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Portals
No matter what world you call home, and what your station in life, there are just some paths that weren't meant to be tread.
Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
Blurb: The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.
Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.
In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision.
Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Blurb: Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal.
Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade?
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
Blurb: A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?
And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl...or saving her from something else?
Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
Blurb: After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.
Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Blurb: Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches. Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
Blurb: The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.
Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.
Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
Blurb: The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.
Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.
In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision.
Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Blurb: Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal.
Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade?
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
Blurb: A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?
And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl...or saving her from something else?
Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
Blurb: After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.
Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Blurb: Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches. Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
Blurb: The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.
Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.
220 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2014
1 person is currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
I originally agreed to read this because one of the author's approached me asking if I would be willing to review her story as well as the others inside. As most of you know, fantasy can be so hit and miss with me. I have a complete love hate relationship with it. If it isn't done right I get so lost and frustrated with the world and story that I end up grudgingly pushing through it and then regret I ever tried it.
If done right and well, then of course I devour it and can't stop talking about it. But, it is always those bad ones that stick with you the most and make you leery to ever pick up another one. With this being an anthology I figured I had about a fifty fifty chance of at least liking something that was inside and hopefully more than one story would stick out and truly wow me.
While I should probably break this review down into my thoughts and feelings about each story, I'm not going to, instead I am going to tell you that this, like all anthologies, has good stories, weird stories, and then those stories that are truly not for you. Some you will love and others you will dislike..strongly.
I am happy to report that I didn't hate or even strongly dislike any of these stories, in fact, they were all very much original and unique. Some unlike anything I could ever even dream up let alone imagine and envision.
But one story in particular stuck out to me and thankfully for the author that asked me to review it, it was her's, Mexmur: the Huntress.
I loved the blending of old classic tales with dragons and danger and a girl no one has ever heard of before. Someone strong and brave and definitely not a damsel in distress even if she is the smallest in the land.
Overall this was a very fun and imaginative collection of short stories that I am glad I took a chance on.
I originally agreed to read this because one of the author's approached me asking if I would be willing to review her story as well as the others inside. As most of you know, fantasy can be so hit and miss with me. I have a complete love hate relationship with it. If it isn't done right I get so lost and frustrated with the world and story that I end up grudgingly pushing through it and then regret I ever tried it.
If done right and well, then of course I devour it and can't stop talking about it. But, it is always those bad ones that stick with you the most and make you leery to ever pick up another one. With this being an anthology I figured I had about a fifty fifty chance of at least liking something that was inside and hopefully more than one story would stick out and truly wow me.
While I should probably break this review down into my thoughts and feelings about each story, I'm not going to, instead I am going to tell you that this, like all anthologies, has good stories, weird stories, and then those stories that are truly not for you. Some you will love and others you will dislike..strongly.
I am happy to report that I didn't hate or even strongly dislike any of these stories, in fact, they were all very much original and unique. Some unlike anything I could ever even dream up let alone imagine and envision.
But one story in particular stuck out to me and thankfully for the author that asked me to review it, it was her's, Mexmur: the Huntress.
I loved the blending of old classic tales with dragons and danger and a girl no one has ever heard of before. Someone strong and brave and definitely not a damsel in distress even if she is the smallest in the land.
Overall this was a very fun and imaginative collection of short stories that I am glad I took a chance on.
February 2, 2015
Six short stories, each featuring a portal and its purpose!
Maronda’s Quest: Maronda must go on her portal quest on her 18th birthday as her mother did before her. Her mother believes it is so Maronda can find her true love.
However the wizard has a more important quest in mind for Maronda. Great twist at the end.
Entrance of lost souls: Gladys’ job is to guard the portal that connects the faerie world and the human world. This job can be fraught with danger. This was my favourite of the stories and I would love to read a novel on Gladys and her adventures.
Mexmur the Huntress: Mexmur’s quest is to charge the dragon’s talon to restore the magic to the kingdom. Nice feel good story with a happy ending.
Where Once were Hearts: This story was a gothic fantasy. Not what I’m used to but intriguing with an unexpected ending.
Ordinary World: The portal entrance didn’t come until half way through the story and the lead up was a bit ordinary although the storyline was original.
The Lunatic Queen: Vazya’s enchantment has darkened the land and now the land is dying. Pavel and Tamara feel they must kill Vazya to end the eternal night. But first they must get past the Queen’s minions. Breath holding suspense was rife in this do or die fantasy.
I was a little sceptical when I first received this book to read. Short fantasy stories hmmm I’m not so sure! It can be difficult to write something different in the Fantasy genre. Having the stories put together in one book would make it all the more difficult. However, these authors have all managed to put their own unique stamp on the fantasy genre. Great short stories for YA fantasy fans. Each story was well executed and managed to keep me enthralled.
Maronda’s Quest: Maronda must go on her portal quest on her 18th birthday as her mother did before her. Her mother believes it is so Maronda can find her true love.
However the wizard has a more important quest in mind for Maronda. Great twist at the end.
Entrance of lost souls: Gladys’ job is to guard the portal that connects the faerie world and the human world. This job can be fraught with danger. This was my favourite of the stories and I would love to read a novel on Gladys and her adventures.
Mexmur the Huntress: Mexmur’s quest is to charge the dragon’s talon to restore the magic to the kingdom. Nice feel good story with a happy ending.
Where Once were Hearts: This story was a gothic fantasy. Not what I’m used to but intriguing with an unexpected ending.
Ordinary World: The portal entrance didn’t come until half way through the story and the lead up was a bit ordinary although the storyline was original.
The Lunatic Queen: Vazya’s enchantment has darkened the land and now the land is dying. Pavel and Tamara feel they must kill Vazya to end the eternal night. But first they must get past the Queen’s minions. Breath holding suspense was rife in this do or die fantasy.
I was a little sceptical when I first received this book to read. Short fantasy stories hmmm I’m not so sure! It can be difficult to write something different in the Fantasy genre. Having the stories put together in one book would make it all the more difficult. However, these authors have all managed to put their own unique stamp on the fantasy genre. Great short stories for YA fantasy fans. Each story was well executed and managed to keep me enthralled.
June 19, 2014
I love reading an anthology, especially one with a theme.
In Portals you get five authors spinning their own tales about a portal.
Ordinary World
Amy Silva has a new neighbor. Ozzie dresses like a nerd but that’s not why he gives her the creeps. She senses evil.
When she tries to explain her feelings to her best friend Remy, he warns her to be careful what she says. People will think she’s a witch.
When Remy starts avoiding her, Amy is left alone to unravel the mystery of her new neighbor.
For such a short story, there were many characters. I had a fun time weeding out the bad guys. It wasn’t too hard but I still enjoyed being vindicated when I was right.
A fun tale of witches with an exhilarating ending.
Moranda’s Quest
Moranda fears her sojourn through the portal. Dragons tread there. The Grand Wizard bestowed it as a gift to her family and each generation, a girl enters the portal to discover her future.
Moranda is skilled with the blade and she’s prepared for battle. Lennox, the young man in love with her knows this and has to fight his natural instincts to protect her.
All the rules change when Moranda goes through the portal and the author took me in a different direction than I expected. That’s the fun thing about this fantasy, nothing was set in stone.
Mexmur, The Huntress
If you love dragons, this ones for you.
Mexmur is forced to enter the portal to recharge a talisman of magic. The King is willing to sacrifice her and his son in his quest to steal power from the dragons.
Can a spoiled prince and a lowly huntress survive the dragon’s breath? Or will they become a meal?
Mexmur is a huntress so she has skills to hunt the dragon. The spoiled prince has some surprises of his own and I grew to like him. These two both learn a lot once through the portal and the dragons are great teachers.
I really enjoyed the dragon characters. They had their own agenda and played a big part in the story.
Entrance of Lost Souls
I like where the author went with this one. I kept thinking the main character was human, forgetting these are fantasies and there are no rules.
Gladys is definitely not human, and you wouldn’t expect her to be a good guy.
She is though and she has to be a tough character to handle a banshee, demons, and whatever the thing is in the well.
Where Once Were Hearts
When Bartholemew Battlesby loses his fortune he sets out to befriend his only living relative, cousin Horatio Grimsby, hoping he’ll take him in.
He arrives at a gated estate landscaped with eerie mechanical trees. Upon entering he discovers Horatio dead, his heart torn from his body. And then things go dark.
When Bart wakes up, he’s suspended upside from the ceiling and the luscious but wicked Evangeline reveals her plans for him.
Bartholemew had to think hard and quick if he wasn’t going to lose his heart, literally.
At first, Bartholemew came across as a loser. He did waste his fortune and he did hope to ingratiate himself with Grimsby, hoping to become heir to his estate. But I liked his pluck.
The same goes for Evangeline. She is a murderess, but what made her that way?
Had a lot of fun figuring this one out.
Lunatic Queen
Sweethearts Tamara and Pavel are on a mission to destroy the Night Queen. Her reign of perpetual darkness is causing all life to suffer from slow starvation. Someone has to do something.
As they begin their journey, the volksa, a kind of werewolf, attack and force them to take cover in an old library. There, they find an unlikely ally. Now they just need the queen to take the bait and free their world of darkness.
This had an eerie atmosphere right from the beginning. The volksa add an element of danger and the Night Queen is evil through and through.
While the ending was bitter-sweet, it fit and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I enjoyed all of these stories. The authors did a great job building new worlds and introducing their characters. If I’m not mistaken, some of these stories are debuts and I couldn’t tell which ones. I’d definitely read more if they chose to develop these into novels and now I’m curious about their other books.
I own this book.
In Portals you get five authors spinning their own tales about a portal.
Ordinary World
Amy Silva has a new neighbor. Ozzie dresses like a nerd but that’s not why he gives her the creeps. She senses evil.
When she tries to explain her feelings to her best friend Remy, he warns her to be careful what she says. People will think she’s a witch.
When Remy starts avoiding her, Amy is left alone to unravel the mystery of her new neighbor.
For such a short story, there were many characters. I had a fun time weeding out the bad guys. It wasn’t too hard but I still enjoyed being vindicated when I was right.
A fun tale of witches with an exhilarating ending.
Moranda’s Quest
Moranda fears her sojourn through the portal. Dragons tread there. The Grand Wizard bestowed it as a gift to her family and each generation, a girl enters the portal to discover her future.
Moranda is skilled with the blade and she’s prepared for battle. Lennox, the young man in love with her knows this and has to fight his natural instincts to protect her.
All the rules change when Moranda goes through the portal and the author took me in a different direction than I expected. That’s the fun thing about this fantasy, nothing was set in stone.
Mexmur, The Huntress
If you love dragons, this ones for you.
Mexmur is forced to enter the portal to recharge a talisman of magic. The King is willing to sacrifice her and his son in his quest to steal power from the dragons.
Can a spoiled prince and a lowly huntress survive the dragon’s breath? Or will they become a meal?
Mexmur is a huntress so she has skills to hunt the dragon. The spoiled prince has some surprises of his own and I grew to like him. These two both learn a lot once through the portal and the dragons are great teachers.
I really enjoyed the dragon characters. They had their own agenda and played a big part in the story.
Entrance of Lost Souls
I like where the author went with this one. I kept thinking the main character was human, forgetting these are fantasies and there are no rules.
Gladys is definitely not human, and you wouldn’t expect her to be a good guy.
She is though and she has to be a tough character to handle a banshee, demons, and whatever the thing is in the well.
Where Once Were Hearts
When Bartholemew Battlesby loses his fortune he sets out to befriend his only living relative, cousin Horatio Grimsby, hoping he’ll take him in.
He arrives at a gated estate landscaped with eerie mechanical trees. Upon entering he discovers Horatio dead, his heart torn from his body. And then things go dark.
When Bart wakes up, he’s suspended upside from the ceiling and the luscious but wicked Evangeline reveals her plans for him.
Bartholemew had to think hard and quick if he wasn’t going to lose his heart, literally.
At first, Bartholemew came across as a loser. He did waste his fortune and he did hope to ingratiate himself with Grimsby, hoping to become heir to his estate. But I liked his pluck.
The same goes for Evangeline. She is a murderess, but what made her that way?
Had a lot of fun figuring this one out.
Lunatic Queen
Sweethearts Tamara and Pavel are on a mission to destroy the Night Queen. Her reign of perpetual darkness is causing all life to suffer from slow starvation. Someone has to do something.
As they begin their journey, the volksa, a kind of werewolf, attack and force them to take cover in an old library. There, they find an unlikely ally. Now they just need the queen to take the bait and free their world of darkness.
This had an eerie atmosphere right from the beginning. The volksa add an element of danger and the Night Queen is evil through and through.
While the ending was bitter-sweet, it fit and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I enjoyed all of these stories. The authors did a great job building new worlds and introducing their characters. If I’m not mistaken, some of these stories are debuts and I couldn’t tell which ones. I’d definitely read more if they chose to develop these into novels and now I’m curious about their other books.
I own this book.
September 4, 2014
Each story allows you to enter a portal and travel to other dimensions, other worlds. There are dragons, legends and quests, and magical creatures abound. Even though they were all about portals, doorways to other worlds, they all had unique individuals with stories of their very own. I enjoyed each and every story. It amazes me that so much fun, suspense and tension can be created in short stories such as these. As I came to the end of each one, I felt a little let down. I wanted the stories to continue. ^_^
I rated Portals as a whole, then each story separately.
I received an ARC copy for review in conjunction with a tour.
***
Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
I love dragons. I laughed on the very first page – men! Would she battle the dragon? Would she step through the Portal of Life and meet her mate while on a quest? Is the Portal of Life a blessing or a curse? Maronda will find out. It is her eighteenth birthday and life as she knows it will change. Today is the day. It twisted here, there and everywhere. I always love a good dragon story, throw in some love story and a quest, what more can you ask for? Love it. 4
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
Mary Anne, a dryad, loved slipping back and forth through the portal even though she wasn’t supposed to. My job was to convince her, and all the other fae, to go back where they belong. I am a troll and I deal with supernatural creatures of all forms. I am a guardian of the worlds. There has to be order in the world, no matter what. But sometimes things are not as they seem. Can you hear the wail of the banshee? Another story with twists I didn’t see coming. After all it is fiction, so we can be what ever we want. Who says we have to follow the same road as everyone else. Love it. 4
Mexmur: The Huntress by Anna Simpson
The marks above the archway say that the portal will open below two moons. But if they think I will let them sacrifice me, they have another thing coming. They need to think again. My journey began when the foot pushed me through the portal. I love dragons and legends and Mexmur has both! And a quest for the Huntress. She is strong, spirited and the hunter’s daughter, so I have every confidence that she will succeed. Love it. 4
Where Once Were Hearts by Havva Murat
Bartholomew went through the gate heading to his Uncle’s manor to mooch off him. Was he wrong? Well….he sure didn’t count on her. She could have been Satan’s mistress. He found her dead and gave her a mechanical heart, with the help of some magic. Sufficiently creepy. There is plenty of horror, steampunk and romance in this short story. Love it. 4
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
People were afraid of you if you were different. They can be cruel and dangerous. My question is, who or what is my new neighbor? It is right before Halloween, so I think we can see where this is heading. Just because her name is Salem didn’t mean she was a witch, even though her family Bible was the Grimoire. Or did it? Curiosity would cause her to see the portal, she knew from reading what it was. Of course she would end upon the other side, even though we all know she shouldn’t. Love it. 4
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
Their world was dying. They had seen only darkness for more than a year. The land was dying. They were starving. Pavel and Tamara were going to risk it all to save everyone, but they would only have one shot at it. The characters were brave, overlooking their fear, knowing they had nothing to lose. So their journey through the portal began. Would their determination prevail? It was filled with all the scariness you can imagine in the supernatural world. Love it. 4
January 30, 2016
Portals is a great fantasy anthology that takes us to magical, extraordinary, complete and vivid worlds. From lands with dragons, evil and crazy queens to saving the worlds and finding true love, these stories have different styles but are equally remarkable.
It would be boring and really long to review each one of the stories. However, the authors deserve to have some recognition for their work. So, here it comes, a mini review of each work.
In Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas we witness how a girl has to move on with the consequences of someone else's choices. Told from a narrator POV, the story moves fast and we can sense the characters emotions. I really like Maronda because she comes as a strong heroin but with a vulnerable side.
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea has a darker tone. Protector of the portal between worlds, Gladys has to face every fantasy creature you can imagine. A world where banshees, demons, trolls and more are real. The writing has a modern air, fresh and engaging. A lot of action at the end and tension always present.
Mexmur: The Huntress by Anna Simpson presents us a girl who has always heard of fairy tales but doesn’t particularly believe in true love, or at least doesn’t want it for herself. A chain of events send her through the portal with only a poem and the prince by her side. Together they will set right the dragonkeeper betrayal. The secrets are reveal at the perfect moment, it’s fast and short with a good writing style. The fantasy element is always present.
Where Once Were Hearts by Havva Murat was one of my favorites stories. It has a really gothic and dark style. The story is intriguing and the writing submerges you into a story that will give you the creeps. Bartholomew and Miss Evangeline Witherop (with those names you definitely going to read a horror story) are great characters for the story.
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy is the other story I loved. However, the portal has a minor role in this one. Despite that, the story is an excellent YA paranormal with lovely characters. I can imagine a longer story about Amy and her family. Light writing, sweet romance and bad guys are the basic ingredients.
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano is the only story told from a male point of view and written by a male author. It was a charming story with good doses of action and an outstanding finale.
GENERAL REVIEW:
Each story has a particular writing style and it's easy to differ one story from the other. The only similarity between them is the presence of a portal and in each story, it has a defined role.There were stories I enjoy more than others but overall it’s a great anthology.
If you are a fantasy fan you should read it, you won't be disappointed.
*** I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***
It would be boring and really long to review each one of the stories. However, the authors deserve to have some recognition for their work. So, here it comes, a mini review of each work.
In Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas we witness how a girl has to move on with the consequences of someone else's choices. Told from a narrator POV, the story moves fast and we can sense the characters emotions. I really like Maronda because she comes as a strong heroin but with a vulnerable side.
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea has a darker tone. Protector of the portal between worlds, Gladys has to face every fantasy creature you can imagine. A world where banshees, demons, trolls and more are real. The writing has a modern air, fresh and engaging. A lot of action at the end and tension always present.
Mexmur: The Huntress by Anna Simpson presents us a girl who has always heard of fairy tales but doesn’t particularly believe in true love, or at least doesn’t want it for herself. A chain of events send her through the portal with only a poem and the prince by her side. Together they will set right the dragonkeeper betrayal. The secrets are reveal at the perfect moment, it’s fast and short with a good writing style. The fantasy element is always present.
Where Once Were Hearts by Havva Murat was one of my favorites stories. It has a really gothic and dark style. The story is intriguing and the writing submerges you into a story that will give you the creeps. Bartholomew and Miss Evangeline Witherop (with those names you definitely going to read a horror story) are great characters for the story.
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy is the other story I loved. However, the portal has a minor role in this one. Despite that, the story is an excellent YA paranormal with lovely characters. I can imagine a longer story about Amy and her family. Light writing, sweet romance and bad guys are the basic ingredients.
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano is the only story told from a male point of view and written by a male author. It was a charming story with good doses of action and an outstanding finale.
GENERAL REVIEW:
Each story has a particular writing style and it's easy to differ one story from the other. The only similarity between them is the presence of a portal and in each story, it has a defined role.There were stories I enjoy more than others but overall it’s a great anthology.
If you are a fantasy fan you should read it, you won't be disappointed.
*** I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 3, 2014
1 - Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.
Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.
In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision.
Mini Review
I loved this quick short story. Maronda is brave and beautiful. Christy takes you on a quick roller coaster ride of emotions with Maronda & Lenox. This is everything a short story should be
2 - Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal. Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade?
Mini Review
Initially I wasn't too sure about this short story but the moment Anna introduced Grrr I fell in love with it. I love the Dragon twist in it!
3 - Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?
And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl...or saving her from something else?
Mini Review
This was an interesting story that had all types of paranormal characters from trolls too banshees and demons. It was a good quick fantasy adventure.
4 - Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.
Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?
Mini Review:
I enjoyed the humor that Havva brings to this short story. This is quite an entertaining read. It was a short sweet story about righting a wrong and it has an element of love.
5 - Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches. Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?
Mini Review:
This was a very nice read but maybe a bit too predictable for me. I really liked each character and do think that Laurie could maybe make this a great full length story, adding elements that she only just touched on here.
6 - The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.
Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.
Mini Review:
The Lunatic Queen is an interesting adventure filled with great mini twists. I enjoyed the weird creatures Michael creates like the volksa's. I actually enjoyed that the love relationship between was already in place between Pavel and Tamara.
Cover talk: 5/5 I love that cover. It is gorgeous!
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Anthology. It is filled with great mini adventures.
Favourite Story: Maronda's Quest
Favourite Character: Grrr
The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.
Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.
In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision.
Mini Review
I loved this quick short story. Maronda is brave and beautiful. Christy takes you on a quick roller coaster ride of emotions with Maronda & Lenox. This is everything a short story should be
2 - Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal. Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade?
Mini Review
Initially I wasn't too sure about this short story but the moment Anna introduced Grrr I fell in love with it. I love the Dragon twist in it!
3 - Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?
And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl...or saving her from something else?
Mini Review
This was an interesting story that had all types of paranormal characters from trolls too banshees and demons. It was a good quick fantasy adventure.
4 - Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.
Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?
Mini Review:
I enjoyed the humor that Havva brings to this short story. This is quite an entertaining read. It was a short sweet story about righting a wrong and it has an element of love.
5 - Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches. Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?
Mini Review:
This was a very nice read but maybe a bit too predictable for me. I really liked each character and do think that Laurie could maybe make this a great full length story, adding elements that she only just touched on here.
6 - The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.
Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.
Mini Review:
The Lunatic Queen is an interesting adventure filled with great mini twists. I enjoyed the weird creatures Michael creates like the volksa's. I actually enjoyed that the love relationship between was already in place between Pavel and Tamara.
Cover talk: 5/5 I love that cover. It is gorgeous!
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Anthology. It is filled with great mini adventures.
Favourite Story: Maronda's Quest
Favourite Character: Grrr
July 7, 2014
Enjoy all of the stories very much!
January 11, 2015
Six Stories put together by Six Authors make up these absolutely amazing tales. So sit back and get ready for the journey of a lifetime........It all begins with, "Maronda's Quest" by, Christy Thomas....Maronda and her best friend Lenox had been training to fight with swords, dagger and bodily skills, as all the village children, since before they could walk. Soon she would be 18 years old and it will be her turn to step through the Portal of Life and begin her quest to meet her husband to be. The Portal, 6 feet in diameter, with a gate in the center. It sits in the main room on the wall along the north side of the house. Anyone who looks into it only sees a wooden wall behind it, except Maronda sees various scenes flashing within it's center. The Portal of Life was gifted to her family because one of her ancestors saved his life. Each first born must take this quest. Maronda wants no husband, but will go on the quest to kill the Dragon that kept her from knowing her Pa, who died while protecting her mother who was heavy with child (Maronda). The Dragon wanted the babe....Lenox planned tomask for Maronda's hand after her birthday dinner, but he arrived just in time to see her go into the portal...Have crazy with fear he followed the girl he loved through the portal. What they see and all they learn during this quest, is in fact, both, amazing and terrifying....And who exactly is this Grand Wizard anyway?.........The next tale is, "Entrance of Lost Souls" by Echo Shea ....... Gladys is a Guardian. She is also a Troll. She and her very large dog Kyro patroll 12 of the Portals between the human world and the otherworld. When someone passes through one, she knows it. It's her job to find them and put them back where they belong. This time she going after Pari, a banshee, which has taken a human child. This means she has to go through a portal which is the Entrance of Lost Souls to retreve the little girl. The air is thick with magic in this world of Faerie as kyro sniffs a t-shirt she holds out to him and then just holds tight to the leash as he is off on a scent. He ignores all the other smells of feral vampire, gargoyle, ogre & ghouls. He is only after the scent of one precious little thing that surely everything must scent and want to hunt. Kyro tracks Pari & the girl through the swamp to a cave. Pari whispers that she can't take, the Lady of the Well will get her, drown her, and eat her like she did to her brother not long ago. But now Kyro is growling and barking at the cave opening, at one tree after another as the shadows amass in the slow rolling fog. Gladys reaches down for Pari's hand, and with the child between them race for the entrance of Lost Souls.......This is only a taste of the begining, their journey is far from over. Just remember, things are not always what they seem..........Up next is "Mexmur: The Huntress" by, Anna Simpson......Mexmur and her mother work at the Castle since the death of her father..... She would hear rumors of a scullery maid who tried on a glass slipper. A birthday girl who pricked her finger tip on due to a curse. A damsel whose hair grew to reach from her tower window to the ground below. When she asked her mother, her answer to these rumors was, "to find true love". Mexmur was glad there wasn't a story about a hunter's daughter. She decided long ago she was happiest tracking & hunting in the woods. She had no need of true love. She plans on taking her mother back to their hunting shack as soon as she is of age. She just needs the nerve to ask the king....This day Prince Recser, blond hair blue eyes, pushy, rude, selfish & in line for the crown, came to where she and her mother were dusting and tells Mexmur to follow him. He leds her to the court yard wher the King the Cardinal waited on horse back. After Mexmur and the Prince each mount a horse, she follows behind as they leave the Castle grounds, through large gates, over the drawbridge, down a path to a wide field with a circle of white stones in it. If you see it from east to west it's just a circle under a sky of two blue moons, but seeing it from north to south there stands a stone archway in the circle. Within the arch is a black wrought iron gate. Smoke floats, sliding between the bars to hide the landscape behind it. This is the sorce of all of the Kingdoms magic, dwindling magic. There are ruins carved above the arch. Her mother told her before what they said...Portal opens below two moons. Darkness calls one born of ruins. Only armed, not with blade or bow. But, with satchel one and talon's glow.Balancing fate reveals a lie. Warrior heart lets magic fly.....No one knows what it means. They gather round the south side of the archway. Mexmur has her Da's hunting knife hidden in her skirt pocket. If her death is required for some ceremony, she will not go easy, she will take them all with her. The King puts a small satchel over her head to reast on a shoulder as the Prince grabs her arm and picks her up. They are chanting as he tries to put her through the arch. She wraps her legs around the Prince, and puts the knife to his throat. The King just smiles and pushes both of them through the gates...This is the start of Mexmur's journey, but with a helpless Prince? And what's this about a talon? And, what's in that satshel the King gave her, and the ruins said she needed? You have to read the rest for yourself, which takes us on to........."Where Once Were Hearts" by, Hauva Murat......Bartholomew Battlesby, having nothing left to lose, well, having nothing left, period. Arrives at the home of his last remaining relative, cousin Horatio. He is hoping his cousin will take him in. He passes through the gates in an archway, walks up to the door and rings the bell and the door is opened with some mechanical device with gears and such. he enters and is calling out for Horatio as he moves slowly from room to room. He comes into the dinning hall and finds his cousin at the table, dead, with a hole where his heart should be. It is not rotting, nor does it smell. It seems to be in some sort of strange suspension state. Befor he could even wonder at what foul busines he'd stumbled upon, he was hit on the back of his head and everything went black. He wakes to find he, and another person, a young boy, Gideon Finch, are at the mercy of the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Evangeline Witherop, however feels nothing, not love, not hate, just nothing. She has a mechanical heart given to her by Horatio. He found her on Wanderer's peak after she cut out her own broken heart. It had been abused and trampled on by one man after another. She'd known only ugliness from men and so decided to end it all under the full moon that night. Horatio found her, took pity and brought her here and gave her a heart of gears and valves and clockwork parts. A heart that no longer feels pain. But her heart will not work beyond the borders of this estate, twas a spell-maker that cast the spell to trap her here in recompense to Horatio. But like all men he fell prey to his desires. It was then she cut out his heart...So up to Wanderer's Peak Evanqueline marched Bartholomew and Gideon, right to the edge of the precipice. She is to make an offering to the spell-maker. Flesh and blood hearts and she keeps the enchatment going on her mechanical heart......Gideon, his hands bound before him lunged at Evangueline and pushed over the edge......Bartholomew reached her, scooped her lifeless form into his arms and......Yep, Going to have to read it yourself!.............But next up is..."Ordinary World" by, Laurie Treacy... Salem, aka, Amy and Remy are best friends, they live in the same complex of houses. She was helping her mom, Cordelia with an open house, the on next to theirs and one guy there really creeped her out. He, Erich, ends up moving into that house and one day she was looking out a window and could see his back yard. There are white rocks in circle and a stone archway with a black gate inside. She instantly thought, Portal,... the creep factor is all the fog that seems to be behind that gate so you can't see behind it. Rhea comes up to the window also. They decide they need to keep an eye on that. Rhea tells Cordelia something's going on next door, you need to tell her. ....Amy is about to turn 18, so Cordelia and Aunt Rhea sits her down and tells her they are really Witches. Some of the covens came under fire, they all fled. Rumors spread of a revengeful Warlock who wanted to create the most powerful coven to do his bidding. He wants complete controll, and his ability is rare. Amy, or Salem, has both witch and warlock blood which is also rare. I guess you now know what Erich, the creepy neighbor is. But Who is he really in connection to Salem's family, and,where is her father, who is Remy in all of this. And finally, how does the Portal play into it? It's pretty amazing when you find out!!......That takes us to the last story,....."The Lunatic Queen" by, Michael Siciliano Vazya is Queen. They call her the Queen of the night. She is a moon sorceress. It has been perpetual night in Mershinka for the pas year.People are starving. Nothing grows without the sun. But Tamara and Pavel have a plan, but, they have to get past the overseers. They are Vazya's enforcers. There is a time when the two moons are low on the horizon of Grsnov. It is then that Vazya is weakest and they can slay her. They use a compass they bribed from Lucya and Blind Gregor to find Grosnov in the fog. But then they are attacked by Volka. Men and women enchanted by Vazya to be beasts, half wolf, half human. They take shelter in a stone library where they are friended by a female Volka, Katja, who tells of a place called the wizards graveyrad. It is cursed. When the wizard is sure their reign is over they pass through this circular archway and are never seen again. The arch is call Roshled. If they can't take the moons away from Vazya, maybe they can take Vazya away from the moons by tricking her into going through the archway? I sure hope so because they are out of time, Vazya has found them and come for them.........Can they do it? Check it out and see.
I was gifted this book in return for my honest review. And I do recommend this to any Fantasy Lover, Your in for a treat!
I was gifted this book in return for my honest review. And I do recommend this to any Fantasy Lover, Your in for a treat!
February 7, 2015
I took a chance and I didn't regret it. Normally a book without promise of romance isn't my thing, but I found myself pouring over each of these stories. I think everyone has their favorites in an anthology, but I give each author a job well done. I think each author did a great job of making the portal whimsical and unique. You can step through a portal to a land where dragons are the key to survival, another takes you on a journey to change your fate, and even a trip to a nasty portal into a land of death. This is a great book that you could read anywhere and each story is a quick journey into another place - in some cases several, this is a book about a portal after all.
If you want an escape from the world, read these short stories. Each is well written and an easy and fascinating read.
If you want an escape from the world, read these short stories. Each is well written and an easy and fascinating read.
February 19, 2015
Title: Portals
Author: Multiple (Anthology)
Publisher: Roane Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories
Reviewed by Brandi
4.5 Stars – Recommended Read
There are six stories by six authors which make up the tales in this paranormal/fantasy anthology. I enjoyed reading this book, and can't go into the details of each story. One. I hate giving too much away. And, two. This would be a really long review.
For more go to: http://thetalentcavereviews.weebly.co...
Author: Multiple (Anthology)
Publisher: Roane Publishing
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories
Reviewed by Brandi
4.5 Stars – Recommended Read
There are six stories by six authors which make up the tales in this paranormal/fantasy anthology. I enjoyed reading this book, and can't go into the details of each story. One. I hate giving too much away. And, two. This would be a really long review.
For more go to: http://thetalentcavereviews.weebly.co...
February 4, 2015
Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas
Maronda's family has been blessed by guarding the Portal of Life. They enter the portal when they come of age and find their true love. Despite her Ma's assurances, Maronda is worried that her quest will be different and quite possibly dangerous. She never imagined that Lenox would follow her.
This was a good choice for the first story, as I enjoyed getting to know Maronda and admired her determination to train with the men and be independent. Her childhood friend Lenox doesn't want to lose his True Love, so follows her into the portal to help. While I enjoyed the story, I'm not sure if it would count as a temporal paradox or not. Not nerdy enough to figure it out, so will just sit back and enjoy!
Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson
Another strong female character, determined to be independent and take care of herself. My favorite kind of MC! Mexmur is the daughter of the King's Huntsman, who died in an accident. Once she comes of age, she wants to assume her Da's old position and take care of her Ma. She never imagined that the King would send her through a magic portal on a quest to return magic to their land. Or that she'd wind up hunting dragons with the Prince.
Mexmur proves that he Da taught her well, even though she's in a strange land with unfamiliar creatures. The Prince, at first obnoxious, proves that he's not totally useless and gives Mexmur important information about their quest. And the dragons! I love dragons, and Simpson doesn't disappoint. Good story with interesting characters and a satisfying ending. Well done!
Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea
Gladys is a guardian to the entrances between worlds. Passing through a portal isn't much fun, but she's on the trail of a banshee who kidnapped a little girl and doesn't have much choice. Life isn't easy for a guardian troll.
The author packed a lot of story into a short amount of space! I really liked Gladys and thought this one had an interesting plot. I haven't read too many stories with trolls and/or banshees, and this was a good one!
Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat
This was an odd little tale of a down-on-his-luck gentleman named Bartholomew Battlesby. Having frittered away his fortune at cards, he decides to seek out his only remaining relative, a distant cousin. Showing up unannounced at his cousin's estate, Battlesby finds Cousin Horatio dead and a beautiful woman ruling the roost.
While I love fantasy, I couldn't get past one major plot point and it sort of ruined the story for me. Magic is all well and good, but my logical mind dug in her heels and wouldn't let me accept the fantasy, so I couldn't enjoy the story.
Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy
Amy is suspicious of her new neighbor, a creepy little man she's nicknamed Mr. Oily Hair. No one seems to take her suspicions seriously, but she's sure that he's not only a creep, but an evil creep.
I feel that this one would have worked better as a longer story, as there was too much thrown at us in too short a time. The first part of the story was nicely paced, then the last part was too jam-packed. And I would have liked to learn more about Amy, her family, and what happened after her mother's surprise announcement.
The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano
An evil moon witch has taken over the land and cast it into perpetual night. Without sunlight, the land is dying. Two teens come up with a plan to kill the Night Queen when she's at her weakest, when the two moons are down. But you know what they say about the best laid plans....
I liked this pair of rash teens, determined to save their land. Their plan is a little naive because the witch is pretty powerful, but the good thing about the young is their bravado sometimes wins the day! I liked how they got help from an unexpected source and that there was a library. You hardly ever see libraries in fiction for some reason, but this one proved useful. While the ending was a little sad, it was a satisfying conclusion to this collection.
Conclusion
Short stories aren't easy, but this collection is unique enough to be worth reading. Some of the stories could have been a little more polished, but they were all interesting in their way. My main complaints had to do with logic and the limits of magic, nothing else. Will be curious to see what the other tour participants have to say and compare notes.
Want to read
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October 13, 2015
I love a good fantasy anthology so I was thrilled to get a paperback of this. I just love the cover. I'm starting to really enjoy anthologies and their short stories to get a taste of each other's style of writing. Each other had very different stories. Easily a YA book that almost any age can enjoy. Each story for sure kept me entertained and I'll be looking to see the author's other works of some of the stories in Portals I really enjoyed.
Highly recommend to the YA Fantasy group or even just the Fantasy genre to get a taste of these talented authors.
Highly recommend to the YA Fantasy group or even just the Fantasy genre to get a taste of these talented authors.
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