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Beyond The Shining Portals
Jack Brennan is scared. The bounty hunters are combing London for runaway factory apprentices and it’s only a matter of time before they corner him.
Worse still, his sister has just sent a message. A drunken nobleman has stolen an amulet, a blood-red spider encased in amber, from the Maiden temple in which she serves. She insists he and his brother get it back.
By contrast, his older brother Billy is full of confidence about their new-found freedom. He introduces Jack to a young theatre make-up artist and the two of them quickly become adept at disguises. Billy promises his sister they will retrieve the amulet.
The brothers devise a plan to carry this out one evening in the busy Mercers’ Tavern. Little do they know that one of the men playing cards with the nobleman is a time traveller who intends to kill them both.
Also, unbeknown to them, is they have been set up and the tavern is swarming with bounty hunters. The brothers retrieve the amulet and Jack escapes with it but Billy is captured. The next day, he is put on trial and sentenced to death.
Jack has seventy-two hours to save him. The public hangings will take place on Tower Hill on New Year’s Day. If Jack cannot rescue him in time, Billy will die…
At first, 'Beyond The Shining Portals' appears to be a historical novel set in 18th century London. It's an alternate London, to be sure. There are underwater factories and canals instead of roads. There are temples to the Maiden Goddess as well as churches. But it is recognisably 18th century London. Even Captain Van Buren, the owner of the Temple Tavern, seems to fit into this world as does the mysterious Greek shipping magnate, Michael Basilicus.
But as the book progresses towards its mid-point crisis, it becomes clear that these two are on opposite sides of a titanic struggle that spans the universe. The forever war between Imperium and the Maiden Orders. But now the portals have opened.
There is something unusual about Jack. Unusual enough for the Maiden Orders to hide him in a past world and close its shining portals.
Van Buren and Michael Basilicus have travelled through time to London in late December 1793, one to protect him, and the other to kill him.
With danger pressing on every side, Jack climbs through a shining portal in the Temple Tavern. into an extraordinary world beyond. A world in which a band of magical misfits gathers around him.
All are on journeys to consult the Oracle in the Librarium on the highest peak of the Vault of Heaven. Jack is on a mission to discover whether he can save his brother's life.
'Beyond The Shining Portals’ is an Alternate History/SFF/Time Travel novel of 105,000 words. The story continues in 'The Half-Life Girl’ and concludes with ‘The Angels Fall’.
Worse still, his sister has just sent a message. A drunken nobleman has stolen an amulet, a blood-red spider encased in amber, from the Maiden temple in which she serves. She insists he and his brother get it back.
By contrast, his older brother Billy is full of confidence about their new-found freedom. He introduces Jack to a young theatre make-up artist and the two of them quickly become adept at disguises. Billy promises his sister they will retrieve the amulet.
The brothers devise a plan to carry this out one evening in the busy Mercers’ Tavern. Little do they know that one of the men playing cards with the nobleman is a time traveller who intends to kill them both.
Also, unbeknown to them, is they have been set up and the tavern is swarming with bounty hunters. The brothers retrieve the amulet and Jack escapes with it but Billy is captured. The next day, he is put on trial and sentenced to death.
Jack has seventy-two hours to save him. The public hangings will take place on Tower Hill on New Year’s Day. If Jack cannot rescue him in time, Billy will die…
At first, 'Beyond The Shining Portals' appears to be a historical novel set in 18th century London. It's an alternate London, to be sure. There are underwater factories and canals instead of roads. There are temples to the Maiden Goddess as well as churches. But it is recognisably 18th century London. Even Captain Van Buren, the owner of the Temple Tavern, seems to fit into this world as does the mysterious Greek shipping magnate, Michael Basilicus.
But as the book progresses towards its mid-point crisis, it becomes clear that these two are on opposite sides of a titanic struggle that spans the universe. The forever war between Imperium and the Maiden Orders. But now the portals have opened.
There is something unusual about Jack. Unusual enough for the Maiden Orders to hide him in a past world and close its shining portals.
Van Buren and Michael Basilicus have travelled through time to London in late December 1793, one to protect him, and the other to kill him.
With danger pressing on every side, Jack climbs through a shining portal in the Temple Tavern. into an extraordinary world beyond. A world in which a band of magical misfits gathers around him.
All are on journeys to consult the Oracle in the Librarium on the highest peak of the Vault of Heaven. Jack is on a mission to discover whether he can save his brother's life.
'Beyond The Shining Portals’ is an Alternate History/SFF/Time Travel novel of 105,000 words. The story continues in 'The Half-Life Girl’ and concludes with ‘The Angels Fall’.
- GenresFantasyTime Travel
391 pages, ebook
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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 10, 2023
Like most really good books it’s a slow start but worth pushing forward.
Am look forward to continuing the series.
Am look forward to continuing the series.
August 27, 2023
I gave 5 stars because it's simply a fine and often thrilling read which I have only been able to put down when necessary. But what's it all about? I don't want to tell its contents since they're already given in the book's description. I'll simply concentrate on my impressions.
Firstly, I thought of Philip José Farmer's "World of Tiers"-series (which I still adore as a masterpiece) that also features a system of small parallel universes connected via portals. But these are a common trope in fantastic fiction - I mean how should our heroes get from one place to the next?
Palmer's universe is big, infact it is far bigger than Farmer's. Palmer deftly uses time and space to extend the protagonists' places of action. At first the main action is in an alternative London at the end of the 18th century with occasional interludes in the 20th century. These short parts are carefully connected with people and places featured in the narrative so there's never any confusion.
What about space I mentioned? To tell the truth I should replace "space" with "place" because there isn't any space travel. Or is there...? Don't two scientists drop words like "galaxy" and "neighboring galaxy Andromeda"? Yes, it's true - an enigma, a hint for things to come ... Very intriguing I daresay.
But I want to return to the facts. As for places we've got London and Edinburgh. Both cities offer different locales as places where the action takes place - bars, taverns, St Paul's cathedral, the river Thames, Second, these places also hide portals to get to other places in time and space. Third, people use them to pursue or escape.
Secondly, we the readers mainly face two groups of characters with different motives and interests that get and keep them fighting each other although I'd like to add that their psychological profiles are not always all black or white but do know shadings - sometimes. Very good.
Thirdly, the language. Palmer employs a style of writing which is vivid and engaging. The sentences are frequently short and to the point as are the descriptions. Longer structures occur whenever they are called for - e.g. a protagonist explains things that really need details. Here I should mention the dialogues too because they are credible and consistent with the people who do them.
All in all I think it's a fine book, well written and exciting that presents interesting characters acting in a world which is a bit familiar und unusual simultaneously. I'm looking forward to the complete trilogy.
Firstly, I thought of Philip José Farmer's "World of Tiers"-series (which I still adore as a masterpiece) that also features a system of small parallel universes connected via portals. But these are a common trope in fantastic fiction - I mean how should our heroes get from one place to the next?
Palmer's universe is big, infact it is far bigger than Farmer's. Palmer deftly uses time and space to extend the protagonists' places of action. At first the main action is in an alternative London at the end of the 18th century with occasional interludes in the 20th century. These short parts are carefully connected with people and places featured in the narrative so there's never any confusion.
What about space I mentioned? To tell the truth I should replace "space" with "place" because there isn't any space travel. Or is there...? Don't two scientists drop words like "galaxy" and "neighboring galaxy Andromeda"? Yes, it's true - an enigma, a hint for things to come ... Very intriguing I daresay.
But I want to return to the facts. As for places we've got London and Edinburgh. Both cities offer different locales as places where the action takes place - bars, taverns, St Paul's cathedral, the river Thames, Second, these places also hide portals to get to other places in time and space. Third, people use them to pursue or escape.
Secondly, we the readers mainly face two groups of characters with different motives and interests that get and keep them fighting each other although I'd like to add that their psychological profiles are not always all black or white but do know shadings - sometimes. Very good.
Thirdly, the language. Palmer employs a style of writing which is vivid and engaging. The sentences are frequently short and to the point as are the descriptions. Longer structures occur whenever they are called for - e.g. a protagonist explains things that really need details. Here I should mention the dialogues too because they are credible and consistent with the people who do them.
All in all I think it's a fine book, well written and exciting that presents interesting characters acting in a world which is a bit familiar und unusual simultaneously. I'm looking forward to the complete trilogy.
July 27, 2023
A well-crafted and complex story, mixing historical fact and myth with time travel period his characters are rich with their chronological history, as well as experiences from having lived multiple lives.
This book handily manages a host of themes. Religion and spirituality are key, with the “modern” religions in the same context as ancient worship and philosophy. Time travel - And the worlds of these various times – are core, and the world building around all these worlds it's thorough. Past and future lives are considered (how often does one of the main characters in a novel find himself resurrected 150 times?). Last, evil is explored. What really is evil in this context, where the battle involved is as old as humankind?
Characters have depth, and you really are pulling for them. I found myself feeling their struggles and goals mattered, their personalities deep and applicable to their scenarios.
Some of the key themes are tied up, but much more to come. I'm looking forward to Charles completing book two.
This book handily manages a host of themes. Religion and spirituality are key, with the “modern” religions in the same context as ancient worship and philosophy. Time travel - And the worlds of these various times – are core, and the world building around all these worlds it's thorough. Past and future lives are considered (how often does one of the main characters in a novel find himself resurrected 150 times?). Last, evil is explored. What really is evil in this context, where the battle involved is as old as humankind?
Characters have depth, and you really are pulling for them. I found myself feeling their struggles and goals mattered, their personalities deep and applicable to their scenarios.
Some of the key themes are tied up, but much more to come. I'm looking forward to Charles completing book two.
July 28, 2023
"Few things can be right in all circumstances.... Sometimes the heart must rule the head."
This is some fascinating stuff that fantasy is made of isn't it? With behind the scenes whispering from "Hero with a Thousand Faces" this rather long book takes us from the savior to the end, which is another beginning through centuries with Can Buren in his multitudinous iterations, who was charge to save a young urchin and hide them until they come of age.
But Van Buren is tired of fighting Dynatoi and Michael Bascilis in particular and his quest to take a crew of semi lost souls to The Vault of Heaven to find out what's the point, and what's next in the circle of life.
Charles N Palmer is a newish author to me. Raised on Tolkien and Star Trek this book is just up my alley. It just might be yours as well, if you choose the portal correctly. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
This is some fascinating stuff that fantasy is made of isn't it? With behind the scenes whispering from "Hero with a Thousand Faces" this rather long book takes us from the savior to the end, which is another beginning through centuries with Can Buren in his multitudinous iterations, who was charge to save a young urchin and hide them until they come of age.
But Van Buren is tired of fighting Dynatoi and Michael Bascilis in particular and his quest to take a crew of semi lost souls to The Vault of Heaven to find out what's the point, and what's next in the circle of life.
Charles N Palmer is a newish author to me. Raised on Tolkien and Star Trek this book is just up my alley. It just might be yours as well, if you choose the portal correctly. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
July 31, 2023
This novel is a well laid out fantasy that follows the main characters as they battle untold difficulties as they strive to reach their goal. Lots of twists, some salubrious and noxious characters who are at odds continually make this an engaging read.
Read
August 6, 2023Excellent story. Eager to read more
October 4, 2023
So many twists and turns, and just when you think you have understood it along comes another twist.
Amazing read and really draws you into wanting to know what happens to everyone.
Amazing read and really draws you into wanting to know what happens to everyone.
September 5, 2023
Starting the story, I had to go back to the beginning a few times to fix the timeline and characters in memory. Once in to the book I found it much easier. Its a complex storyline, a mix of time travel, alternate worlds and moving through portals. Plus to make it more complex, a mix of normal and ecological deities and even a type of devil.
London is the main base/location but not as we know it.
Imaginitive, complex and different, its for all ages. Young to OAP.
By the end I wanted more. I'm hooked in to this story.
Recommended author and this book/series.
London is the main base/location but not as we know it.
Imaginitive, complex and different, its for all ages. Young to OAP.
By the end I wanted more. I'm hooked in to this story.
Recommended author and this book/series.
March 11, 2024
This is an excellent book! The periods in time and the transitioning between them is smooth. The level of detail and imagination kept the pages turning even when I should’ve been doing something else. The characters are interesting and well thought out.
Definitely going to be reading the next book in the trilogy.
Definitely going to be reading the next book in the trilogy.
July 22, 2024
Got this as a prerelease review copy - I really enjoyed reading it though found the jumping around timelines a little confusing to begin with. As a teen fiction I definitely think this deserves a 5.
Now wondering when the next in series will be ready as it definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger.
Now wondering when the next in series will be ready as it definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger.
September 10, 2023
🌐😲A DYSTOPIA TO DISCOVER
London, 1793:
Young Jack was hiding from bounty hunters pursuing runaway child slaves from the Turnmill factory.
He absolutely had to find his brother Billy...
But on the way, he found a young woman in distress...
---------------------
A good YA/youth discovery for this space-time dystopia on the dangerous adventures of Jack and Sorcha, as well as many other characters.
From the outset, I asked myself a lot of questions while reading.
- Was there something that united Jack and Sorcha?
- What were these parallel worlds and why? How were they created?
- What were the purposes of the trips?
- etc...
I personally found that the elaborate imaginary world was well described by the author, with a very present atmosphere.
I sometimes found the background story complex to follow.
I recommend this reading to fans of original adventures.
########################################################
🌐😲UNE DYSTOPIE À DÉCOUVRIR
Londres, 1793 :
Le jeune Jack se cachait des chasseurs de prime à la poursuite des enfants-esclaves fugitifs de l’usine Turnmill.
Il devait absolument retrouver son frère Billy...
Mais sur le chemin, il trouva une jeune femme en détresse...
---------------------
Une bonne decouverte YA/jeunesse pour cette dystopie spatio-temporelle sur les dangereuses aventures de Jack et de Sorcha, ainsi que bien d’autres personnages.
D’emblée, je me suis posée beaucoup de questions durant la lecture.
- Y avait-il quelque chose qui unissait Jack et Sorcha ?
- Quels étaient ces mondes parallèles et pourquoi ? Comment avaient-ils été créés ?
- Quels étaient les buts des voyages ?
- etc...
J’ai personnellement trouvé que le monde imaginaire élaboré etait bien decrit par l’auteur, avec une atmosphère bien présente.
J’ai parfois trouvé l’histoire de fond complexe à suivre.
Je recommande cette lecture aux amateurs d’aventures originales.
London, 1793:
Young Jack was hiding from bounty hunters pursuing runaway child slaves from the Turnmill factory.
He absolutely had to find his brother Billy...
But on the way, he found a young woman in distress...
---------------------
A good YA/youth discovery for this space-time dystopia on the dangerous adventures of Jack and Sorcha, as well as many other characters.
From the outset, I asked myself a lot of questions while reading.
- Was there something that united Jack and Sorcha?
- What were these parallel worlds and why? How were they created?
- What were the purposes of the trips?
- etc...
I personally found that the elaborate imaginary world was well described by the author, with a very present atmosphere.
I sometimes found the background story complex to follow.
I recommend this reading to fans of original adventures.
########################################################
🌐😲UNE DYSTOPIE À DÉCOUVRIR
Londres, 1793 :
Le jeune Jack se cachait des chasseurs de prime à la poursuite des enfants-esclaves fugitifs de l’usine Turnmill.
Il devait absolument retrouver son frère Billy...
Mais sur le chemin, il trouva une jeune femme en détresse...
---------------------
Une bonne decouverte YA/jeunesse pour cette dystopie spatio-temporelle sur les dangereuses aventures de Jack et de Sorcha, ainsi que bien d’autres personnages.
D’emblée, je me suis posée beaucoup de questions durant la lecture.
- Y avait-il quelque chose qui unissait Jack et Sorcha ?
- Quels étaient ces mondes parallèles et pourquoi ? Comment avaient-ils été créés ?
- Quels étaient les buts des voyages ?
- etc...
J’ai personnellement trouvé que le monde imaginaire élaboré etait bien decrit par l’auteur, avec une atmosphère bien présente.
J’ai parfois trouvé l’histoire de fond complexe à suivre.
Je recommande cette lecture aux amateurs d’aventures originales.
July 26, 2023
Beyond the Shining Portals opens in 1793 London, following brothers Jack and Billy Brennan. After escaping child labor in a factory, the brothers are living as fugitives in the city. When Billy is caught and sentenced to hang, Jack hatches a daring rescue plan. He seeks help from the mysterious Van Buren, an immortal being who owns the Temple Tavern.
Meanwhile, the sinister Michael Basilicus plots to interfere with Jack's rescue of Billy. Basilicus seems to share some of Van Buren's strange powers, including the ability to travel between worlds. These fantasy elements create an aura of magic and mysticism around the historical setting.
The book excels at building suspense, especially surrounding Billy's impending execution. The characters of scrappy Jack and charming Billy are appealing. However, the villainous Basilicus steals every scene he's in. Brigid's complicated relationship with her brothers adds emotional depth.
The pace moves swiftly, whisking the reader through taverns, prisons, and seedy London backstreets. Descriptions of the city and daily life ground the book in its 1793 setting. At times, the elaborate disguises Jack and Billy employ push credibility. But these moments provide fun escapism.
The writing style is accessible and incorporates vivid sensory details. Short chapters punctuated with cliffhangers also propel the fast-paced plot.
With suspenseful jailbreaks, multiple worlds, immortality, and more, this book promises adventure with a fantasy twist. Beyond the Shining Portals is an entertaining page-turner for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
Meanwhile, the sinister Michael Basilicus plots to interfere with Jack's rescue of Billy. Basilicus seems to share some of Van Buren's strange powers, including the ability to travel between worlds. These fantasy elements create an aura of magic and mysticism around the historical setting.
The book excels at building suspense, especially surrounding Billy's impending execution. The characters of scrappy Jack and charming Billy are appealing. However, the villainous Basilicus steals every scene he's in. Brigid's complicated relationship with her brothers adds emotional depth.
The pace moves swiftly, whisking the reader through taverns, prisons, and seedy London backstreets. Descriptions of the city and daily life ground the book in its 1793 setting. At times, the elaborate disguises Jack and Billy employ push credibility. But these moments provide fun escapism.
The writing style is accessible and incorporates vivid sensory details. Short chapters punctuated with cliffhangers also propel the fast-paced plot.
With suspenseful jailbreaks, multiple worlds, immortality, and more, this book promises adventure with a fantasy twist. Beyond the Shining Portals is an entertaining page-turner for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
July 28, 2023
The Maiden has plans to prevent the end of the world. In doing so she had Mr. Van Buren, a reincarnated time traveler, move Jack to the past. Given to a family who already has children he becomes the focus of Bridgett's resentment and Billy's love. No matter how Jack tries, Bridgett hates Jack because of the attention he received from her parents as a child. Billy though, is a good scamp who takes care of his young foster brother after the parents die of plague. Unfortunately, the world they are in, and the loss of parents leave him no choice but to turn to crime for a livelihood. Eventually their luck runs out and Billy is caught. In a desperate effort to free him Jack runs into the evil that has chased Mr. Van Buren across time. Powers are at work to capture Jack but can't resist playing with him like a cat does a mouse. Betrayed, the plan to free Billy fails and Jack has to watch him hang. Thus begins the race across time and worlds to evade evil and save the world while Jack tries to find a way to bring Billy back. A bit philosophical, not your soft read. Pay attention as the characters enter the storyline because as it moves between worlds/realities they do too. The descriptions paint the characters in your mind's eye. And there is a completely unexpected plot twist at the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2023
A promising start.
A complex story in a well developed world.
He didn't know he came from the future, but when his life is broken he'll have to find out why.
Travelling through worlds, among centuries, he needs to find allies, to avoid those who try to kill him and to discover the true about himself. And all that must be beyond the shining portals.
This first part is the begining of his travel, and shows hints of a wide plot with two sides fighting.
Clasic? In some ways, yes, but also very original in others.
P.S. : I forgot I had already written a review with its previous title "Gifts of the Goddess", here it is:
"First in a trilogy, the title is going to be changed into "Beyond the shining portals". And it really shines.
From a 'Dickensian' story in a poor London neighborhood, it evolves to a time travelling plot where several worlds interact and the whole existence of the universe is at stake.
The characters grow from knowing nothing to be the key of the future.
The thrilling sensation of being running out of time, and the overwhelming enemy feels like Star Wars or other epic stories. All flavoured with descriptions of several worlds.
It's a promising start of a fantasy story with treasons, tricks and twists. It's worth a try.
I've got a free copy in advance and released the review voluntarily."
A complex story in a well developed world.
He didn't know he came from the future, but when his life is broken he'll have to find out why.
Travelling through worlds, among centuries, he needs to find allies, to avoid those who try to kill him and to discover the true about himself. And all that must be beyond the shining portals.
This first part is the begining of his travel, and shows hints of a wide plot with two sides fighting.
Clasic? In some ways, yes, but also very original in others.
P.S. : I forgot I had already written a review with its previous title "Gifts of the Goddess", here it is:
"First in a trilogy, the title is going to be changed into "Beyond the shining portals". And it really shines.
From a 'Dickensian' story in a poor London neighborhood, it evolves to a time travelling plot where several worlds interact and the whole existence of the universe is at stake.
The characters grow from knowing nothing to be the key of the future.
The thrilling sensation of being running out of time, and the overwhelming enemy feels like Star Wars or other epic stories. All flavoured with descriptions of several worlds.
It's a promising start of a fantasy story with treasons, tricks and twists. It's worth a try.
I've got a free copy in advance and released the review voluntarily."
August 2, 2023
Beyond the Shinning Portals is an intriguing and suspenseful story skillfully written by Charles N. Palmer. It begins with young Jack and his older brother Billy trying to survive during hard times in 1793 London. They find clever ways of acquiring funds, but were soon discovered and pursued by ruthless men, resulting in the two becoming separated. This caused Jack to begin a very long and adventurous journey to reconnect with his brother. Jack embarks on a journey of self-discovery with surprising results. His world is filled with wonderous adventures and explorations. He discovers that he can traverse time through the Shinning Portal.
Jack meets many very unique characters along the way. Some with good intentions and others that are determined to stop him, which will affect his journey. His travels and experiences broaden his horizons that will help him grow up. He realized that it was because of this physical and emotional journey through time and another dimension that helped him survive and become a stronger person. I am sure that you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did. I look forward to reading more books by Charles N. Palmer.
March 27, 2024
An Amazing and Complex Story!
Beginning on 22DEC1793 the story begins with Jack and his brother Billy, looking to find a way to escape the factory in which they had been sold from the orphanage. And so begins the travel through time itself, through different portals, different worlds even! At one point Jack is caught, then Billy is taken in his place and condemned to death by hanging! So then Jack is on another quest to try and save Billy!
There is also the unknown reason why Jack and Van Buren have multiple lives... they live on different worlds at different times. Who/what is the Motherlode? Who is The Maiden?
It is quite remarkable how the author Charles N. Palmer has written the words through the different challenges that the siblings go through. Some parts are historical, some that are science fiction, and it is all Wonderful Fantasy!
This is a very good book to challenge anyone's fantasy needs, and good for readers of most ages!
Thank you, Charles N Palmer, for a wonderful story! I look forward to the next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Beginning on 22DEC1793 the story begins with Jack and his brother Billy, looking to find a way to escape the factory in which they had been sold from the orphanage. And so begins the travel through time itself, through different portals, different worlds even! At one point Jack is caught, then Billy is taken in his place and condemned to death by hanging! So then Jack is on another quest to try and save Billy!
There is also the unknown reason why Jack and Van Buren have multiple lives... they live on different worlds at different times. Who/what is the Motherlode? Who is The Maiden?
It is quite remarkable how the author Charles N. Palmer has written the words through the different challenges that the siblings go through. Some parts are historical, some that are science fiction, and it is all Wonderful Fantasy!
This is a very good book to challenge anyone's fantasy needs, and good for readers of most ages!
Thank you, Charles N Palmer, for a wonderful story! I look forward to the next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 26, 2023
This is the first novel that I have read by Charles N Pamer. What a great ride. His writing is excellent! The plot line well defined. His characters and well developed and strong. The story is set in 1793 London. It features brothers Jack and Billy Brennan who have suffered severe abuse in a child labor factory. The brothers are on the run until the one brother Billy is caught and sentenced to hanging. The other brother Jack hatches decides he must find a way to help his brother escape and decides to ask help from a man named Van Buren. Van Buren is an immortal, and here is where all the magic and terror begin. A great new book! I hope it will go on to be a new series. If you chose to read this book you will not be disappointed. I received this book from bookfunnel. This is my true and honest opinion.
September 14, 2023
I received an advance copy and was happy to review, "Beyond the Shining Portals".
This book takes place in multiple alternate realities and timelines. It was a little confusing in the early chapters until you tied down all the characters to the different realities and time. This being said, I enjoyed unraveling all the characters in ALL their timelines. I loved the characters, both good and evil, and there were quite a few developing storyline and twists. It was amazing to try to "see" the mysteries revealed and then find a different twist!
I was very impressed with how some of the mysteries were fully explained in the end, yet some were still let to uncover. And then, the cliffhanger!!
I guess I will have to wait for the continuing stories of Jack, Electra, Van Buren and Michael Bacilicus!
This book takes place in multiple alternate realities and timelines. It was a little confusing in the early chapters until you tied down all the characters to the different realities and time. This being said, I enjoyed unraveling all the characters in ALL their timelines. I loved the characters, both good and evil, and there were quite a few developing storyline and twists. It was amazing to try to "see" the mysteries revealed and then find a different twist!
I was very impressed with how some of the mysteries were fully explained in the end, yet some were still let to uncover. And then, the cliffhanger!!
I guess I will have to wait for the continuing stories of Jack, Electra, Van Buren and Michael Bacilicus!
September 3, 2023
Jack and Billy have carved out a life living in the slums of industrial revolution London, but when the authorities come hunting for Jack, a runaway apprentice, Billy struggles to protect him. When plans go south and Billy is captured, Jack must find a way to rescue his brother. A rescue that proves harder and harder as Jack begins to discover his own true identity and secrets of the past are revealed. Where this past leads him is nothing like anything he could have ever imagined.
Set in an alternative time line, this story draws the reader into a well developed universe, complete with its own mythology and narrative. Characters behave in both expected and unexpected ways, making this book an engaging read.
Set in an alternative time line, this story draws the reader into a well developed universe, complete with its own mythology and narrative. Characters behave in both expected and unexpected ways, making this book an engaging read.
April 26, 2024
This is an excellently written book. I first read a pre-release copy over a year ago. The release version is a definite improvement. Mr Palmer creates a complex and interesting environment that crosses time and multiple universes in an intriguing way. For the first time reader, it requires a little bit of perseverance in the beginning, but the premise is so intriguing that you are soon caught up in the story. Reading it the second time (release version) flowed much more smoothly. The characters are well developed and one becomes invested in them quickly. I had forgotten the cliffhanger that was at the end of this volume and I find myself once again hoping that the work on future volumes proceeds quickly so I can continue this fascinating story.
May 12, 2024
This book was an interesting take on an alternate London. And it felt authentically late 18th century. Jack and Billy were resourceful. Van Buren and Michael Basilicus are mysterious. A very good introduction for younger readers into sci-fi/fantasy. Looking forward to the other books in this trilogy.
A fun quick read. Interesting characters and excellent world building.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
A fun quick read. Interesting characters and excellent world building.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.
July 27, 2023
A book that has everything I like. It grabbed my attention at the very beginning and kept it until the very end. The author has a superb way of telling a story. The deft storytelling and rich characters make this a highly memorable read. As is the way when finishing a very good book, I'm desperately left wanting more.
September 3, 2023
I was absolutely enthralled by this book. The author deftly mixes themes of time travel, mythology, and historical facts. Reading this story puts you right in the middle of locations that seem both familiar and bizarre, while the characters seem like old friends and enemies. This book ranks right up with some of my favorites, and I will definitely read anything that Mr. Palmer writes.
June 5, 2024
A Great Fantasy
Beyond the Shining Portal transcends several wields to bring the tale of Jack and Billy and the Dynatoi.Jumping through many portals they have many adventures . It’s a fun read and well written , worth your time!! I received an advanced copy for review but paid for one because I enjoyed it so I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beyond the Shining Portal transcends several wields to bring the tale of Jack and Billy and the Dynatoi.Jumping through many portals they have many adventures . It’s a fun read and well written , worth your time!! I received an advanced copy for review but paid for one because I enjoyed it so I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2023
Beyond the shining portals is one of the best books i've read So far. It's set in an alternat era with a lot of old period Wording and descriptions. I can't wait for book 2, I just can't put it down!!! This will be the third time I'm going through this book as well for a read.
August 20, 2023
This book took me a minute to get my bearings, going from one time period to another, one world to another, but soon we jump into a tight adventure time travel, amulets, amulets and incarnations. The imagination and complexity of this book make Charles N. Palmer an author to watch.
March 17, 2024
The storyline is awesome. I really like how the author put forward the story . This book is really great . The characters are written so well . Hoping to read more books from the author.
Recommended to everyone
Recommended to everyone
April 12, 2024
I loved this book! The only problem is that the next one isn’t out yet!! This book has magic, portals, time travel, a high stakes quest, AI, and a big twist. I couldn’t ask for more. I haven’t been this excited about book in a long time!
July 26, 2023
It’s a riveting story involving two brothersJack and Billy Brennan back in London England where they are escaping a bad situation involving child labor in a factory
August 24, 2023
It was an okay read. It was kinda slow at times and a little confusing.
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