The Gatekeeper of Pericael

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Pub Date 06 Apr 2021 | Archive Date 05 Apr 2021

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Description

In Pericael, no one stays out after dark.

Twelve-year-old Porter would much rather spend his weekends playing soccer than channeling spirits in the parallel universe of Pericael. Unfortunately for him, Porter's family has guarded the gate between Earth and monster-filled Pericael for generations, so he's not getting out of Gatekeeper lessons anytime soon.

But some after-school activities are more dangerous than others. 

When a soul thief threatens the gate, Porter reluctantly comes to its defense... and gets thrown deep into Pericael's dangerous jungle wilderness. With the help of two fierce native girls, Porter must learn to embrace the creepy spirits and find his way back to the gate. But the soul thief is racing for the gate too, and if he gets there first, Porter won't have a home to go back to.

In Pericael, no one stays out after dark.

Twelve-year-old Porter would much rather spend his weekends playing soccer than channeling spirits in the parallel universe of Pericael. Unfortunately for...


A Note From the Publisher

The Gatekeeper of Pericael is an Upper-MG Portal Fantasy, and a sneak peek of the first chapter is available here: https://hayleyreesechow.com/the-gatekeeper-of-pericael-first-chapter/

The Gatekeeper of Pericael is an Upper-MG Portal Fantasy, and a sneak peek of the first chapter is available here: https://hayleyreesechow.com/the-gatekeeper-of-pericael-first-chapter/


Advance Praise

“Absolutely delightful, wonderfully paced, and with a storyline I've never actually seen before in all my years of reading books, The Gatekeeper of Pericael takes you on a fun romp through a dangerous jungle but with light at the end of the tunnel so you never lose your way.“

-Review's Resort


“I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced action fantasy with imaginative world-building, vivid prose, and a satisfying character arc.”

-Ben Gartner, award-winning author of The Eye of Ra


“The second MG novel I’ve read recently that has reaffirmed my love for the age range. Filled to the brim with adventure I would love to travel back to Pericael on another journey some day.“

-Becky’s Book Blog


“If I could this book 500 stars I would, but unfortunately, the rating system does not go that far, so 5 out of 5 stars.”

-Bookgirl Reviews


“I recommend this to fans of portal fantasies and series such as The Dragon Prince or Avatar: The Last Airbender. I can't wait to see what Chow has in store for us next.”

-Brandon Hill-Mann, author of The Hole in the World


“Wow, I LOVED this adventurous fantasy! I loved everything about it: the characters, the action, and the descriptive writing.” 

-Goodreads review




“Absolutely delightful, wonderfully paced, and with a storyline I've never actually seen before in all my years of reading books, The Gatekeeper of Pericael takes you on a fun romp through a...


Available Editions

ISBN 9798583619184
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Average rating from 13 members


Featured Reviews

*I received a free Advanced Review Copy. This review is entirely my own and represents my honest opinions.*

‘He was the Kotalla Kan. A child of two worlds that no one could really comprehend, and everyone was depending on him.’

Twelve-year-old Porter wants nothing more than to be a normal boy - to focus on soccer practice, video games, and science tests – nothing more. Unfortunately, he’s anything but normal. His family are descended from a line of Gatekeepers…and it’s his destiny to take over the role and protect the magical world of Pericael from harm. But when the door to Pericael calls unexpectedly Porter, with help from his fiercely optimistic cousin Ames, will have to learn fast if he wants to make it out alive.
***
Hayley Reese Chow masterfully paints the world of Pericael in a bright yet dangerous light, highlighting the true cost of adventure.

Where many other middle-grade fantasy novels tend to gloss over the threats that accompany adventure, Hayley Reese Chow revels in it. Reese Chow creates a world that is both inviting and dangerous, with the narrative exploring the intricacies of the powerful spirits that inhabit Pericael and the deep threat from those who would seek to control them. From page one, the tension steadily increases until it reaches boiling point with the villainous Raspurn closing in on the Gate. If it’s a fast paced book you’re after, this is the one for you!

Porter and his cousin, Ames, battle hungry beasts and possessed vessels of stolen children enslaved by the Raspurn, a powerful entity set on bending the spirits' to his will. With help from sisters’ Conri and Fira, Porter delves deeper into the world of magic and spirits. Together with Porter’s reluctant heroism and Ames’ unwavering optimism (and countless Star Wars references) the group race to save their joining worlds – Pericael and Earth. Thrown together, the unlikely group navigate the unknown, bickering all the way. An unsteady partnership at first, the tension between them is perfectly accompanied by underlying affection that is reminiscent of most familial relationships, as well as many friendships.

All-in-all, despite being only 168 pages long, ‘The Gatekeeper of Pericael’ is a magnificent read that boasts fully fleshed out characters, an immersive world filled with wonder, and an adventure that will keep you gripped right up until the end.

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"To have courage is to step forward in the face of fear."

The Gatekeeper of Pericael is a fun fantasy adventure with a believable magic system and solid characters who grow and are challenged. The world-building is vivid and I found myself easily swept up in the action. The magic was consistent and intricately woven into the story to further the character growth for Porter, the main character, rather than being a crutch for the story in itself.

Porter starts out as the reluctant hero who has inherited a huge responsibility that he doesn't want, but he's thrust into an adventure with world-ending stakes and he fights for what he believes is right, even against great odds. Raspurn is one freaky villain. Porter's friend Ames gets swept up in the adventure too. He provides some comic relief and serves as a foil with a different perspective due to his unflappable spirit and endearing belief in Porter.

Yes, there are loads of action and battle scenes, with creatures and with enemies, but what really solidified the _story_ was Porter’s evolution, his coming into his own skin with who he is and his responsibility. But I liked that he also remained a kid. Having Ames to share his secret with rang true.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced action fantasy with imaginative world-building, vivid prose, and a satisfying character arc.

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Talk about a reluctant hero! Porter wasn’t exactly thrilled about being the next Gatekeeper. All he wanted to do was play soccer and be a normal kid. Spirits completely creeped him out but there was nothing he could do about it. Then a knock came on a door no one should be knocking on. He wasn’t prepared for what would come next but there is no going back now.

Wow! I found myself wrapped into this world not wanting to leave. I am so excited about sharing this book with everyone!

These 2021 authors are killin’ it!

CAWPILE Rating: 10

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