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Through the Portal
Thomas Alder was supposed to lead an average life. Go to mage school. Make some friends. Learn magic. Graduate.
Starborn Academy has changed the lives of every young mage who walked through the doors. Over 5,000 young, impressionable mages walk the halls each year - plenty of time to learn the spells and skills to change the world. Also plenty of time to destroy it.
But of course, with every good mage that exists within the safe walls of Starborn, evil also lurks. Fiends, creatures who feed on the mere essence of mages, are becoming more dangerous, and more widespread.
With tensions rising, accidents happening, and fiends around every corner - death isn't just possible, it's inevitable.
Tom has to learn quickly that if he wants to survive, he will need to keep his friends close and make unlikely allies with his enemies. Coming together is the only way to survive but can they put their differences aside and fight?
Trust, and every breath is a luxury.
The first year has just begun.
Starborn Academy has changed the lives of every young mage who walked through the doors. Over 5,000 young, impressionable mages walk the halls each year - plenty of time to learn the spells and skills to change the world. Also plenty of time to destroy it.
But of course, with every good mage that exists within the safe walls of Starborn, evil also lurks. Fiends, creatures who feed on the mere essence of mages, are becoming more dangerous, and more widespread.
With tensions rising, accidents happening, and fiends around every corner - death isn't just possible, it's inevitable.
Tom has to learn quickly that if he wants to survive, he will need to keep his friends close and make unlikely allies with his enemies. Coming together is the only way to survive but can they put their differences aside and fight?
Trust, and every breath is a luxury.
The first year has just begun.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2024
4 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Michael Roberts
460 books90 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 5, 2025
I know Mike from where I work and he's a persistent guy, let me tell you... not annoying but persistent. LOL! Anyway, he asked me to read his book, and I was like, "eh- sure." and he let me borrow a copy. I kept putting it off and then I decided to crack it open. I'm pleasantly surprised that it was very well written. Well done Mike! It was like he described as a slightly bloody Harry Potter and didn't disappoint. His take on magic in the world is really fun and entertaining relying on energy in = energy out. There is a lot of death in it, but I feel like it has its place and adds an interesting aspect to the story making me question what characters I am allowed to fall in love with. He told me he had planned on making ten of these. I am excited to see what he comes up with and I'll be eagerly waiting for book two. He told me that it was finished and just going through the editorial process right now and to expect it by late summer. Mike if you read this, let me know when book two comes out, I'll pick it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
This book does a great job with character and world building! The author takes his time developing characters you enjoy and keeps the pace of the book moving forward from beginning to end. Various mysteries and discoveries will be sure to delight the reader as they explore a world accustomed to magic and the newly opened Starborn Academy with the characters.
I appreciate the author’s choice to not include content that I often find unnecessary and inappropriate for readers of any age. While the book does contain some violence, it’s more like a PG-13 movie, but is tasteful in its description and doesn’t dwell.
I appreciate the author’s choice to not include content that I often find unnecessary and inappropriate for readers of any age. While the book does contain some violence, it’s more like a PG-13 movie, but is tasteful in its description and doesn’t dwell.
March 3, 2025
The take on the use of magic as an effort was a unique take on something so common. Using the term mana, made it easily relatable. I don't want to spoil anything but I was very surprised at the ending and didn't think it would go that way. Absolutely recommend, I would rate it more than 5 stars if I could. This is my go to recommendation other than Invisible Life.
March 4, 2025
I loved this. I like the Fourth Wing Series, mainly because it's a school that is challenging to manage. This school, Starborn, is difficult because death is everywhere.
I would recommend it 10/10. It's a little violent, but I had no issue with my eleven-year-old son reading it.
I would recommend it 10/10. It's a little violent, but I had no issue with my eleven-year-old son reading it.
June 24, 2025
Loved this. I got it for free on Kindle Unlimited and I couldn't put it down. I read the whole book in three days. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes Harry Potter or if they are into anything with Magic. SUPURB!
June 26, 2025
It was really good. It was a little "Death-Forward" at times, but I see the reasoning. I would recommend this for more of a mature reader (I'm 44), I would say 15+; not as young as 13 or so like it said on Amazon. But other than that, it was instantly captivating.
August 12, 2025
Enjoyed
This was great, but wish it was done as a m/m story instead. I have enjoyed all your m/m stories I have read.
This was great, but wish it was done as a m/m story instead. I have enjoyed all your m/m stories I have read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews