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The Asanja Saga #1
Realms Beyond: The Asanja Saga Book One
They thought death was the worst that could happen. They were wrong.
When shy, clumsy Rico and his friends are unwittingly thrust into a mystical realm teeming with fantastical creatures and ancient guardians, they quickly discover the stakes are far higher than simply finding their way home. Torn between evading a ruthless sorcerer—rumoured to be the Corruptor of Souls—and rescuing their loved ones, the kids must unlock powers they never knew they had and confront death’s inevitability.
With the enigmatic Gifu and the battle-hardened warrior Wyrun as their allies, Rico and his friends must navigate a perilous world, confronting terrifying foes — and their own growing doubts about whether they’re truly cut out to be heroes.
As fear builds and their enemy draws closer, one question will they make it home alive — or are they already entangled in a far greater struggle they can’t yet comprehend?
Mystical, action-packed, and unrelenting, enter into a world where courage is tested, friendships are forged in death, and even the most unlikely heroes may hold the key to saving everything.
When shy, clumsy Rico and his friends are unwittingly thrust into a mystical realm teeming with fantastical creatures and ancient guardians, they quickly discover the stakes are far higher than simply finding their way home. Torn between evading a ruthless sorcerer—rumoured to be the Corruptor of Souls—and rescuing their loved ones, the kids must unlock powers they never knew they had and confront death’s inevitability.
With the enigmatic Gifu and the battle-hardened warrior Wyrun as their allies, Rico and his friends must navigate a perilous world, confronting terrifying foes — and their own growing doubts about whether they’re truly cut out to be heroes.
As fear builds and their enemy draws closer, one question will they make it home alive — or are they already entangled in a far greater struggle they can’t yet comprehend?
Mystical, action-packed, and unrelenting, enter into a world where courage is tested, friendships are forged in death, and even the most unlikely heroes may hold the key to saving everything.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
Nick Child
2 books3 followersNick Child is a fantasy fiction author who weaves the fantastical and the unbelievable into immersive, gripping tales. With a passion for mythology, history, and the supernatural, he crafts stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms. His stories blend rich world-building, deep lore, and fast-paced action, drawing inspiration from ancient legends, forgotten histories, and the mysteries of the universe.
Nick has always been fascinated by the interplay between myth and reality. Growing up on a steady diet of epic fantasy, folklore, and classic literature, he set out to create his own worlds filled with adventure, magic, and destiny.
His series, The Asanja Saga, delves into a universe where gods, legends, and lost histories collide. The series includes Realms Beyond, Realms Corrupted, Realms Forsaken, and Realms Unravelled.
Born and bred in Yorkshire, now living in North Leeds, when he’s not writing, Nick enjoys running, exploring ancient sites, blowing the saxophone—mostly off-key, but with enthusiasm, and playing games with his family.
He believes that the best stories are those that make the impossible feel real.
Nick has always been fascinated by the interplay between myth and reality. Growing up on a steady diet of epic fantasy, folklore, and classic literature, he set out to create his own worlds filled with adventure, magic, and destiny.
His series, The Asanja Saga, delves into a universe where gods, legends, and lost histories collide. The series includes Realms Beyond, Realms Corrupted, Realms Forsaken, and Realms Unravelled.
Born and bred in Yorkshire, now living in North Leeds, when he’s not writing, Nick enjoys running, exploring ancient sites, blowing the saxophone—mostly off-key, but with enthusiasm, and playing games with his family.
He believes that the best stories are those that make the impossible feel real.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 2, 2025
Intriguing fantasy
“Realms Beyond” begins with an accident in which a bomb goes off on a bus, and the bus crashes beneath a plane. Those injured are in the hospital in a comatose state. However, they have been transported to a realm where they encounter gruesome creatures, new and strange friends, and a city in the sky. The book delivers action and intrigue. Four friends learn about their gifts and that “souls become purer” with each realm visited.
“Realms Beyond” begins with an accident in which a bomb goes off on a bus, and the bus crashes beneath a plane. Those injured are in the hospital in a comatose state. However, they have been transported to a realm where they encounter gruesome creatures, new and strange friends, and a city in the sky. The book delivers action and intrigue. Four friends learn about their gifts and that “souls become purer” with each realm visited.
July 12, 2025
As someone who has dipped in and out of fantasy over the years—preferring the genre more as a viewer than a reader—I approached Realms Beyond with a degree of cautious curiosity. What I discovered, however, was a highly engaging and cleverly constructed novel that shows a deep respect for the genre without alienating novices like myself.
What sets Realms Beyond apart, for me, is its seamless weaving of the contemporary world with a richly imagined fantasy realm. The novel is peppered with cultural references—Lost, Star Wars, Minecraft, Captain America—there’s even a nod to The Wizard of Oz! These added humour but also helped me navigate the unfamiliar terrain of the fantasy world while staying anchored to the familiar, allowing the everyday and the extraordinary to coexist in a natural, enjoyable way.
This is an easy read, but that’s not to be mistaken for simplicity. Nick Child clearly knows his stuff, but he’s made what can often be a complex genre feel accessible and thoroughly engaging.
The cast of characters is refreshingly diverse and free of fantasy protagonist cliché. Suzame was a particular favourite: brave, forthright, and wonderfully stubborn. I also now realise I’m not cursed with clumsiness—I just need to channel my inner superpower!
At its heart, Realms Beyond is a story of love, loss, and enduring friendship. It’s imaginative, rewarding, and full of heart. I only gave it four stars because I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye—and I’m going to be worrying about Wyrun until the next instalment. But seriously, I devoured this book in two days. For those, like me, who tend to watch rather than read their fantasy, this novel may serve as a gentle but compelling invitation to return to the page.
What sets Realms Beyond apart, for me, is its seamless weaving of the contemporary world with a richly imagined fantasy realm. The novel is peppered with cultural references—Lost, Star Wars, Minecraft, Captain America—there’s even a nod to The Wizard of Oz! These added humour but also helped me navigate the unfamiliar terrain of the fantasy world while staying anchored to the familiar, allowing the everyday and the extraordinary to coexist in a natural, enjoyable way.
This is an easy read, but that’s not to be mistaken for simplicity. Nick Child clearly knows his stuff, but he’s made what can often be a complex genre feel accessible and thoroughly engaging.
The cast of characters is refreshingly diverse and free of fantasy protagonist cliché. Suzame was a particular favourite: brave, forthright, and wonderfully stubborn. I also now realise I’m not cursed with clumsiness—I just need to channel my inner superpower!
At its heart, Realms Beyond is a story of love, loss, and enduring friendship. It’s imaginative, rewarding, and full of heart. I only gave it four stars because I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye—and I’m going to be worrying about Wyrun until the next instalment. But seriously, I devoured this book in two days. For those, like me, who tend to watch rather than read their fantasy, this novel may serve as a gentle but compelling invitation to return to the page.
September 24, 2025
Realms Beyond pulled me in from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. Instead of easing into the story, the author throws the characters—and the reader—straight into the unknown, and it works brilliantly. Rico, Sam, Tabbi, and Suzume are well-drawn, relatable, and easy to root for as they face dangerous creatures, unravel mysteries, and begin to discover powers they never knew they had.
What really stood out to me was the balance between action and heart. The battles and monsters are exciting, but the friendships and emotional moments give the story real depth. I also appreciated how the book blends humor and cultural nods with its fantasy world, making it both accessible and immersive.
This is a great read for fans of YA fantasy who enjoy fast pacing, high stakes, and characters who feel genuine. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
What really stood out to me was the balance between action and heart. The battles and monsters are exciting, but the friendships and emotional moments give the story real depth. I also appreciated how the book blends humor and cultural nods with its fantasy world, making it both accessible and immersive.
This is a great read for fans of YA fantasy who enjoy fast pacing, high stakes, and characters who feel genuine. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 13, 2025
Realms Beyond: The Asanja Saga Book One grabs you from the first page. Rico and his friends face epic dangers, mystical creatures, and high stakes, all while discovering courage and friendship. Fast-paced, magical, and impossible to put down!
August 29, 2025
A thrilling and emotional fantasy adventure. A group of teens face dark forces, discover their inner strength, and learn the meaning of friendship and sacrifice. The story is captivating, imaginative, and deeply inspiring.
August 16, 2025
Started slow for me, then suddenly I was hooked on Rico’s mess.
August 28, 2025
“Realms Beyond” is a gripping read that young adults and older kids will surely be unable to put down. Thoughtfully exploring themes of identity and coming of age, fans of The Maze Runner and Percy Jackson will especially enjoy the blend of mythic elements with contemporary characters. However, “Realms Beyond” carves out its own identity with a focus on the way ordinary people adapt to extraordinary circumstances. Overall, Child has created a gripping adventure that feels both mysterious and believable, populated by characters readers will genuinely care about.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews