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Realm Keepers #1
Midrealm
BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE AUTHORS: http://garrettbrobinson.com/
What if you and your friends went to another world every time you went to sleep?
What if you spent half your life here, in our world, and the other half battling for mankind’s survival against foes too terrible to be real?
And what if you could never tell anyone?
This is reality for the Realm Keepers: six people from Earth thrust into a terrifying war between Midrealm and Chaos. Plucked from their ordinary lives and given extraordinary powers, they’re the only thing standing between our world and destruction.
What if you and your friends went to another world every time you went to sleep?
What if you spent half your life here, in our world, and the other half battling for mankind’s survival against foes too terrible to be real?
And what if you could never tell anyone?
This is reality for the Realm Keepers: six people from Earth thrust into a terrifying war between Midrealm and Chaos. Plucked from their ordinary lives and given extraordinary powers, they’re the only thing standing between our world and destruction.
- GenresFantasy
544 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2013
28 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 30, 2013
I knew reading the book description on this that it was my kind of book, but after reading the author's introduction, there was no doubt in my mind. :)
This book is great.
It is very rare that I read a book and just can't think of what to say about it. Like, there's so much I want to say, but every time I write something I think it will give away too much.
I love the sarcasm and the fact that the teenagers, though given a "tough job" to do, are still teenagers, not quickly growing up, but instead slowly learning and even messing up while learning to work with their "skills" and work together. I also like that each of them has their own skill to utilize and that each one is so different from the other.
I like that each part of the book is through the eyes of a different character and begin as a journal entry telling different parts of their tale - it allows you to learn more about he character then you would if it had been done third person or with only one person telling the story. Being that it was a "journal-espque" entry, you learn more thoughts and feelings than they would have shared in a conversation with someone.
Chaos and the "bad guys" are really cool and the way the authors describe them is powerful.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Definitely a 5 star book.
This book is great.
It is very rare that I read a book and just can't think of what to say about it. Like, there's so much I want to say, but every time I write something I think it will give away too much.
I love the sarcasm and the fact that the teenagers, though given a "tough job" to do, are still teenagers, not quickly growing up, but instead slowly learning and even messing up while learning to work with their "skills" and work together. I also like that each of them has their own skill to utilize and that each one is so different from the other.
I like that each part of the book is through the eyes of a different character and begin as a journal entry telling different parts of their tale - it allows you to learn more about he character then you would if it had been done third person or with only one person telling the story. Being that it was a "journal-espque" entry, you learn more thoughts and feelings than they would have shared in a conversation with someone.
Chaos and the "bad guys" are really cool and the way the authors describe them is powerful.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Definitely a 5 star book.
November 24, 2013
This book is written differently then I've ever come across. It's main characters are 6 teens, Sarah, Miles, Tess, Calvin, Blade, and Raven. In a way it reminds me of the breakfast club gang. When you read it you'll see what I mean.
The first half of the book is broken into 6 episodes, which are like mini stories with their own chapters. Each episode is told from a differnt characters pov. The stories don't overlap but start from where one leaves off. I found this a really good way to get to know everyone's personality and thoughts.
The second half threw me off when it started, I thought it had taken a very differnt turn but a few pages in I realized what was happening. This half is told from everyone's perspective.
The story itself is very original. These kids pass out only to wake up in a differnt world to be told destiny has chosen them to be the new Realm Keepers. Basically they're the protectors of Midrealm which in a way is protecting Earth. The catch is whenever they are asleep on Earth they are in Midrealm and vice versa. The episodes tell how they all come to deal with this and what their responsibilities are.
The second half revolves around the war they are fighting against Chaos, and learning to use their powers. Each teen has a different one but only while in Midrealm.
I really like this story. I was almost immediately drawn in by the writing and impatient to see what happens next. It does end on a cliffhanger but not an omg why did they stop it there one. The next book is Wyrmspire which is scheduled to be realized in December 2013. I will definitely be waiting to read it.
I recieved this edition from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
The first half of the book is broken into 6 episodes, which are like mini stories with their own chapters. Each episode is told from a differnt characters pov. The stories don't overlap but start from where one leaves off. I found this a really good way to get to know everyone's personality and thoughts.
The second half threw me off when it started, I thought it had taken a very differnt turn but a few pages in I realized what was happening. This half is told from everyone's perspective.
The story itself is very original. These kids pass out only to wake up in a differnt world to be told destiny has chosen them to be the new Realm Keepers. Basically they're the protectors of Midrealm which in a way is protecting Earth. The catch is whenever they are asleep on Earth they are in Midrealm and vice versa. The episodes tell how they all come to deal with this and what their responsibilities are.
The second half revolves around the war they are fighting against Chaos, and learning to use their powers. Each teen has a different one but only while in Midrealm.
I really like this story. I was almost immediately drawn in by the writing and impatient to see what happens next. It does end on a cliffhanger but not an omg why did they stop it there one. The next book is Wyrmspire which is scheduled to be realized in December 2013. I will definitely be waiting to read it.
I recieved this edition from the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
October 22, 2013
After getting a free copy of episode one, I thought that this story had a lot of promise so I picked up this full compilation of the first "season" and read through it all very quickly. The authors did an amazing job of taking 6 very unique characters and making them actually _feel_ like unique characters; each of the first 6 "episodes" is told from one character's point of view, and you really get to delve into that character's head and learn their motivations. No two felt even remotely like the same person, which is difficult to accomplish and superbly done. You'd think that the two authors had been writing together for years. The story is very epic in scope, using a lot of established fantasy cliches but in such a way that you enjoy the fresh telling of them and want to keep reading.
The story is relatively predictable if you've read much in the genre, but not so much that there aren't plenty of fresh surprises. The cliffhangers throughout the book make it hard to put down, and at the very end of the story there is an excellent cliffhanger that makes the reader want to learn more right away rather than wait for the next book. It's told in such a way that you feel satisfied with the conclusion of this book and don't feel "jipped" at all (which can happen sometimes with series books) so I hope that the authors can maintain that throughout each book so that the reader is always left with a complete experience after reading it.
I highly recommend this book, it's fast-paced, action packed, and was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to continue the story.
The story is relatively predictable if you've read much in the genre, but not so much that there aren't plenty of fresh surprises. The cliffhangers throughout the book make it hard to put down, and at the very end of the story there is an excellent cliffhanger that makes the reader want to learn more right away rather than wait for the next book. It's told in such a way that you feel satisfied with the conclusion of this book and don't feel "jipped" at all (which can happen sometimes with series books) so I hope that the authors can maintain that throughout each book so that the reader is always left with a complete experience after reading it.
I highly recommend this book, it's fast-paced, action packed, and was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to continue the story.
December 28, 2013
WOW! There, I always wanted to begin a review with “wow”, and Midrealm gave me the perfect opportunity.
At “500+ pages and almost a quarter of a million words” – to quote one of the authors, this is one huge book. It took me a while to read it, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
Midrealm features six main characters, and it does it with style. Each character has its own first person / point of view narrative. If you are a writer, then you know how darn difficult it is to pull this one off. Writer or not, you will have your mind blown away.
Perfection of style aside, this is a beautiful and compelling story. The characters simply jump out of the page, and the scenes blend as seamlessly as if this were a movie. Of course, one of the authors is a movie director, so that’s only to be expected.
Speaking of the characters, you will most likely find one to identify with. For me, it was Calvin, the D&D nerd. That’s not to say that if I were sixteen again I wouldn’t have a major crush for mysterious Tess.
I will not delve into the plot, for fear of unearthing too many spoilers. Suffice it to say that it is bullet proof, despite its many unexpected turns.
Though I enjoyed it immensely as an adult, my only regret is that I could not have read it as a teenager. I would have been a much better writer if I had Midrealm as one of my early influences.
At “500+ pages and almost a quarter of a million words” – to quote one of the authors, this is one huge book. It took me a while to read it, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
Midrealm features six main characters, and it does it with style. Each character has its own first person / point of view narrative. If you are a writer, then you know how darn difficult it is to pull this one off. Writer or not, you will have your mind blown away.
Perfection of style aside, this is a beautiful and compelling story. The characters simply jump out of the page, and the scenes blend as seamlessly as if this were a movie. Of course, one of the authors is a movie director, so that’s only to be expected.
Speaking of the characters, you will most likely find one to identify with. For me, it was Calvin, the D&D nerd. That’s not to say that if I were sixteen again I wouldn’t have a major crush for mysterious Tess.
I will not delve into the plot, for fear of unearthing too many spoilers. Suffice it to say that it is bullet proof, despite its many unexpected turns.
Though I enjoyed it immensely as an adult, my only regret is that I could not have read it as a teenager. I would have been a much better writer if I had Midrealm as one of my early influences.
October 4, 2013
Midrealm is a story about six teenagers who are in detention one day and pass out. They wake up in another world, where they are the Realm Keepers, wizards with incredible powers. Each Realm Keeper has a different element to control. The world is threatened by an evil wizard called Terrence that they need to battle, to save both Midrealm (the fantasy world) and Earth.
The book is the first in the series and is exceptionally well written. I raced through this book, always wanting to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are all interesting and distinct. The adventures they go on in the first book are largely unique.
I highly enjoyed this book, it's the best book I've read this year, and I doubt anything will beat it in the next three months.
In terms of age, I'd say it's appropriate from about 12 and up, although advance readers may be able to cope with it. There is a lot of violence and thrills, but no real swearing or other adult situations.
A great book and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Wyrmspire.
The book is the first in the series and is exceptionally well written. I raced through this book, always wanting to find out what was going to happen next. The characters are all interesting and distinct. The adventures they go on in the first book are largely unique.
I highly enjoyed this book, it's the best book I've read this year, and I doubt anything will beat it in the next three months.
In terms of age, I'd say it's appropriate from about 12 and up, although advance readers may be able to cope with it. There is a lot of violence and thrills, but no real swearing or other adult situations.
A great book and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Wyrmspire.
December 30, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First let me say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I typically hate first person narration but it actually worked great in this book. I loved the author's writing style especially with the dialogue or giving an insight into the main character's thoughts. It was just so natural and genuine that it was very believable.
While many authors like to put their work in the same category as Harry Potter or Narnia, I did see many similarities with this novel. The characters were very entertaining and I love the world building that was done in this book. Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
First let me say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I typically hate first person narration but it actually worked great in this book. I loved the author's writing style especially with the dialogue or giving an insight into the main character's thoughts. It was just so natural and genuine that it was very believable.
While many authors like to put their work in the same category as Harry Potter or Narnia, I did see many similarities with this novel. The characters were very entertaining and I love the world building that was done in this book. Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
December 31, 2013
i received this book in exchange for an honest review.
i will start off by saying that this is one of the few books with good cover pages that i have come across this year. i loved how the concept of the book in portrayed in the cover-page. this book is a young adult which can be read by any age group. the story will keep you hooked to the book. the book is a little too lengthy i fell. it could have been cut short but since it was so much fun who is complaining!! i would love to read more from the author. this book is a must read for all age groups!!
i will start off by saying that this is one of the few books with good cover pages that i have come across this year. i loved how the concept of the book in portrayed in the cover-page. this book is a young adult which can be read by any age group. the story will keep you hooked to the book. the book is a little too lengthy i fell. it could have been cut short but since it was so much fun who is complaining!! i would love to read more from the author. this book is a must read for all age groups!!
December 23, 2013
This book was reviewed by our podcast and awarded Four and a Half Grails (our rating unit).
What we liked:
- Well Written
- Engaging
- Great Premise
- A great start to a fantasy series
What we didn't like:
- minor details, quibbles, nothing more
The podcast can be found at this feed link:
www(dot)siegeperilousreviews(dot)com/feed
Or streamed directly from out website at:
www(dot)siegeperilousreviews(dot)com/episode-07-midrealm-by-garrett-robinson-and-zc-bolger/
What we liked:
- Well Written
- Engaging
- Great Premise
- A great start to a fantasy series
What we didn't like:
- minor details, quibbles, nothing more
The podcast can be found at this feed link:
www(dot)siegeperilousreviews(dot)com/feed
Or streamed directly from out website at:
www(dot)siegeperilousreviews(dot)com/episode-07-midrealm-by-garrett-robinson-and-zc-bolger/
August 5, 2013
Very Excited to read!
December 31, 2013
An entertaining read. I don't usually read fantasy, but this book was a joy to read that I didn't realize I've read all the 500 pages XD
January 27, 2023
Loved the books wish there was a 3rd. Best fantasy book series I’ve ever read
September 12, 2014
While this fantasy part-work is clearly written for a young adult audience, Robinson and Bolger have not fallen into the trap of focusing solely on the unfairness of being young.
Collecting the first six episodes and season finale in the Realmkeepers series, this collection tells the story of six disparate teens from a small US town who discover they are transported to a fantasy realm every time they sleep. From the moment they arrive in Midrealm they are feted as saviours and chastised for not being the heroes the world needs.
The authors move back and forth between Midrealm and the “real” world with great skill, quickly establishing both parallels and contrasts between the two worlds. This both adds depth and makes the transfer of skills and knowledges common to protagonist-in-a-new-world narratives more plausible than many examples.
However, it is in the subtle comparison of the real world’s treatment of teenagers with the heroic myth cycle that this collection truly lifts itself up. The reader easily sympathises with the protagonists’ feelings of injustice when they are told they are the chosen saviours so should give up their normal lives to devote themselves to the battle against darkness. But then has their feet cut from under them by the parallels with the many things it seems reasonable that teenagers should do in this world just because society has supported them.
Refusing to be trapped by easy answers, the authors give each of the six protagonists a different perspective on the question: if you didn’t ask for powers/your parents to give up their dreams for you/&c. do you owe anyone for them?
While this question could easily be a strong story on its own, Midrealm is also a fast-paced fantasy romp. Filled with magic both powerful and plausibly constrained, mighty warriors, and great evils with a mysterious past, the collection risks taking the reader into Midrealm in their sleep too.
With the protagonists’ personal reactions to events in both worlds a large part of the tension, it is hard to describe the characterisation without revealing sections of plot. Conversely, to say that a protagonist is a good girl, a swot, a wallflower, or a bully is to hide the nuances of the work behind the common tropes of young adult world-hops.
The only potential issue this collection presents is its young adult slant. While the challenges and responses are well crafted, with six young viewpoints on the same issues, some readers who have reached their own accommodation with life might find the focus frustrating.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to readers seeking enjoyable high fantasy who do not require inconceivably complex philosophies in their epics.
I received a free copy from one of the authors with no obligation.
Collecting the first six episodes and season finale in the Realmkeepers series, this collection tells the story of six disparate teens from a small US town who discover they are transported to a fantasy realm every time they sleep. From the moment they arrive in Midrealm they are feted as saviours and chastised for not being the heroes the world needs.
The authors move back and forth between Midrealm and the “real” world with great skill, quickly establishing both parallels and contrasts between the two worlds. This both adds depth and makes the transfer of skills and knowledges common to protagonist-in-a-new-world narratives more plausible than many examples.
However, it is in the subtle comparison of the real world’s treatment of teenagers with the heroic myth cycle that this collection truly lifts itself up. The reader easily sympathises with the protagonists’ feelings of injustice when they are told they are the chosen saviours so should give up their normal lives to devote themselves to the battle against darkness. But then has their feet cut from under them by the parallels with the many things it seems reasonable that teenagers should do in this world just because society has supported them.
Refusing to be trapped by easy answers, the authors give each of the six protagonists a different perspective on the question: if you didn’t ask for powers/your parents to give up their dreams for you/&c. do you owe anyone for them?
While this question could easily be a strong story on its own, Midrealm is also a fast-paced fantasy romp. Filled with magic both powerful and plausibly constrained, mighty warriors, and great evils with a mysterious past, the collection risks taking the reader into Midrealm in their sleep too.
With the protagonists’ personal reactions to events in both worlds a large part of the tension, it is hard to describe the characterisation without revealing sections of plot. Conversely, to say that a protagonist is a good girl, a swot, a wallflower, or a bully is to hide the nuances of the work behind the common tropes of young adult world-hops.
The only potential issue this collection presents is its young adult slant. While the challenges and responses are well crafted, with six young viewpoints on the same issues, some readers who have reached their own accommodation with life might find the focus frustrating.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to readers seeking enjoyable high fantasy who do not require inconceivably complex philosophies in their epics.
I received a free copy from one of the authors with no obligation.
June 2, 2016
This is a classical fantasy style book, in the best way. So I guess this is not for people who don't like fantasy. But if you enjoy a well-written book, the classical good vs evil and people trying to balance their lives between worlds, this one is for you.
I especially liked that we get the POV of all the six main characters which may sound overwhelming, but the authors did a very good job. So good that I can't decide who my favorite character is, I just love them all. Even the side characters are well written and have their own unique personality. However, the bad guy is a classical bad guy: He is evil because he wants power, but I don't mind at all, although some might be bothered by this. I do enjoy the "simple" good vs evil and trying to save the world(s) plot. This book confirmed why I love the fantasy genre.
I especially liked that we get the POV of all the six main characters which may sound overwhelming, but the authors did a very good job. So good that I can't decide who my favorite character is, I just love them all. Even the side characters are well written and have their own unique personality. However, the bad guy is a classical bad guy: He is evil because he wants power, but I don't mind at all, although some might be bothered by this. I do enjoy the "simple" good vs evil and trying to save the world(s) plot. This book confirmed why I love the fantasy genre.
June 21, 2015
This book is one of the best fantasies I have read in a long, long time. While the world building left a bit to be desired, the characters and the plot make up for this tenfold. I loved the way the authors first developed the characters through each episode, then switched back and forth in the finale. I really believe that this book can be for everyone. ALSO, the romance was a PART of the plot not THE plot. This is one of the biggest beefs I have with YA fantasy. The battles and the general goal of the book helps this immensely. However, the premise and the world of Midrealm sweeps me along, with the plot both on True Earth and Midrealm.
May 15, 2014
Oh boy! This is a big book! The story centres around 6 youths that lead ordinary lives during the day. At night, after they fall asleep however, they enter a medieval world called Midrealm. They all discover that they have special wizard powers of the Realm Keepers. Each of the realm keepers is a unique individual and their stories are told from each character's perspective. Although this story is geared towards youths, any person that enjoyed the Harry Potter or Narnia series will truly enjoy this book. I would highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2015
Loved this! A great addition to the YA fantasy genre. The interaction between the characters is great (LOVE Greystone and Blade especially). It's clean and no profanity (thank you Mr. Robinson and Mr. Bolger!) so I'm completely comfortable and excited for my kiddos to read this! It did take a little getting used to when I got to the finale with the viewpoint changing but once I got in the flow, couldn't put the book down! Now off to get volume 2 (which after researching last night, I found is out)!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
Good story, great action, great world building, good magic system. characters were decent other than being kind of breakfast clubish, too cliche diverse, Goth chick, shy girl, smart kid, scifi/fantsy nerd, Jock and punk/trouble maker... and don't forget the cranky old wizard. Still I really wanted to give this four or five stars, but its written not just in first person, which might have been ok, but six different 1st person pov's, which kept taking me out of the story as I had to keep reminding myself who's chapter it was.
March 16, 2014
A good introductory fantasy for the early-teen market. As an adult reader I didn't enjoy it so much: the characters were very much teenagers, with a teenage mindset, and I found that unrelatable and/or annoying. The plot is pretty much what you'd expect of a YA fantasy, with nothing too dark nor too challenging. This book would also suit teen ESL students. For myself, I'll stick to the author's more 'grown-up' books :)
April 22, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! Think Tolken on a Youth level. Younger readers (12-15) will love all the action and can relate to the problems the teens faced trying to learn their new roles in Midrealm while still dealing with school, relationships, parental problems and life in general. I finished it in one day and immediately bought the second book in the series Wyrmspire.
April 16, 2014
It kept me wanting more
January 27, 2015
Loved this book. Had me hanging on until the end. Couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I fell in love with the characters in the book! Wish my high school life was like this.
I fell in love with the characters in the book! Wish my high school life was like this.
June 7, 2016
I knew I'd love it from the summary. Well written and while there's light hearted teen moments the back stories of the kids is quite dark. Really enjoyable.
July 12, 2016
I could not put it down. I absolutely love this series.
December 22, 2015
One of my favorite books.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews