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RE-RELEASED WITH BOOKTROPE PUBLISHING (Portals of Destiny #1)

by Shay Fabbro (Goodreads Author)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 42 ratings · 19 reviews

Re-released through Booktrope Publishing!

Paperback, 372 pages

Published September 21st 2011 by Ricashay Publishing

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Jan 19, 2012 Marie Borthwick rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: science fiction buffs, fantasy fanatics

From the cover to the last word in the book I was mesmerized, Shay has painted a beautiful galaxy rich in detail and diversity. I could not find a fault with the story and the harder I tried, the more the story pulled me in and convinced me otherwise.

Imagine being among the chosen few... that knew the galaxy as you knew it could come to an end. Imagine being among the chosen few who could save the galaxy... imagine the gravity of it all if you were one of the beings destined to train what would...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Tami rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Mekans were built to mine and collect resources. Somewhere along the way though, something went terribly wrong. Now these giant machines travel from world to world leaching the resources until there isn’t much left.

The entire galaxy is in danger but a Gentran prophecy may hold the key. It would seem that The Chosen have the ability to bring down the Mekans and save the universe. A decision is made to help the prophecy along a little. Four specially trained Guardians are sent to four differe...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Urban Fantasy Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

To see this review and more like check out my site www.ufreviews.com

I don't often read a lot of sci-fi, in fact it probably only makes up like 10% of the books I review, even though I watch a ton of sci-fi when it comes to movies or tv. I am not sure why such a difference exists between the two genres, but either way I do enjoy a good sci-fi book from time to time, so I was pretty excited about this book.

One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this book was that even though it was a sci...more To see this review and more like check out my site www.ufreviews.com

I don't often read a lot of sci-fi, in fact it probably only makes up like 10% of the books I review, even though I watch a ton of sci-fi when it comes to movies or tv. I am not sure why such a difference exists between the two genres, but either way I do enjoy a good sci-fi book from time to time, so I was pretty excited about this book.

One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this book was that even though it was a sci-fi book it still had a couple of my favorite elements from fantasy books within it. So because of that it didn't feel like a huge shift in genres while I was reading. It was easier to get into the plot once I got through the beginning because of those familiar elements.

The beginning of the book is probably my biggest issue with the book. I did have a little bit of a hard time with the beginning, which is actually a common problem I have with epic fantasy and sci-fi books. Often times authors have to introduce so much new information to the reader at the beginning of the book that it can sometimes be confusing for the reader. I felt like maybe there were too many people being introduced early on, and the names made it even harder for me to keep track of the people. I mean I couldn't pronounce most of the peoples name in the book, so when that happens it harder for those people to stay clear in my own mind, let alone multiple characters that I am having that issue with. I think it was for that reason it felt like the beginning of the book took a long time to get through just because I was having some confusion issues.

However, once you get through the beginning of the book it is actually a pretty enjoyable read. The writing is quality, and at that point you have pretty much everyone down, so you can really focus on the plot of the book. The theme is a common one you see in sci-fi but it is executed pretty well so it stands on it's own two feet, which I appreciate. None of the book felt too much like another book out there, while still staying true to theme.

Overall, I would have to say the book was a fun look into sci-fi, and a pretty enjoyable read. I think anyone who enjoys sci-fi would enjoy this book. The book isn't to terribly long so it might be good for someone who is wanting to try out sci-fi, but for those of you have issue with odd names in fantasy and sci-fi books maybe this book isn't for you. But like I said if you like sci-fi then this is probably a book you would enjoy. (less)

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Nov 01, 2012 David Teachout rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, kindle

The concept here is definitely intriguing; several worlds each having their own Chosen who must band together to stop a galaxy-destroying horde. Each planet has it's own species and culture, giving the author the ability to create any fantasy world needed to extend the plot. However, this plot device essentially is nothing more than creating a world for the purposes of multiplying what is basically a set group of characters out of a D&D game. There's the warrior, the priest, the wizard, and...more

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Feb 02, 2012 The TBR Pile *Book review site* rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...

I really liked the sound of this and thought it sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately, I found this very hard going very early on and really could not get to grips with all of the various characters who are spread out across many different worlds. I found many of the names difficult to pronounce. The plot just way too overly heavy and convoluted right from the start. The problem for me was that the plot all just felt a bit old hat. The alie...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Tom rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Sci-Fi & multi-genre action readers

Recommended to Tom by: Kindle Book Review

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

The Chosen by Shay Fabbro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shay Fabbro's Portals of Destiny trilogy is off to a great start with her first release, The Chosen. There is a lot to be excited about in this science fiction adventure as multiple genres are intertwined to create colorful settings with a solid plot pitting the mindlessly evil `Mekans' against the entire galaxy. Of course, the only thing standing between galactic annihilation and salvation are the Chosen, a collection of characters from four disti...more The Chosen by Shay Fabbro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shay Fabbro's Portals of Destiny trilogy is off to a great start with her first release, The Chosen. There is a lot to be excited about in this science fiction adventure as multiple genres are intertwined to create colorful settings with a solid plot pitting the mindlessly evil `Mekans' against the entire galaxy. Of course, the only thing standing between galactic annihilation and salvation are the Chosen, a collection of characters from four distinct worlds, each bearing unique abilities and individual depth along with personal complexities.

Summary:

From birth four Gentrans were isolated from their benevolent society and rigorously trained to become Guardians and Masters. After years of seclusion and secrecy the Guardians are split up and sent to four worlds where they must find and protect their assigned Chosen until a sign out of prophesy signals the time for return. They will use the time in between to prepare the Chosen by honing their natural skills and traits for the fight that is to come.

On Astra a human-like species expand their magical powers as mystics in a world much like earth during the Middle Ages. The humans of earth live in a post apocalyptic Wild West where they are battle tested and committed to the ideal of sacrifice to protect the helpless. Similarly the Volgon's are also embroiled in a struggle for survival that has manifested in their evolution to become the perfect warriors with a mastery of sophisticated weapons technology and design. The Chosen on planet Kromin come from mysterious roots. They are clones devoid of emotion and passion but possess unique psychic abilities and incredibly advanced technology.

If they are able to make it back to Gentra, all of the Chosen will undergo final preparations to meet the Mekan threat but first the Guardians must do everything in their power to protect their Chosen from danger and the truth. Revealing their purpose or losing any of their Chosen before the sign comes could have disastrous consequences.

Some Thoughts

Fabbro has set the stage for a unique combination of fantasy and epic science fiction. Each world is given significant detail and danger to match the great depth and conflict she creates in her cast of characters. Fabbro establishes a fast pace from the outset with by quality dialogue and action that drives the plot and character development. At about the 60 percent mark things slow down with some dialogue seeming unnecessary to the central story and subplots. It's worth pushing through because once you emerge from those couple of chapters you're back to a brisk pace as events on each planet culminate to either thrust the Chosen through the portal toward prophetic destiny or galactic ruin before they ever learn the truth.

This is an easy four-star read because Fabbro is a very good writer who crafts complicated settings and characters into an easy and enjoyable story and she clearly spent the time editing to make sure it is smooth. This first installment, The Chosen is very good with a ton of potential as the rest of this series rolls out.

Tom Clementson (Kindle Book Review)(less)

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Apr 03, 2011 Steve Umstead rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Science fiction and/or fantasy fans

Mekans…even the name sounds foreboding. Machine intelligence, stripping the resources of planet after planet, making their way across the galaxy, leaving burned out husks in their wake. The only hope for the survival of countless species are The Chosen, small groups of four different species who are watched over and trained by Guardians from the planet Gentra. The Gentran prophecy says The Chosen hold the key to defeating the Mekans, but when one Chosen is killed, the prophecy may be in jeopardy...more Mekans…even the name sounds foreboding. Machine intelligence, stripping the resources of planet after planet, making their way across the galaxy, leaving burned out husks in their wake. The only hope for the survival of countless species are The Chosen, small groups of four different species who are watched over and trained by Guardians from the planet Gentra. The Gentran prophecy says The Chosen hold the key to defeating the Mekans, but when one Chosen is killed, the prophecy may be in jeopardy. This is the epic science fiction/fantasy story Shay Fabbro has begun to weave with Book 1 of the Portals of Destiny.

Fabbro paints a vivid picture of five distinct worlds, and pulls it off with no trouble, something many world builders have issues with in just one. There is a wide range of characters, many of which are delved deeply into, enough so that the reader can identify with several at once. Fabbro makes it easy to follow each, as the races are significantly different enough not to get confused. A reptilian warrior race, a clone race, a magical race, and of course, humans - albeit post-apocalyptic.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, from start to finish. The detail in the worlds, the depth of characters, the grandiose far-reaching plot are all done in an easy-to-follow format and style. At certain points I do feel it gets a bit deep into description, but knowing this is the first part of a series, and knowing the full story will not wrap up by the final page, it all makes perfect sense.

I felt the mix of science fiction (clones, weaponry) and fantasy (magic, transformations) was very well done. The overall crafting of the story reminded me a bit of The Empire Strikes Back, mixing the science fiction scenes with the Jedi training fantasy aspect.

The only negatives I encountered, and completely my personal opinion, would be a little bit of point of view confusion, but only very rarely; and (possible spoiler alert) I felt the key killing of the Chosen happened a little too late in the story (I kept waiting for it to happen, as the 'book jacket blurb' emphasizes it). But absolutely nothing that detracts from the overall story, which was well edited…much more so than most independent authors' works I've read before.

I'm very much looking forward to Book 2, which I understand is just around the corner, as Fabbro has put together the beginnings of an epic story arc with very interesting characters. And it's just starting!(less)

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Apr 23, 2011 G.R. Holton rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a fellow Science Fiction author I really have to tip my hat to Shay. The characterization and multiple planets are just amazing. She was able to build some of the best worlds and believable characters. They showed just how much imagination that Shay has and being able to blend them all together…. all I can say is BRAVO!!! I have to say that this is one of the top reads that I have ever done for a fellow author. The detail was just amazing and easy to follow. The planets and the cultures that...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Gerald L. rated it 4 of 5 stars

In The Chosen Ms. Fabbro ties seamlessly ties together a little bit of Terminator with a Star Wars vibe. When a destructive mechanical race called the Mekans threaten all life in the galaxy, the aquatic Gentrans take matters into their hands by sending Guardians to four planets that contain sentient life in order to train those chosen by prophecy to save the planets. There are four distinct cultures represented: a future earth that has fallen into dystopia, Astra, a planet of magic using people...more

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Aug 03, 2011 S.J. Wist rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-cookie-read, fantasy, kindle, magic, young-adult, adventure, scifi, sci-fi-fantasy, prophecy

Saving the universe will start with a prophecy, but will need more than a promise of hope to succeed in the end when a part of it is killed.

Their enemy are the Mekans, who are a mining force that excel at absolute destruction in stripping worlds of all their worth. Backed by their immense size and ability to repair, the only way to take them out is by a more powerful force.

Four Guardians are selected to seek out and train the Chosen, as only they stand a chance to stop the Mekans. Brok was my fa...more

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May 08, 2011 Alisa Hedden rated it 4 of 5 stars

A possible epic adventure in the making, involving characters that are not just humanoid. The guiding characters are actually similar to jellyfish. The trials have already started, and victory is not assured. The character development is proving to be quite interesting, like regular people, some are not willing to give up their own personal desires to sacrifice themselves and save strangers. It will prove interesting to see how the character development continues, if the selfish desires will des...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Betty-Braden rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: won-via-giveaway

"The Mekans left much as they arrived, their shadows darkening the ruins of a once beautiful and vibrant planet. The noise of their engines, while still stirring up huge clouds of dust, no longer caused discomfort for the people.
There wasn’t anyone left to hear.

The Mekan Fleet threaten all life in the galaxy and only the Chosen can fight these metal monstrosities and save those that call this galaxy home. The Guardians travel to the home worlds of the Chosen, sent by the Masters of Gentra to g...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Kristina Franken rated it 5 of 5 stars

I highly recommend this book for anyone

FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.

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Sep 22, 2011 C.p. Bialois rated it 5 of 5 stars

At first the various worlds can be confusing but I quickly lost myself in the story and the different groups of people called on as the "Chosen" to save the universe. While not the typical fantasy novel, it blends together the different personalities and lifestyles while keeping them unique among the different people involved.

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Aug 20, 2011 Andrew Carlson rated it 4 of 5 stars

The imagery and character descriptions in The Chosen were very well written. I could easily picture the scenery and action described in the book. Shay’s imagination is very vivid and she can paint a wonderful picture.

If you like fiction and fantasy, this is a good book, and a good series for you.

3.5 of 5 stars

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Jun 20, 2011 L.M. Stull rated it 4 of 5 stars

A sci-fi/fantasy book for all ages. The Chosen will take the reader on a journey to not just one new world, but five, and follows creatures that are most certainly "out of this world." Debut author Shay Fabbro does a great job bringing science and fantasy to life in her books.

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May 01, 2011 Jolene Miller-Pietz rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can't wait for book 2. I had a hard time keeping the planted straight in the first few chapters. But after I figure out who is from where I coul focus on the story and really got into it.

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Mar 14, 2011 Bree rated it 5 of 5 stars

You really find yourself caring about these characters, and desperately hoping that the outcome is favorable for all. Very excited for the second in the series already!

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Jan 20, 2011 Shay Fabbro rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

Re-released with Booktrope Publishing!

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Apr 11, 2013 Roy Huff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mar 17, 2013 Stephanie marked it as to-read

Jan 22, 2013 Sara marked it as to-read

Shelves: not-at-bellville

Dec 05, 2012 Ryan Oberg marked it as to-read

Nov 19, 2012 Steve marked it as to-read

Sep 27, 2012 Christina Garza-nelson marked it as to-read

Sep 23, 2012 Doreen Dalesandro marked it as not-interested

Aug 31, 2012 PJ marked it as to-read

Aug 31, 2012 Donald marked it as to-read

Jul 28, 2012 Ann marked it as to-read

Jul 23, 2012 Kayla Eklund marked it as couldnt-finish

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About Shay Fabbro

Shay West was born in Longmont, CO and earned a doctorate degree in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Dr. West currently lives in Grand Junction, CO with her two cats. When not writing novels, she plays with plushie microbes and teaches biology classes at Colorado Mesa University. She is the author of the Portals of Destiny series and the...more

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RE-RELEASED WITH BOOKTROPE PUBLISHING (Portals of Destiny #1)

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