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The Door of Exterrah #1
Betrayed
Ghosts, elves, a portal to another dimension. Just what every college girl wants!
Maddie Farmer just wants to survive college. Tests, working part time, and her abusive sister make it hard enough, but when her family unexpectedly moves to Cornersville’s infamous haunted house, surviving may not be possible. Strange feelings fill her room, and the sensation of being watched never leaves. But all those ghost stories can’t be true… can they?
Elven prince Aven Torrench has devoted his life to serving Bysra. But the shifters are threatening the kingdom’s very survival. With the beasts wreaking havoc across the land, Bysra’s future hangs in the balance. Aven is desperate to save his kingdom, but hope frays with every attack.
When their worlds collide, Maddie finds the escape she longs for. But the rude elf prince is a price she didn’t bargain for.
With war looming, the last thing Aven needs is an annoying human darkening his home.
As traitors rise and Bysra edges closer to destruction, Maddie and Aven must find a way to survive the shifters. And each other.
Maddie Farmer just wants to survive college. Tests, working part time, and her abusive sister make it hard enough, but when her family unexpectedly moves to Cornersville’s infamous haunted house, surviving may not be possible. Strange feelings fill her room, and the sensation of being watched never leaves. But all those ghost stories can’t be true… can they?
Elven prince Aven Torrench has devoted his life to serving Bysra. But the shifters are threatening the kingdom’s very survival. With the beasts wreaking havoc across the land, Bysra’s future hangs in the balance. Aven is desperate to save his kingdom, but hope frays with every attack.
When their worlds collide, Maddie finds the escape she longs for. But the rude elf prince is a price she didn’t bargain for.
With war looming, the last thing Aven needs is an annoying human darkening his home.
As traitors rise and Bysra edges closer to destruction, Maddie and Aven must find a way to survive the shifters. And each other.
- GenresFantasy
361 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2024
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Archer
9 books13 followersJ M Archer lives in an enchanted forest filled with prehistoric trees, strange creatures, and the occasional stray cow—aka South Carolina. She writes high fantasy interwoven with the truth of God’s love and forgiveness, and the comfort found in the one true Lord, Jesus Christ. When not writing, she’s likely covered in paint, discussing random medieval facts, or arguing with a fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 11, 2025
A fun, entertaining read that will keep you interested and hooked throughout the entire novel. I did end up really loving this book, even though at first I wasn’t a huge fan of the contemporary (real world) aspect to the book, the more and more it was set in fantasy, the better I liked it.
It’s a very interesting concept, and I enjoyed the plot, and am excited to see where things go in book two.
Aven was my favorite character, and I really liked his sister too. Wasn’t a huge fan of Maddie, or anyone from her world, but both and she and the others got better as the story progressed.
Aven was a fun character, and he had a complex personality that I enjoyed seeing develop. Also his dad is awesome, but I’m biased because I read the prequel first 🤭 Lyren in his young days yallll
Anyway…great book and I enjoyed it! Would recommend if you love fantasy and adventure with great faith content woven throughout. It is on the more violent side, and where that doesn’t bother me, I know would upset some people, so just keep that in mind if you struggle with violence.
It’s a very interesting concept, and I enjoyed the plot, and am excited to see where things go in book two.
Aven was my favorite character, and I really liked his sister too. Wasn’t a huge fan of Maddie, or anyone from her world, but both and she and the others got better as the story progressed.
Aven was a fun character, and he had a complex personality that I enjoyed seeing develop. Also his dad is awesome, but I’m biased because I read the prequel first 🤭 Lyren in his young days yallll
Anyway…great book and I enjoyed it! Would recommend if you love fantasy and adventure with great faith content woven throughout. It is on the more violent side, and where that doesn’t bother me, I know would upset some people, so just keep that in mind if you struggle with violence.
July 7, 2024
A lovely series opener for lovers of Christian Fiction and Portal Fantasy.
I especially loved Puff, a dog who may not have had a POV, but certainly had her own role to play. <3
I especially loved Puff, a dog who may not have had a POV, but certainly had her own role to play. <3
February 6, 2026
Exciting Christian Portal Fantasy
While the prologue has horror vibes, this is an action-adventure story. The battles, both epic scale and one-on-one were well-described and realistic. They were probably my favorite part. It was heart -pounding and gripping. The Christian aspect was interesting. Since Christianity entered Exterra many years prior, there was not a lot of theological explaining to do, although I do wonder if the other talking creatures like shifters have souls, or if they are irredeemable. I would also like to see Maddie draw a line with someone about the difference between forgiveness and maintaining boundaries. There was one point I yelled at the characters which means I was both thoroughly invested and frustrated (why didn't they __?!?). And I wished the epiloge was a little longer. Will definitely go on to the next book!
While the prologue has horror vibes, this is an action-adventure story. The battles, both epic scale and one-on-one were well-described and realistic. They were probably my favorite part. It was heart -pounding and gripping. The Christian aspect was interesting. Since Christianity entered Exterra many years prior, there was not a lot of theological explaining to do, although I do wonder if the other talking creatures like shifters have souls, or if they are irredeemable. I would also like to see Maddie draw a line with someone about the difference between forgiveness and maintaining boundaries. There was one point I yelled at the characters which means I was both thoroughly invested and frustrated (why didn't they __?!?). And I wished the epiloge was a little longer. Will definitely go on to the next book!
June 5, 2025
🍓No romance yet/sloooow burn
💬One case of a side character almost cursing and one in a made-up language, but otherwise no language whatsoever
❗Violence, injuries, loss, death, grief, abuse
My thoughts:
🎶I looooved it! 🎶 It was unlike anything I've ever read, the book had started out a little like a horror story, but then transformed into a full blown fantasy, all while being filled with Christian characters and themes! Speaking of characters: do I need to say I loved them? Maddie was really relatable with her excitement mixed with anxiety, she stayed true to what she believed in and WASN'T a girl boss, yipeee! 🥳 And Aven? I'm at a loss for words, his storyline was so good! Chapter 22?? Arghhhh, I loved it! 🤩❤️🩹🥳 While the change may have been sudden it wasn't any less inspiring! And Pynn? Poor boy, I hope he'll be alright! 😥 Same goes for Eryna, she suffered too much already! ❤️🩹All of the supporting characters were top-tier! The King, Jay, Tuck, Puff... 🤩 My little hope for the next books is that Alexis gets a redemption arc 🥰 While there where a few little things I didn't like as much as others, they didn't take away the fun! I spent almost a whole day reading and stopped only because it was almost midnight, I had to wake up early the next day and I was sick, so I really couldn't stay up any longer 😂 Another thing I've quicly come to love was the Christian aspect of the novel. At first it threw me off, just a little, because of how straightforward it was, while many Christian books I've read where more like Narnia - very obvious to those who knew, but using methaphors and such. Or others that were set in the, more or less, normal world without any magic while Betrayed is, well, a fantasy. But I soon got used to it, and now it's one of my favourite things about this book! 😍 I admire how deeply these characters believe in God, how they pray to Him every chance they get, how they rely on Him, while not being lazy, but doing everything they can to help others too, how they listen and let Him change them for the better. I wanna be just like them! 🥰
💬One case of a side character almost cursing and one in a made-up language, but otherwise no language whatsoever
❗Violence, injuries, loss, death, grief, abuse
My thoughts:
🎶I looooved it! 🎶 It was unlike anything I've ever read, the book had started out a little like a horror story, but then transformed into a full blown fantasy, all while being filled with Christian characters and themes! Speaking of characters: do I need to say I loved them? Maddie was really relatable with her excitement mixed with anxiety, she stayed true to what she believed in and WASN'T a girl boss, yipeee! 🥳 And Aven? I'm at a loss for words, his storyline was so good! Chapter 22?? Arghhhh, I loved it! 🤩❤️🩹🥳 While the change may have been sudden it wasn't any less inspiring! And Pynn? Poor boy, I hope he'll be alright! 😥 Same goes for Eryna, she suffered too much already! ❤️🩹All of the supporting characters were top-tier! The King, Jay, Tuck, Puff... 🤩 My little hope for the next books is that Alexis gets a redemption arc 🥰 While there where a few little things I didn't like as much as others, they didn't take away the fun! I spent almost a whole day reading and stopped only because it was almost midnight, I had to wake up early the next day and I was sick, so I really couldn't stay up any longer 😂 Another thing I've quicly come to love was the Christian aspect of the novel. At first it threw me off, just a little, because of how straightforward it was, while many Christian books I've read where more like Narnia - very obvious to those who knew, but using methaphors and such. Or others that were set in the, more or less, normal world without any magic while Betrayed is, well, a fantasy. But I soon got used to it, and now it's one of my favourite things about this book! 😍 I admire how deeply these characters believe in God, how they pray to Him every chance they get, how they rely on Him, while not being lazy, but doing everything they can to help others too, how they listen and let Him change them for the better. I wanna be just like them! 🥰
May 9, 2024
Great series opener for an action-packed, magical, portal fantasy that follows Maggie, a college student just trying to finish the year strong amid family turmoil and moving to a house that may or may not be haunted.
Maggie is thrust into a new world full of magic, mystery, elves and shifters where she meets the royal family of an elven kingdom who have some secrets of their own. While some accept her, others do not, and soon she finds herself embroiled in an ancient battle between good and evil where not even her friends from the other side of the portal are safe.
If you enjoy Christian themes, strong friendships, blended families, lots of action, mythical creatures, and forbidden innocent love, you'll find all this and more in Betrayed.
I'm so glad I got to read an ARC of this book, and I can't wait to dive into the next! This review is my own and only shared because I wanted to (plus it helps me remember what I read! ha!)
Maggie is thrust into a new world full of magic, mystery, elves and shifters where she meets the royal family of an elven kingdom who have some secrets of their own. While some accept her, others do not, and soon she finds herself embroiled in an ancient battle between good and evil where not even her friends from the other side of the portal are safe.
If you enjoy Christian themes, strong friendships, blended families, lots of action, mythical creatures, and forbidden innocent love, you'll find all this and more in Betrayed.
I'm so glad I got to read an ARC of this book, and I can't wait to dive into the next! This review is my own and only shared because I wanted to (plus it helps me remember what I read! ha!)
May 10, 2024
Betrayed feels like two different stories. It starts with a modern gothic horror feel then morphs into an epic fantasy when Maddie moves into an old victorian house—a notorious haunted house known for driving its occupants mad.
When her dog won't stop barking at the wall in her room, she regrets her choice of rooms until she learns why. Her room contains a portal to another world filled will elves and shifters. Ancient enemies.
When Maddie befriends the elves and the shifters use her to take the elves castle for themselves, the action and tension ramps up.
If you enjoy embarking on epic adventures traveling through portals, exploring dangerous worlds and unexpected friendships, you'll enjoy J M Archer's Christian fantasy novel, Betrayed.
When her dog won't stop barking at the wall in her room, she regrets her choice of rooms until she learns why. Her room contains a portal to another world filled will elves and shifters. Ancient enemies.
When Maddie befriends the elves and the shifters use her to take the elves castle for themselves, the action and tension ramps up.
If you enjoy embarking on epic adventures traveling through portals, exploring dangerous worlds and unexpected friendships, you'll enjoy J M Archer's Christian fantasy novel, Betrayed.
June 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. At first I was a bit surprised by the contemporary beginning but I came to like the complex world building that came with it. The characters all grew on me (mostly jury is still out on a few iykyk). I liked seeing the growth of those various characters, especially Aven’s. I also liked the Christian themes and how they were woven into the story. The touches of romance (and possible budding romance???) were nicely done. I felt the plot very much fit the title who can you trust? And who will end up being a traitor? Waiting for the characters to figure that out could be both frustrating and gripping. I found the ending satisfying but it also left me with many questions. I can’t wait for book 2!
August 23, 2025
To be honest, I’ve never read anything like this.
I’ve read a lot of Christian fantasy, but I’ve never read explicitly Christian fantasy. The characters in this book are actual Christians that go to church, pray, and read the Bible.
I found it a bit strange at first but only because I haven’t read anything like it. As I grew into the story, it became comfortable. As a Christian myself, I felt a connection to these characters because of their faith and how it played out.
I very much appreciated the themes of faith, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
The book was a good start to a series.
This may be a spoiler, but my only real issue with the book is that I don’t understand the title. I’m not really sure what “Betrayed” had to do with the book. I have suspicions on some characters, so it’s possible there was betrayal but not in a way that was explored in this book.
I’ve read a lot of Christian fantasy, but I’ve never read explicitly Christian fantasy. The characters in this book are actual Christians that go to church, pray, and read the Bible.
I found it a bit strange at first but only because I haven’t read anything like it. As I grew into the story, it became comfortable. As a Christian myself, I felt a connection to these characters because of their faith and how it played out.
I very much appreciated the themes of faith, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
The book was a good start to a series.
This may be a spoiler, but my only real issue with the book is that I don’t understand the title. I’m not really sure what “Betrayed” had to do with the book. I have suspicions on some characters, so it’s possible there was betrayal but not in a way that was explored in this book.
May 13, 2024
The first quarter of the story is a little slow, but then the tempo quickens quite nicely! The characters are solid, the story will hold your interest, and the cliff-hanger is aargh! (As all cliff-hangers should be!) Can't wait for Book 2!!! While I was given an ARC, I am giving my review freely with no other compensation. I have been following Ms. Archer since I discovered her "Rise of the Warriors" series, which I really loved also.
May 15, 2024
Wonderful new series
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and interesting. The Christian presence in both worlds was welcoming, especially as both had the same Bible. I look forward to the next installment.
As an aside, I'm 62, male, and would recommend this book to any age.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and interesting. The Christian presence in both worlds was welcoming, especially as both had the same Bible. I look forward to the next installment.
As an aside, I'm 62, male, and would recommend this book to any age.
July 16, 2025
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book at first, but I ended up LOVING it!!! College kids falling through a portal, elvish royalty, griffins, impending war, elves who have found Christ! I loved this portal fantasy with faith themes woven throughout!! This ended up being an exciting adventure that I couldn't put down!
May 14, 2025
Such a great book! I felt drawn into the world and story. I loved the progression of the story and all of its surprises. Definitely recommend it!
December 25, 2025
I couldn't get past the first three pages. I found it too depressing to continue. others may find it yo be a great book.
July 21, 2025
I can't believe I let this sit on my TBR for so long! This is a Christian fantasy so faith is a large theme throughout. Other than a few plot holes I came across this was a pretty good read and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 10, 2024
Excellent book! This is a clean Christian fantasy adventure with a touch of romance. It ends in a bit of a cliff hanger, but that’s just gives me a reason to expect more wonderful reading in the future! Definitely an author to follow!
May 10, 2024
Maddie had sort of a simple life until she fell through a door that took her to a different world. She will encounter different people and creatures that she never thought were only in books. She will make new friends but also enemies. When her friends and stepsister fall through the door things get quite chaotic. They fall into a war with shifters which are deadly creatures. They all put their faith in God to get through these difficult times. This is a great book and will keep you reading till the end.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews