The Kicking Tree tells the story of two young people in their late teens, living in different parts of the universe, who meet each other through mysterious white gates that connect their different worlds. Jallaxanya Rarga, the gentle but resourceful heroine, lives on Planet Raika and is the only surviving relative of her devoted grandmother. Jack Smith is the son of a single mother living in the English Midlands on Planet Earth. Lacking a father, Jack is under-fulfilled and his mood swings between anger and depression. By a series of 'accidents', the two are brought together, meeting in a beautiful cottage garden that belongs to neither of their worlds. They become engrossed in their friendship and find themselves stepping through other white gates that lead into other new worlds and adventures. They begin to realise that the one consistent thread in their adventures is that they have been 'sent' to change things for people. It appears that they are an answer to prayer; sometimes spoken, sometimes unspoken. Their relationship blossoms and they appear immune to the evil of the worlds, until a terrible tragedy parts them... Or does it? The Kicking Tree is a work of fantasy fiction that also addresses issues of cross-culture relationships and religious faith. It will appeal to readers aged 14+ who enjoy romance, fantasy and adventure tales."