  Distraught and disheartened he wanders through town to the edge of the foreboding woods on the outskirts.  There is a full moon lighting his way, and deep in thought he fails to realize that he has wandered into the heart of the forest to the foot of an enormous oak.  He senses someone near by, and finds himself pushed head first into (yes literally into ) the tree.  The oak was not solid, but temporarily soft, a portal into an alternate world.  Once he's caught his breath on the other side of the door, he ventures out not realizing he isn't at home.  He wanders into what he thinks is town and sees the liquor store sign is different.  Going further he realizes that although many things are the same, there are subtle differences here and there to make him uncomfortable.  He goes to his house and hears laughter inside.  He peeks in the window and is shocked by what he sees.  Sitting on a couch on the opposite wall is himself alongside the older brother he lost 13 years before.  He turned and ran back to the woods thinking he was in a nightmare and logically assuming to end it he'd have to go back through the tree.  Dan's adventure began shortly after.

Over time Dan graduates but runs into Sam, an older man the town ignored, believing him insane.  He reveals his story to Dan who is willing to listen, having experienced the portal himself.  Sam had been on the other side of that tree twenty years ago.  After hearing this story Dan realizes that his brother William could be trapped in this other world.  He resolves to go and bring William back.  William had wandered off into the woods thirteen years before, never to be seen again.  Dan prepares in secret, he confesses his plan to his parish priest along with the lies he'd been telling his parents about his intentions to go to Survival Camp.  The priest begins to pray in earnest for the young man, sensing that this is something Dan has to do. 

Dan acts as if he was joining his former classmates at the busses for Survival camp, but then abandons the group and makes for the woods and the oak.  Dan's friends, Jimmy and Cindy, see him sneak off into the woods and follow him.  Sam suspects Dan would try the journey and also follows him.  On the opposite side of the oak, Sam introduces his young companions to a family who's mission it was to protect those who wander into their world from an unspeakable evil in the form of a half man, half serpent creature.  He goes by the name Spiritus Malice and is the leader of fifty such demonic men who keep a palace in the heart of the woods, twelve days journey from the oak.  Dr. Obrien has protected wanderers and offered his talents in healing to any who asked for many many years.  He supplies the group with information food and medication against the dangerous mind altering effects of the atmosphere.  The group sets out, immediately running into difficulties. They are wounded by  man eating plants, grotesque carnivores and even the earth itself.  Dan finds strength in his Bible and frequent prayers to St Michael.

We watch the group learn to trust each other's strengths and learn what sacrifice and courage really are.  Dan's faith and perseverance in spite of his trials inspire his friends.  The group also meets allies in the forest as they wander.  Dan feels the presence of a heavenly spirit guiding him on the right path.  A friendly giant snail and a tree nymph also befriend the party and help them on their journey.

T.J. Smith goes back and forth allowing glimpses of what is going on back home with Dan's and his friends' parents.  He stresses prayer and seeking solace in the church.  The pastor, Fr. James gathers the families under a statue of St. Michael and together they pray for the safety of their children. 

There is constant action from the first page to the cliff hanger ending.  This book is one that would best suit teenagers between 13 to college age.  It moves quickly while teaching the values of faith, prayer, courage, friendship and family.  The cliff hanger ending made me reach for the second book just to see how it turns out.

You can purchase this title here.