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When the Portals Open
A vengeful Mage, a Human woman, and a prophecy that changed everything.
A Human woman…
Sage just wanted a quiet evening reading with a glass of wine. When a dragon and a merman fall through her roof, she assumes she is in a dream. She agrees to escort them out of the city and deep into the forest to find what they are looking for. Why not? It’s a dream, after all. When they open a portal to another realm, Sage must decide whether she will stay in her normal life and wake up without the full story, or secretly follow them on an adventure that will change everything.
Walking into a realm with beings from legend was not on her to-do list.
A vengeful Mage…
Willow has spent the last twenty years of her life searching for a way into the Human realm. They have her mother, and she will do anything to get her back. When the Humans attempt to break through a portal, she sees it as an opportunity. After being assigned to lead a mission to gather recon, Willow must decide whether she will stick to the plan, or put her entire realm in danger by breaking off to find her missing mother.
An ancient prophecy awakens, threatening to plunge both worlds into chaos. Loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances form, including a charming Mer and a giant Were with a complicated history.
Step into a realm where portals, dragons, and forbidden magic collide in a breathtaking journey across intertwined worlds. This epic fantasy adventure features spellbinding characters and mysterious realms waiting to be explored.
A Human woman…
Sage just wanted a quiet evening reading with a glass of wine. When a dragon and a merman fall through her roof, she assumes she is in a dream. She agrees to escort them out of the city and deep into the forest to find what they are looking for. Why not? It’s a dream, after all. When they open a portal to another realm, Sage must decide whether she will stay in her normal life and wake up without the full story, or secretly follow them on an adventure that will change everything.
Walking into a realm with beings from legend was not on her to-do list.
A vengeful Mage…
Willow has spent the last twenty years of her life searching for a way into the Human realm. They have her mother, and she will do anything to get her back. When the Humans attempt to break through a portal, she sees it as an opportunity. After being assigned to lead a mission to gather recon, Willow must decide whether she will stick to the plan, or put her entire realm in danger by breaking off to find her missing mother.
An ancient prophecy awakens, threatening to plunge both worlds into chaos. Loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances form, including a charming Mer and a giant Were with a complicated history.
Step into a realm where portals, dragons, and forbidden magic collide in a breathtaking journey across intertwined worlds. This epic fantasy adventure features spellbinding characters and mysterious realms waiting to be explored.
340 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2025
17 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 9, 2025
First of all thank you to Mercedes Koefoed for the gifted ARC of this book! When the first chapter starts out with FMC Sage talking about a beautiful man who is next to a dragon that fell through the roof of her house, well you know this is going to be an interesting and unique ride!
I love the characters and the story itself. It was magic and fantasy and excitement all throughout the story!
I cannot wait to read book two!
I love the characters and the story itself. It was magic and fantasy and excitement all throughout the story!
I cannot wait to read book two!
August 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
.5 🌶️
Such a quick and fun read! I love the main characters and the duel “real world” vs fantasy world. I became very invested in the main characters and their love interests. I especially love Arcto. There were also a lot of comments about the human world that caused a great deal of confusion in the fantasy world, which was very amusing to read. I laughed out loud a number of times while reading this book. This book was alot of fun to read; reading it put me in a good mood. I cannot wait for book two!
.5 🌶️
Such a quick and fun read! I love the main characters and the duel “real world” vs fantasy world. I became very invested in the main characters and their love interests. I especially love Arcto. There were also a lot of comments about the human world that caused a great deal of confusion in the fantasy world, which was very amusing to read. I laughed out loud a number of times while reading this book. This book was alot of fun to read; reading it put me in a good mood. I cannot wait for book two!
September 19, 2025
You know it's a good book when you finish it with a smile on your face and a happy heart! OH REALMS I enjoyed this book!!! This was a heart warming magical tale that starts with a dragon and merman crash landing into Sage's livingroom.. . . . but surely it was just a dream. . . or was it? If you like books with all the mystical creatures, magic spells, potions and pastries, castles, different world realms, enchanted stones, a cozy tavern, forest with a portal, good character building, battle of good versus evil, and topped with a couple of swoony slow burn romances, you're going to love this one! Now I'm just wishing I had some blue lotus tea and pastries.
August 30, 2025
I am so grateful to of been chosen to read this fantastic book as an ARC.
It had me smiling within the first few pages with its cheeky humour, and lots more after that!
This was such an easy almost cosy read in a genre that I have always loved. The world of witches, fae, vampires, were folks, dragons and more!
The Realm sounds like a perfect place with everything dreams are made of! A world of peace, until disaster strikes and everything spirals out of control! Some brilliant descriptions throughout the book building this world/realm into something easily imaginable!
There are some great twists along the way, some cute romances and great character relationships! I love the characters of Willow and Arcto but could easily love all the others the same. They are all so different but equally as charming/friendly.
This would be a great book for YA readers right through to older readers as the romance is kept PG and it isn’t too dark or deep. It is definitely a light, fun, enjoyable read that leaves you smiling and excited for the next book.
It had me smiling within the first few pages with its cheeky humour, and lots more after that!
This was such an easy almost cosy read in a genre that I have always loved. The world of witches, fae, vampires, were folks, dragons and more!
The Realm sounds like a perfect place with everything dreams are made of! A world of peace, until disaster strikes and everything spirals out of control! Some brilliant descriptions throughout the book building this world/realm into something easily imaginable!
There are some great twists along the way, some cute romances and great character relationships! I love the characters of Willow and Arcto but could easily love all the others the same. They are all so different but equally as charming/friendly.
This would be a great book for YA readers right through to older readers as the romance is kept PG and it isn’t too dark or deep. It is definitely a light, fun, enjoyable read that leaves you smiling and excited for the next book.
July 27, 2025
Tropes: Fantasy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I want to thank Mercedes Koefoed for this ARC, I am truly honored to have been chosen to read it. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Great read! I really enjoyed the story line! If you love fantasy books with any and all creatures/beings this is for you! It had them all. I especially loved the character and world building. The only thing was I felt like the first two chapters could have been a good prologue. Other than that I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I want to thank Mercedes Koefoed for this ARC, I am truly honored to have been chosen to read it. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Great read! I really enjoyed the story line! If you love fantasy books with any and all creatures/beings this is for you! It had them all. I especially loved the character and world building. The only thing was I felt like the first two chapters could have been a good prologue. Other than that I definitely recommend!
September 17, 2025
Thank you so much to Mercedes Koefoed for sending me a copy of When the Portals Open for review,I really am honoured for the opportunity.
Whilst I did enjoy the idea of this book and I had a good time reading it, I feel like there is a lot in the book which put me off and made me struggle to plough through. I really enjoyed the characters, however I feel like they were really one dimensional. I was super intrigued by Sage’s character however I don’t feel like we got to know her well enough and then she just disappeared, to then reappear but it felt like there was an expectation to know who she was and have a connection with her. I feel like most of this book was oddly paced and it really struggled to flow whilst I was reading. This issue for me seemed to be resolved by the latter third of the book but by that point I had found it difficult to gel with the story and the characters. What I also found was towards the end when Sage came back into the story I found it difficult to work out whose perspective the story was being told from and found myself having to reread parts in order to work it out.
I feel like the premise of this book was excellent and all the parts were there to make it a really fantastic book,I just think it needs a little bit more time.
Whilst I did enjoy the idea of this book and I had a good time reading it, I feel like there is a lot in the book which put me off and made me struggle to plough through. I really enjoyed the characters, however I feel like they were really one dimensional. I was super intrigued by Sage’s character however I don’t feel like we got to know her well enough and then she just disappeared, to then reappear but it felt like there was an expectation to know who she was and have a connection with her. I feel like most of this book was oddly paced and it really struggled to flow whilst I was reading. This issue for me seemed to be resolved by the latter third of the book but by that point I had found it difficult to gel with the story and the characters. What I also found was towards the end when Sage came back into the story I found it difficult to work out whose perspective the story was being told from and found myself having to reread parts in order to work it out.
I feel like the premise of this book was excellent and all the parts were there to make it a really fantastic book,I just think it needs a little bit more time.
August 6, 2025
Get ready for an epic adventure that will blow your mind! "When The Portals Open" is a thrilling tale of magic, mystery, and mayhem. A vengeful mage, a feisty human woman, and a prophecy that sets the course for a journey that will leave you breathless!
Imagine cozied up in your own home, when suddenly, a dragon bursts through your roof, accompanied by a merman rider! You think it's just a wild dream, but as you help these unlikely duo escape into the woods and through a portal, the surreal experience only intensifies. You're swept up in a whirlwind of action, suspense, and heart-pumping excitement, and you're still wondering... is this really just a dream?
This book is a must-read for all fantasy lovers who crave stories with mythical creatures, magical realms, and unforgettable characters. With its unique blend of adventure, humor, and heart, "When The Portals Open" is sure to captivate you from start to finish. Trust me, it's one of the most unforgettable reads of the year!
So, if you're ready to escape into a world of wonder and magic, dive into this fantastical tale and discover the secrets that await you on the other side of the portal. Your next favorite book is waiting!
Imagine cozied up in your own home, when suddenly, a dragon bursts through your roof, accompanied by a merman rider! You think it's just a wild dream, but as you help these unlikely duo escape into the woods and through a portal, the surreal experience only intensifies. You're swept up in a whirlwind of action, suspense, and heart-pumping excitement, and you're still wondering... is this really just a dream?
This book is a must-read for all fantasy lovers who crave stories with mythical creatures, magical realms, and unforgettable characters. With its unique blend of adventure, humor, and heart, "When The Portals Open" is sure to captivate you from start to finish. Trust me, it's one of the most unforgettable reads of the year!
So, if you're ready to escape into a world of wonder and magic, dive into this fantastical tale and discover the secrets that await you on the other side of the portal. Your next favorite book is waiting!
September 15, 2025
Synopsis: Fleeing the Were Kingdom and the Were bear she's falling for, mage Willow is frustrated to find herself partnered with him on a secret Council mission to investigate how the exiled Humans have reopened the ancient portals. As their quest takes them into the realm where her mother disappeared 20 years earlier, can Willow trust him with her own secret mission, and her heart? More importantly, can she trust the human girl with Willow's own face that follows them back through the portal?
Review: This debut novel had an interesting plot but could have benefited from stronger editing to help things flow better. The (closed door) romance was stilted and rushed, and things were told rather than shown. If you read this for Sage's fun POV as I did, you'll be disappointed to find that her two chapters are actually a preview of the events between Ch17 and Ch18, and she's essentially abandoned until then, with the POV instead coming from the very YA Willow.
With thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review: This debut novel had an interesting plot but could have benefited from stronger editing to help things flow better. The (closed door) romance was stilted and rushed, and things were told rather than shown. If you read this for Sage's fun POV as I did, you'll be disappointed to find that her two chapters are actually a preview of the events between Ch17 and Ch18, and she's essentially abandoned until then, with the POV instead coming from the very YA Willow.
With thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
The author has created a unique world and an interesting premise for the series. This is a nice, quick read for someone who is looking for a fantasy without a lot of intense world-building or a complex system of magic. Everything happens very quickly in this book, and the whole story takes place in about a week’s worth of time. Because of this, there isn’t a great deal of tension in the story. We also don’t know much about our main characters. I would love to know more about their pasts, desires, and what drives them.
If you are looking for a romantasy with intense yearning between the MCs, this is not going to be the book for you. There are two main couples in this story, and both get together very quickly. While I miss the yearning, I did enjoy the dynamics between both couples.
There really was so much potential in this story, but the lack of depth throughout left me wanting.
If you are looking for a romantasy with intense yearning between the MCs, this is not going to be the book for you. There are two main couples in this story, and both get together very quickly. While I miss the yearning, I did enjoy the dynamics between both couples.
There really was so much potential in this story, but the lack of depth throughout left me wanting.
October 22, 2025
OH. MY. GOSH.
When the Portals Open by Mercedes Koefoed had me from page one and did not let go. The opening chaos? Perfection. The momentum never dips, the visuals are cinematic, and the portal concept feels fresh, immersive, and so easy to picture.
What I loved:
• Atmosphere - vivid scenes, clever portal mechanics, and descriptions that feel made for a screen.
• Voice and pacing – tight chapters, snappy tension, and just enough humor.
• Emotional hits – the choices, the costs, the tiny tender moments tucked between the mayhem.
Also...I may or may not have slid into Mercedes’s DMs a few times just to be like WHAT?! because my brain was not okay in the best possible way. 😅
If you want a portal fantasy that’s high-energy, visually rich, and wildly entertaining, this one’s it. 📚✨
When the Portals Open by Mercedes Koefoed had me from page one and did not let go. The opening chaos? Perfection. The momentum never dips, the visuals are cinematic, and the portal concept feels fresh, immersive, and so easy to picture.
What I loved:
• Atmosphere - vivid scenes, clever portal mechanics, and descriptions that feel made for a screen.
• Voice and pacing – tight chapters, snappy tension, and just enough humor.
• Emotional hits – the choices, the costs, the tiny tender moments tucked between the mayhem.
Also...I may or may not have slid into Mercedes’s DMs a few times just to be like WHAT?! because my brain was not okay in the best possible way. 😅
If you want a portal fantasy that’s high-energy, visually rich, and wildly entertaining, this one’s it. 📚✨
July 25, 2025
A vengeful Mage, a Human woman, and a prophecy that changed everything.
Well the name says it all When the Portals Open.
If you are sitting at home and all of a sudden a dragon and merman literally fall through your roof. Yes, some wine may have been involved.
You assume it is either the wine OR a dream.
You happily help them run off into the woods and then all of a sudden a portal opens! Whhhaaaatttt?
You step into the portal another realm that has dragons and forbidden magic. Which leads to some grand adventures.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
Well the name says it all When the Portals Open.
If you are sitting at home and all of a sudden a dragon and merman literally fall through your roof. Yes, some wine may have been involved.
You assume it is either the wine OR a dream.
You happily help them run off into the woods and then all of a sudden a portal opens! Whhhaaaatttt?
You step into the portal another realm that has dragons and forbidden magic. Which leads to some grand adventures.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
October 14, 2025
This book.. WOW.
It was fast paced but perfectly paced at the same time. I finished it in a day, I was SAT, okay. I had to know when the secret was going to come out and then got hit with a twist. Was I able to guess what would happen? Yes. Was I still on the edge of my seat!? YES. It was such a cute read. And the romance? Absolutely adorable. I love the narration and being inside 2 characters’ stories at the same time. The way she began the book and then having the 2 stories intertwine in the middle was absolutely brilliant and I loved every second of it. Truly wonderful. I believe I’m ready for book 2? 👀👀👀
It was fast paced but perfectly paced at the same time. I finished it in a day, I was SAT, okay. I had to know when the secret was going to come out and then got hit with a twist. Was I able to guess what would happen? Yes. Was I still on the edge of my seat!? YES. It was such a cute read. And the romance? Absolutely adorable. I love the narration and being inside 2 characters’ stories at the same time. The way she began the book and then having the 2 stories intertwine in the middle was absolutely brilliant and I loved every second of it. Truly wonderful. I believe I’m ready for book 2? 👀👀👀
August 16, 2025
First, thank you to Mercedes for gifting me this ARC! This was different than other fantasy books I’ve read before! At first, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was for me, but I continued on as I wasn’t that far into the book yet and wanted to give it a chance. Well, I’m so happy I did because I ended up really liking it! I enjoyed the different realms & Beings that were introduced throughout the book! I also found myself gasping during the last few chapters of the book — I love some good twists! I am looking forward to the next book!
July 18, 2025
When a dragon and its rider crashes through her roof, Sage is convinced she's dreaming. She continues believing she's dreaming as she helps them find the portal back to their world. It was quite hilarious. Meanwhile, Willow is on a mission to find her mother in the human world. Their paths collide and things get really interesting. I recommend this book for fans of fantasy romance. There's all kinds of creatures, or beings as they're referred to in the book.
August 25, 2025
When the Portals Open is such a captivating start to this series! From the very first pages, I was hooked, and now I’m completely invested in what’s to come. The setup for the slow burn romances has me giddy with anticipation, and the variety of magical beings and unique magic types felt so fresh and exciting. I absolutely cannot wait to see how things unfold—especially with Arcto and Willow! This book left me hungry for more.
September 11, 2025
This was such a fun read. The characters were really well developed which made it easy to get invested. I love the writing style and how everything was so well described helping you picture where you were and all the different elements of the story. This does not feel like a debut, what an incredible first book, role on book 2. Loved the characters and all the different creatures within the book and emotion and humour throughout as well. Looking forward to seeing where we are taken in book 2.
September 16, 2025
When the story starts off the FMC Sage waking up to a merman and dragon crashing through her roof, you know it's going to be good! The world building, character building, magic, portals, mystical creatures, and yummy pastries was just fantastic. I devoured this wonderful story so quickly and loved every minute of it. The humor and adventure was top notch, this is a must read for fantasy lovers. I'm so excited for the next book in the series.
September 21, 2025
Overall an enjoyable book. I think it would be a great one for people who would want to ease into fantasy as it’s not over complicated like many epic fantasy books.
It’s a bit predictable, but I’ve read enough fantasy and fiction of make assumptions of what may happen. That doesn’t mean I didn’t still like the story. I will continue the series. The characters are likable and the romance is sweet and closed door.
It’s a bit predictable, but I’ve read enough fantasy and fiction of make assumptions of what may happen. That doesn’t mean I didn’t still like the story. I will continue the series. The characters are likable and the romance is sweet and closed door.
August 10, 2025
I love, love, love, the originality. I love the characters and how they’re a fresh take on each type of being. I love the story line. The dragon realm was so well described that I had the perfect picture in my mind. Sadie, I’m going to need some prequels on each of our beloved friends. I wish half stars were an option! 4.5 🌟
August 14, 2025
I absolutely love this epic fantasy. It kept me on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down. What would you do if a Dragon fell through your roof? Adventures in another realm, mystical creatures, magic spells, you name it this book has it. The journey this book takes you on is truly magical. If you are a fantasy lover then this book is a must read.
August 15, 2025
It is an amazing book of friendship, love and family with magic and Dragons. It almost feels like an Dungeons and Dragons adventure with all the different beings. The writing is exciting and fast paced you really get close to the characters and their feelings. I hope it will be more in the same world
August 18, 2025
I don't read a lot of fantasy but this book pulled me right in. The concept is so creative, the characters are well developed (I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in subsequent books), and the descriptions of the fantasy realm are beautiful. I wish it was longer; I am really looking forward to future installments!
August 26, 2025
Wow—just wow! When the Portals Open pulled me in from page one and kept me hooked all the way through. The story is full of adventure, the characters are unforgettable, and the world feels alive right before your eyes. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m counting the days until Book Two. Willow, Sage, and the gang will stay with you—you don’t want to miss this!
September 12, 2025
Such a fun ride! This reminded me of all the wonder we have as children hearing about all of the mystical creatures in our stories. This book was a quick and exciting read, and I’ll definitely be continuing the series to see how everything plays out!
September 19, 2025
I LOVED AND DEVOURED this book. Such a fun fantasy read. I loved the creativity and the unique spin on your typical “magical man and woman fall in love.” It was a pure work of art. A masterpiece. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
September 19, 2025
An epic adventure!
Woah! I was sucked in from page one!! So fun! I can’t believe I read it all it one sitting! Excited for book two!!!!
Woah! I was sucked in from page one!! So fun! I can’t believe I read it all it one sitting! Excited for book two!!!!
September 24, 2025
A beautiful story with twists until the end. you will not want to put this read down!!
September 29, 2025
Firstly I would like to thank Mercedes for an ARC of When The Portals Open. This book is a perfect combination of romance, political intrigue, mystery and found family set in a magical fantasy world. We follow our two main female characters, Sage a Human and Willow a Mage, who come from very different worlds. I really enjoyed the mystery element of the story and trying to connect the dots. The world is whimsical and full of every creature you could wish to meet. I adored the found family and became attached to the characters early on. I can’t wait to read the next book!! A magical read just in time for spooky season.
September 19, 2025
This was a pleasant and, at first, appearances, breezy read. A story about a mage called Willow who lives in a wonderful realm with Dragons, Mer Folk, Vamps, Fae, Were Folk, and more. It is a story about a daughters yearning to find her mother and a young woman, Sage, from the human realm who follows a Merman through a portal. To find out more, you will have to read the book for yourself.
I loved the characters, and the romance was sweet. The plot twist was not what I expected, and I found myself really enjoying this story to its climax.
It is only the beginning of what I am sure will be an exciting adventure. There was humour, love, and even sadness to keep me reading until the very end.
I highly recommend this first novel for Mercede Koefoed, and I was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful story that unfolded before me. I just want to say, wow, what a fantastic start to your career as an author. You have my admiration, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
I loved the characters, and the romance was sweet. The plot twist was not what I expected, and I found myself really enjoying this story to its climax.
It is only the beginning of what I am sure will be an exciting adventure. There was humour, love, and even sadness to keep me reading until the very end.
I highly recommend this first novel for Mercede Koefoed, and I was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful story that unfolded before me. I just want to say, wow, what a fantastic start to your career as an author. You have my admiration, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
September 18, 2025
This story was such a fun and original fantasy adventure! I loved how fresh and unique the characters felt...Sage, Willow, and the rest of the characters really stood out from the usual fantasy tropes. The mix of humans, dragons, mers, and mages kept the worldbuilding exciting, and the prophecy twist pulled me in right away.
The pacing had the perfect balance of action, magic, and emotion, and I never once felt like I knew exactly where the story was headed (in the best way). It’s imaginative, fast-paced, and full of heart. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you so much for the gifted e arc
All opinions are my own!
The pacing had the perfect balance of action, magic, and emotion, and I never once felt like I knew exactly where the story was headed (in the best way). It’s imaginative, fast-paced, and full of heart. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you so much for the gifted e arc
All opinions are my own!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews