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fish3718's review
5.0
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny by C. A. King
A portal, a prophecy, and a love story makes up this YA book. The pages keep turning as you are figuring out the adventure that lies before you. C. A. King keeps your attention because just when you think you figure out what is going there is a twist and a turn.
If you like Harry Potter, then you will love Willow. She is a young lady who has been in the dark about the outside world. She is coming of age and now she is realizing that there are magical powers all around her. She is part of something bigger and she is just now learning that the stories she has been hearing are real. She is learning about the voices she hears in her head and why she needed to keep them a secret. She has bigger things coming and she will accomplish them all with the help of her friends.
C. A. King is an amazing author. She keeps you hooked. The characters are always evolving. She has you fall in love with Willow. C. A. really gets you involved with the characters. It is hard to put the story down. I can’t wait to see how Willow evolves in the series
A portal, a prophecy, and a love story makes up this YA book. The pages keep turning as you are figuring out the adventure that lies before you. C. A. King keeps your attention because just when you think you figure out what is going there is a twist and a turn.
If you like Harry Potter, then you will love Willow. She is a young lady who has been in the dark about the outside world. She is coming of age and now she is realizing that there are magical powers all around her. She is part of something bigger and she is just now learning that the stories she has been hearing are real. She is learning about the voices she hears in her head and why she needed to keep them a secret. She has bigger things coming and she will accomplish them all with the help of her friends.
C. A. King is an amazing author. She keeps you hooked. The characters are always evolving. She has you fall in love with Willow. C. A. really gets you involved with the characters. It is hard to put the story down. I can’t wait to see how Willow evolves in the series
angelahayes's review
4.0
4 Stars
A Keepers Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies Series by C.A King. This is a Y.A fantasy/paranormal adventure that is full of action, magic, self-discovery and drama. The author tells tales full of mystical wonder; the book incorporates her re-imagining of many of our myths, legends, tall-tales and unexplained phenomena- which is incredibly original and clever.
Willow is an orphan who has grown up in a magical place, not knowing what really happened to her parents, and doesn’t really understand the world she lives in. The past is very much a mystery to all but a few inhabitants who still remember. She has grown up hearing voices in her head. They have helped guide and look out for her, for as long as she could remember. She feels quite imperfect, unremarkable- just very ordinary and somewhat boring.
‘Willow opened a wooden chest and picked up a small hand mirror. She hated her reflection. To her, all it showed was imperfections. Her eyes were a green and blue mix with speckles of red throughout. Everything else she saw, she considered unremarkable. Her skin was a lightly tanned, bronze colour, even though most of it never saw the sun and the places that did, had freckles. She was above average in height. Work kept her in a physically fit state, which she felt made her somewhat less feminine than other girls. Her long, curly hair hung down around her shoulders. Today, it was blonde with a few blue and black strands. As with all girls, her hair colour would change on its own, as if it were matching her moods, abilities, or personality. She could have any number of combinations of hair colours in a day. In fact, last night she went to bed with pure white hair. This would continue until her sixteenth cycle, when her hair would choose the permanent colour it wanted to be.’
Everyone in her world had ‘abilities’, powers that they would gain as they matured. Most people gain their powers/magical ability by the time they reach their sixteenth cycle. No one ever really knew what their ability would be, some abilities were incredibly useful or entertaining; while others were pretty much useless. Willow hope to gain abilities that would make her special or which she could use to better her position within the society.
“Like most of the underaged, she didn’t even know what her abilities were yet. When she was younger and out with her friends, they would often sit and dream about different abilities and which ones they wanted. They were all told the signs were there somewhere - subtle indications of the future and, if they looked hard enough, the answer was there. Once she sat in a corner, concentrating for a full evening, trying to make something, anything happen. Falling asleep out of boredom was the only result. It was important to have the right abilities. It meant the difference between acceptance or a long, hard life of work and, at times, ridicule. If one could do something dazzling or entertaining, one might even get to stay on the castle grounds in accommodations which were far more comfortable than anything the town could offer. Of course, on the flip side of the equation, some abilities were considered useless.”
There society is ‘governed’ by the authority, with many strict rules and regimented activities for the citizens. Everyone had to contribute to their world, according to their abilities. Willow felt sure that there was more to life than this, she often dreamed of a greater destiny.
“There was work to do and if she wasn’t on time, it would mean trouble. The Council wanted things done a certain way - their way. As they often said when she stepped out of line, “Our lives are like a puzzle. We all have to find the place where we fit in to make the bigger picture whole.” Her duty to the common good was assigned to her. She grew fruits and vegetables. That was her place in the puzzle. She needed to accept it and to do the very best she could. But still, she couldn't help but feel there was something more, something she was missing, something else she was destined to do.”
When her world comes under threat, Willow and a group of her friends set out on a quest to save all of existence. She discovers more than she could ever have imagined; not just about herself, but about her world and that of all of existence. We learn along with her of the ancients, the guardians, the portals, the different realms, an evil king, a whole lot of different races and beings- and all the predictions contained in a book called The Portal Prophecies that can help them in their quest. The prophecies are the key to their success and survival; will they be able to decipher them in time?
This story is quite fast paced, very detailed and descriptive- with a complex and multi-layered plot. I had a little trouble ‘getting into the story’ because there was just so much going on to keep track of while the foundations to the book and series were laid out. But after about half way I settled into the story more and began to really enjoy it.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching them develop and grow in confidence as the story progressed.
I am quite fascinated by this first book and the foundations it has laid for the rest of the series. So, I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. King!
A Keepers Destiny is the first book in The Portal Prophecies Series by C.A King. This is a Y.A fantasy/paranormal adventure that is full of action, magic, self-discovery and drama. The author tells tales full of mystical wonder; the book incorporates her re-imagining of many of our myths, legends, tall-tales and unexplained phenomena- which is incredibly original and clever.
Willow is an orphan who has grown up in a magical place, not knowing what really happened to her parents, and doesn’t really understand the world she lives in. The past is very much a mystery to all but a few inhabitants who still remember. She has grown up hearing voices in her head. They have helped guide and look out for her, for as long as she could remember. She feels quite imperfect, unremarkable- just very ordinary and somewhat boring.
‘Willow opened a wooden chest and picked up a small hand mirror. She hated her reflection. To her, all it showed was imperfections. Her eyes were a green and blue mix with speckles of red throughout. Everything else she saw, she considered unremarkable. Her skin was a lightly tanned, bronze colour, even though most of it never saw the sun and the places that did, had freckles. She was above average in height. Work kept her in a physically fit state, which she felt made her somewhat less feminine than other girls. Her long, curly hair hung down around her shoulders. Today, it was blonde with a few blue and black strands. As with all girls, her hair colour would change on its own, as if it were matching her moods, abilities, or personality. She could have any number of combinations of hair colours in a day. In fact, last night she went to bed with pure white hair. This would continue until her sixteenth cycle, when her hair would choose the permanent colour it wanted to be.’
Everyone in her world had ‘abilities’, powers that they would gain as they matured. Most people gain their powers/magical ability by the time they reach their sixteenth cycle. No one ever really knew what their ability would be, some abilities were incredibly useful or entertaining; while others were pretty much useless. Willow hope to gain abilities that would make her special or which she could use to better her position within the society.
“Like most of the underaged, she didn’t even know what her abilities were yet. When she was younger and out with her friends, they would often sit and dream about different abilities and which ones they wanted. They were all told the signs were there somewhere - subtle indications of the future and, if they looked hard enough, the answer was there. Once she sat in a corner, concentrating for a full evening, trying to make something, anything happen. Falling asleep out of boredom was the only result. It was important to have the right abilities. It meant the difference between acceptance or a long, hard life of work and, at times, ridicule. If one could do something dazzling or entertaining, one might even get to stay on the castle grounds in accommodations which were far more comfortable than anything the town could offer. Of course, on the flip side of the equation, some abilities were considered useless.”
There society is ‘governed’ by the authority, with many strict rules and regimented activities for the citizens. Everyone had to contribute to their world, according to their abilities. Willow felt sure that there was more to life than this, she often dreamed of a greater destiny.
“There was work to do and if she wasn’t on time, it would mean trouble. The Council wanted things done a certain way - their way. As they often said when she stepped out of line, “Our lives are like a puzzle. We all have to find the place where we fit in to make the bigger picture whole.” Her duty to the common good was assigned to her. She grew fruits and vegetables. That was her place in the puzzle. She needed to accept it and to do the very best she could. But still, she couldn't help but feel there was something more, something she was missing, something else she was destined to do.”
When her world comes under threat, Willow and a group of her friends set out on a quest to save all of existence. She discovers more than she could ever have imagined; not just about herself, but about her world and that of all of existence. We learn along with her of the ancients, the guardians, the portals, the different realms, an evil king, a whole lot of different races and beings- and all the predictions contained in a book called The Portal Prophecies that can help them in their quest. The prophecies are the key to their success and survival; will they be able to decipher them in time?
This story is quite fast paced, very detailed and descriptive- with a complex and multi-layered plot. I had a little trouble ‘getting into the story’ because there was just so much going on to keep track of while the foundations to the book and series were laid out. But after about half way I settled into the story more and began to really enjoy it.
I liked the characters and enjoyed watching them develop and grow in confidence as the story progressed.
I am quite fascinated by this first book and the foundations it has laid for the rest of the series. So, I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Ms. King!
its_justine's review
* SPFBO5 Read *
A Keeper's Destiny is a coming-of-age story that follows a group of teenagers as they discover their own abilities and attempt to save the world from an impending invasion and complete destruction, as foretold in a prophecy. This story also focuses on the corruption of man, and the inevitable ruin that follows. It's apparent King has imbued this world with an interesting and rich history, as we catch snippets of the past through storytelling and seers - I only wish these facets were discussed in further detail while setting up the conflict of the main story. This book has a promising concept and tons of potential, what with the idea of once-believed sealed portals opening between worlds, but it just falls short on delivery.
I unfortunately didn't finish this book, as I couldn't get past the copious amounts of info dumping, often repetitive, that drowned the first 40%. For one of this length, I expected this story to swiftly sweep me into a fantastical and mysterious tale of prophecies led by a Chosen One, but the author left nothing to the imagination. Although this is labeled YA, I felt as though the narrator was speaking to a younger audience, with portions that were overly simplified, and too much focus on inconsequential aspects. While I love the idea of a younger cast exploring their strengths, talents, and interesting powers, I was unable to connect with any of them. I was definitely interested in the core tale, and was looking forward to finally reaching the 'ah ha' moment, however my journey to get there was just too prolonged.
A Keeper's Destiny is a coming-of-age story that follows a group of teenagers as they discover their own abilities and attempt to save the world from an impending invasion and complete destruction, as foretold in a prophecy. This story also focuses on the corruption of man, and the inevitable ruin that follows. It's apparent King has imbued this world with an interesting and rich history, as we catch snippets of the past through storytelling and seers - I only wish these facets were discussed in further detail while setting up the conflict of the main story. This book has a promising concept and tons of potential, what with the idea of once-believed sealed portals opening between worlds, but it just falls short on delivery.
I unfortunately didn't finish this book, as I couldn't get past the copious amounts of info dumping, often repetitive, that drowned the first 40%. For one of this length, I expected this story to swiftly sweep me into a fantastical and mysterious tale of prophecies led by a Chosen One, but the author left nothing to the imagination. Although this is labeled YA, I felt as though the narrator was speaking to a younger audience, with portions that were overly simplified, and too much focus on inconsequential aspects. While I love the idea of a younger cast exploring their strengths, talents, and interesting powers, I was unable to connect with any of them. I was definitely interested in the core tale, and was looking forward to finally reaching the 'ah ha' moment, however my journey to get there was just too prolonged.
bedneyauthor's review
1.0
I was given a free electronic copy of this book by the author, in accordance with the terms of For Love of a Book's Advance Reader Opportunity Program.
Unfortunately.
Because if I hadn't felt morally obliged to finish and review this book, I would have stopped after the first chapter, put it back on the (metaphorical) shelf, and never spoken of it again. Even if I'd struggled through from sheer pig-headedness, even past Chapter 8, which is nothing but a list of the ways in which our main character is special, I could not have made it past Chapter 16, in which she goes from merely slightly annoying to very annoying and the plot we were supposed to be getting vanishes utterly.
This was probably the worst overall reading experience I've ever had.
I picked this up because the blurb looked interesting. Unfortunately, the first part of the book consists almost entirely of Willow, our heroine, going about her normal everyday life, never really questioning the weird things that happen around her or really doing anything to better her situation. But that's OK, the rest of the people in her world are just as boring. The only exceptions are the members of the Council, who are introduced in great detail despite the fact that the vast majority of them are never seen again after their first appearence.
The Council is set up as the main antagonist, but they only ever do one thing to back up the fact that they seem to be treated as an opressive government. This makes them really unimpressive villains; the sole conflict Willow has for the first several chapters is that she gets asked to a dance and then stood up because a blonde mean girl seduced her date. That's despite the fact that one of her oldest friends is arrested - a fact that she forgets for most of the rest of the first half of the book.
I specify the first half of the book because about halfway through we suddenly drop what we seemed to be setting up about the people rallying behind Willow against the Council and suddenly we were introduced to a new and completely different set of villains, who destroyed Willow's world and sent her and her friends headlong into - I think - our world, where they meet some people who I think may be part of the military? It's completely unclear what's going on, except that Willow is throwing sass at everyone despite having a gun pointed at her face.
Willow is an idiot; there's no other way to say it. And yet for some reason everybody listens to her and loves her and lets her do whatever she likes and tells everyone how wonderful she is. It's deeply, deeply annoying.
By the way, this is a problem across the board; the secondary characters almost all worship Willow and are almost all completely interchangeable. I gave up telling the difference between them early on, and it just added insult to injury when the book kept throwing plot-convenient powers at them.
Now, we have a number of serious editing problems in this book, and the disconnect in the middle is one of them. I suspect King had a break halfway through writing and didn't read back what she'd already written; there are multiple places where she re-explains things that had already been established. It's a mess.
As a final structure point, the ending. Now, I don't mind cliffhangers in the middle of series, and I'm sure that was what this was supposed to be, but it wasn't. The book just stops. There is no arc coming to a loose thread, the story (such as it is; the structure is really poor, so there's no real plot arc and not even a climax) is just going along, assuring us of how Willow is special while showing us Willow caring more about whether a hot guy likes her than the fact that she's just seen evidence that innocent people are being horribly tortured, and then it just stops.
In short (I may edit to write something longer when I have more time), the craft was terrible, the characters were flat and at best boring, and the worldbuilding and plot made no sense at all.
Unfortunately.
Because if I hadn't felt morally obliged to finish and review this book, I would have stopped after the first chapter, put it back on the (metaphorical) shelf, and never spoken of it again. Even if I'd struggled through from sheer pig-headedness, even past Chapter 8, which is nothing but a list of the ways in which our main character is special, I could not have made it past Chapter 16, in which she goes from merely slightly annoying to very annoying and the plot we were supposed to be getting vanishes utterly.
This was probably the worst overall reading experience I've ever had.
I picked this up because the blurb looked interesting. Unfortunately, the first part of the book consists almost entirely of Willow, our heroine, going about her normal everyday life, never really questioning the weird things that happen around her or really doing anything to better her situation. But that's OK, the rest of the people in her world are just as boring. The only exceptions are the members of the Council, who are introduced in great detail despite the fact that the vast majority of them are never seen again after their first appearence.
The Council is set up as the main antagonist, but they only ever do one thing to back up the fact that they seem to be treated as an opressive government. This makes them really unimpressive villains; the sole conflict Willow has for the first several chapters is that she gets asked to a dance and then stood up because a blonde mean girl seduced her date. That's despite the fact that one of her oldest friends is arrested - a fact that she forgets for most of the rest of the first half of the book.
I specify the first half of the book because about halfway through we suddenly drop what we seemed to be setting up about the people rallying behind Willow against the Council and suddenly we were introduced to a new and completely different set of villains, who destroyed Willow's world and sent her and her friends headlong into - I think - our world, where they meet some people who I think may be part of the military? It's completely unclear what's going on, except that Willow is throwing sass at everyone despite having a gun pointed at her face.
Willow is an idiot; there's no other way to say it. And yet for some reason everybody listens to her and loves her and lets her do whatever she likes and tells everyone how wonderful she is. It's deeply, deeply annoying.
By the way, this is a problem across the board; the secondary characters almost all worship Willow and are almost all completely interchangeable. I gave up telling the difference between them early on, and it just added insult to injury when the book kept throwing plot-convenient powers at them.
Now, we have a number of serious editing problems in this book, and the disconnect in the middle is one of them. I suspect King had a break halfway through writing and didn't read back what she'd already written; there are multiple places where she re-explains things that had already been established. It's a mess.
As a final structure point, the ending. Now, I don't mind cliffhangers in the middle of series, and I'm sure that was what this was supposed to be, but it wasn't. The book just stops. There is no arc coming to a loose thread, the story (such as it is; the structure is really poor, so there's no real plot arc and not even a climax) is just going along, assuring us of how Willow is special while showing us Willow caring more about whether a hot guy likes her than the fact that she's just seen evidence that innocent people are being horribly tortured, and then it just stops.
In short (I may edit to write something longer when I have more time), the craft was terrible, the characters were flat and at best boring, and the worldbuilding and plot made no sense at all.
sammii's review
2.0
I don't know where to begin with this book. I have so many mixed feelings, to sum it up in one word: Disappointing.
It started out so slow and never really gained enough momentum to keep me fully interested. I was drawn in by the plot, the book sounded exciting and action packed. However I felt that parts of this book dragged and the author unnecessarily repeated certain facts numerous times.
The author has created strong characters and exciting worlds. However I feel that the story lost some of its shine as places and people were over-described.
The book has an interesting story line that I feel could have made an enthralling story, but as it is, this book is a good read but nothing memorable. The one thing I really loved was that this book ended in a cliff-hanger. Cliff-hangers leave me needing to what happens to all the characters, and there are a lot!
Although I am still undecided whether I will read more of this series.
It started out so slow and never really gained enough momentum to keep me fully interested. I was drawn in by the plot, the book sounded exciting and action packed. However I felt that parts of this book dragged and the author unnecessarily repeated certain facts numerous times.
The author has created strong characters and exciting worlds. However I feel that the story lost some of its shine as places and people were over-described.
The book has an interesting story line that I feel could have made an enthralling story, but as it is, this book is a good read but nothing memorable. The one thing I really loved was that this book ended in a cliff-hanger. Cliff-hangers leave me needing to what happens to all the characters, and there are a lot!
Although I am still undecided whether I will read more of this series.
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