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Dae Portals #1
Dawn of Dae: Dae Portals, Book 1
This is a republishing of an older work, and it has undergone substantial editing and rewriting, including the addition of new scenes.
The morning Alexa Daegberht’s macaroni and cheese develops sentience, the world changes. She thought escaping poverty and moving up in the world would be the challenge of her life, but the new arrivals, who call themselves the dae, waste no time proving her wrong.
Some claim it’s the Christian rapture. Some claim the world has been reborn. With millions vanished into thin air, one thing is Humanity is in for a fight for survival. There’s only one thing Alexa is sure of.
The dae are here to stay.
The morning Alexa Daegberht’s macaroni and cheese develops sentience, the world changes. She thought escaping poverty and moving up in the world would be the challenge of her life, but the new arrivals, who call themselves the dae, waste no time proving her wrong.
Some claim it’s the Christian rapture. Some claim the world has been reborn. With millions vanished into thin air, one thing is Humanity is in for a fight for survival. There’s only one thing Alexa is sure of.
The dae are here to stay.
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2015
113 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
82 books1,309 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 5, 2015
What an intriguing and unforgettable novel. The story was tight and exciting. Plot twists kept me on my toes and fully absorbed in the novel. Intricate world building takes this novel from the realm of good to great. Vivid sights and creative individuals populate this novel. I felt as if I were wandering through it rather than simply reading it.
The characters in this novel were one of a kind yet also the type of individuals that one would expect in a fantasy novel. They were both fun and at times mysterious. I loved the mix of it all. The myriad of varied characters truly brought this novel to life.
Anderson has created a wonderfully unique and wildly captivating novel to launch this new series. It’s fantastic for readers of all ages who want to get lost in a world full of fantasy and adventure.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel were one of a kind yet also the type of individuals that one would expect in a fantasy novel. They were both fun and at times mysterious. I loved the mix of it all. The myriad of varied characters truly brought this novel to life.
Anderson has created a wonderfully unique and wildly captivating novel to launch this new series. It’s fantastic for readers of all ages who want to get lost in a world full of fantasy and adventure.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2020
This book made me realize that there’s a limit to my ability to suspend belief and that limit was a sentient lump of Mac n cheese saying mommy.
July 26, 2016
DNF
1. A werewolf with pink wings
2. Canadian geese with human face
3.“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!”
My macaroni and cheese was talking to me, and like a child on a sugar high, it darted to and fro in its excitement.
4.The panda huffed and flipped its middle finger at me.
5.A herd of the three-headed giraffe clopped down the center of the street, they wore no hats and had sharpened their horns.
I give up!
July 14, 2020
Talking Mac n cheese. That is all.
June 21, 2020
One of the weirdest things I’ve ever read. This story gets strange fast. I’m not sure if the talking casserole was cute or creepy. I wasn’t surprised at the kidnapping. More of a long intro as nothing really happens. Lot of death threats but nothing to back it up just yet. On the fence with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2015
Ladies have you ever wanted a talking Mac 'n Cheese that not only does the housework to perfection, but also does DIY on the side, then this is the book for you. I always had my suspicions that comfort food outweighed any benefits of having a man around the house and this book goes to prove me right.
Oh yes there are also seems to be some humans and nonhumans in the book such as Alexa who has been has basically no luck and her life goes from bad to worse especially when she starts having hallucinations with the world from then on going to pot, but I am sorry no-one can beat the Mac 'n cheese :) (for some reason Sponge Bob keeps coming to mind)
Not perfect but a great read, highly recommended to those looking for a good laugh, a new series, and an author not in their sound mind.
Ps Already pre-ordered the next one - can't wait!!!
Oh yes there are also seems to be some humans and nonhumans in the book such as Alexa who has been has basically no luck and her life goes from bad to worse especially when she starts having hallucinations with the world from then on going to pot, but I am sorry no-one can beat the Mac 'n cheese :) (for some reason Sponge Bob keeps coming to mind)
Not perfect but a great read, highly recommended to those looking for a good laugh, a new series, and an author not in their sound mind.
Ps Already pre-ordered the next one - can't wait!!!
July 18, 2018
Every time I read a book by this author, I think they can't get any crazier. Then - sentient Macaroni and Cheese.
July 9, 2020
Urban fantasy with a heaping side order of zany humor. Enjoyable read, although it is darker than her magical romantic comedy [with a body count] series.
May 15, 2016
The reason that I picked this book to read is because of the premise of the story. The story started out fine. In fact, when Alexa's mac and cheese came alive and started calling her "mommy" I found that funny. Then when she gave it the name of "Colby" I thought that was even better. Alexa impressed me with her toughness. Yet as the story went on, I grew tried of Colby and the ranting of "mommy" within a short period of several pages. Kenneth is a bad guy. He proves it in the end. This is a short book but it felt long. Although I was able to get to chapter 12 pretty fast, it was than that I was asking myself when was the story really going to pick up and was this all. So I kind of skimmed the book. The story picks up in the last third of the book but by than for me I had mixed reviews as I liked the intensity of the action but at the same time it was a little too late.
June 16, 2020
A Great Start For A Different World!
I didn't know if I would like this book at the start. It hurt my soul to find out America was turned into something out of 1700's England. I understand it had to be done to set up this world but it just made me sad. After I came to terms with the premise I came to really enjoy the wild and zany world Alexa lives in. She is smart and tough and stubborn. My favorite type of character. This story starts in a censored world of humans and becomes a censored world of Dae. I'm still a little confused by what they are exactly, but I love the variety of them. I have to say I will never think of macaroni and cheese the same way again. Nor will I ever hear the word "mommy" and just think it means mother. All in all this book carried me on many different emotions as I journeyed through this haphazard world. I must say I rather enjoyed it. Looking forward to another romp in the universe of the Dae!
I didn't know if I would like this book at the start. It hurt my soul to find out America was turned into something out of 1700's England. I understand it had to be done to set up this world but it just made me sad. After I came to terms with the premise I came to really enjoy the wild and zany world Alexa lives in. She is smart and tough and stubborn. My favorite type of character. This story starts in a censored world of humans and becomes a censored world of Dae. I'm still a little confused by what they are exactly, but I love the variety of them. I have to say I will never think of macaroni and cheese the same way again. Nor will I ever hear the word "mommy" and just think it means mother. All in all this book carried me on many different emotions as I journeyed through this haphazard world. I must say I rather enjoyed it. Looking forward to another romp in the universe of the Dae!
October 22, 2022
It would have been a 4 star, but I spent the first half in a perpetual state of confusion...yes I realise that we were only supposed to know what the h knew, but at one point it went from "hmm this is weird, I wonder when the world went crazy and forgot to clue me in" to "how is everyone aware of what happened and is okay with it but the mc is the only clueless one" also the whole part where she was kidnapped...that part made absolutely no sense to me, it still does not quite fit with the "mission" of the story.
Thankfuly the author came through by the end and redeamed the story a bit (it had some taste of her Magical Romantic Comedies (with a body count) series❤).
Other than that i really liked the world, it was weird and quirky and so much potential for fun, I loved it. Just like I have come to expect from this author, the world building is by far one of the more unique ones (and that means a lot in this genre) 😄
Thankfuly the author came through by the end and redeamed the story a bit (it had some taste of her Magical Romantic Comedies (with a body count) series❤).
Other than that i really liked the world, it was weird and quirky and so much potential for fun, I loved it. Just like I have come to expect from this author, the world building is by far one of the more unique ones (and that means a lot in this genre) 😄
July 8, 2018
Character-driven, light on plot
Unsurprisingly, there is a ton of world building in this first book; the plot suffers as a result. Of the three major questions brought up in the narrative, at least one should have been resolved. Our tough, sly, sassy survivor, Alexa, ends the book in the (figuratively) last place she wants to be: vulnerable. Its like character development in reverse. Colby is interesting but not the laugh riot that other reviewers found him to be. Rob is too much of an unknown; although he could go either way, that ambiguity might be what draws me in to the second book.
Unsurprisingly, there is a ton of world building in this first book; the plot suffers as a result. Of the three major questions brought up in the narrative, at least one should have been resolved. Our tough, sly, sassy survivor, Alexa, ends the book in the (figuratively) last place she wants to be: vulnerable. Its like character development in reverse. Colby is interesting but not the laugh riot that other reviewers found him to be. Rob is too much of an unknown; although he could go either way, that ambiguity might be what draws me in to the second book.
July 14, 2021
This was an amazing read! A riotously thrilling action-packed celebration of bizarre mayhem and outright craziness, I grinned and giggled and gulped the whole time I read through this. I suppose Alexa could be considered an incarnation of Alice Kingsley (if you squint sideways at her), but I had never considered Baltimore to be Wonderland until I read about the unexpected dinner party (which Alexa had not consented to) at her apartment. Who was the Mad Hatter - the casserole, the vampire, the unicorn, the dragon or the incubus? If you like RJ Blain's Romantic Comedies (with a Body Count) series, you are bound to love this!
August 12, 2021
This was an amazing read! A riotously thrilling action-packed celebration of bizarre mayhem and outright craziness, I grinned and giggled and gulped the whole time I read through this. I suppose Alexa could be considered an incarnation of Alice Kingsley (if you squint sideways at her), but I had never considered Baltimore to be Wonderland until I read about the unexpected dinner party (which Alexa had not consented to) at her apartment. Who was the Mad Hatter - the casserole, the vampire, the unicorn, the dragon or the incubus? If you like RJ Blain's Romantic Comedies (with a Body Count) series, you are bound to love this!
August 26, 2024
The chameleon and the hound has still not been released (it's going on 8 years now), so this series is incomplete.
I really enjoyed both of these books but I have a soft spot for the ridiculous. RJ Blaine has always come to the plate with some of the most fantastical ideas ever devised. As stated above, the series is incomplete and there are quite a few loose ends. Bad guys on the run, possible bad guys that need to be investigated, and we still don't know Alexis's origins but given that her last name begins in DAE I'm pretty sure we can guess.
I think you can still enjoy the two books without knowing how it ends.
I really enjoyed both of these books but I have a soft spot for the ridiculous. RJ Blaine has always come to the plate with some of the most fantastical ideas ever devised. As stated above, the series is incomplete and there are quite a few loose ends. Bad guys on the run, possible bad guys that need to be investigated, and we still don't know Alexis's origins but given that her last name begins in DAE I'm pretty sure we can guess.
I think you can still enjoy the two books without knowing how it ends.
June 21, 2020
I liked the original version, but
I like the rewritten one even better. I didn't do a strict comparison, but this book seems tighter, the characters are better defined, and there's more story, which I really like.
I live in Baltimore, so it was interesting to me to try to match up the landmarks. :-)
Colby is one of my favorite characters. It's more fleshed out, (as it were!), and I am anxious to read the sequel!
I like the rewritten one even better. I didn't do a strict comparison, but this book seems tighter, the characters are better defined, and there's more story, which I really like.
I live in Baltimore, so it was interesting to me to try to match up the landmarks. :-)
Colby is one of my favorite characters. It's more fleshed out, (as it were!), and I am anxious to read the sequel!
January 4, 2018
Dermont do with Mac and Cheese
Trillion has built a most original world around the concept of an I break of magic into an alternative earth where people are strictly divided in Castes. There is lots of violent action, intrigue, a touch of mystery and. A strong flavouring of romance. A great deal of fun that kept me. Awake way too late . Hopefully there will be a sequel.
Trillion has built a most original world around the concept of an I break of magic into an alternative earth where people are strictly divided in Castes. There is lots of violent action, intrigue, a touch of mystery and. A strong flavouring of romance. A great deal of fun that kept me. Awake way too late . Hopefully there will be a sequel.
June 17, 2020
Fun! So much fun!
I had this on pre-order and read it without knowing a thing about it other than it was from one of the authory pseudonyms of R.J. Blain, and boy is it a fun read! It's quick, it's fun, it's quirky. It has sass, snark and wit and I eagerly await the next in the series.
I had this on pre-order and read it without knowing a thing about it other than it was from one of the authory pseudonyms of R.J. Blain, and boy is it a fun read! It's quick, it's fun, it's quirky. It has sass, snark and wit and I eagerly await the next in the series.
December 4, 2021
Good book with interesting plot. However, there are some grammar problems and some inconsistencies.
For my clean readers: not for teens, as there is a ton of language(no less than15 f-bombs), violence, including murder and attemped murder, sexual innuendos, drug use and addiction, and kidnapping and torture.
For my clean readers: not for teens, as there is a ton of language(no less than15 f-bombs), violence, including murder and attemped murder, sexual innuendos, drug use and addiction, and kidnapping and torture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
An edited version of an early work by the author. Plotting is good as usual but the MC is just so damn immature - simultaneously insecure and overconfident. Author also tries to add grittier themes and then the MC doesn’t handle them in rational ways. The usual accidental meetings and friendships with super-powerful folks and this is something I am glad the author has grown past.
March 11, 2018
Read it. I can't wait to read the next book. Which lucky me I have.
Alexa and Rob are great characters! I thoroughly enjoyed their story. Trillion came up with an interesting world with weird residents that are fascinating. I'm off to read the next book!!!
Alexa and Rob are great characters! I thoroughly enjoyed their story. Trillion came up with an interesting world with weird residents that are fascinating. I'm off to read the next book!!!
June 19, 2020
Another wonderful story
I enjoyed the rewriting and retelling of this story. I look forward to the next installment of this series. Excellent, and thank you for the wonderful escape from my shelter reality!
I enjoyed the rewriting and retelling of this story. I look forward to the next installment of this series. Excellent, and thank you for the wonderful escape from my shelter reality!
June 21, 2020
Weird but fun
This is a strange world where I wasn’t really sure what was happening most of the time. But it was intriguing and captivating. The whole world changes overnight but how and why are very unclear as we see it through Alexa’s eyes. Looking forward to book 2.
This is a strange world where I wasn’t really sure what was happening most of the time. But it was intriguing and captivating. The whole world changes overnight but how and why are very unclear as we see it through Alexa’s eyes. Looking forward to book 2.
June 30, 2020
An unexpected joy.
I would never think a sentient pasta dish would be character, never mind a saviour in tricky situations.
I was wrong. I really enjoyed another story from an author who truly gives unexpected twists in their stories.
Worth it for the Wal-Mart scene alone.
I would never think a sentient pasta dish would be character, never mind a saviour in tricky situations.
I was wrong. I really enjoyed another story from an author who truly gives unexpected twists in their stories.
Worth it for the Wal-Mart scene alone.
July 16, 2020
Fantastic read
This book was so good. I was laughing almost the whole way through. I never thought one of my favorite characters would be a macaroni and cheese casserole who only says mommy. I loved the main character she is a fighter through and through.
This book was so good. I was laughing almost the whole way through. I never thought one of my favorite characters would be a macaroni and cheese casserole who only says mommy. I loved the main character she is a fighter through and through.
August 18, 2021
Delightful
Outstanding story and world building. Typical Blain characters which means absolutely priceless. Who knew that sentient Mac and cheese with a one word vocabulary would be so much fun!
Outstanding story and world building. Typical Blain characters which means absolutely priceless. Who knew that sentient Mac and cheese with a one word vocabulary would be so much fun!
June 16, 2020
Wonderful Story
Colby is my favorite character, I really wish I could have a Colby of my own.
I can't wait to see what they are up to next!
Colby is my favorite character, I really wish I could have a Colby of my own.
I can't wait to see what they are up to next!
June 18, 2020
Dawn of DAE
A great book. A little confusing in the beginning but only because it’s totally different than any book I’ve read. I enjoyed it and can’t wait until book 2.
A great book. A little confusing in the beginning but only because it’s totally different than any book I’ve read. I enjoyed it and can’t wait until book 2.
June 18, 2020
Rewrite better.
Easier to read than the first book. Smoother delivery and better grammar and rhetoric. Fun to read too. Not sorry I bought this revision.
Easier to read than the first book. Smoother delivery and better grammar and rhetoric. Fun to read too. Not sorry I bought this revision.
June 19, 2020
Tense start
A very tense start to the story. I was cringing! Dawn of the Dae is truly a mad world. Loved it!
A very tense start to the story. I was cringing! Dawn of the Dae is truly a mad world. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews