Realm Keepers: Episode One

Realm Keepers: Episodes #1.1

by Garrett Robinson

Sarah Preston is an high school student in Cranston, Rhode Island. Her problems include getting into a good college, winning the school election, and getting up the courage to talk to a crush.

Until she and everyone else in detention fall asleep and wake up in another world.

Thrust unwillingly into a war between the people of Midrealm and the forces of Chaos, Sarah must now lead her friends in an epic adventure to save Earth from destruction.

Free with a pre-order of Midrealm at http://therealmkeepers.com

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Ebooks

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2013

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*And with this masterpiece I shall complete my 50 book challenge*

I don't know what I was expecting from this read, but I downloaded it anyway. The fact that it was just Episode One put me off a bit, but I soon realized that this is a good and fun to read piece of literature.

First of all, the characters felt real with all their unique way of being. My favorite one was, of course, Calvin. Mostly because he is a geek like me. And a fan of Lord of the Rings and fantasy in general. I liked all his references to sci-fi books and so on.(He even read A Song of Ice and Fire. How cool is that?!). Another character I liked was Greystone and his witty remarks. Sometimes I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The story was engaging, with action and intriguing plot (although I've read about this is loads of other books). The only thing that made this original was the high fantasy aspect (and the elements. I adore stories with natural elements. Kind of reminds me of The Last Airbender).

I also think that the author's style is fast-paced and easy to read.

BUT... There's a big but... Everything felt rushed in. Maybe Garrett Robinson could have taken his time to write more about the setting. It felt like he wrote everything during one of his breaks. That's my only problem with The Reals Keepers *not such a major one, anyway*

So I recommend this book. The adventure and the world created by the author will capture your imagination and give you an amazing reading experience.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realm Keepers: Episode One is part one of seven in book one of the series. Collectively the episodes are called "Midrealm"

Episode One introduces the cast of characters, the world and plot.

Several high school students are drawn in to a realm known as "Midrealm" and find themselves in an ancient war between the peoples of Midrealm and the forces of Chaos.

The teens find out that they, like generations of humans before are to be the greatest weapon in fighting Chaos, saving both Midrealm and Earth.

I am going to avoid specific spoilers, especially for the cliffhanger ending for episode one.

I really enjoyed this book. It is Young Adult fantasy in the likes of Hunger Games or the later Harry Potter books. I get a really big Narnia vibe so far as well, with a bit of the Breakfast Club mixed in.

There are some really interesting characters in the group. The authors have done well to introduce them all in the first episode. The character called "Greystone" a wizard from Midrealm is my current favourite.

It is currently only available by pre-ordering the print copy (due out in September 2013). By pre-ordering the authors will send you episode 1 as an e-book for free. They will continue to send you each episode as a free e-book as a pre-order customer. It is a pretty good deal getting both the print and e-books for free. In addition, if you pre-order now you get an additional short story for free. This is only available for print boo pre orders.

Finally! They will sign and number your edition. I have number 3!

I highly recommend you pick up this series.

[Wade Finnegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett Robinson and ZC Bolger hit a home run with The Realm Keepers, episode one in book one of the series. This epic fantasy centers on a group of teenagers chosen to protect the Midrealm, the buffer world between ours and a world of evil. An ancient wizard, Greystone, is assigned to lead the group and serve them. The group is an interesting mix that has many likeable characters. The action moves quickly and I was intrigued to find out the many facets of the conflict and how the characters connect with that conflict. Serialized fiction isn’t my forte per say, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next episode. The authors do an excellent job with pacing and the end of episode one has a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.

Robinson and Bolger released this book in an interesting fashion. If you preorder the printed version from http://www.therealmkeepers.com you receive the ebooks for free. As a bonus you receive a short story and a signed copy of the print book. Along with the quality of the story this is a great reason to purchase the book. I highly recommend it.

[Dani Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much.

[Wetdryvac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen this approach done in other ways, but this one is just plain fantastic.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay story, but a bit too superhero cartoonish for my like. Very simplistic story. It did read fast and did keep my interest however so 3 stars was good enough for this book.

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool premise

I know Underrealm. I did not know of Midrealm. This introductory episode was very intriguing. Looking forward to the rest.

[bex · Rating 2 out of 5]

basically a short story. intriguing but feels incomplete, which is probably intentional but still unsatisfying. so 2.5* because of that feeling

[Ryan Toxopeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun adventure which is the first segment in a larger story and thus gives the reader a chance to sample the work and see if they're interested in continuing on with it.

For those familiar with John Hughes' The Breakfast Club, imagine those characters being dragged to an alternate universe with magic where there are hoards of bad guys trying to kill legions of good guys... possibly because the bad guys wear black, and the good guys are all in bright gleaming armour. Maybe the brightness offends the eyes of the shadow people, I don't know. The Bad Guy seems to be evil just cuz.

It's FULL of cliches. Everything about it is cliched. But it pokes fun at its cliches with Calvin's character who figures out everything that's going on because he's read all the fantasy novels. I don't know yet if I'll continue on with the series... I might pick up the second episode to see if it starts to distinguish itself as something different, or if Gandalf - I mean Greystone - will continue to talk to them about how awesome and unique they are and tell them all about their destinies. I read a few reviews of Episode 2 and it sounds promising... switching the POV among the 6 main characters sounds like a fun idea, and seeing how Calvin was probably the funniest/most interesting of the bunch, I like the idea that he's up next for POV.
I won't get the full book yet, but I'll likely pick up Episode 2 soon.

[Shen Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well put together Young Adult series of which, due to the length of the entire piece, I read the first 4 episodes. The characters all clearly have individual personalities and voices, and while they are quite stereotypical they're clearly defined and work together as a cohesive cast. I didn't feel as though the characters had the maturity to read like they were 18, though; they felt more like 15. There is some imagination in there in terms of the world, but it still remains firmly in the familiar and well explored. On a technical level, each episode stood entirely on its own as a complete story; the pacing and flow were very well executed. I think this would appeal to young adults, and the authors have done well with what they're trying to achieve and get across.

Full Review Available Here

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first line grabbed me and I was hooked. I mean, really, who wouldn’t want to keep reading after that line? What a great way to start a story! The rest of the episode was just as good and I was glad to have the time to read it all in one sitting.

It was a fun and engaging story, I was drawn in from the start and it didn’t let go. It was easy to feel a part of the world and I enjoyed the banter between the characters. They reminded of people that I actually knew in high school.

I loved the ending too! I don’t want to spoil any alerts (if you listen to their podcast, you’ll know why that’s funny) but I must say that if you enjoy YA and fantasy, you’re sure to love this one. I can’t wait for the rest of it! Hurry up, guys!

[Kayla Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I bought this book earlier yesterday. I read part of the first chapter and got interrupted, then I was finally able to get back to it and ended up reading the entire thing. I loved it from start to finish and I can't wait to see more of these awesome characters and amazing world.

I love the main character already. Sarah rocks. Strong female characters are totally my thing. Raven and Tess are going to be awesome too, I just know I'm going to like getting to know them. Blade, Miles and Calvin are interesting in their own ways, not to mention Greystone. A wonderful cast is set up here.

I'm loving the world the authors have created. The second episode is really going to be awesome, especially if we get to learn more about this world and the good and evil within it.

[Anna Sellers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very fast paced. It is almost too fast in some places. I really wanted to like these characters more than I did. When the action stops, and it feels a little info dump-ish to explain some of the rules of this world. Immediately after the info dump, it ended very abruptly.

With that being said, it does have a very interesting plot and I enjoyed most of the interactions between the characters. The dialogue is interesting and felt like teenagers. Because the book is pretty short, I am guessing that it is a much better experience to read the episodes one after another.

This story as a whole has the potential to be a great story.

[Steve Yeager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction to the world. Garrett Robinson and Z.C. Bolger have staked their claim to this popular storyline.

Teens enter another realm to protect our world from the forces of darkness.

If you like action; yep, its there. If you want danger; yup, check. If you like a cross between the real world and a mystical realm of high fantasy; yep, it's there also.

This book is also accessible to those 11 and up. Perfect for the younger escapist reader who wants high action without exposure to the seedier sides of life.

I look forward to more of this series.

[Dava Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like kid stories, and fantasy, and magic, so it was a pretty sure bet that I would like this story. And I did. I also think that it will get better as it goes, but I do wish that the order of the books was a little clearer. Generally, I prefer to wait and buy a whole volume when books are published episodically, so I need to figure out if all of the first volume is complete yet and what it is called.

Recommended for: people who like kid stories, fantasy, magic, alternate worlds, elves, wizards, and though time travel doesn't come it to play exactly it has that feel.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first episode is a great start to a YA Fantasy series that even adults can enjoy.

What I liked:
- Well written
- Interesting characters
- Promising premise
- Good for the whole family

Problems:
- Not all adults will enjoy a YA book.
- Makes you want MORE! ;)

I can see this book as a live-action or animated tv series for later teens that I'd enjoy watching with my own teenage daughter.

[Roberto Scarlato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers a simple premise that intrigues with each chapter. Six highs chool students fall under a deep sleep where they wake up in a mythical word that is under siege by a dark and menacing army. I like the unique use of the stones as powers for each person. This fantasy series is one I would show my daughter when she starts reading. It's fun, funny and left me curious as to where this series could go next.

[A.L. Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this for free since I wanted something new to read and I'm glad I did. I was able to read it in two sittings (started last night and finished it today). I really like the idea of six teens going to another world while they sleep, and hope the idea goes somewhere interesting. Looking forward to reading episode 2.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this sampler episode and enjoyed it enough to want to read more. However, I think the general premise (teens with super powers saving alternate universes) might just not be up my alley. Nevertheless, it seemed pretty clean, entertaining, and made me laugh a couple of times so perhaps I'll give it a shot in the future.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise of the book. I think that the characters are well developed. As another reviewer said, it all seemed a little too fast and rushed. Even for YA, I don't find that there was enough development or exploration of the world. Perhaps, this is because it is the first episode, offered for free, and is an effort to entice you to buy the book. Not sure on that.

[Brittany Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, quick and addicting

I can already tell I'm going to be zipping through these episodes.

While the starting chapter was a little slow, introductions and all that, I was still connected with Sarah as a character and I'm glad I stuck it out to figure out how fantasy played into all this :) so exciting and I loooove elemental magic.

Awesome intro episode!

[Andromeda Edison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, the characters were easy to get to know and relate to.

I am a little tired of nature yielding characters, but I enjoyed the other parts of the story enough that I am willing to roll with it and see what happens next.

[Maryalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Litte younger YA then I normally read, but well written and interesting story. 4 totally different kids having to chose a leader and work together while they grow into the person they were meant to be.

[Laura May · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid beginning to a fantasy epic that seems to be aimed at teens and young adults.

[Blaine Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promising start to a new series.

[Jason Allen Amelio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to an awesome series!

If you love fantasy but haven't worked up the nerve to check out serialized fiction yet this is a good place to start.

[Nancy Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to do a review on this book once I'm done with it entirely. I think it's an extremely special book worthy of a lot of attention. Great stuff, man. Great stuff.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short story!!! Can't wait to read the rest!!!