The Keeper of Portals

by V S Nelson

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Pub Date 28 Jan 2017 | Archive Date 21 Feb 2017

Troubador Publishing Limited | Matador

Children's Fiction | Sci Fi & Fantasy

Description

An epic time-slip fantasy novel for young adults that leads to a dramatic turn of events when the modern day begins to seep into the 17th century. After the death of his dad, Martin and his mum move into an enormous stately home where they encounter a mysterious being called the Keeper of Portals, who claims to control every portal on the planet, except for the door at the end of Martin’s bedroom, which has been sealed for 400 years. One morning, Martin wakes to discover the Keeper of Portals is missing and the door at the end of his bedroom has been opened. Martin steps through the door to find himself in the 17th century where he meets Isabel, the house’s maid. Martin and Isabel quickly learn that everything on earth, from time and causality, to pleasantries and buttons, is controlled by its own keeper. After discovering two imprisoned keepers, Martin and Isabel receive the ability to jump between doorways and change their time, but they soon become entangled in a battle against the master of the house, the Keeper of Questions. The Keeper of Portals follows Martin and Isabel as they alternate between the present day and the 17th century, often returning to a time they have already been to and nearly running into past versions of themselves. They fight hordes of murderous villagers, escape from the Keeper of Questions by hiding in a sea cave for 400 years and confront the powerful Keeper of Causality. But there is something wrong with time itself as items from the present day begin to bleed into Isabel’s time. After driving an off-road 4x4 through the peaceful countryside of the 17th century, Martin and Isabel confront the Keeper of Questions in the city of London. But when they arrive they find it deserted – the Keeper of Questions has control of everyone in London and it won’t be long until Martin and Isabel are next. The Keeper of Portals is a adventure story that explores the supernatural and is an ideal read for young adults. Inspired by authors such as Philip Pullman and Neil Gaiman, this book will be enjoyed by fans of time-slip fantasies, both children and adults alike.

Advance Praise

"If you're looking for an original, well-crafted fantasy story with gripping action and at least one remarkable character, pick up The Keeper of Portals! It is clever enough to stir a little something in everyone!" - Fascinating Books

"If you're looking for an original, well-crafted fantasy story with gripping action and at least one remarkable character, pick up The Keeper of Portals! It is clever enough to stir a little...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781788031646
PRICE	£0.99 (GBP)

Additional Information

Average rating from 17 members

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Featured Reviews

Michael R, Reviewer

This novel started off a bit like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe but ended up being a story much more about love, loss, and much more in the tradition of Roald Dahl than C.S. Lewis.

There is beauty in this book, as well as a childlike wonder at the organization of the world. No spoilers, but repeatedly this book holds up loyalty as a standard, loyalty and faith in each other.

This book is a treasure for people of all ages. The story was moving and bounced back and forth between different times without making them as simple as background imagery. The children in the story were interesting, and the attraction and interest in each other seemed appropriate for the most part.

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Aisha H, Reviewer

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sue w, Reviewer

The keeper of Portals by V.S Nelson.
‘All I have to do is think, walk through a door and I come out another. There is nowhere I cannot get to, nor any lock that can deny my passage.’
The Keeper of Portals lifted a hand and stroked the ancient black wood of the door.
‘I can do all that and yet, after 400 years, I still cannot open this door.’
Everything in the universe is maintained by its own keeper, from the most insignificant insect to time itself. When 15 year-old Martin moves into a stately home that’s dangerously overhanging a cliff, he meets the Keeper of Portals and learns of the mysterious door at the end of his bedroom.
One morning, Martin wakes to discover the Keeper of Portals is missing and the door at the end of his bedroom is open. Martin steps through the door to find himself in the 17th century where he meets Isabel, the house’s maid. Upon discovering two imprisoned keepers, Martin and Isabel gain the ability to control time and travel through portals.
After being attacked by hordes of brainwashed villagers, Martin and Isabel learn that the master of the house has a devious plan, one the keepers are powerless to stop. Martin and Isabel must jump between the present day and the 17th century in order to hide from the twisted master, avoiding past versions of themselves, as powerful keepers thwart them at every turn. But as items from the future begin to bleed into the past and the present day is plagued by malfunctioning portals, Martin and Isabel’s only option is to confront the master – the Keeper of Questions.
A brilliant read. Great characters. Loved Isabel and Martin. Kept me hooked all the way through. 5*.

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George L, Reviewer

This book is a unique fantasy which evolves around the central protagonist who Is a teenage boy. This book is not an easy read, however there is a strong ending where everything falls into place.

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Karsyn S, Reviewer

Received from NetGalley for my honest review
Completed 10/3/17
240 page ebook

This book was ok for me. I like time travel and I like funky mysterious houses so I thought this would be right up my alley. It had its good parts and boring parts and was just ok to good, not great.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters. They were pretty flat and dull though they did have a good adventurous spirit to them. They seemed to accept the abnormal pretty easily, which seemed weird at such young ages, but it made for the story to continue moving.

The Keepers themselves were an interesting lot and probably my favorite part of the books. Seeing who each new one was and what their ability was, was pretty interesting. It just wasn't enough for me to truly love this book.

Recommended for middle grade ages who like time travel. Some adults may like it, but if you like your characters with depth, you'd be better off skipping it.

Setting = A
Plot = B
Conflict = B
Characters = C-
Theme = A

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Paul M, Reviewer

very imaginative tale about portals that transport people across time and space

this book is great for younger readers and I think I'm too far outside that demographic to fully appreciate it but it was enjoyable.

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Renada T, Educator

The story changed a lot and I was never sure in which direction it was going. It felt like it got close to the ending so many times, and then something changed and the story continued. I am not sure what I think of this style, it felt a bit confusing, but at the same time it is wonderful, you have no idea where you're about to go.Loved time travel. Time travel might be dangerous to write about, but Nelson really got it to work. And the way he solved the problem time travel poses - e.g. paradoxes (example: What if I kill my father?) - was perfect.