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The Portal Wars Saga #3
The Portal Thieves
After the failure in Straken, Otto is forced to accept that as long as Garenland’s enemies can send reinforcements through the portals, the Northern Army has no hope of taking Marduke.
But Otto has a plan.
Seize control of the portals and turn the enemy’s strength against them.
To accomplish this seemingly impossible goal, Garenland’s top spies are dispatched to place magical patches on the portals in every capital.
Behind enemy lines and on their own, it will be a miracle if the spies can survive, much less complete their missions.
Five men will determine Garenland’s future.
Can they complete the mission or will they die trying?
But Otto has a plan.
Seize control of the portals and turn the enemy’s strength against them.
To accomplish this seemingly impossible goal, Garenland’s top spies are dispatched to place magical patches on the portals in every capital.
Behind enemy lines and on their own, it will be a miracle if the spies can survive, much less complete their missions.
Five men will determine Garenland’s future.
Can they complete the mission or will they die trying?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2020
338 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 13, 2022
I honestly got a bit lost with this one as I was a bit distracted while listening to it. The good thing though, is that I can recognize quite a few characters and I am possibly now building some form of appreciation of their back stories from the previous 2 books.
I'd recommend giving this series a try.
I'd recommend giving this series a try.
April 28, 2021
I'm really starting to struggle.
At this point the series feels like a news report on an ongoing war. There is absolutely no emotional attachment left. This isn't cool and I'm really debating whether to move to the next volume here.
At this point the series feels like a news report on an ongoing war. There is absolutely no emotional attachment left. This isn't cool and I'm really debating whether to move to the next volume here.
February 5, 2022
The third book in the series, I was hooked on book one. I'm reading these faster than most books. The writing style is just a very easy flow for me to read. So far there hasn't been any unbelievable events to turn me off. Of course with magic anything can happen but sometimes things don't fit together, in other books I've read. This series it all sounds right. As I'm writing this I want to get back to book 4.
February 3, 2021
This book has the MC drifting further into the realms of power and has a few nice side PoVs to build out the world a bit - and more on the response to the MC's power. It's setting up for quite a next book
October 19, 2021
Good but not worth price
While an enjoyable story, I believe author could have left out some fluffy detail and told the whole story in 4 books. It's not worth the price to continue beyond this point.
While an enjoyable story, I believe author could have left out some fluffy detail and told the whole story in 4 books. It's not worth the price to continue beyond this point.
May 5, 2024
I cannot believe that the author really sat down and said "Yes. I AM in fact going to write a short story about the invasion of each of the other countries. And they will all follow the same format of: Dude goes to new country. Has issue. Encounters local who wants to help him because they don't like their government (except Lux I guess). Uses new allies to place magic square on magic portal" and noooobody had a problem with this??? Yes I read the title, and I realize that it's sort of obvious that this is what the book was going to be about. But come on. That was not necessary. We read basically the exact same short story 4 times with a few minor differences. Nothing unique really happened in any of them, either. Okie dokie random thoughts.
- What are these random magical creatures that keep popping up? The water fish dude from book 2, the wolf/bear/human things from this book? Nobody seems to really care or ever mention them?
- What happened to Alan and the spy lady and the two kids? Are they just the new Annamaria? As soon as their one plotline ends we just don't care anymore? No more need for the spy network I guess. But why waste so much time building up those characters to just ignore them after their one book?
- Otto is so OP I'm getting tired of this. FINALLY Voltan is getting involved, but from the sound of it? He's too weak to do anything because of his link to the portals
- The ending was kind of fun. I liked the plan to use the portals to capture all of the countries from the capitals
- Wulfric is lame now :((( he used to be cool
- Soooo this whole empire expansion thing is cool and all, but... Can we go back to learning magic? And can we get a real magical enemy? Someone who is stronger than Otto maybe? Cuz I still feel like there has never even been a chance of anyone beating Otto
- Also I complained about Cobb's voice in book 2. I realize that it wasn't Cobb, it was Otto's soldier buddy who uses the armor whatever his name is. Hans
- What are these random magical creatures that keep popping up? The water fish dude from book 2, the wolf/bear/human things from this book? Nobody seems to really care or ever mention them?
- What happened to Alan and the spy lady and the two kids? Are they just the new Annamaria? As soon as their one plotline ends we just don't care anymore? No more need for the spy network I guess. But why waste so much time building up those characters to just ignore them after their one book?
- Otto is so OP I'm getting tired of this. FINALLY Voltan is getting involved, but from the sound of it? He's too weak to do anything because of his link to the portals
- The ending was kind of fun. I liked the plan to use the portals to capture all of the countries from the capitals
- Wulfric is lame now :((( he used to be cool
- Soooo this whole empire expansion thing is cool and all, but... Can we go back to learning magic? And can we get a real magical enemy? Someone who is stronger than Otto maybe? Cuz I still feel like there has never even been a chance of anyone beating Otto
- Also I complained about Cobb's voice in book 2. I realize that it wasn't Cobb, it was Otto's soldier buddy who uses the armor whatever his name is. Hans
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2024
The series had great potential but unfortunately stays rather two dimensional. The world felt too small and the protagonist´s motivations felt quite contrived.
The protagonist´s development was way too fast and the changes of his personality really extreme.
In the first book he turned from being a nice, introverted and unmotivated weakling into a ruthless, driven and powerful mage. The more the story progressed the more unlikeable and villainous he became and he more and more seemed like a cheaper version of the legendary Warhammer´s Nagash character. I was no fan of the whole love drama arc.
In the second book the mentioned mass murder of innocent witnesses and the actions against good people to hide the protagonist´s own personally motivated fuck up made me sick and convinced me that the protagonist is a villain. This feeling only deepened with the sacrifices.
The enemies acts in the northern war felt idiotic for drama reasons. Without workers and taxpayers the whole conquest is worthless on the short run.
The author should make up his mind what the protagonist can do. Sometimes he watched everything and teleported himself to any place without a problem then he showed himself as helpless and needed to delegate the most important tasks. In the third book he could have solved most problems easily fast by himself..
At the end of the third book the story felt more and more like a fairy tale and i stopped caring..
The protagonist´s development was way too fast and the changes of his personality really extreme.
In the first book he turned from being a nice, introverted and unmotivated weakling into a ruthless, driven and powerful mage. The more the story progressed the more unlikeable and villainous he became and he more and more seemed like a cheaper version of the legendary Warhammer´s Nagash character. I was no fan of the whole love drama arc.
In the second book the mentioned mass murder of innocent witnesses and the actions against good people to hide the protagonist´s own personally motivated fuck up made me sick and convinced me that the protagonist is a villain. This feeling only deepened with the sacrifices.
The enemies acts in the northern war felt idiotic for drama reasons. Without workers and taxpayers the whole conquest is worthless on the short run.
The author should make up his mind what the protagonist can do. Sometimes he watched everything and teleported himself to any place without a problem then he showed himself as helpless and needed to delegate the most important tasks. In the third book he could have solved most problems easily fast by himself..
At the end of the third book the story felt more and more like a fairy tale and i stopped caring..
May 7, 2025
Wanted to like it…
I wanted to like this book. I’m just sick of reading about Narcissistic characters with no emotional ties to any other character. It comes off thin and not well thought out. The MC has zero real conflicts or obstacles, everything falls perfectly in line for him. He has a perfect answer or plan for every situation at 18 years old with zero backstory or reason why he should be so incredibly knowledgeable or prepared. The magic system contradicts itself and is as minimally explained as possible. Whenever the MC needs something done he just makes it happen perfectly with no description on where or how he learned such a thing.
I could continue. Fell at big time. I read 3 books hoping for more but it just got worse each book. 3 stars is honestly pretty generous.
I wanted to like this book. I’m just sick of reading about Narcissistic characters with no emotional ties to any other character. It comes off thin and not well thought out. The MC has zero real conflicts or obstacles, everything falls perfectly in line for him. He has a perfect answer or plan for every situation at 18 years old with zero backstory or reason why he should be so incredibly knowledgeable or prepared. The magic system contradicts itself and is as minimally explained as possible. Whenever the MC needs something done he just makes it happen perfectly with no description on where or how he learned such a thing.
I could continue. Fell at big time. I read 3 books hoping for more but it just got worse each book. 3 stars is honestly pretty generous.
September 6, 2022
I've just finished listening to all 7 books of this while I was at work. Although each book gets slightly shorter than the previous one it was still a very long series! It was around 51 hours. I absolutely loved these books. Otto Shenk was a very interesting character and his entire quest for power fascinated me more each book. I was a tiny bit dissatisfied with the ending, but that's how life is! Things don't always end exactly how you expect them to and that's just fine. Anyone interested in reading this book series I absolutely would suggest you do. You won't forget this one!(Copying this onto all 7 books) Thanks James E Wisher.
November 20, 2023
This is for the first three books!
I really enjoy this series. It's a fun read, however there is one major problem: the morals are messed up!
Otto makes you clap heartily, then you slowly stop and just blink: "Did he really just do that?" or "NO! YOU IDIOT NO!"
Now, I know this is a series and it is very possible that the author has made this a character flaw that he is going to overcome.
Despite these morality issues, the book is quite amazing, I'm still reading it and upset the next audio book is not on my audio book app yet (I'll be able to keep listening on dec 4, 2023).
I really enjoy this series. It's a fun read, however there is one major problem: the morals are messed up!
Otto makes you clap heartily, then you slowly stop and just blink: "Did he really just do that?" or "NO! YOU IDIOT NO!"
Now, I know this is a series and it is very possible that the author has made this a character flaw that he is going to overcome.
Despite these morality issues, the book is quite amazing, I'm still reading it and upset the next audio book is not on my audio book app yet (I'll be able to keep listening on dec 4, 2023).
February 5, 2025
I had a bunch of house work to get done, and that's the only reason I read two of these books today. I feel I've gone too deep now and I have to finish the series. I hate every character, they are all evil animals without souls, and I don't really enjoy anything but the overall plot. It actually seems like the goal of this book is for you to hate everyone, and it works. I still wanna know what happens though, I feel there is some sort of spell being cast on me when I read this. I shouldn't want to read it, but I do, and I don't like any of the characters. Progression is a power thing I suppose.
September 3, 2021
One more step in world domination. What is bugging me is
3/5 Stars
3/5 Stars
April 27, 2025
DNF
I enjoyed the world and the story but I got sick of reading the Saga of Otto the Sociopath. There is a difference between an anti-hero and a BBEG that has plot armor. I kept going because I'd been hoping for a redemption arc but this point I'm pretty sure that's off the table and he's completely embraced his role as the evil advisor and I'm not that interested in reading about Jafar.
I enjoyed the world and the story but I got sick of reading the Saga of Otto the Sociopath. There is a difference between an anti-hero and a BBEG that has plot armor. I kept going because I'd been hoping for a redemption arc but this point I'm pretty sure that's off the table and he's completely embraced his role as the evil advisor and I'm not that interested in reading about Jafar.
May 10, 2021
The data continues to roll on.
Otto continues to consolidate his hold on the Kong's loyalty and the entire continent. His plans are moving forward and his secrets are still being kept. His success relays on keeping track of the many threads of his schemes. We will see if he can keep all the pieces in the air and together.
Otto continues to consolidate his hold on the Kong's loyalty and the entire continent. His plans are moving forward and his secrets are still being kept. His success relays on keeping track of the many threads of his schemes. We will see if he can keep all the pieces in the air and together.
December 21, 2020
Did not enjoy this book as much as the earlier one. Our wizard is able to handle everything without even breaking a sweat, he has everything sorted out.. Well am looking for some excitement, so this book was below par. Will still read the next part hoping it improves
Read
June 10, 2021I enjoyed this book and found the plot innovative and intriguing throughout. The development of the tories and themes introduced in the first book were well thought out and overall I loved it and read it in one day!
March 2, 2024
2024 read #7
DNF @ 70%. Don't get me wrong, this series has been very enjoyable, it's just I haven't been listening to it lately and I started it in December. And when I go a long period without listening/reading a book I tend to forget things. But I would try this series again in the future.
DNF @ 70%. Don't get me wrong, this series has been very enjoyable, it's just I haven't been listening to it lately and I started it in December. And when I go a long period without listening/reading a book I tend to forget things. But I would try this series again in the future.
August 6, 2024
Weirdly enough, I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first two entries. I think it's because the protagonist had the least "screen-time" out of all characters present. I still don't like Otto's character nor Annamaria's dumb motives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
Empire and strategy
Awesome read. I like the underlying focus on Otto's main goal. The virtuous equality they promote is great but can it stand the test of time or will the bad actors just find another way to muddy the waters?
Awesome read. I like the underlying focus on Otto's main goal. The virtuous equality they promote is great but can it stand the test of time or will the bad actors just find another way to muddy the waters?
October 10, 2020
great book
i loved the book it was a amazing read and i couldn’t put it down. it was a great book just wish it was longer can’t wait for book 4 keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻
i loved the book it was a amazing read and i couldn’t put it down. it was a great book just wish it was longer can’t wait for book 4 keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻
March 26, 2021
A good continuation to the series.
November 25, 2021
each kingdom blend together sooo much
June 14, 2023
Interesting.. Really got hooked with the second book but this third one I just kinda get lost somewhere..
Read
November 10, 2023Ja Otto immer noch mein G und kein simp aber ende war kacke
April 17, 2024
the story is progressing
The story is progressing well , the characters are evolving , I think the plot is moving along , very easy reading .
The story is progressing well , the characters are evolving , I think the plot is moving along , very easy reading .
June 2, 2024
Fantastic
James E Wisher has written another Portal Thieves Saga book that just keeps you reading! You just need to keep reading 📚 in order to find out what happens next!
James E Wisher has written another Portal Thieves Saga book that just keeps you reading! You just need to keep reading 📚 in order to find out what happens next!
January 6, 2025
3.5 rounded down
July 15, 2025
BRALLYANT. part from the Shalexite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews