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The Flow of Power #1
Beyond the Sapphire Gate
Raw power. Granite resolution. Dark betrayal.
On a world where a frothing river of magic underlies the land, Crystalyn may become Astura’s greatest power if she can master her ability of using symbols though she seeks no glory. She wants only to find the dear sister she raised; the sibling she lost on another planet by her own doing. Dark Users of magic, political Light Users, and a horde of deadly creatures stand in her way. But when had it ever been easy for one afflicted with an unbalanced, broken mind?
The epic first book in the thrilling Flow Of Power fantasy saga!
On a world where a frothing river of magic underlies the land, Crystalyn may become Astura’s greatest power if she can master her ability of using symbols though she seeks no glory. She wants only to find the dear sister she raised; the sibling she lost on another planet by her own doing. Dark Users of magic, political Light Users, and a horde of deadly creatures stand in her way. But when had it ever been easy for one afflicted with an unbalanced, broken mind?
The epic first book in the thrilling Flow Of Power fantasy saga!
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
570 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2015
262 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
R.V. Johnson
11 books16 followersR.V. Johnson writes epic fantasy, both dark and light, and science fiction adventure mysteries that immerse you in a new world; inflaming your sense of wonder. Like the lush world of Astura where a great river of magical energy known as "The Flow" underlies the land and is only accessible to those who can Use... When those who seek power are denied it, war is inevitable. Welcome to The Flow of Power saga.
R.V. Johnson grew up exploring the alienlike settings of red rock deserts and rugged mountains that inspired his love of exploring all worlds.
R.V. Johnson grew up exploring the alienlike settings of red rock deserts and rugged mountains that inspired his love of exploring all worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 24, 2016
I enjoyed this book. the sisters Crystalyne and Jade are strong characters and they have a lot to adjust to when they are transported to Astura and they fought to be reunited as they both encountered dangers that were beyond anything they knew before.
I loved the vivid pictures that R.V. Johnson drew with words. It drew me in and made me visualize this completely foreign world. The writing was creative and flowed well. Very well done storyline that kept me involved and entertained.
I loved the vivid pictures that R.V. Johnson drew with words. It drew me in and made me visualize this completely foreign world. The writing was creative and flowed well. Very well done storyline that kept me involved and entertained.
December 5, 2016
Beyond the Sapphire Gate: Epic Fantasy Some Magic Should Remain Untouched the Flow of Power Book 1
By: R. V. Johnson
Genre: Fantasy
I’m always confused when it comes to writing reviews for books I-DIDN’T-HATE. Should I play up the good parts or tear down the bad parts?
When it comes to books like this, I don’t want to hurt the author. I did like the story. However, I don’t want to scam future readers who need to know there are issues. So…what do I say?
Here’s how I’m going to do this: I’m going to be as honest as I can while still doing my best to help the author sell his story.
Beyond the Sapphire Gate: Epic Fantasy Some Magic Should Remain Untouched the Flow of Power Book 1 …
Is as wordy and complicated as its title (with as many punctuations and grammar issues).
The story revolves around teenaged Crystalyn, an indentured servant in a world of extreme technological advancement. She is enslaved to the curator of some sort of museum (?) or artifact warehouse (?). I’m not sure which. At any rate, it is Crystalyn’s job to catalog the items Ruena (her superior) collects and store them away.
During the performance of her job, she finds a book of “symbols” she become obsessed with. You the reader must assume that these symbols have something to do with magic—although, you’re never really given this information from the author. This book of symbols (which Crystalyn evidently memorizes) leads to a situation in which she and her younger sister (whom she brings to work with her one night for no apparent reason) discover more magical items in Ruena’s office and you know what they say about curiosity killing cats… The two girls step through a magical portal into another world and land hundreds of miles apart on a backward, almost stone-age-era place called Astura where everyone seems to want to kill them both.
In Astura, magic is the operating force and everyone and their dog know how to use it. The story then becomes a Wizard of Oz type adventure in which both girls go through hell and high water to find one another. Along the way, they both discover that they too have magical powers—Crystalyn can use the symbols she memorized from the book as magical weapons of harm and destruction or as tools to protect and heal. Her sister Jade can read auras. (I personally think she got jipped.) They neither one seems surprised by their new abilities (or did they always have them—we the readers do not know).
One girl works with the forces of evil (unknowingly? Sort of.) and the other works with the forces of good (I guess).
As an added bonus, the girl’s father—Garn—falls through the same portal when he goes looking for his children.
It’s all a complicated and overly described and dramatic mess.
The author is obviously a talented and imaginative storyteller. What he is not, is a skilled self-editor.
The author of Beyond the Sapphire Gate… is wordy and overly descriptive in most areas; using so many words, and such lengthy and complicated compound sentences, that reading this story is as mentally taxing as lifting the heavy weights at the gym—which I never do!
(As you might have guessed, I have the same problem—so I know of what I speak.)
And yet, there are so many things that are unexplained and left open to interpretation in this story. This left me guessing a lot. I don’t like guessing when trying to immerse myself in a story.
In addition, there were a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. These too pulled me from the story.
HOWEVER, even as I catalog the things I didn’t like about this story I must admit… I didn’t hate it.
There is true talent in Mr. Johnson’s work. The story is inventive and interesting. The characters are fun and personable (although, they all need a little more character development). And the world of Astura is exciting and different.
While there were some moments I wanted to throw my kindle through the window because of frustrating questions or too strenuous mental workouts; I couldn’t make myself stop reading. It did take me almost two months to read. I could only get through a chapter or two a night. In contrast, the next book I read of similar length and style took only three nights.
It IS a good story. It IS also the first in a series. Some of the issues I had with the book (unanswered questions, for example) may be resolved in future books. I WOULD recommend it to lovers of the fantasy genre.
Just be aware, you will get your mental exercise reading this EPIC fantasy.
By: R. V. Johnson
Genre: Fantasy
I’m always confused when it comes to writing reviews for books I-DIDN’T-HATE. Should I play up the good parts or tear down the bad parts?
When it comes to books like this, I don’t want to hurt the author. I did like the story. However, I don’t want to scam future readers who need to know there are issues. So…what do I say?
Here’s how I’m going to do this: I’m going to be as honest as I can while still doing my best to help the author sell his story.
Beyond the Sapphire Gate: Epic Fantasy Some Magic Should Remain Untouched the Flow of Power Book 1 …
Is as wordy and complicated as its title (with as many punctuations and grammar issues).
The story revolves around teenaged Crystalyn, an indentured servant in a world of extreme technological advancement. She is enslaved to the curator of some sort of museum (?) or artifact warehouse (?). I’m not sure which. At any rate, it is Crystalyn’s job to catalog the items Ruena (her superior) collects and store them away.
During the performance of her job, she finds a book of “symbols” she become obsessed with. You the reader must assume that these symbols have something to do with magic—although, you’re never really given this information from the author. This book of symbols (which Crystalyn evidently memorizes) leads to a situation in which she and her younger sister (whom she brings to work with her one night for no apparent reason) discover more magical items in Ruena’s office and you know what they say about curiosity killing cats… The two girls step through a magical portal into another world and land hundreds of miles apart on a backward, almost stone-age-era place called Astura where everyone seems to want to kill them both.
In Astura, magic is the operating force and everyone and their dog know how to use it. The story then becomes a Wizard of Oz type adventure in which both girls go through hell and high water to find one another. Along the way, they both discover that they too have magical powers—Crystalyn can use the symbols she memorized from the book as magical weapons of harm and destruction or as tools to protect and heal. Her sister Jade can read auras. (I personally think she got jipped.) They neither one seems surprised by their new abilities (or did they always have them—we the readers do not know).
One girl works with the forces of evil (unknowingly? Sort of.) and the other works with the forces of good (I guess).
As an added bonus, the girl’s father—Garn—falls through the same portal when he goes looking for his children.
It’s all a complicated and overly described and dramatic mess.
The author is obviously a talented and imaginative storyteller. What he is not, is a skilled self-editor.
The author of Beyond the Sapphire Gate… is wordy and overly descriptive in most areas; using so many words, and such lengthy and complicated compound sentences, that reading this story is as mentally taxing as lifting the heavy weights at the gym—which I never do!
(As you might have guessed, I have the same problem—so I know of what I speak.)
And yet, there are so many things that are unexplained and left open to interpretation in this story. This left me guessing a lot. I don’t like guessing when trying to immerse myself in a story.
In addition, there were a few grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. These too pulled me from the story.
HOWEVER, even as I catalog the things I didn’t like about this story I must admit… I didn’t hate it.
There is true talent in Mr. Johnson’s work. The story is inventive and interesting. The characters are fun and personable (although, they all need a little more character development). And the world of Astura is exciting and different.
While there were some moments I wanted to throw my kindle through the window because of frustrating questions or too strenuous mental workouts; I couldn’t make myself stop reading. It did take me almost two months to read. I could only get through a chapter or two a night. In contrast, the next book I read of similar length and style took only three nights.
It IS a good story. It IS also the first in a series. Some of the issues I had with the book (unanswered questions, for example) may be resolved in future books. I WOULD recommend it to lovers of the fantasy genre.
Just be aware, you will get your mental exercise reading this EPIC fantasy.
June 6, 2015
One of the best books I have read in a longtime. I struggled a little at first to get into it, but I think that was more me than the book. Once I got into it, I was hooked! Beyond the Sapphire Gate has a strong, imaginative & original storyline with two very strong female characters in Crystalyn & her sister Jade. The sisters accidentally activate a portal between two sapphire crystal obelisks, Jade can't resist a quick touch & vanishes, so Crystalyn follows to find her sister. They are both transported to different places on a different world, a beautiful but dangerous world where magic & violence are the norm. Crystalyn finds herself in a violent town, almost loosing her life. She ends up in a small group consisting of a young girl who is not what she seems, two natural white magic users with their guard & the tough local innkeeper. They set off to find Jade & encounter battles to the death, deadly spiderbee's & so much more that I don't want to give away! Meanwhile Jade finds herself in the Dark Citadel which is a very dangerous place to be. She finds help from a Druid & also a surprising creature. Together they have to find escape with their lives & souls intact.
The twists & turns in this book often come as quite a surprise, especially the twist at the end which I thought very clever & had no idea what was going to happen. All the characters are strong & believable, they fit perfectly into their roles & place in the story.
I can't recommend Beyond the Sapphire Gate highly enough. If you love a strong story, with strong characters that you care about, with a clever, well written & powerful plot that has you guessing you really should read this book.
The twists & turns in this book often come as quite a surprise, especially the twist at the end which I thought very clever & had no idea what was going to happen. All the characters are strong & believable, they fit perfectly into their roles & place in the story.
I can't recommend Beyond the Sapphire Gate highly enough. If you love a strong story, with strong characters that you care about, with a clever, well written & powerful plot that has you guessing you really should read this book.
September 21, 2015
A whole new world of fantasy and adventure.
June 30, 2016
My Dad used to say, often, that the essence of good writing is what the author leaves out. Similarly, one of my friends who wrote for a living regularly stressed that a good editor was just as important as a good writer. These aren't original observations, but they sum up the problems with this book. This world was obviously created with a lot of love and there were many good ideas, but the end result was too often tedious to read.
One major flaw is the author doesn't always seem to remember what he's written, so statements about things never occuring to a character or never being mentioned before, are false. This happens too regularly and is one area in which an editor can help. Another would be to fix problems like missing words, incorrect words, verb tenses, the use of s vs. 's or s', punctuation, capitalization, etc... Even though people in the book generally have distinctive voices, making sure it's clear who is speaking by inserting things like "so-and-so said" is necessary at times for clarity. There's too many unnecessarily long sentences, which even if technically correct, can obscure meaning. Few authors can get away with that or have it add to the story. Some sentences were too overwrought, such as, "Crystalyn reveled in the anger, which speared her panic, thrusting through it like a flaming sword and calming her with an almost boiling clarity."
At times it felt like the author was including more advanced vocabulary just for the sake of introducing it or to increase the vocabulary of younger readers, and not because it was the best choice for the story. At certain points, the author is clearly trying to prompt the reader to stop and think or to emphasize something he was afraid we'd miss. Thinking is good, but the feel was too much like comprehension questions you'd get at school to be effective.
I've got no problem with dialogue for various characters being formal or stylized, but the book contained many awkward, clunky, or forced descriptions of people, things or thoughts. Sometimes I didn't understand what the author was trying to say, not in a cool-new-view-of-the universe-way, but in a writing was unclear, inconsistent, or odd way. Some things were not believable, like characters would have information, knowledge, or understanding it didn't make sense for them to have. There'd have to be something more in the text to make those things work, which could replace things that were needlessly explained because it didn't add to the story.
The main character was frustrating because she was a mix of things that didn't make sense together. People can be complicated and have conflicting sides, but there need to be reasons for this. Behavior can alter and situations can change a person, but it needs to fit in with the character. If it's some kind of plot or story device, it falls flat. She was too often unlikeable or hostile, and not in a cool anti-hero or girl you love to hate way. These moments didn't work, beause they didn't make sense with what we knew or with her arc. It's a lovely, empowering thought that the girl with a mental illness requiring meds could cope with such significant upheaval and stress, but it wasn't written well-enough to have her be the character the author seems to intend.
There's some twists and turns I won't spoil. But all sorts of unbelievable actions have to occur to make them happen. I find that wildly frustrating. Sure, people can act out of character or without thinking, but there's a limit to how much this can happen. At least before it's just plot needs completely driving character action, to the point that characters lose themselves and the story jumps off the rails. However, I think all of that could be reworked to work. I believe there's a ton of potential here for a vibrant world with interesting characters on exciting adventures. But some serious re-writes and editing are needed to make it happen. I received this book at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review
One major flaw is the author doesn't always seem to remember what he's written, so statements about things never occuring to a character or never being mentioned before, are false. This happens too regularly and is one area in which an editor can help. Another would be to fix problems like missing words, incorrect words, verb tenses, the use of s vs. 's or s', punctuation, capitalization, etc... Even though people in the book generally have distinctive voices, making sure it's clear who is speaking by inserting things like "so-and-so said" is necessary at times for clarity. There's too many unnecessarily long sentences, which even if technically correct, can obscure meaning. Few authors can get away with that or have it add to the story. Some sentences were too overwrought, such as, "Crystalyn reveled in the anger, which speared her panic, thrusting through it like a flaming sword and calming her with an almost boiling clarity."
At times it felt like the author was including more advanced vocabulary just for the sake of introducing it or to increase the vocabulary of younger readers, and not because it was the best choice for the story. At certain points, the author is clearly trying to prompt the reader to stop and think or to emphasize something he was afraid we'd miss. Thinking is good, but the feel was too much like comprehension questions you'd get at school to be effective.
I've got no problem with dialogue for various characters being formal or stylized, but the book contained many awkward, clunky, or forced descriptions of people, things or thoughts. Sometimes I didn't understand what the author was trying to say, not in a cool-new-view-of-the universe-way, but in a writing was unclear, inconsistent, or odd way. Some things were not believable, like characters would have information, knowledge, or understanding it didn't make sense for them to have. There'd have to be something more in the text to make those things work, which could replace things that were needlessly explained because it didn't add to the story.
The main character was frustrating because she was a mix of things that didn't make sense together. People can be complicated and have conflicting sides, but there need to be reasons for this. Behavior can alter and situations can change a person, but it needs to fit in with the character. If it's some kind of plot or story device, it falls flat. She was too often unlikeable or hostile, and not in a cool anti-hero or girl you love to hate way. These moments didn't work, beause they didn't make sense with what we knew or with her arc. It's a lovely, empowering thought that the girl with a mental illness requiring meds could cope with such significant upheaval and stress, but it wasn't written well-enough to have her be the character the author seems to intend.
There's some twists and turns I won't spoil. But all sorts of unbelievable actions have to occur to make them happen. I find that wildly frustrating. Sure, people can act out of character or without thinking, but there's a limit to how much this can happen. At least before it's just plot needs completely driving character action, to the point that characters lose themselves and the story jumps off the rails. However, I think all of that could be reworked to work. I believe there's a ton of potential here for a vibrant world with interesting characters on exciting adventures. But some serious re-writes and editing are needed to make it happen. I received this book at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review
May 4, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
'Beyond the Sapphire Gate' by R.V. Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on May 3, 2017
GIVEN FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $13.15 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
While sneaking around her workplace, Crystalyn accidentally activates a magical gateway to another world, and her sister, Jade whom she loves more than anyone in the world, touches them and gets transported away before her eyes. Crystalyn follows her there and, along the way, she discovers she harbors powers she never knew she had. As she searches for her sister to bring them both home, she develops and hones her skills and meets both friend and foe.
This new world is violent and frightening. She and Jade must get out before they succumb to it. To make matters more pressing, this incredible power Crystalyn wields is slowly killing her. It's her means of survival in this world, but if she doesn't learn how to control it, it, too, will overcome her.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This sort of book is the reason I do this -- the reason I advocate so vocally for supporting independent authors. This is a phenomenal book.
The world Johnson has built is complex and immersive. From the very beginning, you're sucked in and wondering what is going to happen from one page to the next. World building in a fantasy novel is not an easy task. It's extremely difficult to craft a new and gripping plane of existence that is both plausible and fantastic, and Johnson has done it and done it well.
The same goes for his characters. Each of them is intriguing in their own way. While many of them are fantastic, they maintain their humanity; thus, keeping them relatable and likable. Every character, even the minor ones, has depth. As a reader, I felt like I was right there alongside Crystalyn and Jade, going on this adventure and meeting these people, too. It felt like a real experience -- not like I was simply being told a story. That's what made this book so very special and why I liked it so very much.
My two favorite characters were Atoi and Burl, as I tend to favor the strange. I am curious to find out more of Atoi's history in the follow-up novels, and Burl, while he is almost an object in some ways, is loveable and oh-so endearing.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I want to know what happened to the world of Terra and what is in store for Astura. I need to know what's next for Crystalyn and Jade, and I need to know the story with Atoi. There's so much more left to find out!
If fantasy is your genre, and you need a new read, please pick this up. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
'Beyond the Sapphire Gate' by R.V. Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on May 3, 2017
GIVEN FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $13.15 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
While sneaking around her workplace, Crystalyn accidentally activates a magical gateway to another world, and her sister, Jade whom she loves more than anyone in the world, touches them and gets transported away before her eyes. Crystalyn follows her there and, along the way, she discovers she harbors powers she never knew she had. As she searches for her sister to bring them both home, she develops and hones her skills and meets both friend and foe.
This new world is violent and frightening. She and Jade must get out before they succumb to it. To make matters more pressing, this incredible power Crystalyn wields is slowly killing her. It's her means of survival in this world, but if she doesn't learn how to control it, it, too, will overcome her.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This sort of book is the reason I do this -- the reason I advocate so vocally for supporting independent authors. This is a phenomenal book.
The world Johnson has built is complex and immersive. From the very beginning, you're sucked in and wondering what is going to happen from one page to the next. World building in a fantasy novel is not an easy task. It's extremely difficult to craft a new and gripping plane of existence that is both plausible and fantastic, and Johnson has done it and done it well.
The same goes for his characters. Each of them is intriguing in their own way. While many of them are fantastic, they maintain their humanity; thus, keeping them relatable and likable. Every character, even the minor ones, has depth. As a reader, I felt like I was right there alongside Crystalyn and Jade, going on this adventure and meeting these people, too. It felt like a real experience -- not like I was simply being told a story. That's what made this book so very special and why I liked it so very much.
My two favorite characters were Atoi and Burl, as I tend to favor the strange. I am curious to find out more of Atoi's history in the follow-up novels, and Burl, while he is almost an object in some ways, is loveable and oh-so endearing.
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I want to know what happened to the world of Terra and what is in store for Astura. I need to know what's next for Crystalyn and Jade, and I need to know the story with Atoi. There's so much more left to find out!
If fantasy is your genre, and you need a new read, please pick this up. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
February 14, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really don’t know what it is about this book, I just could not get into it.
I love getting books as .mobis because I can bookmark. With a PDF, if I lose my place or my Kindle decides to go to the homepage, I have to figure out where my place is. Well, I lost my place in this book and I just really couldn’t be bothered to find it even though I’m only 17% through it.
The writing is well done, the idea is pretty interesting but I just couldn’t connect to anything or anyone. It also seemed like when there should have been more freaking out, there was just acceptance.
I was just disconnected and wasn’t very interested in continuing. Maybe because there’s no real world building, I’m not really sure what this world is like and I’m kind of just pushed into the plot. Maybe the world building happens later or something but I just can’t make myself get interested.
It would probably have been easier to read if there had been more reactions from the characters and some emotion.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
I really don’t know what it is about this book, I just could not get into it.
I love getting books as .mobis because I can bookmark. With a PDF, if I lose my place or my Kindle decides to go to the homepage, I have to figure out where my place is. Well, I lost my place in this book and I just really couldn’t be bothered to find it even though I’m only 17% through it.
The writing is well done, the idea is pretty interesting but I just couldn’t connect to anything or anyone. It also seemed like when there should have been more freaking out, there was just acceptance.
I was just disconnected and wasn’t very interested in continuing. Maybe because there’s no real world building, I’m not really sure what this world is like and I’m kind of just pushed into the plot. Maybe the world building happens later or something but I just can’t make myself get interested.
It would probably have been easier to read if there had been more reactions from the characters and some emotion.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
December 30, 2017
R.V. Johnson uses his descriptive powers to vibrantly create a magical world full of intriguing characters. The writing is top-notch, clear, and compelling for a story line that hooks the reader right away and keeps them engaged through a narrative of plot twists. The book is rich in sci-fi/fantasy elements, materials, and conflicts. I enjoyed the unpredictable, likeable, and intriguing characters as well. Crystalyne and Jade are solid characters that elicited my empathy from the beginning and lead the story's drama, which has its share of action and momentum but also enough moments to slow down and let you be fully immersed in this other world. It is well-paced and well-structured for an installment novel as well as part of a series, with mysterious unanswered areas leaving the reader to want to read more. I highly recommend this book to readers who want to get completely absorbed or "transported" into a world full of beautifully detailed imagery.
November 20, 2020
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I could not get through Beyond the Sapphire Gate by R.V. Johnson. I tried - but to be honest, the minute I saw the main character's name come up as "Crystalyn Creek", I knew it wasn't going to go well. By the end of the first chapter, I never wanted to open the book again. The writing style of this book was incredibly juvenile and poorly edited. The dialogue didn't sound realistic in the least. It was almost disjointed in the way the scenes were described. At times, even the sentence structures didn't make sense.
I gave up. To be frank, I'm not sure I can even say that it wasn't my cup of tea, so much as it just wasn't well written. Maybe the plot was fantastic - I don't know, I didn't get that far… but I am a true believer in the fact that a book should draw you in from the very beginning. It should be effortless to read. This didn't meet those criteria.
I could not get through Beyond the Sapphire Gate by R.V. Johnson. I tried - but to be honest, the minute I saw the main character's name come up as "Crystalyn Creek", I knew it wasn't going to go well. By the end of the first chapter, I never wanted to open the book again. The writing style of this book was incredibly juvenile and poorly edited. The dialogue didn't sound realistic in the least. It was almost disjointed in the way the scenes were described. At times, even the sentence structures didn't make sense.
I gave up. To be frank, I'm not sure I can even say that it wasn't my cup of tea, so much as it just wasn't well written. Maybe the plot was fantastic - I don't know, I didn't get that far… but I am a true believer in the fact that a book should draw you in from the very beginning. It should be effortless to read. This didn't meet those criteria.
February 24, 2018
This is an excellent fantasy novel. The characters are dynamic, especially Crystalyn and Jade, two sisters who are from a high tech world who are thrust into a low tech world where magic exists. Separated as they go through the portal, each sister finds themselves on a journey to try to find the other while surviving.
I was engaged with the characters and the story from day one. The varied settings work perfectly, as we get a full glimpse of the world they find themselves stranded on. This has all the successful elements of a fantasy novel, a fully realized world, characters that have depth and dimension, and action. With each new twist, I felt pulled in closer to the story. Crystalyn and Jade are especially strong characters and very engaging. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book.
I was engaged with the characters and the story from day one. The varied settings work perfectly, as we get a full glimpse of the world they find themselves stranded on. This has all the successful elements of a fantasy novel, a fully realized world, characters that have depth and dimension, and action. With each new twist, I felt pulled in closer to the story. Crystalyn and Jade are especially strong characters and very engaging. If you are a reader of fantasy, you'll enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book.
June 23, 2022
Interdimensional or time travel ? I'm not sure which is happening here but the story of Crystalyn's search for Jade on or in Asturia which is very similar to early Terra or Earth as we know it helped by a variety of characters almost all with their own motives be it power or wealth but mainly power. Except for Atoi, Broth and Burl who seem to be soul mates and Hastel who is probably Atoi's guardian who she definitely doesn't need. Various other characters take advantage of her symbol power which she need to defend but is actually depleting her till she is educated in it's use. Anyway read the book it's an entertaining and absorbing read and her father Garn, temporarily in the grip of the Alchemist, is left behind to carry on with the next episode.
April 5, 2023
Fresh. Imaginative. Original. The first novel of the author’s ‘Flow of Power’ series is a wonderful story of epic high fantasy with a smattering of Sci-fi. The characters are well developed in a rich world filled with vivid descriptions. Battles are described with an attention to detail allowing the reader to feel the shock of the fight’s ebb and flow in a believable manner. Most impressive is the portrayal of runic magic and how these powers are interwoven effectively within the action. Highly recommended to anyone ‘who enjoys losing themselves in a new world, if only for a few hours.’ I did.
June 29, 2022
Enthralling Fantasy.
I liked this book because it was very unusual and created for lovers of fantasy. Two sisters on Terra, their World, went through a portal and into another World. Here they met some strange beings, as well as apparent humans. I liked their adventures because the descriptions of that place were convincing, and it was easy to lose myself in it. The characters were varied and believable. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I liked this book because it was very unusual and created for lovers of fantasy. Two sisters on Terra, their World, went through a portal and into another World. Here they met some strange beings, as well as apparent humans. I liked their adventures because the descriptions of that place were convincing, and it was easy to lose myself in it. The characters were varied and believable. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 1, 2022
A pretty decent book
How any two girls can be so naive is beyond my understanding but it still ended up being a good read. Sisters, separated by the obelisks that sent them to a different place, battle to reunite
How any two girls can be so naive is beyond my understanding but it still ended up being a good read. Sisters, separated by the obelisks that sent them to a different place, battle to reunite
July 5, 2024
Made it through 16 chapters before deciding to DNF. After 150 pages, I still am not quite sure what is happening in this book. There were elements of the concept that had some promise, but the writing was so hard to follow that I could not fathom trying to get to the end of it.
October 24, 2024
Lite Darkness
I feel the author started out a little slow with this book But it progressed nicely There are great patterns to the characters they have Excellent fast Outcomes with each event Thank you author
I feel the author started out a little slow with this book But it progressed nicely There are great patterns to the characters they have Excellent fast Outcomes with each event Thank you author
November 17, 2025
Such a great adventure to read. Two sisters are transported to Asturia and separated. Each sister must go through difficult trials in order to be reunited. This is book 1 in the series and I can’t wait to read the whole series.
October 3, 2022
An excellent book!
Lots of magic and mystery. Two sisters find themselves transported to a different world; one where they could do magic and full of death and danger.
Lots of magic and mystery. Two sisters find themselves transported to a different world; one where they could do magic and full of death and danger.
October 20, 2016
It was a little hard for me to follow this book due to the way everything is described. The author has a vivid imagination, but it was hard for myself to picture what he was describing. The worlds in this book are complex, and I think that's what made it hard to follow. It has potential though, and I especially love the cover art.
February 17, 2017
An adventure to stir your mind as no other.
Christalyn s sister jade opened a portal to another world by accident and she followed to try and find her. It is a strange and beautiful world full of monsters, dark and light magic and users. There is a war going on that has been going on forever. She meets a woman who tries to train her because by forming symbols she read in two old books she can do magic. There are spider bees, sewer crawlers and so many things that crawled out of nightmares.
There is a child called the dark child who is a fighter in her own right.
Their father also gets thrown in by an evil lady and searched for them both.
It is a world like no other and the imagination it took to come up with this is amazing if not mind boggling.
It held my attention and I could not put it down.
What was in the mysterious box the two strange women carried in the wagon? Was the strange creature traveling with Jade good or a link to his dark master? There are so many questions on this great adventure. If you want something magical but different...something that demands your attention at every turn..this book is a must to read.
Who is dark and who is light? So much deception and betrayal. Will the sisters find love it will they perish before they can find each other and the way back home? As with my other reviews, I do not want to give away the story. Just as some movies show the good parts on commercials and leave nothing to imagination. I recommend this book will capture your imagination and fill your mind with pictures of adventure.
Christalyn s sister jade opened a portal to another world by accident and she followed to try and find her. It is a strange and beautiful world full of monsters, dark and light magic and users. There is a war going on that has been going on forever. She meets a woman who tries to train her because by forming symbols she read in two old books she can do magic. There are spider bees, sewer crawlers and so many things that crawled out of nightmares.
There is a child called the dark child who is a fighter in her own right.
Their father also gets thrown in by an evil lady and searched for them both.
It is a world like no other and the imagination it took to come up with this is amazing if not mind boggling.
It held my attention and I could not put it down.
What was in the mysterious box the two strange women carried in the wagon? Was the strange creature traveling with Jade good or a link to his dark master? There are so many questions on this great adventure. If you want something magical but different...something that demands your attention at every turn..this book is a must to read.
Who is dark and who is light? So much deception and betrayal. Will the sisters find love it will they perish before they can find each other and the way back home? As with my other reviews, I do not want to give away the story. Just as some movies show the good parts on commercials and leave nothing to imagination. I recommend this book will capture your imagination and fill your mind with pictures of adventure.
September 13, 2015
What I liked:
Elegant: The language usage in this book is somewhat formal while still flowing in a natural way. It creates an enchanting mental image of a world that is, by contrast, rather cutthroat.
Worlds apart: Astura is both beautifully described and well developed; you’re comfortable with the setting long before more complex elements are brought into the story. One thing I greatly appreciated was the way you’re introduced to startlingly different areas through the different POV characters. Terra, on the other hand, remains a bit fuzzy in my mind. True, you don’t spend much time there, but much of your knowledge of the place is gained through the characters’ thoughts, creating a mental image in retrospect.
Going with the flow: Magic is performed through a co-operative effort between a User and an Interrupter. It’s a great concept. I also like the fact that Light and Dark aren’t synonymous with Good and Evil, although this does appear to contradict itself in that the Dark Users are mostly bad guys.
You don’t feel the length: This is a fairly long book, but it never feels like a mission to read. Events flow in a very natural way and the changes in POV are well executed.
Creatures and people: Characters in this book have distinct positive and negative qualities, resulting in well-rounded personalities. They make for good company and it’s easy to get attached to them. There aren’t an overwhelming number of strange creatures, but those that feature are fascinating. The ancient evil beings ooze malevolence and are creepy enough to give you goosebumps.
I did not see that coming: The plot progresses steadily throughout the book and slaps you through the face with some surprising twists near the end.
What I didn’t like:
Stilted conversations to inform us: Some of the dialogue near the beginning is a little off, mainly because it’s used to explain the magic system. It does this job well, but it seems a bit odd to me that they speak this way about a topic which is familiar to them.
Maybe this is cleared up later in the series: I like cross genre books, but I like them even more when there’s a clear mix of genre elements, or a string of solid clues that things aren’t to be taken at face value.
I do wish I could’ve gotten a clearer mental image of Terra, but Astura is clearly the star of the show here. Crystalyn’s crush on Darkwind annoyed me, partly because crushing characters who turn a blind eye annoy me in general. On the whole, this imaginative and unique fantasy has everything a fan of this genre could want in a book.
Elegant: The language usage in this book is somewhat formal while still flowing in a natural way. It creates an enchanting mental image of a world that is, by contrast, rather cutthroat.
Worlds apart: Astura is both beautifully described and well developed; you’re comfortable with the setting long before more complex elements are brought into the story. One thing I greatly appreciated was the way you’re introduced to startlingly different areas through the different POV characters. Terra, on the other hand, remains a bit fuzzy in my mind. True, you don’t spend much time there, but much of your knowledge of the place is gained through the characters’ thoughts, creating a mental image in retrospect.
Going with the flow: Magic is performed through a co-operative effort between a User and an Interrupter. It’s a great concept. I also like the fact that Light and Dark aren’t synonymous with Good and Evil, although this does appear to contradict itself in that the Dark Users are mostly bad guys.
You don’t feel the length: This is a fairly long book, but it never feels like a mission to read. Events flow in a very natural way and the changes in POV are well executed.
Creatures and people: Characters in this book have distinct positive and negative qualities, resulting in well-rounded personalities. They make for good company and it’s easy to get attached to them. There aren’t an overwhelming number of strange creatures, but those that feature are fascinating. The ancient evil beings ooze malevolence and are creepy enough to give you goosebumps.
I did not see that coming: The plot progresses steadily throughout the book and slaps you through the face with some surprising twists near the end.
What I didn’t like:
Stilted conversations to inform us: Some of the dialogue near the beginning is a little off, mainly because it’s used to explain the magic system. It does this job well, but it seems a bit odd to me that they speak this way about a topic which is familiar to them.
Maybe this is cleared up later in the series: I like cross genre books, but I like them even more when there’s a clear mix of genre elements, or a string of solid clues that things aren’t to be taken at face value.
I do wish I could’ve gotten a clearer mental image of Terra, but Astura is clearly the star of the show here. Crystalyn’s crush on Darkwind annoyed me, partly because crushing characters who turn a blind eye annoy me in general. On the whole, this imaginative and unique fantasy has everything a fan of this genre could want in a book.
August 7, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think ‘epic’ is a fair description of Beyond the Sapphire Gate. It is a book on a grand scale – perhaps a little too grand. The primary action takes place in a world called Astura which appears to be at a more or less medieval or perhaps Renaissance level technologically but is heavily infested with people using the magical ‘flow’ at all levels. Sisters Crystalyn and Jade are transported to this world when Crystalyn accidentally activates a portal between two magical obelisks of sapphire-colored crystal in her employer’s office in their homeworld of Terra.
Crystalyn and Jade don’t pass the portal at the same time, so they wind up in widely separated places and spend the majority of the story trying to find each other and get back home. Each encounters a handful of people who help them, and a lot of people who, for no reason they can tell, seem to be trying to kill them. Each girl has different magical powers they had little reason to suspect they had in their home world.
Astura is a complicated place. The magical ‘users’ are of two types – Light Users and Dark Users.
There are at least four different major Dark Users, along with a whole host of minions and followers. It is nearly impossible to keep up with which one is even present at any given time, never mind which is which, or which is the evilest – because, although some of them deny it, they all appear to be at least some degree of evil. The Light users are not much better. Some of them seem to be good, but the behavior of others is questionable, and even at the end, we are not entirely sure whether some of the Light Users are not just as evil as some of the Dark Users.
There are some grammatical errors in the book – verb tenses and subject-verb agreement and missing possessives – and a few inconsistencies in description, such as somebody being described as being robed in yellow in one place and in white in another. But by far the most frustrating thing is that so much of the ‘why’ behind the actions of the denizens of Astura is never made clear. Some of this is obviously intended – when Crystalyn or Jade asks what is going on, they either don’t get an answer or don’t get a clear answer – but most of the confusion is never remedied even by the end of the book.
I think ‘epic’ is a fair description of Beyond the Sapphire Gate. It is a book on a grand scale – perhaps a little too grand. The primary action takes place in a world called Astura which appears to be at a more or less medieval or perhaps Renaissance level technologically but is heavily infested with people using the magical ‘flow’ at all levels. Sisters Crystalyn and Jade are transported to this world when Crystalyn accidentally activates a portal between two magical obelisks of sapphire-colored crystal in her employer’s office in their homeworld of Terra.
Crystalyn and Jade don’t pass the portal at the same time, so they wind up in widely separated places and spend the majority of the story trying to find each other and get back home. Each encounters a handful of people who help them, and a lot of people who, for no reason they can tell, seem to be trying to kill them. Each girl has different magical powers they had little reason to suspect they had in their home world.
Astura is a complicated place. The magical ‘users’ are of two types – Light Users and Dark Users.
There are at least four different major Dark Users, along with a whole host of minions and followers. It is nearly impossible to keep up with which one is even present at any given time, never mind which is which, or which is the evilest – because, although some of them deny it, they all appear to be at least some degree of evil. The Light users are not much better. Some of them seem to be good, but the behavior of others is questionable, and even at the end, we are not entirely sure whether some of the Light Users are not just as evil as some of the Dark Users.
There are some grammatical errors in the book – verb tenses and subject-verb agreement and missing possessives – and a few inconsistencies in description, such as somebody being described as being robed in yellow in one place and in white in another. But by far the most frustrating thing is that so much of the ‘why’ behind the actions of the denizens of Astura is never made clear. Some of this is obviously intended – when Crystalyn or Jade asks what is going on, they either don’t get an answer or don’t get a clear answer – but most of the confusion is never remedied even by the end of the book.
April 29, 2015
If it wasn't for the blurb, I wouldn't have read this book. The book cover didn't do much for me though it had the elements of the book like the blue swirling light namely the Sapphire Gate and others. In my opinion, the cover doesn't do justice to the book.
The author hooked me at the start of the blurb itself with the premise of an alternate universe. It is a wonderful adventure of Crystalyn, her sister Jade and their father, Garn who all transport to a different world through a gate. They end up in a magic infused world and each of them begin in a different place so the story is told in separate views. The narration jumps from one person to another and leaves us with a cliffhanger type ending sometimes. Some of the information shared was kind of repetitive when coming back to a person's journey through Astura. But it all coalesces into an enjoyable read.
The characters develop naturally in a progressive way through the book. Crystalyn seems to control her anger and emotions better as the story unfolds while Jade is naive but quickly grows cautious according to her situation. The only place where I was gnashing my teeth was Cry's preoccupation with Darwin. Garn's story is shorter than the others and I am awaiting the scene where all three get together. The world building is absolutely cool. A new and interesting magic system is introduced along with unique creatures and features of Astura. The plot is fast and keeps us going with surprise twists and turns. I definitely didn't expect Lord Charn's reveal! And I have more questions which I hope the author answers in the next book.
The only reason I have not given this book full rating is because of the errors found in the book. Otherwise, I would rate it a full 5 stars in terms of its story, plot, world and characters. Journey along with the lead characters who are from a fully technology based world in an entirely magic involved realm and enjoy an immersive and fantastical world. It will keep you wanting more and I am waiting to get my hands on the next book!
My one line review : A fast paced adventurous tale with unique magic system and characters!
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 5/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
The author hooked me at the start of the blurb itself with the premise of an alternate universe. It is a wonderful adventure of Crystalyn, her sister Jade and their father, Garn who all transport to a different world through a gate. They end up in a magic infused world and each of them begin in a different place so the story is told in separate views. The narration jumps from one person to another and leaves us with a cliffhanger type ending sometimes. Some of the information shared was kind of repetitive when coming back to a person's journey through Astura. But it all coalesces into an enjoyable read.
The characters develop naturally in a progressive way through the book. Crystalyn seems to control her anger and emotions better as the story unfolds while Jade is naive but quickly grows cautious according to her situation. The only place where I was gnashing my teeth was Cry's preoccupation with Darwin. Garn's story is shorter than the others and I am awaiting the scene where all three get together. The world building is absolutely cool. A new and interesting magic system is introduced along with unique creatures and features of Astura. The plot is fast and keeps us going with surprise twists and turns. I definitely didn't expect Lord Charn's reveal! And I have more questions which I hope the author answers in the next book.
The only reason I have not given this book full rating is because of the errors found in the book. Otherwise, I would rate it a full 5 stars in terms of its story, plot, world and characters. Journey along with the lead characters who are from a fully technology based world in an entirely magic involved realm and enjoy an immersive and fantastical world. It will keep you wanting more and I am waiting to get my hands on the next book!
My one line review : A fast paced adventurous tale with unique magic system and characters!
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 5/5
Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com
August 20, 2016
Fascinating book with a fascinating story!
The author sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
First off I would just like to say how much I loved the cover of the Beyond The Sapphire Gate. It was very appealing and also intriguing in it's own way! The story starts a bit slow and it takes a lot of concentration (especially for me since English isn't my native tongue) to comprehend the idea of this strange new and quite an original world the author has created for his characters. The cover makes you think that the story is placed somewhere in days past, in fact, that is exactly what you expect and then you realize that it somewhat futuristic but also with plenty of historical traces which works out as a great surprise for the reader. The originality of the fantasy world itself should also be noted because even if you need some time to figure it all out eventually you get so caught up in the story that you forget about everything else. That is my best part because I love books that you can really dive deep in an this is definitely one of them. The main protagonist Crystalyn, whose name I love by the way, may not appeal to every reader for she certainly is a unique character but she did in some ways, many ways, appeal to me. There are things in her life she's struggling with and she's also in constant fear of loosing her mind but the strength of her character and the love that she feels for her family is truly her greatest value. There are times when she's hard to understand and where her actions don't make her very likable but in my opinion it makes her rather realistic, because who wants to read about some perfect flawless character anyways. I won't tell you much about the story itself so I don't spoil it for you but I do honestly believe that the story's originality, quirky characters and interesting storyline really deserve your time to sit down on your favorite armchair, pour yourself a nice warm cup of tea and start reading it!
The author sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
First off I would just like to say how much I loved the cover of the Beyond The Sapphire Gate. It was very appealing and also intriguing in it's own way! The story starts a bit slow and it takes a lot of concentration (especially for me since English isn't my native tongue) to comprehend the idea of this strange new and quite an original world the author has created for his characters. The cover makes you think that the story is placed somewhere in days past, in fact, that is exactly what you expect and then you realize that it somewhat futuristic but also with plenty of historical traces which works out as a great surprise for the reader. The originality of the fantasy world itself should also be noted because even if you need some time to figure it all out eventually you get so caught up in the story that you forget about everything else. That is my best part because I love books that you can really dive deep in an this is definitely one of them. The main protagonist Crystalyn, whose name I love by the way, may not appeal to every reader for she certainly is a unique character but she did in some ways, many ways, appeal to me. There are things in her life she's struggling with and she's also in constant fear of loosing her mind but the strength of her character and the love that she feels for her family is truly her greatest value. There are times when she's hard to understand and where her actions don't make her very likable but in my opinion it makes her rather realistic, because who wants to read about some perfect flawless character anyways. I won't tell you much about the story itself so I don't spoil it for you but I do honestly believe that the story's originality, quirky characters and interesting storyline really deserve your time to sit down on your favorite armchair, pour yourself a nice warm cup of tea and start reading it!
November 5, 2016
So what are the ingredients to a good SciFi/Fantasy novel? I have my opinions, as a long time reader and critic on what the genre should possess:
1. it should start "in medias res" (that is, right in the middle of the action)
2. it should use creative images to surround the characters with challenge and resolution to both their personality and the plot
3. it should always span more than one book
This novel by R.V. Johnson fits all the categories. The "medias res" part will be difficult to those readers who need to be spoon fed their prose, but, to me, he does a great job of wiping his literary hands to get the point. This sentences are clear, and I can recommend this book to juvenile readers as well as adults. The strange tool in the story, is an ancient and powerful volume called "The Tiered Tome of Symbols." this book is opened by the heroine of the novel, Crystalyn. The images the author gives us on the first few pages are like billows of smoke: slow and lustrous to light the air of our minds, to almost incense the prose which follows. This brings us to the next point: creativity. The author uses words to stun us, some real, some not real (I looked each one up on my Kindle as I went.) For example "thrummed" is a real word, which means a continuous humming sound. The images pile on, as Crystalyn and her sister Jade explore the magic of Ruena, who rules over the orphan Crystalyn. Anyone familiar with C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" has a nice surprise in this novel. When Crystalyn and her sister create a sapphire vortex between two obelisks, Jade is taken into the miasma. Now, with tools and her power, Crystalyn must go there too and save her!! It's a wonderful plot twist and the author uses plenty o'elements along the journey, including my favorite tool, an alchemist!! The journey will be continued in the next book. Remember, fantasy lovers, "The Wheel of Time" covered twelve volumes!! Get on board the Sapphire Gate, read it, and be refreshed!!
1. it should start "in medias res" (that is, right in the middle of the action)
2. it should use creative images to surround the characters with challenge and resolution to both their personality and the plot
3. it should always span more than one book
This novel by R.V. Johnson fits all the categories. The "medias res" part will be difficult to those readers who need to be spoon fed their prose, but, to me, he does a great job of wiping his literary hands to get the point. This sentences are clear, and I can recommend this book to juvenile readers as well as adults. The strange tool in the story, is an ancient and powerful volume called "The Tiered Tome of Symbols." this book is opened by the heroine of the novel, Crystalyn. The images the author gives us on the first few pages are like billows of smoke: slow and lustrous to light the air of our minds, to almost incense the prose which follows. This brings us to the next point: creativity. The author uses words to stun us, some real, some not real (I looked each one up on my Kindle as I went.) For example "thrummed" is a real word, which means a continuous humming sound. The images pile on, as Crystalyn and her sister Jade explore the magic of Ruena, who rules over the orphan Crystalyn. Anyone familiar with C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" has a nice surprise in this novel. When Crystalyn and her sister create a sapphire vortex between two obelisks, Jade is taken into the miasma. Now, with tools and her power, Crystalyn must go there too and save her!! It's a wonderful plot twist and the author uses plenty o'elements along the journey, including my favorite tool, an alchemist!! The journey will be continued in the next book. Remember, fantasy lovers, "The Wheel of Time" covered twelve volumes!! Get on board the Sapphire Gate, read it, and be refreshed!!
February 21, 2024
Beyond the Sapphire Gate is a blend of science fiction on Terra, and fantasy on Astura. These worlds collide when Crystalyn, her sister Jade, and her father Garn, all end up in Astura - different places though. They are all looking for each other whilst also trying to figure out the new world. Crystalyn comes out as a powerful 'player' in this world as she is capable of using symbols to defend herself, or to attack should the situation warrant it. Jade also has an ability - to see the aura of people which includes seeing images. Garn appears to have gained in strength and physical ability, but he also has training too.
This is an epic novel that goes into great detail about the politics and factions, whilst also leaving things out for future explanation. The characters are all well-written, whether you like them or not. My problem was with Crystalyn - as I never sympathised with her or her situation, which was an issue for me as most of the book is written from her point of view. There were aspects of her character that I just didn't like, and her wilful blindness to people and situations, even those directly involving her, became frustrating. There was also the character of Kara Laurel of the Circle of Light. Crystalyn meets her twice - dismisses her offer of training to preserve Crystalyn's health the first time, has no choice the second time. Then, right near the end of the book, Lord Charn is talking to some other of the Dark Users, and Kara Laurel is once again mentioned. So I'm now not sure if this is one and the same, or a different character altogether.
An interesting and intriguing novel, with lots of action, and twists and turns.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 11, 2016
This is an epic novel that goes into great detail about the politics and factions, whilst also leaving things out for future explanation. The characters are all well-written, whether you like them or not. My problem was with Crystalyn - as I never sympathised with her or her situation, which was an issue for me as most of the book is written from her point of view. There were aspects of her character that I just didn't like, and her wilful blindness to people and situations, even those directly involving her, became frustrating. There was also the character of Kara Laurel of the Circle of Light. Crystalyn meets her twice - dismisses her offer of training to preserve Crystalyn's health the first time, has no choice the second time. Then, right near the end of the book, Lord Charn is talking to some other of the Dark Users, and Kara Laurel is once again mentioned. So I'm now not sure if this is one and the same, or a different character altogether.
An interesting and intriguing novel, with lots of action, and twists and turns.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 11, 2016
March 3, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone else.
Johnson's Through the Sapphire Gate is a fantasy novel that involves travel to different worlds, familial bonds, and magic. Crystalyn is a young woman who accidentally transports her sister Jade and herself into another world where everything is different. Not only that, but she awakens to find that her sister is no longer with her. After meeting some people who offer to help reunite them, Crystalyn learns of her own magic and a war she just might get drawn into.
I thought this novel was a lot of fun. Magic? Check. Cool fights? Check. Intriguing sidekicks? Check. It was so fun reading about Crystalyn's powers and her progress, and I'm curious about how things will work out for her in the long run.
However, as you can see, I have this book 3 stars. The reason it didn't get more is because the POV sometimes switches from Crystalyn to her sister Jade, and also to their father Garn. While they are important characters, I didn't particular care to read from their perspectives. Or rather, it felt a little odd to me. Perhaps if Jade was fleshed out a bit more before the separation it would've felt more natural to switch to her perspective. And Garn's we're so few and seemingly unrelated that I felt that it might've been more effective as an opener for a sequel. But that's just my opinion. It probably wouldn't bother other people, but it was a tad distracting for me.
Overall, this is a fun read. I'd probably read it again in the future, but I'd probably just read Crystalyn's parts.
Johnson's Through the Sapphire Gate is a fantasy novel that involves travel to different worlds, familial bonds, and magic. Crystalyn is a young woman who accidentally transports her sister Jade and herself into another world where everything is different. Not only that, but she awakens to find that her sister is no longer with her. After meeting some people who offer to help reunite them, Crystalyn learns of her own magic and a war she just might get drawn into.
I thought this novel was a lot of fun. Magic? Check. Cool fights? Check. Intriguing sidekicks? Check. It was so fun reading about Crystalyn's powers and her progress, and I'm curious about how things will work out for her in the long run.
However, as you can see, I have this book 3 stars. The reason it didn't get more is because the POV sometimes switches from Crystalyn to her sister Jade, and also to their father Garn. While they are important characters, I didn't particular care to read from their perspectives. Or rather, it felt a little odd to me. Perhaps if Jade was fleshed out a bit more before the separation it would've felt more natural to switch to her perspective. And Garn's we're so few and seemingly unrelated that I felt that it might've been more effective as an opener for a sequel. But that's just my opinion. It probably wouldn't bother other people, but it was a tad distracting for me.
Overall, this is a fun read. I'd probably read it again in the future, but I'd probably just read Crystalyn's parts.
July 23, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this story with the main character working in an artefact warehouse and the strange symbols she discovered and a mystery about one of the artefacts there, not to mention the magical abilities the two sisters had. I loved the concept of Light Users and Dark Users of magic in the alternate world and all the characters were great and developed as the story progressed. It’s a fascinating storytelling of two girls and their father from a peaceful and technologically advanced society who accidentally find themselves separated in a violent magical realm and how they find one another, so the book chapters alternate from the different characters points of view.
This was a well written novel with beautiful imagery and interesting and unique descriptions. The world building of both societies is great and it’s a fascinating story full of magic and adventure. There are many plot twists throughout the story and a surprise at the end.
Although I enjoyed reading Beyond The Sapphire Gate, I would say this is a weighty novel, definitely not a quick read. It’s a book you need to actually spend the time to sit down and read thoroughly to get the most out it.
I would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this story with the main character working in an artefact warehouse and the strange symbols she discovered and a mystery about one of the artefacts there, not to mention the magical abilities the two sisters had. I loved the concept of Light Users and Dark Users of magic in the alternate world and all the characters were great and developed as the story progressed. It’s a fascinating storytelling of two girls and their father from a peaceful and technologically advanced society who accidentally find themselves separated in a violent magical realm and how they find one another, so the book chapters alternate from the different characters points of view.
This was a well written novel with beautiful imagery and interesting and unique descriptions. The world building of both societies is great and it’s a fascinating story full of magic and adventure. There are many plot twists throughout the story and a surprise at the end.
Although I enjoyed reading Beyond The Sapphire Gate, I would say this is a weighty novel, definitely not a quick read. It’s a book you need to actually spend the time to sit down and read thoroughly to get the most out it.
I would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.
November 12, 2015
This was a book that I hated to see end. The author knows how to draw in the reader and keep them completely involved in the story. It takes a lot for me to keep my attention on a book unless it's really really good. This book falls into that category.
The imagination in this book is so wonderful. I lost myself in the descriptions and how the characters handled each situation that they ended up in. Crystalyn in the beginning doesn't have a handle on her emotions. It seems she is so easily angered but as the book goes on and she develops more, she learns how to control a lot of the different things that end up happening to her. Jade is young and not as smart but she learns quite a bit with each situation that she gets into. Every character fit well within the story which is a great thing. I've read books that some characters you wonder why they are in the story, this doesn't happen in this book.
There were a few surprises and that brought questions that I hope the next book answers. I can't wait to read more of this author's books. He tells a great story that sticks with you until for some years later. Thank you for writing this wonderful book that opened up my imagination that seemed dormant for awhile but not anymore.
The imagination in this book is so wonderful. I lost myself in the descriptions and how the characters handled each situation that they ended up in. Crystalyn in the beginning doesn't have a handle on her emotions. It seems she is so easily angered but as the book goes on and she develops more, she learns how to control a lot of the different things that end up happening to her. Jade is young and not as smart but she learns quite a bit with each situation that she gets into. Every character fit well within the story which is a great thing. I've read books that some characters you wonder why they are in the story, this doesn't happen in this book.
There were a few surprises and that brought questions that I hope the next book answers. I can't wait to read more of this author's books. He tells a great story that sticks with you until for some years later. Thank you for writing this wonderful book that opened up my imagination that seemed dormant for awhile but not anymore.
December 31, 2016
Indentured in a mausoleum, where her job is to catalog relics, Crystalyn Creek accidentally activates a sapphire gate that leads to another dimension. When her younger sister, Jade, touches the gate and disappears, Crystalyn follows, and finds herself in a world where Users of magic are divided into blocs of dark and light. Coming into her own in using her power as she searches for her sister, she finds that the use is slowly killing her. She is determined to find Jade, but can she survive long enough?
Beyond the Sapphire Gate by R.V. Johnson is an eclectic blend of science fiction and the supernatural that switches points of view between Crystalyn and Jade as the two sisters fight for survival in a strange world, encounter allies and enemies, and fight strange characters, as they struggle to get back home.
While some of the narrative strains credulity—in particular Crystalyn’s development and understanding of her powers—the story at least a fast pace and a certain consistency throughout that holds a certain interest. The science is assumed, never explained, which is, I feel, the biggest weakness. Despite that, though, I did enjoy reading this book.
I received this book as a gift..
I give it three and a half stars.
Beyond the Sapphire Gate by R.V. Johnson is an eclectic blend of science fiction and the supernatural that switches points of view between Crystalyn and Jade as the two sisters fight for survival in a strange world, encounter allies and enemies, and fight strange characters, as they struggle to get back home.
While some of the narrative strains credulity—in particular Crystalyn’s development and understanding of her powers—the story at least a fast pace and a certain consistency throughout that holds a certain interest. The science is assumed, never explained, which is, I feel, the biggest weakness. Despite that, though, I did enjoy reading this book.
I received this book as a gift..
I give it three and a half stars.
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