Portals of the Lost

by Aleyna Hines

Eva has spent her life as an outsider.
Now, she is trapped in a world that sees her as something much worse—a monster.

When Eva is dragged into the world of a book, she is met not with the fantasy she always dreamed of, but with chains. Imprisoned on accusations of unleashing terrifying creatures upon the people of Abhaile, she is forced to strike a deal to untangle the truth behind the portals letting them in.

As she journeys through its mystical lands, the injustices of this world come to light. A tyrannical King who is hellbent on enslaving those beneath him mirrors the cruelty she experienced within the foster system and the line between enemy and ally blurs. Eva’s search becomes about so much more than her innocence as the secrets of ancient magic unravel before her, pushing her toward a fate she isn’t ready for.

Will her feelings of unworthiness be enough for her to walk away, or will her rage demand she fight back?



Content Warning:
This story contains content that may not be suitable for all readers, including, but not limited to, depictions of death, blood, gore, slavery, genocide, language, foster care, adoption, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and PTSD. Acts of abuse are not heavily detailed but are mentioned throughout. Reader discretion is advised.

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2025

About the author

Aleyna Hines is a single mother and self-published author from Oklahoma. After years of working in healthcare, she decided to pursue her dream of writing a novel. As a lover of all things magic and mystical, fantasy is the genre she feels most at home in. Mental health has played a vital role in her life, and is a central theme throughout her writing. She hopes that readers will find comfort in her character’s healing journeys while feeling a little less lonely in their own.

Reviews

[Lindsay Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleyna Hines’ debut novel, Portals of the Lost, is more than just a fantasy story — it’s a journey of survival, and finding strength in the face of fear and the unknown. Hines’ writing is immersive, bringing vivid landscapes and complex characters to life. The pacing has a perfect balance, keeping readers in suspense while allowing the characters to grow in inspiring ways. Hines’ writing doesn’t just create beautiful landscapes — it breathes emotion into every page, allowing readers to truly sit with Eva’s struggles and victories, making her growth feel raw, and real. Portals of the Lost promises adventure and deep dives into the richly imagined world of Abhaile. It’s a must read for fantasy lovers looking for a fresh story with a strong, female protagonist.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book and author has a lot of promise! The storyline had a great premise, good descriptions and of course a twist.

You can definitely tell that this is a first release for the author though, some of the details take a long time to explain, while other more important plot points felt rushed in areas. We would have a character questioning things in a few scenes, but then when told to go do something not give any pushback, so it felt a little inconsistent at times.

Overall, I do recommend this book and look forward to future tales from this author!

[Piper Selden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bumbled across Portals of the Lost by Aleyna Hines during a late-night doomscrolling session on Threads. Her post said: I am: A raging leftist. Seeking: Raging leftist readers. For: My super cool fantasy novel. I replied with the raised-woman’s-hand emoji. I mean, clearly the algorithm cast the right spell, because discovering this indie fantasy author felt like finding a forgotten serendipity and good vibes crystal tucked in my bra. As a plant-loving, magic-chasing book fiend, I knew within a few pages that I’d found something special. Hines has built a world that hums with both wonder and tension, writing with the kind of detail that showcases a strength of wit and storytelling.

The novel’s SHE-ro, Eva, is exactly the kind of strong, complicated woman I want to cheer on. She’s fierce, uncertain, yet brave. She’s facing trauma, but that doesn’t get her down. Eva’s busy searching for her place in the world (and aren’t we all?). The writing is exciting and authentic, making it all too easy to slip through the portal with the characters. The blend of magic, mystery, and character-driven stakes makes this one of those novels you sacrifice sleep for, telling yourself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 a.m. and you remember that you have work tomorrow. [*oops!] And did I mention that she’s funny? If you’ve seen the TikTok video of Hines in a rainstorm, clutching her book and lipsynching Karen Smith from Mean Girls, you just know the author is going to bring a special brand of chaotic charm to the page.

Best of all? The book isn’t a standalone. Portals of the Lost is the beginning of a trilogy (The Tales of Abhaile). And when I replied to my original post to tell the author how much I enjoyed Book 1, she replied with the cover of Book 2, Flames of the Betrayer. Whoot!

As a writer myself, I believe in celebrating good work, especially when it comes from strong women writing strong women characters. We need more of that in the world today. Aleyna Hines deserves to be read, shared, and shouted out. Y’all, I read a lot. It’s rare to find a new voice this good, out there in weather of ALL sorts, hustling and making the Sisterhood proud. Do yourself a favor: step through the portal. But be warned. You might not want to come back!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva is a florist who gets whisked away into a book, the world Abhaile. She ends up imprisoned which a peculiar ally, a snake. She now has to figure out what is going on, why she is here and if she can help save the people of Abhaile.

I had fun reading this book, I loved that Eva wasn't super young like most fantasy protagonists and her caring but sometimes feisty personality! I loved her relationship with her snakes so much too! I really felt pulled into the world with the descriptions and characters.

[Scott S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered this author, and felt I had to read this story. What a tale that Aleyna has crafted, a thrilling fantasy filled with a fantastic mix of twists, intensity, strong world building and a cast of characters to want to follow. A well written story filled with entertaining dialog, powerful lines, and very moving moments.
This one is an easy recommendation, I am so looking forward to more from this author.

[Favour Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Portals of the Lost is a gripping portal fantasy with rich worldbuilding, high stakes, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Eva’s journey blends magic, danger, and resilience in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal. A fantastic start to The Tales of Abhaile!

[Sandy Guynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of Abhaile

If your world contains elves, gnomes and other fae, this book will captivate you and pull at your heartstrings perhaps as no other has. A brilliant step into Fantasy by a young self published author. I expect the sequels to be just as enchanting.

[Armando · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The plot is inconsistent in places. The book’s second half flowed better, and the final third was strong. I believe this is the author’s first book of a trilogy. The “Worldbuilding”and elemental magic is great. Great potential and can’t wait for the second book.

[Amy Lismore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story it had me hooked from the very beginning and the ending had me wanting more.

[Alba Dorado · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐ and I've loved this book: I've felt a version of me through the fantasy here. Anyway, it's a book I'm always looking forward to reading again.

[Stephanie Chrisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love looooved this book! A well written fantasy novel.... I cant wait for more!