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Different Realms
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 .
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 .
333 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2025
About the author
Michael Shank
2 books10 followersMichael 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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 18, 2026
interesting
An interesting read, this story reminded me of back to the future a bit.
I liked all of the characters in the book.
The robots had the shape of human beings, metallic and thick metal armour. This is how some of it is.
A unique and powerful read.
It is a fast paced story.
I overall enjoyed it.
I liked the portal idea.
An interesting read, this story reminded me of back to the future a bit.
I liked all of the characters in the book.
The robots had the shape of human beings, metallic and thick metal armour. This is how some of it is.
A unique and powerful read.
It is a fast paced story.
I overall enjoyed it.
I liked the portal idea.
January 22, 2026
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.
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.
October 14, 2025
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!
December 31, 2025
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.
January 16, 2026
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.
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.
February 23, 2026
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.
March 9, 2026
A portal fantasy for youngsters to enjoy.
A new head comes to the school where twins Tom and Rob go, but not all is what it seems. The man owns a giant ruby, which Rob, the less popular of the two boys, decides to steal to raise his status amongst his peers. But the headmaster is an evil overlord from an alternative reality – he chases the boys into the phantasm realm through a magical portal – one of many. The boys, it transpires are the sons of the guardian of the realms, and as they travel from realm to realm trying to find their way home, they learn of their own magical skills. I would place this book as MG rather than YA, but that’s okay – I enjoyed the adventurous tale.
A new head comes to the school where twins Tom and Rob go, but not all is what it seems. The man owns a giant ruby, which Rob, the less popular of the two boys, decides to steal to raise his status amongst his peers. But the headmaster is an evil overlord from an alternative reality – he chases the boys into the phantasm realm through a magical portal – one of many. The boys, it transpires are the sons of the guardian of the realms, and as they travel from realm to realm trying to find their way home, they learn of their own magical skills. I would place this book as MG rather than YA, but that’s okay – I enjoyed the adventurous tale.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews