Different Realms

by Michael Shank

A stolen ruby transports the twins on a dangerous race through the realms …

Rob Capower feels trapped after being mistreated at his school, but he’s certain things will change if he accepts a dare to steal his principal’s priceless ruby.

Looks can be deceiving …

He quickly discovers the ruby is no ordinary jewel—it’s a powerful relic. In an exciting twist, Rob and his brother, Tom, are transported to another realm, and their principal, the vengeful Griffith Brennfield, isn’t far behind.

Change can be deceiving …

Trapped in another world, the twins must travel through gateways that lead across perilous and exotic realms where they meet new friends, uncover family secrets, and face impending obstacles.

Can they wield their newfound gifts to find their way home? Or will they be overcome by Griffith?

Immerse yourself in this action-packed adventure of magic, monsters, robots, and brotherly courage. Perfect for fans of The Land of Stories , Keeper of the Lost Cities , and The Chronicles of Narnia .

331 pages, Hardcover

Published October 9, 2025

About the author

Michael Shank began writing stories when he was nine, inspired by his older sister who wrote her own fantasy creations. Since then, he continues to explore new ideas and build new worlds. His debut novel, Different Realms, has been developing in his imagination since he was ten years old, growing more depth the older he gets. Outside of writing, Michael likes reading and listening to music which fuels new ideas for his stories.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun read

I had a lot of fun reading this book. The different realms were creative and full of surprises, and each new place brought its own dangers and discoveries. The brothers’ bond gave the story a lot of heart. The pace is quick and adventurous, making it easy to get swept up in the story. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes portal fantasy and magical worlds.

[Cheryl Rupert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing! And from such a brilliant young mind. Just when I think I couldn’t love a book more it surprises me! The story development along with the character development is impeccable. I can’t wait till the next one! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys adventure and likes to get lost in other world, or realms I should say. Kudos to Michael Shank who put so much work into this masterpiece!

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Shank’s Different Realms is a work in the fantasy adventure genre. The story revolves around the twins Rob and Tom and the school principal Griffith; it is shaped around portals, parallel worlds, magical objects, and monsters. I liked Shank’s simple and fluent narrative, as well as the fantasy world and characters he created, including the illustrations of the Cruciex soldiers, the Prowling Prowlings from the Dark Realm, the special dragon Aquavion from the Phantasm Realm, and the Night Terror, one of the fiercest creatures in the Dark Realm. I think young readers who enjoy fantasy adventures will definitely love this work.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and exciting fantasy adventure that’s easy to get into and hard to put down. The story moves quickly, full of magical worlds, dangerous creatures, and clever twists that keep things interesting. Rob and Tom’s journey through different realms is engaging, and their bond as brothers adds heart to the adventure. The mix of magic, mystery, and courage makes the book especially enjoyable for young adult readers.

Overall, this is a fast-paced, imaginative read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys portal fantasy and heroic quests. It’s creative, entertaining, and leaves you wishing for more adventures beyond the final page.

[H.S. Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different Realms offers a refreshing and heartfelt twist on the classic chosen-one trope. What really sets this YA fantasy apart is how authentically the twin protagonists, Rob and Tom, feel like real kids—complete with relatable flaws, impulsive decisions, and the kinds of honest mistakes that make their growth so satisfying to watch.The story balances adventure, wonder, and emotional stakes without ever feeling forced, turning what could have been a familiar setup into an engaging and genuinely enjoyable journey. I loved spending time with these characters and rooting for them every step of the way.

[Nora S · Rating 4 out of 5]

What begins as a stolen ruby spirals into a high-stakes journey across dangerous realms, where magic, secrets, and brotherhood collide. Fast, imaginative, and heartfelt, this adventure proves courage shines brightest in the darkest worlds.