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The Marleau Twins: Race for Midgard
Jack and Stefan Marleau never meant to leave their world behind.
When a mysterious portal opens deep in the Louisiana woods, the twin brothers-and their fiercely loyal friend Kate-are pulled into Salacia, a realm bound by ancient magic, forgotten prophecies, and creatures drawn from myth and legend. What begins as a reckless adventure quickly becomes something far more dangerous when they learn their arrival was foretold long ago.
In Salacia, time bends, kingdoms rise and fall, and a powerful king believes the three teenagers are the long-awaited saviors destined to rescue his kidnapped daughter and prevent the collapse of the realm itself. Armed with nothing but stubborn courage and each other, Jack, Stefan, and Kate are forced into a world of centaurs, monstrous beasts, rival empires, and royal secrets that threaten both Salacia-and their home on Earth.
As they train for a destiny they never asked for, the trio must confront fear, loyalty, and the cost of heroism, learning that prophecy does not guarantee survival-and that courage often comes before belief.
Blending epic fantasy, mythological world-building, and emotionally grounded coming-of-age storytelling, this is the beginning of a high-stakes adventure about family, friendship, and what it means to step forward when the fate of multiple worlds hangs in the balance.
Adventure violence; peril; fantasy creatures
No explicit content
Appropriate for YA readers
When a mysterious portal opens deep in the Louisiana woods, the twin brothers-and their fiercely loyal friend Kate-are pulled into Salacia, a realm bound by ancient magic, forgotten prophecies, and creatures drawn from myth and legend. What begins as a reckless adventure quickly becomes something far more dangerous when they learn their arrival was foretold long ago.
In Salacia, time bends, kingdoms rise and fall, and a powerful king believes the three teenagers are the long-awaited saviors destined to rescue his kidnapped daughter and prevent the collapse of the realm itself. Armed with nothing but stubborn courage and each other, Jack, Stefan, and Kate are forced into a world of centaurs, monstrous beasts, rival empires, and royal secrets that threaten both Salacia-and their home on Earth.
As they train for a destiny they never asked for, the trio must confront fear, loyalty, and the cost of heroism, learning that prophecy does not guarantee survival-and that courage often comes before belief.
Blending epic fantasy, mythological world-building, and emotionally grounded coming-of-age storytelling, this is the beginning of a high-stakes adventure about family, friendship, and what it means to step forward when the fate of multiple worlds hangs in the balance.
Adventure violence; peril; fantasy creatures
No explicit content
Appropriate for YA readers
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy
What worked:
The book opens with a quest adventure for Kate, Jack, and Stefan. These three characters have grown up together, and they pass through a portal into another world. The king gives them the option of rescuing his daughter or spending time in the dungeons, so the friends opt to rescue the princess. Stephen, Jack, and Kate are taught battle skills before they are ready to embark on their quest. The journey takes them through forests and over a mountain before arriving at the castle that’s holding the princess. Readers will enjoy the fight scenes with guards and mythical creatures, but they’ll be surprised by what the characters discover when they reach the princess. It turns out that her rescue is merely the introduction to the actual conflict.
The book is divided into three parts, each with a complete plot. The first part is summarized above, and its resolution leads into the next story. The Marleau twins and Kate must find a way to unseat a mysterious, cloaked man who’s claimed the title of king. This conflict will lead the kids across the world and into other moments in time. Stefan and Jack also learn that one of them will become the next guardian of Migard. The Norse gods will force them into a contest against each other, the winner becoming the guardian and the loser being forgotten. This story is part of the book’s third part, along with their efforts to return Princess Annabeth to the throne.
Kate is a very interesting character, and it sometimes seems she should be highlighted equally with the Marleau twins. She becomes accomplished with the bow and arrows, and she’s the first to act when the king is poisoned. Kate is separated from the others in the book’s second section, and she’s featured in this critical part of the group’s plans. Readers learn that common folk can’t see portals leading to other realms, and they’re only visible “in the presence of people with significant ties to the nine worlds.” The twins are connected through their father’s bloodline, but why is Kate able to activate the first portal? What is her connection to the realms?
What didn’t work as well:
The story skips the yearlong training to become warriors, which leaves readers feeling like they’ve missed quite a bit. In one chapter, the characters are normal teens with no fighting talents, and in the next chapter, they’re experts with the sword, spear, and bow. Some parts of the story abruptly change settings, while other parts are double-spaced or are formally separated.
The final verdict:
All upper middle-grade readers can enjoy the book, although the main characters are 15-16 years old. There’s a good deal of adventure and action, and the epilogue introduces an interesting twist for the sequel. I recommend young readers give this book a shot!
The book opens with a quest adventure for Kate, Jack, and Stefan. These three characters have grown up together, and they pass through a portal into another world. The king gives them the option of rescuing his daughter or spending time in the dungeons, so the friends opt to rescue the princess. Stephen, Jack, and Kate are taught battle skills before they are ready to embark on their quest. The journey takes them through forests and over a mountain before arriving at the castle that’s holding the princess. Readers will enjoy the fight scenes with guards and mythical creatures, but they’ll be surprised by what the characters discover when they reach the princess. It turns out that her rescue is merely the introduction to the actual conflict.
The book is divided into three parts, each with a complete plot. The first part is summarized above, and its resolution leads into the next story. The Marleau twins and Kate must find a way to unseat a mysterious, cloaked man who’s claimed the title of king. This conflict will lead the kids across the world and into other moments in time. Stefan and Jack also learn that one of them will become the next guardian of Migard. The Norse gods will force them into a contest against each other, the winner becoming the guardian and the loser being forgotten. This story is part of the book’s third part, along with their efforts to return Princess Annabeth to the throne.
Kate is a very interesting character, and it sometimes seems she should be highlighted equally with the Marleau twins. She becomes accomplished with the bow and arrows, and she’s the first to act when the king is poisoned. Kate is separated from the others in the book’s second section, and she’s featured in this critical part of the group’s plans. Readers learn that common folk can’t see portals leading to other realms, and they’re only visible “in the presence of people with significant ties to the nine worlds.” The twins are connected through their father’s bloodline, but why is Kate able to activate the first portal? What is her connection to the realms?
What didn’t work as well:
The story skips the yearlong training to become warriors, which leaves readers feeling like they’ve missed quite a bit. In one chapter, the characters are normal teens with no fighting talents, and in the next chapter, they’re experts with the sword, spear, and bow. Some parts of the story abruptly change settings, while other parts are double-spaced or are formally separated.
The final verdict:
All upper middle-grade readers can enjoy the book, although the main characters are 15-16 years old. There’s a good deal of adventure and action, and the epilogue introduces an interesting twist for the sequel. I recommend young readers give this book a shot!
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy from Book Siren for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story was so much fun! It was full of adventure and Norse mythology, betrayals and family drama, conflicts and mystery. It was fast paced, unique, complex, and you never knew what was going to happen next. Every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to continue.
All three parts had completely different storylines, which was really cool to see because it worked so well and they all fed into each other and wrapped up together perfectly by the end. The historic components, the fight scenes, even the hospital scenes all felt real and harrowing and were so well done.
I don't know why, but going in for some reason I thought the twins were going to be like 11-12 and was honestly surprised to find out they were 15 going on 16 . That being said, this definitely felt like it veered a bit more towards YA than middle grade - which I'm not complaining because I loved our main group, but I was surprised initially. Also, am I really supposed to believe Mason is 18? I don't actually know if he was being serious when he said that.
Speaking of Mason, I loved all of our main characters so much. While I wish we had of gotten more time with some of the other characters, like Anabeth and Alpha, our main group had such strong lovable personalities, were relatable, and their bonds with each other were absolutely beautiful, especially when it came to the twins, Jack and Stefan. The world can ALWAYS have more sibling focused books.
My rating veers more to a 4.5 only because the romance was definitely a little strange for my taste… Both with the awkwardness of Jack/Kate in part one only to completely backtrack in part 2, and just in general with Anabeth, but with how little it impacted the story it definitely could be overlooked.
I would definitely love to read other works by this author, or honestly even other books that could exist in this series. I'm so excited to see what might come next.
This story was so much fun! It was full of adventure and Norse mythology, betrayals and family drama, conflicts and mystery. It was fast paced, unique, complex, and you never knew what was going to happen next. Every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to continue.
All three parts had completely different storylines, which was really cool to see because it worked so well and they all fed into each other and wrapped up together perfectly by the end. The historic components, the fight scenes, even the hospital scenes all felt real and harrowing and were so well done.
I don't know why, but going in for some reason I thought the twins were going to be like 11-12 and was honestly surprised to find out they were 15 going on 16 . That being said, this definitely felt like it veered a bit more towards YA than middle grade - which I'm not complaining because I loved our main group, but I was surprised initially. Also, am I really supposed to believe Mason is 18? I don't actually know if he was being serious when he said that.
Speaking of Mason, I loved all of our main characters so much. While I wish we had of gotten more time with some of the other characters, like Anabeth and Alpha, our main group had such strong lovable personalities, were relatable, and their bonds with each other were absolutely beautiful, especially when it came to the twins, Jack and Stefan. The world can ALWAYS have more sibling focused books.
My rating veers more to a 4.5 only because the romance was definitely a little strange for my taste… Both with the awkwardness of Jack/Kate in part one only to completely backtrack in part 2, and just in general with Anabeth, but with how little it impacted the story it definitely could be overlooked.
I would definitely love to read other works by this author, or honestly even other books that could exist in this series. I'm so excited to see what might come next.
Review of advance copy
A book that exceeded my expectations. The story is very complex, with many well-developed facets.
The characters are beautifully crafted. Even the two twin brothers are very different from each other, and this gives the story a special touch.
I really enjoyed traveling alongside the protagonists to so many places, times, and worlds. I found it very creative the way the author used real historical facts and wove the story around them.
It is a clean book, without excessive violence, indecent language, or inappropriate intimate scenes. Any child or teenager can read it. And of course, it is also very suitable for adults.
I also appreciated that it didn’t feel like a classic story structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Rather, the story unfolds piece by piece, creating the impression of a very complex structure. Congratulations to the author for the way everything was coordinated and for how each detail was managed.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves adventure and creativity, and who wants to read about what friendship, family, and love for those around you truly mean.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are beautifully crafted. Even the two twin brothers are very different from each other, and this gives the story a special touch.
I really enjoyed traveling alongside the protagonists to so many places, times, and worlds. I found it very creative the way the author used real historical facts and wove the story around them.
It is a clean book, without excessive violence, indecent language, or inappropriate intimate scenes. Any child or teenager can read it. And of course, it is also very suitable for adults.
I also appreciated that it didn’t feel like a classic story structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Rather, the story unfolds piece by piece, creating the impression of a very complex structure. Congratulations to the author for the way everything was coordinated and for how each detail was managed.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves adventure and creativity, and who wants to read about what friendship, family, and love for those around you truly mean.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2026
The Marleau Twins: Race for Midgard is a fast-paced, imaginative adventure that pulls you in from the start. The story follows twin brothers, Jack and Stefan, as they discover a portal to another world and are swept into a journey filled with mystery, history, and unexpected twists.
The characters are thoughtfully developed, with each twin having a distinct personality, and their relationships, especially with their friend Kate adds both heart and humor.
Despite its depth, the book remains accessible and appropriate for younger readers, with clean content and an engaging, suspenseful pace. Overall, it’s an exciting, well-crafted page-turner that blends adventure, imagination, and meaningful themes of friendship and family. It’s perfect for teens and enjoyable for adults as well.
The characters are thoughtfully developed, with each twin having a distinct personality, and their relationships, especially with their friend Kate adds both heart and humor.
Despite its depth, the book remains accessible and appropriate for younger readers, with clean content and an engaging, suspenseful pace. Overall, it’s an exciting, well-crafted page-turner that blends adventure, imagination, and meaningful themes of friendship and family. It’s perfect for teens and enjoyable for adults as well.
Read
March 25, 2026The Marleau Twins: Race For Midgard is a fast-paced and imaginative read that quickly draws you into its world. The story follows Jack and Stefan, along with their friend Kate, as they are pulled into an adventure filled with mystery and unexpected twists.
The characters are easy to connect with, and their relationships add both humour and heart to the story. The world-building is vivid, creating a strong sense of immersion as the journey unfolds.
Overall, this is a fun and gripping fantasy that keeps you turning the pages and leaves you wanting to see what happens next.
The characters are easy to connect with, and their relationships add both humour and heart to the story. The world-building is vivid, creating a strong sense of immersion as the journey unfolds.
Overall, this is a fun and gripping fantasy that keeps you turning the pages and leaves you wanting to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you like fast-paced, suspenseful stories, this book is a great choice for young teens.
The story follows twin brothers, who discover a portal to another world.
What makes this book exciting is how quickly the story moves. One minute they’re in the woods, and the next they are learning how to become warriors.
.
Overall, this is a great page-turner that mixes adventure, mystery, and imagination. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy fiction and time travel with fun characters.
The story follows twin brothers, who discover a portal to another world.
What makes this book exciting is how quickly the story moves. One minute they’re in the woods, and the next they are learning how to become warriors.
.
Overall, this is a great page-turner that mixes adventure, mystery, and imagination. It’s perfect for young readers who enjoy fiction and time travel with fun characters.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fast-paced adventure with great world-building and a story I really enjoyed. Loved the characters too.
The target audience is 10–12-year-olds, but honestly, I loved this book. It was fun, entertaining, and kept me hooked from start to finish.
Definitely a book I’d recommend for younger readers, and apparently, for grown-ups too! 😂
The target audience is 10–12-year-olds, but honestly, I loved this book. It was fun, entertaining, and kept me hooked from start to finish.
Definitely a book I’d recommend for younger readers, and apparently, for grown-ups too! 😂
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews