Terror Tree is a work of fiction in the action and adventure, suspense, and thriller sub-genres, and was penned by author Tom Gauthier with Darrell L. Keller Jr. The work is intended for the general adult reading audience and forms another novel in the series of Victrix Forum/Amos Mead Adventure novels. Our protagonists form two groupings, one in which Elizabeth Pomeroy finally gets her wish to take her ladies on a safari to Kenya. But when everything goes awry and the women are put to the test in the face of al-Shabaab terrorists, Amos Mead and his fellows find themselves in pursuit of an enemy whose tendrils reach much further than they might initially think.

Author Tom Gauthier has crafted a compelling work of thriller fiction with plenty of action, intrigue, and thought-provoking moments to offer its readers. One of the features which I found particularly impressive about this piece was its ability to juggle different groupings and situations without ever letting one overshine the other. The fortitude of characters like Brigit really stood out as a powerful representation of survivalism and true grit, whilst the technological and military aspects of the work provided some excellent exposition and new twists to the story as it unfolded. What results is a plot that keeps you guessing, but always feels harrowingly realistic, emotive, and grounded. Overall, I would highly recommend Terror Tree to fans of international settings and relations, thrilling psychological plots, and for fans of the Victrix Forum series everywhere.

Terror Tree: A Novel by Tom Gauthier is a mesmerizing tale of adventure, terror, and the fight for survival that is expertly narrated. It was supposed to be a great holiday for Elizabeth Pomeroy and her friends when she arranges a safari to Kenya with her companions from Victrix Forum; Brigit Mead, Olivia Lobuglio, and Madison Owen. But everything changes for the worse and the beautiful landscapes with their marvels and the mysterious baobabs quickly become an unending ordeal as they come into the orbit of the relentless al-Shabaab terrorists. Can they find safety in the giant baobab? Follow this trail of a search that takes characters from Kenya to Somalia.

I had no doubt that the novel is well-researched, and apart from writing a setting that will captivate the minds of readers with strong elements of the exotic parts of Kenya, the author describes the tactics of the terrorist groups of al-Shabaab and al-Qaeda with so much clarity. The narrative is filled with action, beginning with the encounter with the “men in dark uniforms, faces masked, and carrying AK 47 assault rifles.” The struggle for survival constitutes one of the strongest points of the plot. Tom Gauthier’s characters are well-developed with unique backgrounds, skills, and mental dispositions. Dr. Brigit Mead was my favorite character and her psychological stamina, as well as her unique medical skills, come in handy. She also has a good knowledge of the world of Islamic terrorism. While readers will adore the unforgettable characters, the baobab can be read as a character in its own right, a mysterious tree that becomes an important part of the plot. Terror Tree: A Novel is tightly plotted and well-written, an action-packed novel with a memorable setting and sophisticated characters.