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The Portal Prophecies #1
A Keeper's Destiny
They are out there, somewhere...waiting...watching...lurking in the shadows. Every creature we have ever heard about...every story...legend...myth...all real. Maybe not exactly as we thought, but there is some truth behind it all. Vampires, shape-shifters, zombies, monsters, creatures that dwell in the deepest darkest area of our minds, are around every corner we turn.
Years ago a group of ancient races known as guardians put up barriers between the realms to separate the peaceful and the dangerous, linking them to the main world by portals only they could activate. For years, with the help of a group of hand-picked humanoids helping them, they protected those portals from being breached. Then one day all that changed. An evil King developed a way to rip holes in the barriers between worlds. That began a war with the guardians and their helpers.
Today only a handful of protectors remain. Rogue holes appear at random, allowing access to the main world for all manner of beings. Now many different races live here, some peacefully, but others with vicious intentions, including world domination. For now, most of the main world is oblivious to what is happening around them, but that won't last long. All we can do is hope for a hero.
Book one of the Portal Prophecies Series, A Keeper's Destiny, follows a group of ancient races who join together with some unlikely teenage heroes.The only clues they have to help them are hidden within predictions contained in a book written long ago. Can they unravel the mysteries of their past and over come the deceptions of their leaders? Will they be able to decipher the prophecies in time to stop invading armies? Join Willow and her friends in this fast paced adventure.
Warning: This book ends in a cliff-hanger. Book two starts where this book ends. The two are separated by different prophecies and themes. There are 6 books in the series. Thank you.
Years ago a group of ancient races known as guardians put up barriers between the realms to separate the peaceful and the dangerous, linking them to the main world by portals only they could activate. For years, with the help of a group of hand-picked humanoids helping them, they protected those portals from being breached. Then one day all that changed. An evil King developed a way to rip holes in the barriers between worlds. That began a war with the guardians and their helpers.
Today only a handful of protectors remain. Rogue holes appear at random, allowing access to the main world for all manner of beings. Now many different races live here, some peacefully, but others with vicious intentions, including world domination. For now, most of the main world is oblivious to what is happening around them, but that won't last long. All we can do is hope for a hero.
Book one of the Portal Prophecies Series, A Keeper's Destiny, follows a group of ancient races who join together with some unlikely teenage heroes.The only clues they have to help them are hidden within predictions contained in a book written long ago. Can they unravel the mysteries of their past and over come the deceptions of their leaders? Will they be able to decipher the prophecies in time to stop invading armies? Join Willow and her friends in this fast paced adventure.
Warning: This book ends in a cliff-hanger. Book two starts where this book ends. The two are separated by different prophecies and themes. There are 6 books in the series. Thank you.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
C.A. King
122 books2,694 followers2 time USA Today Bestselling Author, C.A. King, has received the following Awards/distinctions:
Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers' Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards - Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards - Best New Adult
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction - New Adult genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021.
"Hmmmmmm,
Who am I?…Who am I?
Silence…chews pencil…
Who am I?…Who am I?
Hmmmmmm,
I am…
a daydreamer…a hopeless romantic…an optimistic pessimist…a psychic…a childish adult…an animal lover…an over-emotional wreck…an adventurer…an artistic fool…
Aha!
I am…A Fiction Writer!
Nice to meet you!"
About the author!
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn't open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn't need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don't ever let anyone tell you different.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes - I want them to know they are making a difference.
Thank you for reading and writing.
Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers' Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards - Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards - Best New Adult
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction - New Adult genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction - Supernatural genre
2019 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers' Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021.
"Hmmmmmm,
Who am I?…Who am I?
Silence…chews pencil…
Who am I?…Who am I?
Hmmmmmm,
I am…
a daydreamer…a hopeless romantic…an optimistic pessimist…a psychic…a childish adult…an animal lover…an over-emotional wreck…an adventurer…an artistic fool…
Aha!
I am…A Fiction Writer!
Nice to meet you!"
About the author!
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn't open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn't need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don't ever let anyone tell you different.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes - I want them to know they are making a difference.
Thank you for reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 8, 2016
A Keeper's Destiny is a YA coming-of-age tale that buries itself firmly in several different lores and fantasies -- some well-known and others not so much. The result is a solid introduction to an ongoing series that promises to be more intense with each passing volume.
Early on, we meet Willow -- a seemingly ordinary girl who grows fruits and vegetables in her home world. But as a rival character makes a selfish choice in an effort to "put Willow in her place," it sets off a chain of events that see Willow discover realities she never once considered and find herself staring at an unfamiliar, uncomfortable world.
But along the way, one of her newfound friends is in trouble, kicking off a chain of events that will unfurl as the series continues. At the center of it all is Willow -- an unassuming, selfless person who is suddenly faced with more than she can probably handle.
To me, characters are what make books. We can wax poetic about style and plot structure and narrative all we want (and those things are certainly important), but if I'm not emotionally invested in the characters, the rest doesn't matter. Get me to care about the characters, and I'm along for the ride -- warts be damned.
There are warts -- specifically, writing that occasionally feels stilted and ordinary -- but King's ability to get you to sympathize with and relate to Willow makes up for that. For the occasional slow passage or dry paragraph, you're watching a girl grow into a capable young woman, and that journey -- more than anything -- is what makes A Keeper's Destiny worth your time.
This is the start of a journey -- both for Willow and for those of us fortunate to tag along.
Early on, we meet Willow -- a seemingly ordinary girl who grows fruits and vegetables in her home world. But as a rival character makes a selfish choice in an effort to "put Willow in her place," it sets off a chain of events that see Willow discover realities she never once considered and find herself staring at an unfamiliar, uncomfortable world.
But along the way, one of her newfound friends is in trouble, kicking off a chain of events that will unfurl as the series continues. At the center of it all is Willow -- an unassuming, selfless person who is suddenly faced with more than she can probably handle.
To me, characters are what make books. We can wax poetic about style and plot structure and narrative all we want (and those things are certainly important), but if I'm not emotionally invested in the characters, the rest doesn't matter. Get me to care about the characters, and I'm along for the ride -- warts be damned.
There are warts -- specifically, writing that occasionally feels stilted and ordinary -- but King's ability to get you to sympathize with and relate to Willow makes up for that. For the occasional slow passage or dry paragraph, you're watching a girl grow into a capable young woman, and that journey -- more than anything -- is what makes A Keeper's Destiny worth your time.
This is the start of a journey -- both for Willow and for those of us fortunate to tag along.
August 12, 2016
It is great read and I found it was geared for young adult readers. It is the first in a series and very interesting could not put the book down till it was done.
When finished I know est that the next book was Halloween Curse, What I liked about the book that I could not put it down as you are wondering what is happening next. It was like you had to see what was going to happen next when reading the book.
While reading the book, you are deciphering the prophecies in the book and the deception of the leaders, It is also about the myths and legends and folklore.
In the the book , I could see there was a lot of twist and turns. Friends experiencing growing pains and coming of age. A young teen having awkward feelings and moments sometimes
Great read and enjoyed the book, got the book free to read and review and will more books from the author.
When finished I know est that the next book was Halloween Curse, What I liked about the book that I could not put it down as you are wondering what is happening next. It was like you had to see what was going to happen next when reading the book.
While reading the book, you are deciphering the prophecies in the book and the deception of the leaders, It is also about the myths and legends and folklore.
In the the book , I could see there was a lot of twist and turns. Friends experiencing growing pains and coming of age. A young teen having awkward feelings and moments sometimes
Great read and enjoyed the book, got the book free to read and review and will more books from the author.
January 23, 2026
A Keeper's Destiny had many interesting facets. I don't feel as though the delivery was quite ready, though.
This book clearly represented one spectacular facet: dreaming large. Carol Ann King has an enormously epic fantastical world inside her head to create so much on so few pages. The events individually are interesting and the characters have progression. I loved the imagination and the possibilities of this book the most.
Unfortunately, I don't feel like the book was able to clearly deliver these ideas quite yet. It just doesn't feel finished. With the vast change between each trial that Willow and the guardians are faced with I felt like the current layout would have been better served as a compilation of short stories. This may have been received better with a lot of points that are trying to "catch the reader" up in a book that frankly isn't long enough for that to be necessary. Otherwise, there needs to me smoother transition between the "battles". Willow had a lot of awesome power, but emotionally she wasn't a character that I really felt like I could grasp and connect with. Lastly the main point that really hurt this book for me was grammar. There is a lot of tense changes, even within the same paragraph. There will be a sentence talking in a current tense with a past tense word scattered in, or vice versa. This made the book feel like it just really needed more editing polish.
Overall, this book has amazing potential and I can see where Carol was trying to go with it. Cliffhangers don't bother me so much in a series, as they are somewhat expected.
3 stars for current state, and I am definitely interested in see the rest of this world.
This book clearly represented one spectacular facet: dreaming large. Carol Ann King has an enormously epic fantastical world inside her head to create so much on so few pages. The events individually are interesting and the characters have progression. I loved the imagination and the possibilities of this book the most.
Unfortunately, I don't feel like the book was able to clearly deliver these ideas quite yet. It just doesn't feel finished. With the vast change between each trial that Willow and the guardians are faced with I felt like the current layout would have been better served as a compilation of short stories. This may have been received better with a lot of points that are trying to "catch the reader" up in a book that frankly isn't long enough for that to be necessary. Otherwise, there needs to me smoother transition between the "battles". Willow had a lot of awesome power, but emotionally she wasn't a character that I really felt like I could grasp and connect with. Lastly the main point that really hurt this book for me was grammar. There is a lot of tense changes, even within the same paragraph. There will be a sentence talking in a current tense with a past tense word scattered in, or vice versa. This made the book feel like it just really needed more editing polish.
Overall, this book has amazing potential and I can see where Carol was trying to go with it. Cliffhangers don't bother me so much in a series, as they are somewhat expected.
3 stars for current state, and I am definitely interested in see the rest of this world.
June 24, 2016
Moving at a fairly brisk pace, the story takes us immediately into establishing the world it takes place in as well as giving us a fairly good idea of the basic personalities of the majority of the characters.
The first half is in itself it's own story which is used to establish everything and has the MC put in direct odds with a rival. Her rival's scheming against the MC takes up this part of the book and when it comes to nearly being resolved that's when the larger story starts to come into greater focus. Until now it had only been hinted at in increasing strength as the initial story unfolded.
When the larger story takes the focus though we learn just how beneficial having that initial story was. Since it had established the characters fairly thoroughly and the relationships between all of them it allowed more time for the larger plot now to be revealed without taking away from the characters. Since it also introduces a handful of additional characters and has a significant upswing in terms of how much action there is, this is really helpful.
As it was the first book in a planned series this extra time at the beginning worked well and by the end of the book, we had the groundwork laid already for quite a few possible avenues the next few books can take and was thoroughly engaging
The first half is in itself it's own story which is used to establish everything and has the MC put in direct odds with a rival. Her rival's scheming against the MC takes up this part of the book and when it comes to nearly being resolved that's when the larger story starts to come into greater focus. Until now it had only been hinted at in increasing strength as the initial story unfolded.
When the larger story takes the focus though we learn just how beneficial having that initial story was. Since it had established the characters fairly thoroughly and the relationships between all of them it allowed more time for the larger plot now to be revealed without taking away from the characters. Since it also introduces a handful of additional characters and has a significant upswing in terms of how much action there is, this is really helpful.
As it was the first book in a planned series this extra time at the beginning worked well and by the end of the book, we had the groundwork laid already for quite a few possible avenues the next few books can take and was thoroughly engaging
September 2, 2016
They are out there, somewhere… waiting… watching… lurking in the shadows. Every creature we have ever heard about… every story… legend… myth… all real. Maybe not exactly as we thought, but there is some truth behind it all. Vampires, shape-shifters, zombies, monsters, creatures that dwell in the deepest darkest area of our minds, are around every corner we turn.
I found A KEEPERS DESTINY to be an enchanting piece of young adult fiction. It’s main character, Willow, started out the underdog with a mysterious past. It didn’t take long to see that she was going to be the one savior of her kind.
.... read the rest @ BOOKS BY THE TON
* I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2016
The first book gets this YA series off to a good start. Willow comes of age, discovering things about herself and the world around her that she never thought possible. Why does she have so much to learn? Because the adults with authority in her world have restricted education and hobbled their society so they can live lives of privilege. The situations Willow deals with are timely. I'm glad to see C.A. King writing about these issues which have become all too common lately.
This is not your typical YA Dystopia story. Instead, it's a race to keep the world from devolving into one. Even minor characters make some tough choices. An entertaining read with a cliffhanger lead-in to the next book. Luckily, I have that already!
This is not your typical YA Dystopia story. Instead, it's a race to keep the world from devolving into one. Even minor characters make some tough choices. An entertaining read with a cliffhanger lead-in to the next book. Luckily, I have that already!
July 10, 2016
I had the pleasure of receiving The Portal Prophecies from C.A. King. I loved it. Read it in about 3 hours and wished I had the second one right then. I will be getting the rest very soon. I am proud to add C.A. King as one of my newest favorite Authors. Thank You so much for the book and the wonderful new world to daydream in. Read them And tell Your friends!
May 23, 2017
4 Stars
A Keepers Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies Series by C.A King. This is a Y.A fantasy/paranormal adventure that is full of action, magic, self-discovery and drama. The author tells tales full of mystical wonder; the book incorporates her re-imagining of many of our myths, legends, tall-tales and unexplained phenomena- which is incredibly original and clever.
Willow is an orphan who has grown up in a magical place, not knowing what really happened to her parents, and doesn’t really understand the world she lives in. The past is very much a mystery to all but a few inhabitants who still remember. She has grown up hearing voices in her head. They have helped guide and look out for her, for as long as she could remember. She feels quite imperfect, unremarkable- just very ordinary and somewhat boring.
‘Willow opened a wooden chest and picked up a small hand mirror. She hated her reflection. To her, all it showed was imperfections. Her eyes were a green and blue mix with speckles of red throughout. Everything else she saw, she considered unremarkable. Her skin was a lightly tanned, bronze colour, even though most of it never saw the sun and the places that did, had freckles. She was above average in height. Work kept her in a physically fit state, which she felt made her somewhat less feminine than other girls. Her long, curly hair hung down around her shoulders. Today, it was blonde with a few blue and black strands. As with all girls, her hair colour would change on its own, as if it were matching her moods, abilities, or personality. She could have any number of combinations of hair colours in a day. In fact, last night she went to bed with pure white hair. This would continue until her sixteenth cycle, when her hair would choose the permanent colour it wanted to be.’
Everyone in her world had ‘abilities’, powers that they would gain as they matured. Most people gain their powers/magical ability by the time they reach their sixteenth cycle. No one ever really knew what their ability would be, some abilities were incredibly useful or entertaining; while others were pretty much useless. Willow hope to gain abilities that would make her special or which she could use to better her position within the society.
“Like most of the underaged, she didn’t even know what her abilities were yet. When she was younger and out with her friends, they would often sit and dream about different abilities and which ones they wanted. They were all told the signs were there somewhere - subtle indications of the future and, if they looked hard enough, the answer was there. Once she sat in a corner, concentrating for a full evening, trying to make something, anything happen. Falling asleep out of boredom was the only result. It was important to have the right abilities. It meant the difference between acceptance or a long, hard life of work and, at times, ridicule. If one could do something dazzling or entertaining, one might even get to stay on the castle grounds in accommodations which were far more comfortable than anything the town could offer. Of course, on the flip side of the equation, some abilities were considered useless.”
There society is ‘governed’ by the authority, with many strict rules and regimented activities for the citizens. Everyone had to contribute to their world, according to their abilities. Willow felt sure that there was more to life than this, she often dreamed of a greater destiny.
“There was work to do and if she wasn’t on time, it would mean trouble. The Council wanted things done a certain way - their way. As they often said when she stepped out of line, “Our lives are like a puzzle. We all have to find the place where we fit in to make the bigger picture whole.” Her duty to the common good was assigned to her. She grew fruits and vegetables. That was her place in the puzzle. She needed to accept it and to do the very best she could. But still, she couldn't help but feel there was something more, something she was missing, something else she was destined to do.”
When her world comes under threat, Willow and a group of her friends set out on a quest to save all of existence. She discovers more than she could ever have imagined; not just about herself, but about her world and that of all of existence. We learn along with her of the ancients, the guardians, the portals, the different realms, an evil king, a whole lot of different races and beings- and all the predictions contained in a book called The Portal Prophecies that can help them in their quest. The prophecies are the key to their success and survival; will they be able to decipher them in time?
This story is quite fast paced, very detailed and descriptive- with a complex and multi-layered plot. I had a little trouble ‘getting into the story’ because there was just so much going on to keep track of while the foundations to the book and series were laid out. But after about half way I settled into the story more and began to really enjoy it.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching them develop and grow in confidence as the story progressed.
I am quite fascinated by this first book and the foundations it has laid for the rest of the series. So, I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. King!
A Keepers Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies Series by C.A King. This is a Y.A fantasy/paranormal adventure that is full of action, magic, self-discovery and drama. The author tells tales full of mystical wonder; the book incorporates her re-imagining of many of our myths, legends, tall-tales and unexplained phenomena- which is incredibly original and clever.
Willow is an orphan who has grown up in a magical place, not knowing what really happened to her parents, and doesn’t really understand the world she lives in. The past is very much a mystery to all but a few inhabitants who still remember. She has grown up hearing voices in her head. They have helped guide and look out for her, for as long as she could remember. She feels quite imperfect, unremarkable- just very ordinary and somewhat boring.
‘Willow opened a wooden chest and picked up a small hand mirror. She hated her reflection. To her, all it showed was imperfections. Her eyes were a green and blue mix with speckles of red throughout. Everything else she saw, she considered unremarkable. Her skin was a lightly tanned, bronze colour, even though most of it never saw the sun and the places that did, had freckles. She was above average in height. Work kept her in a physically fit state, which she felt made her somewhat less feminine than other girls. Her long, curly hair hung down around her shoulders. Today, it was blonde with a few blue and black strands. As with all girls, her hair colour would change on its own, as if it were matching her moods, abilities, or personality. She could have any number of combinations of hair colours in a day. In fact, last night she went to bed with pure white hair. This would continue until her sixteenth cycle, when her hair would choose the permanent colour it wanted to be.’
Everyone in her world had ‘abilities’, powers that they would gain as they matured. Most people gain their powers/magical ability by the time they reach their sixteenth cycle. No one ever really knew what their ability would be, some abilities were incredibly useful or entertaining; while others were pretty much useless. Willow hope to gain abilities that would make her special or which she could use to better her position within the society.
“Like most of the underaged, she didn’t even know what her abilities were yet. When she was younger and out with her friends, they would often sit and dream about different abilities and which ones they wanted. They were all told the signs were there somewhere - subtle indications of the future and, if they looked hard enough, the answer was there. Once she sat in a corner, concentrating for a full evening, trying to make something, anything happen. Falling asleep out of boredom was the only result. It was important to have the right abilities. It meant the difference between acceptance or a long, hard life of work and, at times, ridicule. If one could do something dazzling or entertaining, one might even get to stay on the castle grounds in accommodations which were far more comfortable than anything the town could offer. Of course, on the flip side of the equation, some abilities were considered useless.”
There society is ‘governed’ by the authority, with many strict rules and regimented activities for the citizens. Everyone had to contribute to their world, according to their abilities. Willow felt sure that there was more to life than this, she often dreamed of a greater destiny.
“There was work to do and if she wasn’t on time, it would mean trouble. The Council wanted things done a certain way - their way. As they often said when she stepped out of line, “Our lives are like a puzzle. We all have to find the place where we fit in to make the bigger picture whole.” Her duty to the common good was assigned to her. She grew fruits and vegetables. That was her place in the puzzle. She needed to accept it and to do the very best she could. But still, she couldn't help but feel there was something more, something she was missing, something else she was destined to do.”
When her world comes under threat, Willow and a group of her friends set out on a quest to save all of existence. She discovers more than she could ever have imagined; not just about herself, but about her world and that of all of existence. We learn along with her of the ancients, the guardians, the portals, the different realms, an evil king, a whole lot of different races and beings- and all the predictions contained in a book called The Portal Prophecies that can help them in their quest. The prophecies are the key to their success and survival; will they be able to decipher them in time?
This story is quite fast paced, very detailed and descriptive- with a complex and multi-layered plot. I had a little trouble ‘getting into the story’ because there was just so much going on to keep track of while the foundations to the book and series were laid out. But after about half way I settled into the story more and began to really enjoy it.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching them develop and grow in confidence as the story progressed.
I am quite fascinated by this first book and the foundations it has laid for the rest of the series. So, I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. King!
May 25, 2017
A Keeper's Destiny
By C.A. King
Five Stars
A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King is the first book of the Portal Prophecies series. And as someone who has been addicted to C.A. King for a few months now I got to say that when I seen there was another series by her, I was sold. I one clicked the crap out of her book and dived in like there was nothing to hold me back.
One thing you got to know about the authors books is she is creating worlds. Not just one world. Worlds. Like they were going out of style and her take on things is so different and I loved that. If you read any of my reviews on her books you will know I’m the first person to try a new author especially when it has a paranormal style writing. And this is not anything different.
In this book you get to meet Willow. She is by far the most important person in this first book. I am not only saying that because it seems she is the most powerful being there is but because the way the story just revolves around her and always leads to her is wonderful. Willow is not the kind of person who wants things about her, so me saying that if she was a real person she would probably be blushing.
Willow is unique. So unique there had not been anyone like her. As the story develops you find out what kind of powers and what she is put on this world for and you won’t be disappointed when you start to read. I had never seen a character so well developed before as Willow. I think I found my new favorite paranormal heroine because Willow is one that wants to help people. She is not greedy like some of the other characters.
Willow helps those who needs it. Is powerful and she knows it but it doesn't make her one of those people who just needs more power. . Willow is the perfect heroine for this. Honorable mentions in this book, I liked Lance. I don’t want to like him but I did. Neil even though he seemed to be the kind of person who might get himself into more trouble. Nathan. And the rest. But those characters stood out to me the most.
By C.A. King
Five Stars
A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King is the first book of the Portal Prophecies series. And as someone who has been addicted to C.A. King for a few months now I got to say that when I seen there was another series by her, I was sold. I one clicked the crap out of her book and dived in like there was nothing to hold me back.
One thing you got to know about the authors books is she is creating worlds. Not just one world. Worlds. Like they were going out of style and her take on things is so different and I loved that. If you read any of my reviews on her books you will know I’m the first person to try a new author especially when it has a paranormal style writing. And this is not anything different.
In this book you get to meet Willow. She is by far the most important person in this first book. I am not only saying that because it seems she is the most powerful being there is but because the way the story just revolves around her and always leads to her is wonderful. Willow is not the kind of person who wants things about her, so me saying that if she was a real person she would probably be blushing.
Willow is unique. So unique there had not been anyone like her. As the story develops you find out what kind of powers and what she is put on this world for and you won’t be disappointed when you start to read. I had never seen a character so well developed before as Willow. I think I found my new favorite paranormal heroine because Willow is one that wants to help people. She is not greedy like some of the other characters.
Willow helps those who needs it. Is powerful and she knows it but it doesn't make her one of those people who just needs more power. . Willow is the perfect heroine for this. Honorable mentions in this book, I liked Lance. I don’t want to like him but I did. Neil even though he seemed to be the kind of person who might get himself into more trouble. Nathan. And the rest. But those characters stood out to me the most.
May 23, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper's Destiny by C.A. King is a very well written and thought book that is sure to grab your attention and that of any other YA. If you liked or have read The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner Series, you are most definitely going to enjoy the start of a series with this book.
It begins with introducing us to the main character which would be soon to be sixteen year old Willow. This is a series that introduces us to places where just about everyone has a touch of magic and those that have yet to learn all that they can do. Now Willow lives alone, she harvests food from her gardens for her entire village, she has secret tattoos and voices that speak to her. She knows she's different and tries to stay under the radar of the Council of her village. She has fabulous friends that are slowly learning their powers too.
The Council is afraid of Willow and what her powers may grow into. They've locked themselves away from other worlds and visitors because of a prophecy of a future that could destroy them all. Jealousy, lies, and deceit are always the downfall of any so called great powers and so is the same for any teenager who is jealous of another.
Normal way of life is torn apart by the jealousies of a teenager and a dance. It brings forth the turning of the prophecies and the invaders that will destroy their world. Can Willow and her friends learn to harness their growing powers to save themselves and others? Can they learn to fight against the growing powers and army that is coming for them?
I give this book 5 stars and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
It begins with introducing us to the main character which would be soon to be sixteen year old Willow. This is a series that introduces us to places where just about everyone has a touch of magic and those that have yet to learn all that they can do. Now Willow lives alone, she harvests food from her gardens for her entire village, she has secret tattoos and voices that speak to her. She knows she's different and tries to stay under the radar of the Council of her village. She has fabulous friends that are slowly learning their powers too.
The Council is afraid of Willow and what her powers may grow into. They've locked themselves away from other worlds and visitors because of a prophecy of a future that could destroy them all. Jealousy, lies, and deceit are always the downfall of any so called great powers and so is the same for any teenager who is jealous of another.
Normal way of life is torn apart by the jealousies of a teenager and a dance. It brings forth the turning of the prophecies and the invaders that will destroy their world. Can Willow and her friends learn to harness their growing powers to save themselves and others? Can they learn to fight against the growing powers and army that is coming for them?
I give this book 5 stars and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 20, 2017
COMING OF AGE YA STORY
The Portal Prophecies by C.A. King is a coming of age story where these young kids learn to find themselves and what the special abilities will be.
Willow is the main character who doesn’t know what her future will be and doesn’t know what her past is. All she knows is growing in her back yard and provides for the castle and towns people. She hears voices that have helped guide her, but what will they mean for her future? It is not talked about by the council of adults that decide what will take place in this world and what won’t. Everything is written in a book “The Portal Prophecies”, the problem with the book is it is written in riddles. Willow doesn’t know what her talents are or if she has any that would be of much use. She will have to wait and grow into her specialties.
There are other kids in this story that don’t know their destinies either but when an incident happens the one thing they learn is you better be careful what you wish for because it could cause years of grief and unhappiness. When the enemy comes, they must run and find a safe place to hide or die trying. If they can get there the enemy won’t be able to harm them. Willow and her friends have been told of the horror that will bestow them If caught. Can Willow lead them to safety?
Willow and her friends have all the drama that teenagers face because everything is dramatic when you are their age. Discovering their own powers is quite funny at times and it is hard to become a woman as Willow soon finds out. Can they figure out how to go from one portal to the next?
I like how C.A. King wrote a fast-paced story that will have you wondering what will happen from page to page. The characters in this story are strong characters that you want to pull for the whole book. This is a page turner and kept my attention. I would highly recommend this book!
The Portal Prophecies by C.A. King is a coming of age story where these young kids learn to find themselves and what the special abilities will be.
Willow is the main character who doesn’t know what her future will be and doesn’t know what her past is. All she knows is growing in her back yard and provides for the castle and towns people. She hears voices that have helped guide her, but what will they mean for her future? It is not talked about by the council of adults that decide what will take place in this world and what won’t. Everything is written in a book “The Portal Prophecies”, the problem with the book is it is written in riddles. Willow doesn’t know what her talents are or if she has any that would be of much use. She will have to wait and grow into her specialties.
There are other kids in this story that don’t know their destinies either but when an incident happens the one thing they learn is you better be careful what you wish for because it could cause years of grief and unhappiness. When the enemy comes, they must run and find a safe place to hide or die trying. If they can get there the enemy won’t be able to harm them. Willow and her friends have been told of the horror that will bestow them If caught. Can Willow lead them to safety?
Willow and her friends have all the drama that teenagers face because everything is dramatic when you are their age. Discovering their own powers is quite funny at times and it is hard to become a woman as Willow soon finds out. Can they figure out how to go from one portal to the next?
I like how C.A. King wrote a fast-paced story that will have you wondering what will happen from page to page. The characters in this story are strong characters that you want to pull for the whole book. This is a page turner and kept my attention. I would highly recommend this book!
May 13, 2017
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Based strictly on my enjoyment level of this book it is definitely worth five stars. C.A. King’s Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny is a great read if you are interested in magical worlds and mysterious powers. In this adventure several unique races join forces to find the prophecies. Within this group a team of unlikely teens become heroes. Can they unravel the mysteries in time to overcome their leaders? Willow is a teenage girl growing up in a magical world. A series of events send her and her friends on a journey that they won't soon forget; a journey where they find out a great deal about themselves and the world around them.
There are prophecies that must be found. These prophecies are the key to their survival. This is going to be difficult because each prophecy is written like a riddle and none of them are in order. Will they find them in time?
This is an interesting story about characters who have special powers. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but finally I was hooked. I was entranced by some of the “explanations” of some of the tales I have heard previously. Definitely a unique form of storytelling.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series to discover which prophecy is next. I can't wait to see which character is affected. I would recommend this book to anyone into ya books or anyone who likes to see the little guy prevail.
Based strictly on my enjoyment level of this book it is definitely worth five stars. C.A. King’s Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny is a great read if you are interested in magical worlds and mysterious powers. In this adventure several unique races join forces to find the prophecies. Within this group a team of unlikely teens become heroes. Can they unravel the mysteries in time to overcome their leaders? Willow is a teenage girl growing up in a magical world. A series of events send her and her friends on a journey that they won't soon forget; a journey where they find out a great deal about themselves and the world around them.
There are prophecies that must be found. These prophecies are the key to their survival. This is going to be difficult because each prophecy is written like a riddle and none of them are in order. Will they find them in time?
This is an interesting story about characters who have special powers. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but finally I was hooked. I was entranced by some of the “explanations” of some of the tales I have heard previously. Definitely a unique form of storytelling.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series to discover which prophecy is next. I can't wait to see which character is affected. I would recommend this book to anyone into ya books or anyone who likes to see the little guy prevail.
August 26, 2016
**I received a copy of this book from the For Love of a Book's Read & Review Opportunity Program
I probably would have DNFed this book if I didn't have to read it as a part of a review program. All I can say that as a fan of YA fantasy, this book was a major disappointment. I mean where do I even start.
Firstly, the worldbuilding wasn't very enticing. Yes, the author does describe the world in detail. But there were a lot of run on sentences and things repeated that made the writing very boring. Plus a lot of the language used seemed to be aimed at more of a MG crowd. For a minute, I wondered if this was a YA novel. On top of this, the first couple of chapters were, to say the least, full of info dumping.
Secondly, Willow as a MC was very bland. The book seems to only focus on how special she is. She has all these abilities and manages to sort out crises in a matter of minutes. The other characters appear to be just chess pieces and lack overall development. No one confronts her. It seems every decision she takes benefits others. How is that even real? I prefer characters to have flaws and be in situations that aren't so easily solved. They need to have some real opinions. Where was the character development?
Thirdly, the pacing of this book goes at breakneck speed. The story goes from one plot to another. Every major issue resolves itself without much conflict. I think the author should have just stuck to one antagonist and focused on developing this throughout the whole novel. No, instead we are thrown from one world to the next. This also lead to serious plot holes. Everything was like a giant mess.
As I said, I did not enjoy this book. I don't think I will be reading any more in the series.
I probably would have DNFed this book if I didn't have to read it as a part of a review program. All I can say that as a fan of YA fantasy, this book was a major disappointment. I mean where do I even start.
Firstly, the worldbuilding wasn't very enticing. Yes, the author does describe the world in detail. But there were a lot of run on sentences and things repeated that made the writing very boring. Plus a lot of the language used seemed to be aimed at more of a MG crowd. For a minute, I wondered if this was a YA novel. On top of this, the first couple of chapters were, to say the least, full of info dumping.
Secondly, Willow as a MC was very bland. The book seems to only focus on how special she is. She has all these abilities and manages to sort out crises in a matter of minutes. The other characters appear to be just chess pieces and lack overall development. No one confronts her. It seems every decision she takes benefits others. How is that even real? I prefer characters to have flaws and be in situations that aren't so easily solved. They need to have some real opinions. Where was the character development?
Thirdly, the pacing of this book goes at breakneck speed. The story goes from one plot to another. Every major issue resolves itself without much conflict. I think the author should have just stuck to one antagonist and focused on developing this throughout the whole novel. No, instead we are thrown from one world to the next. This also lead to serious plot holes. Everything was like a giant mess.
As I said, I did not enjoy this book. I don't think I will be reading any more in the series.
October 5, 2016
I don't know where to begin with this book. I have so many mixed feelings, to sum it up in one word: Disappointing.
It started out so slow and never really gained enough momentum to keep me fully interested. I was drawn in by the plot, the book sounded exciting and action packed. However I felt that parts of this book dragged and the author unnecessarily repeated certain facts numerous times.
The author has created strong characters and exciting worlds. However I feel that the story lost some of its shine as places and people were over-described.
The book has an interesting story line that I feel could have made an enthralling story, but as it is, this book is a good read but nothing memorable. The one thing I really loved was that this book ended in a cliff-hanger. Cliff-hangers leave me needing to what happens to all the characters, and there are a lot!
Although I am still undecided whether I will read more of this series.
It started out so slow and never really gained enough momentum to keep me fully interested. I was drawn in by the plot, the book sounded exciting and action packed. However I felt that parts of this book dragged and the author unnecessarily repeated certain facts numerous times.
The author has created strong characters and exciting worlds. However I feel that the story lost some of its shine as places and people were over-described.
The book has an interesting story line that I feel could have made an enthralling story, but as it is, this book is a good read but nothing memorable. The one thing I really loved was that this book ended in a cliff-hanger. Cliff-hangers leave me needing to what happens to all the characters, and there are a lot!
Although I am still undecided whether I will read more of this series.
August 19, 2016
A fun, exciting adventure to spark the imagination! King delivers a diverse cast of great characters, a fascinatingly original premise, and a solid plot that unfolds and develops at a steady pace that holds the attention all the way through.
My only beef is the bit of a tangle near the end of the plot that was only barely salvaged by the end and its clear lead-in to the sequel. But even that is very likely attributed to "debut jitters" and tends to disappear over successive releases. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of the interesting characters, and watching more characters develop in the ensuing books!
My only beef is the bit of a tangle near the end of the plot that was only barely salvaged by the end and its clear lead-in to the sequel. But even that is very likely attributed to "debut jitters" and tends to disappear over successive releases. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of the interesting characters, and watching more characters develop in the ensuing books!
May 25, 2017
Everyone has their own place in the world, almost like a piece to a puzzle. For Willow her place was to grow and harvest the fruits and vegetables needed for the village and the council. She still felt as if a piece of her destiny was still missing. She won’t know her true destiny until the 16th cycle. Everything about their world was controlled by the council the weather what people wore and what they learned. The council can’t control everything as much as they try more and more rogue holes are opening between the realms and every creature of your imagination is getting through. Some come for peace, while others come for world domination and torture.
Its up to Willow and the other protectors to solve to the prophecies and watch for signs around them, and to keep an eye on the corrupt council. Will they prevail before the hordes of monster armies sneak into the realm?
I am a sci fi book geek and I officially love this book. The storyline and character development are amazing it draws you right into the book so you are right alongside the characters living the struggle with them. I am also glad that most details and descriptions were kept to a minimum, most stories in this genre tend to be information overload. And that cliffhanger ending, I am going to have to read the next book right away.
May 23, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A keeper’s Destiny by CA King
Stars: 4
Willow is a teenage girl, who is on the brink of an important age in her world. Due to actions of current and past leader, the people of her world have forgotten the truth of their world. Soon Willow and her friends are on a journey that leads to understanding of themselves, their feelings, their abilities, and the truth of their world. There is a book filled with different prophecies, but these prophecies are difficult to understand and are not sequential order. Willow and her friends must use the prophecies to prevent a plot that could destroy their entire world.
This is the first book in a series of six stories. Each story is based off a different prophecy. This story is follows a teenager as she and her friends finds their way to safe their world, but they are also trying to find their place in the world as well. Willow is portrayed as a normal teenager, but Willow is thrown into a role that is overwhelming. She handles it well. I found myself invested in Willow and I am excited to see what happens to her throughout the series.
For me this story was a little hard to get into, but as the story went on, the action picked up. I became more engaged in the book became. One of things that I like best is that I am trying to figure out what the prophecies mean along with the characters. This story ends in a cliff hanger, but it just made me more excited for the next story.
Stars: 4
Willow is a teenage girl, who is on the brink of an important age in her world. Due to actions of current and past leader, the people of her world have forgotten the truth of their world. Soon Willow and her friends are on a journey that leads to understanding of themselves, their feelings, their abilities, and the truth of their world. There is a book filled with different prophecies, but these prophecies are difficult to understand and are not sequential order. Willow and her friends must use the prophecies to prevent a plot that could destroy their entire world.
This is the first book in a series of six stories. Each story is based off a different prophecy. This story is follows a teenager as she and her friends finds their way to safe their world, but they are also trying to find their place in the world as well. Willow is portrayed as a normal teenager, but Willow is thrown into a role that is overwhelming. She handles it well. I found myself invested in Willow and I am excited to see what happens to her throughout the series.
For me this story was a little hard to get into, but as the story went on, the action picked up. I became more engaged in the book became. One of things that I like best is that I am trying to figure out what the prophecies mean along with the characters. This story ends in a cliff hanger, but it just made me more excited for the next story.
May 22, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King
Four Stars
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King is the third book I have read by this author and the first book in the Portal Prophecies Series. This is a fast paced book of teenagers racing time to save and banding together to save their world.
The authors character descriptions and story line bring you into a different world. The emotional ups and downs had me up all night read to find out what would come next.
The Prophecies are predictions written in a book long, long ago. This story takes a bunch of unlikely teenage heroes as they race against time and advice from the Elders to decipher the prophecies in time to stop the war.
Willow and her band of followers find the book of Prophecies as the are escaping their world because it has been invaded by enemies. As they grow up during their quest they learn more about themselves and the new worlds they will find behind each of the Portals. They must learn to trust each other and learn to live in the new world they've come to in order to decode the Prophecies and defeat their enemies. Can they stick together long enough to help save their world?
Ms. King bring such great fantastical worlds into her writing. I have enjoyed the first two books I have read by her, but this new series has really got my attention. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy genre.
Four Stars
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King is the third book I have read by this author and the first book in the Portal Prophecies Series. This is a fast paced book of teenagers racing time to save and banding together to save their world.
The authors character descriptions and story line bring you into a different world. The emotional ups and downs had me up all night read to find out what would come next.
The Prophecies are predictions written in a book long, long ago. This story takes a bunch of unlikely teenage heroes as they race against time and advice from the Elders to decipher the prophecies in time to stop the war.
Willow and her band of followers find the book of Prophecies as the are escaping their world because it has been invaded by enemies. As they grow up during their quest they learn more about themselves and the new worlds they will find behind each of the Portals. They must learn to trust each other and learn to live in the new world they've come to in order to decode the Prophecies and defeat their enemies. Can they stick together long enough to help save their world?
Ms. King bring such great fantastical worlds into her writing. I have enjoyed the first two books I have read by her, but this new series has really got my attention. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy genre.
July 11, 2018
I believe writing is an art form. There are no rights and wrongs. There isn't a check-off list of do's and don'ts. Having said that, I do take some creative liberties in my work that not everyone will appreciate.
This is the first installment of The Portal Prophecies Series. Readers are about to enter a fantasy world unlike any others. This book sets the lore for the rest of the series.
When we first meet our heroes, they are locked in a society that oppresses citizens for the common good of the world. Just as they begin to unravel their past, it catches up to them. The very enemy they had built walls to keep out, threatens their existence.
The Portal Prophecies are their only clue, but can they solve them in time?
In my series, The Portal Prophecies, there are many themes - love is one of the them, but in a different way than you may expect. Yes, there is an innocent romantic part to it, complete with love triangles, but it's more than that. It's a story about discovering love: what it is; the different kinds; and, most importantly, how to differentiate between them. It's growing pains on steroids. Sorry, but readers won't find out the final love equation answer until the final installment.
Now that you've read book one, you are ready for all the action the rest of the series brings!
This is the first installment of The Portal Prophecies Series. Readers are about to enter a fantasy world unlike any others. This book sets the lore for the rest of the series.
When we first meet our heroes, they are locked in a society that oppresses citizens for the common good of the world. Just as they begin to unravel their past, it catches up to them. The very enemy they had built walls to keep out, threatens their existence.
The Portal Prophecies are their only clue, but can they solve them in time?
In my series, The Portal Prophecies, there are many themes - love is one of the them, but in a different way than you may expect. Yes, there is an innocent romantic part to it, complete with love triangles, but it's more than that. It's a story about discovering love: what it is; the different kinds; and, most importantly, how to differentiate between them. It's growing pains on steroids. Sorry, but readers won't find out the final love equation answer until the final installment.
Now that you've read book one, you are ready for all the action the rest of the series brings!
March 24, 2018
I absolutely love this author's writing style. She created worlds that make you feel like you know them, like you could close your eyes and be there.
Fantasy at its best!
Willow lives in a world where there is only one town. One village and one main road. A castle where the council lives on one end and an orphanage on the other end. Willow is about to come to her sixteenth cycle where she will learn what magical powers she has and if they will be useful to the council. She is the girl who runs the booth that provides all the fruits and veggies to the whole village. When the council allows boys from the town to come to a party hosted by the council members' children Willow is invited by one of her guy friends. The town looks at them as the couple to represent the village and Willow is treated like Cinderella with the whole town being her fairy godmother. This is where the trouble starts. For Willow it seems to explode and she only gets smarter and stronger.
Jealousy, lust for power, innocence, pride all show their faces in the midst of a host of powers each person holds. The star is Willow. The girl who you can relate to and feels like your best friend all at the same time. But what about these two voices she's heard since she was a child? Are they just in her head?
Book provided by author for a fair and honest review.
Fantasy at its best!
Willow lives in a world where there is only one town. One village and one main road. A castle where the council lives on one end and an orphanage on the other end. Willow is about to come to her sixteenth cycle where she will learn what magical powers she has and if they will be useful to the council. She is the girl who runs the booth that provides all the fruits and veggies to the whole village. When the council allows boys from the town to come to a party hosted by the council members' children Willow is invited by one of her guy friends. The town looks at them as the couple to represent the village and Willow is treated like Cinderella with the whole town being her fairy godmother. This is where the trouble starts. For Willow it seems to explode and she only gets smarter and stronger.
Jealousy, lust for power, innocence, pride all show their faces in the midst of a host of powers each person holds. The star is Willow. The girl who you can relate to and feels like your best friend all at the same time. But what about these two voices she's heard since she was a child? Are they just in her head?
Book provided by author for a fair and honest review.
May 8, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King – 4 stars
A Keeper’s Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies. In this book, we learn that there are classes of people who are held in their class by “the people in the castle”. There is the Council, the merchants, the entertainers and the unwanted. History was ruled a taboo subject because if everyone knew the history, they would know they were being oppressed to the benefit of others.
As the children grow up and grow into their 16th cycle, they become “adults” and come into their powers. The Council has made sure to play down these powers to keep everyone under foot.
A side note: The council has declared that learning to read, actually learning at all, wasn’t necessary. I can’t even imagine living in a world where we cannot learn, read, escape into books just.like.this.one.
Willow is about to come into her 16th cycle and is unsure as to why or who she is. In A Keeper’s Destiny, we learn that there are many worlds and realms that have been closed off from each other to keep the evil out. The only way Willow and her friends know how to save the world from the destruction that seems to be coming is through “The Book of Prophecies”. “The interpretation of the words of a prophecy are important. They can mean one thing to you and apply, but they can mean another to someone else and also apply.”
This story is an interesting set up for the future books of the series. There are many characters with some drop off of thoughts and direction but I was able to follow along. This book does end in a cliff hanger and I look forward to continuing with Willow and her friends in the next installment.
A Keeper’s Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies. In this book, we learn that there are classes of people who are held in their class by “the people in the castle”. There is the Council, the merchants, the entertainers and the unwanted. History was ruled a taboo subject because if everyone knew the history, they would know they were being oppressed to the benefit of others.
As the children grow up and grow into their 16th cycle, they become “adults” and come into their powers. The Council has made sure to play down these powers to keep everyone under foot.
A side note: The council has declared that learning to read, actually learning at all, wasn’t necessary. I can’t even imagine living in a world where we cannot learn, read, escape into books just.like.this.one.
Willow is about to come into her 16th cycle and is unsure as to why or who she is. In A Keeper’s Destiny, we learn that there are many worlds and realms that have been closed off from each other to keep the evil out. The only way Willow and her friends know how to save the world from the destruction that seems to be coming is through “The Book of Prophecies”. “The interpretation of the words of a prophecy are important. They can mean one thing to you and apply, but they can mean another to someone else and also apply.”
This story is an interesting set up for the future books of the series. There are many characters with some drop off of thoughts and direction but I was able to follow along. This book does end in a cliff hanger and I look forward to continuing with Willow and her friends in the next installment.
April 22, 2017
This is book one of six of the Portal Prophecies Series. This book, A Keeper's Destiny, follows people of ancient races who join together to help save the many worlds and realms in which they live .The only clues they have to help them are hidden within a book of prophecies which was written long ago. They learn that the prophecies are the key to their survival but can they decipher and understand them in time to act upon them?
The main character is a teenage girl called Willow: an orphan growing up in a magical world she doesn’t necessarily understand. The only things she knows are told to her by a male ‘voice’ and a female ‘voice’ she hears in her head. They have looked after her since she was left on her own. No one seems sure if her parents are dead or if they were taken, or just simply disappeared.
The whereabouts of Willow’s parents is only one of the mysteries that begin to unfold in this book. A series of events begin to unravel this mystery when her main rival for the affections of a neighbouring teenage boy decides to scheme against her. The ‘voices’ Willow hears guide her and begin to tell her things she needs to know and understand. She learns things about herself: past, present and future things that astonish her but make sense to her all at the same time. Together with her closest friends Willow sets out on a quest to save their world and the worlds of other ancient races that they meet along the way. They each find out that they have a special talent (or magical ability) that for some of them will manifest and mature as they approach their sixteenth cycle. They also find out that their world is only one of many worlds that are connected together by hidden portals. Portals which are guarded day and night in event of dark or evil beings wanting to rule all the worlds breaking through them. The only clues they have about how to save their worlds are contained in ‘The Book of Prophecies’. Deciphering their riddles is not easy and some only Willow herself can unravel.
Will Willow discover who she truly is? What is her destiny? Who can she count on as her true friends? Will they solve the prophecies in time to use them? Where are Willow’s parents? Will she see them again? Why were the portals closed and guarded? Join Willow and her friends on a rollercoaster journey full of danger and suspense to find out.
C A King has written a masterful, fast paced, story that is fantasy with a touch of sci-fi and romance. We learn more about the worlds and the multi-faceted characters gradually. Each character is important to the story having their own skill and personality; they are realistic and ‘human’ having to make choices between ‘right and wrong’, learning not to be selfish and to put others first.
The worlds created by C A King develop just as the characters do, so that we learn more about them as the story expands and the characters travel further into their quest.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Keeper’s Destiny’ and could hardly put it down. This is a must for anyone who enjoys reading fantasy stories containing different creatures/being and magical worlds where the characters have to make ‘real-life’ decisions. I will definitely be reading the next books.
The main character is a teenage girl called Willow: an orphan growing up in a magical world she doesn’t necessarily understand. The only things she knows are told to her by a male ‘voice’ and a female ‘voice’ she hears in her head. They have looked after her since she was left on her own. No one seems sure if her parents are dead or if they were taken, or just simply disappeared.
The whereabouts of Willow’s parents is only one of the mysteries that begin to unfold in this book. A series of events begin to unravel this mystery when her main rival for the affections of a neighbouring teenage boy decides to scheme against her. The ‘voices’ Willow hears guide her and begin to tell her things she needs to know and understand. She learns things about herself: past, present and future things that astonish her but make sense to her all at the same time. Together with her closest friends Willow sets out on a quest to save their world and the worlds of other ancient races that they meet along the way. They each find out that they have a special talent (or magical ability) that for some of them will manifest and mature as they approach their sixteenth cycle. They also find out that their world is only one of many worlds that are connected together by hidden portals. Portals which are guarded day and night in event of dark or evil beings wanting to rule all the worlds breaking through them. The only clues they have about how to save their worlds are contained in ‘The Book of Prophecies’. Deciphering their riddles is not easy and some only Willow herself can unravel.
Will Willow discover who she truly is? What is her destiny? Who can she count on as her true friends? Will they solve the prophecies in time to use them? Where are Willow’s parents? Will she see them again? Why were the portals closed and guarded? Join Willow and her friends on a rollercoaster journey full of danger and suspense to find out.
C A King has written a masterful, fast paced, story that is fantasy with a touch of sci-fi and romance. We learn more about the worlds and the multi-faceted characters gradually. Each character is important to the story having their own skill and personality; they are realistic and ‘human’ having to make choices between ‘right and wrong’, learning not to be selfish and to put others first.
The worlds created by C A King develop just as the characters do, so that we learn more about them as the story expands and the characters travel further into their quest.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Keeper’s Destiny’ and could hardly put it down. This is a must for anyone who enjoys reading fantasy stories containing different creatures/being and magical worlds where the characters have to make ‘real-life’ decisions. I will definitely be reading the next books.
March 31, 2016
loved the characters loved the story. Highly suggest it to all book lovers. 10/10
January 7, 2018
Book one in the Portal Prophesies series, this is a fantasy novel probably aimed at the Young adult market. Willow lives a simple life in her village, serving the village Elders in the market place by day and sneaking out at night to listen to illicit storytelling of Prophecies & Portals, little knowing that these stories are in fact true. When disaster strikes her village, she realises her destiny is in her own hands and she and her friends begin to try and decipher the predictions in the ancient books. Can they solve them in time to save their world and all they have held dear? This is a fast paced adventure which introduces us to Willow and her friends and their amazing supernatural abilities.
I loved it! I was gripped from the first chapter by the idea of teenage rebellion being sneaking out to listen to books being read! Imagine a world where books were not allowed and where your life or your freedom could be taken for being caught reading! The main character was strong and believable. I really enjoyed observing her and her friends discovering and enhancing their abilities. The old formula of good versus evil played out in a world close to ours but very different. I particularly liked the reference to them reading about a world where people “drove in metal boxes called cars”. This brought the story from us imagining it set in a past or future time to thinking it might just be on another level of our current time, like a parallel universe could exist and they are reading about us the way we read about them. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the story will take them.
I loved it! I was gripped from the first chapter by the idea of teenage rebellion being sneaking out to listen to books being read! Imagine a world where books were not allowed and where your life or your freedom could be taken for being caught reading! The main character was strong and believable. I really enjoyed observing her and her friends discovering and enhancing their abilities. The old formula of good versus evil played out in a world close to ours but very different. I particularly liked the reference to them reading about a world where people “drove in metal boxes called cars”. This brought the story from us imagining it set in a past or future time to thinking it might just be on another level of our current time, like a parallel universe could exist and they are reading about us the way we read about them. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the story will take them.
October 5, 2016
I was given a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advance Reader Opportunity Program.
Unfortunately.
Because if I hadn't felt morally obliged to finish and review this book, I would have stopped after the first chapter, put it back on the (metaphorical) shelf, and never spoken of it again. Even if I'd struggled through from sheer pig-headedness, even past Chapter 8, which is nothing but a list of the ways in which our main character is special, I could not have made it past Chapter 16, in which she goes from merely slightly annoying to very annoying and the plot we were supposed to be getting vanishes utterly.
This was probably the worst overall reading experience I've ever had.
I picked this up because the blurb looked interesting. Unfortunately, the first part of the book consists almost entirely of Willow, our heroine, going about her normal everyday life, never really questioning the weird things that happen around her or really doing anything to better her situation. But that's OK, the rest of the people in her world are just as boring. The only exceptions are the members of the Council, who are introduced in great detail despite the fact that the vast majority of them are never seen again after their first appearence.
The Council is set up as the main antagonist, but they only ever do one thing to back up the fact that they seem to be treated as an opressive government. This makes them really unimpressive villains; the sole conflict Willow has for the first several chapters is that she gets asked to a dance and then stood up because a blonde mean girl seduced her date. That's despite the fact that one of her oldest friends is arrested - a fact that she forgets for most of the rest of the first half of the book.
I specify the first half of the book because about halfway through we suddenly drop what we seemed to be setting up about the people rallying behind Willow against the Council and suddenly we were introduced to a new and completely different set of villains, who destroyed Willow's world and sent her and her friends headlong into - I think - our world, where they meet some people who I think may be part of the military? It's completely unclear what's going on, except that Willow is throwing sass at everyone despite having a gun pointed at her face.
Willow is an idiot; there's no other way to say it. And yet for some reason everybody listens to her and loves her and lets her do whatever she likes and tells everyone how wonderful she is. It's deeply, deeply annoying.
By the way, this is a problem across the board; the secondary characters almost all worship Willow and are almost all completely interchangeable. I gave up telling the difference between them early on, and it just added insult to injury when the book kept throwing plot-convenient powers at them.
Now, we have a number of serious editing problems in this book, and the disconnect in the middle is one of them. I suspect King had a break halfway through writing and didn't read back what she'd already written; there are multiple places where she re-explains things that had already been established. It's a mess.
As a final structure point, the ending. Now, I don't mind cliffhangers in the middle of series, and I'm sure that was what this was supposed to be, but it wasn't. The book just stops. There is no arc coming to a loose thread, the story (such as it is; the structure is really poor, so there's no real plot arc and not even a climax) is just going along, assuring us of how Willow is special while showing us Willow caring more about whether a hot guy likes her than the fact that she's just seen evidence that innocent people are being horribly tortured, and then it just stops.
In short (I may edit to write something longer when I have more time), the craft was terrible, the characters were flat and at best boring, and the worldbuilding and plot made no sense at all.
Unfortunately.
Because if I hadn't felt morally obliged to finish and review this book, I would have stopped after the first chapter, put it back on the (metaphorical) shelf, and never spoken of it again. Even if I'd struggled through from sheer pig-headedness, even past Chapter 8, which is nothing but a list of the ways in which our main character is special, I could not have made it past Chapter 16, in which she goes from merely slightly annoying to very annoying and the plot we were supposed to be getting vanishes utterly.
This was probably the worst overall reading experience I've ever had.
I picked this up because the blurb looked interesting. Unfortunately, the first part of the book consists almost entirely of Willow, our heroine, going about her normal everyday life, never really questioning the weird things that happen around her or really doing anything to better her situation. But that's OK, the rest of the people in her world are just as boring. The only exceptions are the members of the Council, who are introduced in great detail despite the fact that the vast majority of them are never seen again after their first appearence.
The Council is set up as the main antagonist, but they only ever do one thing to back up the fact that they seem to be treated as an opressive government. This makes them really unimpressive villains; the sole conflict Willow has for the first several chapters is that she gets asked to a dance and then stood up because a blonde mean girl seduced her date. That's despite the fact that one of her oldest friends is arrested - a fact that she forgets for most of the rest of the first half of the book.
I specify the first half of the book because about halfway through we suddenly drop what we seemed to be setting up about the people rallying behind Willow against the Council and suddenly we were introduced to a new and completely different set of villains, who destroyed Willow's world and sent her and her friends headlong into - I think - our world, where they meet some people who I think may be part of the military? It's completely unclear what's going on, except that Willow is throwing sass at everyone despite having a gun pointed at her face.
Willow is an idiot; there's no other way to say it. And yet for some reason everybody listens to her and loves her and lets her do whatever she likes and tells everyone how wonderful she is. It's deeply, deeply annoying.
By the way, this is a problem across the board; the secondary characters almost all worship Willow and are almost all completely interchangeable. I gave up telling the difference between them early on, and it just added insult to injury when the book kept throwing plot-convenient powers at them.
Now, we have a number of serious editing problems in this book, and the disconnect in the middle is one of them. I suspect King had a break halfway through writing and didn't read back what she'd already written; there are multiple places where she re-explains things that had already been established. It's a mess.
As a final structure point, the ending. Now, I don't mind cliffhangers in the middle of series, and I'm sure that was what this was supposed to be, but it wasn't. The book just stops. There is no arc coming to a loose thread, the story (such as it is; the structure is really poor, so there's no real plot arc and not even a climax) is just going along, assuring us of how Willow is special while showing us Willow caring more about whether a hot guy likes her than the fact that she's just seen evidence that innocent people are being horribly tortured, and then it just stops.
In short (I may edit to write something longer when I have more time), the craft was terrible, the characters were flat and at best boring, and the worldbuilding and plot made no sense at all.
April 22, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper's Destiny by C.A. King is a story about a young girl who finds out that the world she lives in, wasn't always this way. This story is a Young Adult fantasy story that takes you on several journeys throughout the story. You will enjoy how the author has created characters that really just click together. They have a connection but yet their own personalities that are all different. This story was a little hard for me to get into at first but once it took off, it held my attention throughout the rest of the story. These characters are written really well so that any young adult will be able to relate to them. Find out what journeys these characters will take you and how far they will take you!
This story follows a group of ancient races who all join together to become the most unlikely teen heroes. The only clues they have of finding anything out is in a book of predictions that was written long ago. What will happen to these characters? Will they unravel the mystery to their past? Will they decipher the prophecies in time to stop the invading enemy? Will they over come the deceptions made by their leaders?
Willow seems to be the main character in this book. You will enjoying seeing her grow throughout this story. Growing up is not always the easiest as you will see with Willow. The situations that Willow and her friends go through are dramatic and Young Adults would find themselves relating to her and the rest of the characters. You will enjoy how you have one world that is kind of split into many different worlds and traveled to and from by portals. These characters all have supernatural powers of some sort and they are all different. I think that is what makes them strong characters. Find out if Willow will be able to protect the book of prophecies or will the challenges prove to be to much?
This is the third book by C.A. King that I have read. The one thing that I enjoy about her books is that I know when I open it, it will be something totally different then what I am use too. She takes fantasy to another world for me and I really enjoy them. C.A currently lives in Ontario, Canada with her two sons, she was born and raised in Halton County. After losing her parents and husband, she turned to writing and after some soul searching it has become her passion. She was able to put her emotions on paper and started publishing her stories. You will enjoy how this story will take you into different worlds that are made up in one world and will keep you engaged throughout. The characters in this story also make the story flow and you will need to see what happens with them. This story will have you turning page after page just to see what the characters will do next. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy all the journeys that it will take you on.
This story follows a group of ancient races who all join together to become the most unlikely teen heroes. The only clues they have of finding anything out is in a book of predictions that was written long ago. What will happen to these characters? Will they unravel the mystery to their past? Will they decipher the prophecies in time to stop the invading enemy? Will they over come the deceptions made by their leaders?
Willow seems to be the main character in this book. You will enjoying seeing her grow throughout this story. Growing up is not always the easiest as you will see with Willow. The situations that Willow and her friends go through are dramatic and Young Adults would find themselves relating to her and the rest of the characters. You will enjoy how you have one world that is kind of split into many different worlds and traveled to and from by portals. These characters all have supernatural powers of some sort and they are all different. I think that is what makes them strong characters. Find out if Willow will be able to protect the book of prophecies or will the challenges prove to be to much?
This is the third book by C.A. King that I have read. The one thing that I enjoy about her books is that I know when I open it, it will be something totally different then what I am use too. She takes fantasy to another world for me and I really enjoy them. C.A currently lives in Ontario, Canada with her two sons, she was born and raised in Halton County. After losing her parents and husband, she turned to writing and after some soul searching it has become her passion. She was able to put her emotions on paper and started publishing her stories. You will enjoy how this story will take you into different worlds that are made up in one world and will keep you engaged throughout. The characters in this story also make the story flow and you will need to see what happens with them. This story will have you turning page after page just to see what the characters will do next. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy all the journeys that it will take you on.
April 24, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny is a wonderful syfy adventure story for all ages. It the first book in the Portal Prophecies series begins in a magical world where everyone has their own special talent but no one knows exactly what it will be until they reach 16 cycles. The Council and their families are set above everyone else and are mostly concerned with their own pleasures and entertainment. The talents of others are only there to be exploited by the oppressive leaders. Reading and learning are considered unnecessary but listening to the storyteller is on everyone’s list of favorite activities. However, some stories have much more truth than the Council would like the people to believe. Willow has had voices in her head ever since she can remember and they have always looked out for her and helped her make sense of her world.
Willow and her friends are suddenly shifted from life filled with normal teenage woes to a terrifying, enigmatic world they can hardly comprehend. Each person needs to stretch their abilities far beyond what they ever imagined if they hope to make it through the disasters predicted in a mysterious book called “The Portal Prophecies”. Understanding the prophecies is vital but when each one can mean different things to different people how can you know which interpretation is correct? Trusting in new abilities and new friends, Willow and her people prepare for the worst.
A Keeper’s Destiny is written mostly from the main character Willow’s point of view. I love that Willow is confident in herself and isn’t a stereotypical female character. My favorite parts of the book are people trying to describe what is normal to them to someone else who has no idea what they are talking about. The book ends with a gloriously tantalizing cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read the next book in this six part series.
Willow and her friends are suddenly shifted from life filled with normal teenage woes to a terrifying, enigmatic world they can hardly comprehend. Each person needs to stretch their abilities far beyond what they ever imagined if they hope to make it through the disasters predicted in a mysterious book called “The Portal Prophecies”. Understanding the prophecies is vital but when each one can mean different things to different people how can you know which interpretation is correct? Trusting in new abilities and new friends, Willow and her people prepare for the worst.
A Keeper’s Destiny is written mostly from the main character Willow’s point of view. I love that Willow is confident in herself and isn’t a stereotypical female character. My favorite parts of the book are people trying to describe what is normal to them to someone else who has no idea what they are talking about. The book ends with a gloriously tantalizing cliff hanger and I cannot wait to read the next book in this six part series.
July 18, 2017
A Keepers Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies series. As you may tell from the title, this tale is of the fantasy realm genre and this first book busys itself with establishing whole new realms and kingdoms as well as their complex and intriuging histories.
I found that the author does this quite well as the descriptive writing is very well done. While it can be very complicated to get into an “another world” kind of book, I found this one quite easy to get into as things were mapped out very clearly. I also found the set up of this new world and other worlds to come magical and interesting and it has made me want to learn more.
The book introduces us to a heroin named Willow and some of her firends as well as some unsavoury characters that you love to hate. The young characters have special abilities that beome more apparent as they come of age. But it is decided by those in power which of those abilities are of use as a way of controlling the people. And there is a more sinister back story to how they got into that power.
I look forward to reading the following books in this series and can only imagine they will get better as his book establishes the world in which it is set and the beginnings of, what seems to be, an epic adventure. I have given this book a rating of four stars only in anticipation of the series getting better as the action continues. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger which makes me wants to read more and reminds you that this is a series with much more to come.
I found that the author does this quite well as the descriptive writing is very well done. While it can be very complicated to get into an “another world” kind of book, I found this one quite easy to get into as things were mapped out very clearly. I also found the set up of this new world and other worlds to come magical and interesting and it has made me want to learn more.
The book introduces us to a heroin named Willow and some of her firends as well as some unsavoury characters that you love to hate. The young characters have special abilities that beome more apparent as they come of age. But it is decided by those in power which of those abilities are of use as a way of controlling the people. And there is a more sinister back story to how they got into that power.
I look forward to reading the following books in this series and can only imagine they will get better as his book establishes the world in which it is set and the beginnings of, what seems to be, an epic adventure. I have given this book a rating of four stars only in anticipation of the series getting better as the action continues. This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger which makes me wants to read more and reminds you that this is a series with much more to come.
April 23, 2017
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper's Destiny by C.A. King is a fantastic read for the young and for the older readers as well. The way C.A. King describes the settings and her characters is like watching a movie play out in your head. The story is so unique and different from others that I have read that I just couldn’t put it down. Not only will you step into a different world when you read The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny you won’t be able to put it down. King has taken writing young adult to a new level. This novel does end in a cliffhanger and can’t be read alone but that makes it all worthwhile.
What happens when you are told that you are not good for anything besides growing fruits and vegetables but you know you are more than just that. Orphaned at a young age with no one to help guide you in the right directions except for voices that only you can hear? When armies start evading and you and others like you are the only ones capable of stopping them. When you and your friends band together to stop them when everyone else decides it's hopeless?
Step into the world that is not like any other you know and experience a breathtaking read that will leave you wanting more. Elements of mystery and intrigue combined with sorrow, friendship, and laughter and a sense of belonging make a story worth reading and this novel has them and then some.
What happens when you are told that you are not good for anything besides growing fruits and vegetables but you know you are more than just that. Orphaned at a young age with no one to help guide you in the right directions except for voices that only you can hear? When armies start evading and you and others like you are the only ones capable of stopping them. When you and your friends band together to stop them when everyone else decides it's hopeless?
Step into the world that is not like any other you know and experience a breathtaking read that will leave you wanting more. Elements of mystery and intrigue combined with sorrow, friendship, and laughter and a sense of belonging make a story worth reading and this novel has them and then some.
June 18, 2016
Keeper's Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies, a young adult fantasy series. The originality of this book amazed me, and I immediately wanted to read the rest of the series upon finishing it; however, C. A. King's writing style is not one that I am particularly fond of. Her descriptions were overbearing and borsome at times, but her plot and characters made this book worth reading.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was the power that King gave to her teenage characters. It is always nice to see young people in books validated and not underestimated, and I loved how fast paced the writing was. Willow is a brilliant protagonist, and I can never get enough of strong female characters in young adult novels. Willow was a character with a lot of substance, and she was well developed and continued to grow as the novel went on. The characters and story were a big part of this novel, but if it were to be redone with less unnecessary descriptions, it would have been more enjoyable. A reader needs to be able to fill in gaps with their own imagination, and this story line would have been perfect for that interaction on the reader's part. Instead, the writing was rather dry, and I wasn't able to see the full extent of C.A. King's writing talents based on this novel alone. Her writing felt forced, and I didn't feel that she was passionate about her story or characters based solely on her tone.
That being said, I am positive that the younger young adult crowd would eat this novel up. I plan on reading the rest of the series myself and look forward to continuing the story that C.A. King has created. I would just like to see this story and series excel with less fluff and more substance as the series grow. The setting she has created is very unique, and one that I want to visit again.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was the power that King gave to her teenage characters. It is always nice to see young people in books validated and not underestimated, and I loved how fast paced the writing was. Willow is a brilliant protagonist, and I can never get enough of strong female characters in young adult novels. Willow was a character with a lot of substance, and she was well developed and continued to grow as the novel went on. The characters and story were a big part of this novel, but if it were to be redone with less unnecessary descriptions, it would have been more enjoyable. A reader needs to be able to fill in gaps with their own imagination, and this story line would have been perfect for that interaction on the reader's part. Instead, the writing was rather dry, and I wasn't able to see the full extent of C.A. King's writing talents based on this novel alone. Her writing felt forced, and I didn't feel that she was passionate about her story or characters based solely on her tone.
That being said, I am positive that the younger young adult crowd would eat this novel up. I plan on reading the rest of the series myself and look forward to continuing the story that C.A. King has created. I would just like to see this story and series excel with less fluff and more substance as the series grow. The setting she has created is very unique, and one that I want to visit again.
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