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The Portal Wars Saga #7
The Sanguine Scroll
With the Heart of Alchemy in place, The Immortality Engine is complete.
Now all Otto needs is to learn how to use it.
The secret to immortality can be found in only one place, The Sanguine Scroll
Written by the first and greatest Arcane Lord, Amet Sur, the Scroll services as a manual for the Engine among other things.
But Otto isn't the only one seeking the Scroll.
The race is on to see who will claim its secrets first
Now all Otto needs is to learn how to use it.
The secret to immortality can be found in only one place, The Sanguine Scroll
Written by the first and greatest Arcane Lord, Amet Sur, the Scroll services as a manual for the Engine among other things.
But Otto isn't the only one seeking the Scroll.
The race is on to see who will claim its secrets first
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2021
78 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 14, 2024
It is not often that I get engrossed in reading a book series that spans over as many volumes as James E. Wisher’s Portal Wars. All too frequently would I lose interest once I get past the second, third, perhaps fourth installment of any series.
Now, having finished volume 7 of 8, this is all the more intriguing for on reflection Portal Wars’ plot is rather simple, and its characters behaftet (tainted) by cliches – what else would you call it if the Lady of the dead who dresses top to bottom in black introduces herself as Lady White – are at best moderately rounded and developed. Hell, and even the protagonist makes me more hate than love him, after all, amongst other horrors, he causes a holocaust on an island result in the horrific death of all its inhabitants.
The premediated murder of 50,000 innocents does not exactly endear him to me; that the name of the mass murderer is Otto Schenk doesn’t help either. Blame me if you are so inclined if I am going a bit ad hominem here but that name reminds me a bit too much on one of them German concentrations camp commanders of WW2. And yet, despite it all, I just can’t bring myself about to completely and utterly detest the man. You see he always manages, if just barely, to justify his even largest scale, cold-blooded murders. I must admit his reasoning and justifications works on you until finally, well, I have to admit you got to give him the benefit of doubt. He might, just might be right.
Some of you readers might judge Otto Schenk a bit harsher and perhaps feel so offput by the protagonist that you just throw the book(s) or phone (as in audiobook) in a corner – completely understandable.
However, if you decide otherwise you might just be in for a treat. There is challenge and exploration that even the great Odysseus would appreciate. Intriguing questions about human nature are tackled, if only tangentially, and there is Empire-making on a grand scale.
Otto Schenk’s world is one of medieval cruelty but also the wonders of magic. If you got the stomach for it you might very well be in for a treat.
Now, having finished volume 7 of 8, this is all the more intriguing for on reflection Portal Wars’ plot is rather simple, and its characters behaftet (tainted) by cliches – what else would you call it if the Lady of the dead who dresses top to bottom in black introduces herself as Lady White – are at best moderately rounded and developed. Hell, and even the protagonist makes me more hate than love him, after all, amongst other horrors, he causes a holocaust on an island result in the horrific death of all its inhabitants.
The premediated murder of 50,000 innocents does not exactly endear him to me; that the name of the mass murderer is Otto Schenk doesn’t help either. Blame me if you are so inclined if I am going a bit ad hominem here but that name reminds me a bit too much on one of them German concentrations camp commanders of WW2. And yet, despite it all, I just can’t bring myself about to completely and utterly detest the man. You see he always manages, if just barely, to justify his even largest scale, cold-blooded murders. I must admit his reasoning and justifications works on you until finally, well, I have to admit you got to give him the benefit of doubt. He might, just might be right.
Some of you readers might judge Otto Schenk a bit harsher and perhaps feel so offput by the protagonist that you just throw the book(s) or phone (as in audiobook) in a corner – completely understandable.
However, if you decide otherwise you might just be in for a treat. There is challenge and exploration that even the great Odysseus would appreciate. Intriguing questions about human nature are tackled, if only tangentially, and there is Empire-making on a grand scale.
Otto Schenk’s world is one of medieval cruelty but also the wonders of magic. If you got the stomach for it you might very well be in for a treat.
July 15, 2021
WTF mate?? Kangaroo knocking at the door?
So gotta say I pre ordered every book in the series after the first one. The ride has been real, loved seeing our hero on his journey and the plot and characters have been on point for 6 out of the 7.
I say this with an absolutely broken heart, the author all but gave up on this one. It felt like he just wanted to end the series and our MC didn't make an appearance till much later in the book. Alot of other story time spent on other characters. Normally I wouldn't be too upset about that but then comes the ending. All those additional characters for nothing.
As other reviews pointed out it was just so...ugh anticlimactic. We spend this series building up for something spectacular only to end it on a wonk. I'm sorry to say but Mr. Wisher, ya got me. Shame on you. Probably gonna skip other series by this author if this is how he closes out series. Just not worth investing into when we settle like this.
So gotta say I pre ordered every book in the series after the first one. The ride has been real, loved seeing our hero on his journey and the plot and characters have been on point for 6 out of the 7.
I say this with an absolutely broken heart, the author all but gave up on this one. It felt like he just wanted to end the series and our MC didn't make an appearance till much later in the book. Alot of other story time spent on other characters. Normally I wouldn't be too upset about that but then comes the ending. All those additional characters for nothing.
As other reviews pointed out it was just so...ugh anticlimactic. We spend this series building up for something spectacular only to end it on a wonk. I'm sorry to say but Mr. Wisher, ya got me. Shame on you. Probably gonna skip other series by this author if this is how he closes out series. Just not worth investing into when we settle like this.
June 5, 2021
If this is the end, it's a terrible one.
Nearly 2/3 of the book wasn't even from Otto's perspective and from my standpoint that's unacceptable for an end to a series. If he writes another one I'll change my review accordingly.
Nearly 2/3 of the book wasn't even from Otto's perspective and from my standpoint that's unacceptable for an end to a series. If he writes another one I'll change my review accordingly.
January 5, 2023
I'm not clear on why this book and the end of this series seems so controversial. Was there really an expectation that Otto would He was driven, and he committed some heinous acts throughout the series, but none without the context of the war and his efforts toward both stability of the empire, and the growth of his personal power. would have been out of character, and completely unexpected. Otto is cold and calculating throughout the series, but he's not overly cruel for its own sake. Time and again he's shown himself to be ruthless, but not an absolute monster. His morals are at times questionable, but never completely absent.
All told, I feel this ended in a satisfying fashion. I enjoyed the series and would certainly recommend it.
June 8, 2021
It was a disappointing ending for me.
June 7, 2023
I truly enjoyed most of the books in this series but the ending has to be the most stupid of ending I have ever seen,like okay I get if you were trying not to make Otto turn into a monster but the whole point of the book was anticipating him turning into an Arcane lord just for us to reach the ending and this is what we get a sappy story of him changing his mind and exploring the world for more information like wtf!!
like even if he didn't turn into one at least put something worthwhile, the ending fizzled the whole excitment of the book like if you got lazy and ran out of ideas for what to write you could have not written the last book at all
I wasted a whole chunk of a week bingeing this book and this is what I get for my time I am utterly disappointed about this
Please try harder in your upcoming books
Thanks
like even if he didn't turn into one at least put something worthwhile, the ending fizzled the whole excitment of the book like if you got lazy and ran out of ideas for what to write you could have not written the last book at all
I wasted a whole chunk of a week bingeing this book and this is what I get for my time I am utterly disappointed about this
Please try harder in your upcoming books
Thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
October 8, 2024
How does one (the author) almost completely forget about their main character in the last book of a 7 book long series?
This is my first series from this author, and I always got a little exited when I reached the end of the previous 6 books and saw all the different works they've written, thinking I have a lot to look forward to if any of them are as good as The Portal Wars Saga, only to have the last book pull the rug from underneath my feet.
Sad and disappointing, and now completely unsure if their other works deserve any of my time.
The narrator was pleasant to the ear, and had a decent range of voices, 8/10.
This is my first series from this author, and I always got a little exited when I reached the end of the previous 6 books and saw all the different works they've written, thinking I have a lot to look forward to if any of them are as good as The Portal Wars Saga, only to have the last book pull the rug from underneath my feet.
Sad and disappointing, and now completely unsure if their other works deserve any of my time.
The narrator was pleasant to the ear, and had a decent range of voices, 8/10.
August 20, 2024
Overdue review.
I must admit this one was not the favorite of the whole series.
Nonetheless, the installment in it's entirety was much more enjoyable that I thought it was going to be, I started the first book because i had nothing else at the time and I thought I'd just waste time here 'til something better comes along, 7 days after and I had devoured this story 1 book/day.
I had one constant irritation though, the female characters were terribly written, all were portrayed as shallow and rather idiotic.
I must admit this one was not the favorite of the whole series.
Nonetheless, the installment in it's entirety was much more enjoyable that I thought it was going to be, I started the first book because i had nothing else at the time and I thought I'd just waste time here 'til something better comes along, 7 days after and I had devoured this story 1 book/day.
I had one constant irritation though, the female characters were terribly written, all were portrayed as shallow and rather idiotic.
September 6, 2021
This book has been a slog so far. They are showing a bunch of people for long periods that you don't care about. Where is the protagonist?
Is this how he (the author) will continue the series when he protagonist gets too powerful? Show you a bunch of side characters you don't care for?
Ah. I see. This series can go on indefinitely now. I wonder if he will regain his humanity....
3/5 Stars
Is this how he (the author) will continue the series when he protagonist gets too powerful? Show you a bunch of side characters you don't care for?
Ah. I see. This series can go on indefinitely now. I wonder if he will regain his humanity....
3/5 Stars
June 8, 2023
This has been a fun series, with the only problem being this is the last book so far. I think I read all seven books in around a week. It's been fun, but waiting for the next book will be a pain. I like how the main character was developed and how he dealt with troubling subjects like forced marriage and spouse infidelity. Good action; it moves along very nicely, and the books are challenging to put down.
February 7, 2025
This was better than the last couple books in the series, and the main character is finally showing some signs of being human, even if it is randomly being done for no real reason. It does give me hope that maybe the next book will be more relatable. I have no idea when book eight will be out, but I'll be reading it. For some reason I want to know what happens with these characters, even if they do annoying things and seem to all be psychos.
June 5, 2021
More Challenges and a Heck of an Ending
Otto faces more challenges on his quest and some definite surprises. Otto's also has his share of disappointments. It is a heck of an Ending to the series. I would be happy to see more of Otto and the other characters in the future at some point.
Otto faces more challenges on his quest and some definite surprises. Otto's also has his share of disappointments. It is a heck of an Ending to the series. I would be happy to see more of Otto and the other characters in the future at some point.
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed the book but it felt a bit short/rushed. I desperately want to know how things continue with Otto. Does he ever make up with Annamarie? Does he ever find an alternative to the Sanguine Scroll? Does he ever regain any of his humanity? I love the overall saga but it felt more like an arc of a saga than a full fledged saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
Lackluster
The majority of the book does not take place from Ottos perspective. It comes with an unexpected twist near the end that is very quickly resolved before ending the series on an entirely unsatisfactory ending.
If a second series is written with a continuation of the story it will not be nearly so bad, but as it is I will not give it more than 1 star.
The majority of the book does not take place from Ottos perspective. It comes with an unexpected twist near the end that is very quickly resolved before ending the series on an entirely unsatisfactory ending.
If a second series is written with a continuation of the story it will not be nearly so bad, but as it is I will not give it more than 1 star.
March 2, 2022
Interesting read
I can we why some people found this book uninspiring. Unfortunately this type of story has to happen as it did so the next one could be more... Anything. The storyline was quickly becoming repetitive and there was only so many ways it could go. Also it is a short book you just get into it and it's done. Fingers crossed book 8 isn't too long in getting released.
I can we why some people found this book uninspiring. Unfortunately this type of story has to happen as it did so the next one could be more... Anything. The storyline was quickly becoming repetitive and there was only so many ways it could go. Also it is a short book you just get into it and it's done. Fingers crossed book 8 isn't too long in getting released.
January 18, 2023
This is probably one of my favorite series of all time. While I would have loved to have seen more of Otto in the first part of this book, I thought the end made up for it. To me, it was a very satisfying ending that gave me everything I wanted and nothing of what I didn't want. It wasn't too dark, nor too fluffy, but just right—fitting for this series.
June 6, 2021
What an ending!!!
Took a while to get to Otto, but by the time you're done, you won't care. This was absolutely awesome!!! And a fitting end to a great series. It is the end *wink wink*
Took a while to get to Otto, but by the time you're done, you won't care. This was absolutely awesome!!! And a fitting end to a great series. It is the end *wink wink*
March 29, 2023
This was a great story.
I have just finished reading all seven books the story ended well. I was worried about Otto ha ha. At least he did not become an arcane Lord. Is there any hope for an eighth book? If so, I would love to read it.
I have just finished reading all seven books the story ended well. I was worried about Otto ha ha. At least he did not become an arcane Lord. Is there any hope for an eighth book? If so, I would love to read it.
August 4, 2023
I am sad that this is the final book in the series. It was a great send off. Otto was a very complelling lead character. James Wisher knows how to craft a good story. I fully recommend anyone giving these books a chance.
Read
August 14, 2024A series that lost its steam. Loved the story, but the last book left me wondering what about so many story arcs that never developed. The ending would have been better if the last book was totally rewritten.
June 4, 2021
great book
i absolutely loved the read and it is a little sad to see otto’s journey come to an end but it was an amazing series and worth the time.
i absolutely loved the read and it is a little sad to see otto’s journey come to an end but it was an amazing series and worth the time.
June 10, 2021
A total blast!
The adventure continues with never a dull moment. The lore and mysteries surrounding the arcane lords begins to come fully into focus. This book was very fun to read.
The adventure continues with never a dull moment. The lore and mysteries surrounding the arcane lords begins to come fully into focus. This book was very fun to read.
June 19, 2021
Satisfied
It did feel a bit rushed but overall I find the ending satisfying and felt it makes sense for Otto as a character.
It did feel a bit rushed but overall I find the ending satisfying and felt it makes sense for Otto as a character.
June 25, 2021
Fun book
I enjoyed reading this book. I would like to read what follows Otto in the coming generations. To see if his soul stayed intact after endless years of life.
I enjoyed reading this book. I would like to read what follows Otto in the coming generations. To see if his soul stayed intact after endless years of life.
August 24, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed the book. Only draw back is that it was so short! Just a small criticism that it is a little pricy for the length.
Enjoyed the book. Only draw back is that it was so short! Just a small criticism that it is a little pricy for the length.
October 30, 2021
Great book
Really enjoyed reading this book. Hopefully their will be a next one. VERY easy read that kept you entralled with it
Really enjoyed reading this book. Hopefully their will be a next one. VERY easy read that kept you entralled with it
September 20, 2022
Excellent
December 13, 2022
The ending felt a bit rushed and anti-climatic, but overall still an enjoyable book and a very enjoyable series!
June 29, 2023
3.25*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews