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Portal to the Forgotten
"Ours is not the only world!"
A country law officer discovers this in the Ozark Mountains while looking for a teenage girl who was reported to have literally disappeared into thin air while hiking there.
Luke is a shy and reclusive Arkansas constable. Elected as the butt of a joke, he has never done anything to warrant being a law officer. However, when his cousin, Tyler, is implicated in his own girlfriend's disappearance, Luke must become a real lawman. The case would be strange even for a seasoned law officer. Not only did Tyler's girlfriend, Grace, disappear while hiking in the mountains, she literally vanished into thin air as Tyler looked on in disbelief.
Accompanied by a persistent but beautiful reporter, Luke goes up on the mountain to investigate. There he discovers the world is not what mankind believes it is. There is a portal on the mountain to a forgotten, ancient world.
A country law officer discovers this in the Ozark Mountains while looking for a teenage girl who was reported to have literally disappeared into thin air while hiking there.
Luke is a shy and reclusive Arkansas constable. Elected as the butt of a joke, he has never done anything to warrant being a law officer. However, when his cousin, Tyler, is implicated in his own girlfriend's disappearance, Luke must become a real lawman. The case would be strange even for a seasoned law officer. Not only did Tyler's girlfriend, Grace, disappear while hiking in the mountains, she literally vanished into thin air as Tyler looked on in disbelief.
Accompanied by a persistent but beautiful reporter, Luke goes up on the mountain to investigate. There he discovers the world is not what mankind believes it is. There is a portal on the mountain to a forgotten, ancient world.
242 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2016
About the author
John Gschwend
8 books18 followersMy name is John J Gschwend Jr. My friends call me Jody. I'm from a small town in Arkansas and my stories reflect my southern and country raising. I like history, the wild outdoors, primitive skills and unexplained phenomena. If you read my novels and short stories you will discover a little bit--well maybe a lot--of this in there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 30, 2017
Buddy read with Maks
I have read two other books from this author and loved them. But this one was a bit disappointing.
The characters were flat, the world building was lacking, and the story was too complex for it's short length. Details were omitted, questions left unanswered, and the lore, history and creatures not defined or explained.
There was plenty of excitment and conflict, but I didn't feel connected to the characters, didn't care what happened to them. That IMO is most important.
There is some romance, but that was also lacking. The women were too tough, too manly too invincible. I also felt like the men who "loved them" only did because they were beautiful. Moon had done some pretty horrible things, lied, killed, and mutilated people (although deserving I suppose) yet this was ok because she was pretty. Yeah.
The antagonists were stereotypical, had no backround information on them, they didn't seem human, just cartoonish.
The pace was way too fast which left no room for embellishment..no details or explanations.
Anyway I won't keep harping on all the flaws because there were some good things going on. All the elements to a great time travel book were there but it just didn't cut it. Sorry.
It was still relatively entertaining, but I would not recommend this one. I still like this author and plan to read more by him. I just think he tried to write something different than his usal genre, tried to make a more complex fantasy type novel but just didn't execute well. I think if it were re-worked fleshed out, it could be very good.
Last note.. Didn't understand why Luke had an ex wife. I mean she played no significant part to the story. I would advise removing her character completely. I would have also liked to have seen what happened to Tyler..I didn't care for the ending at all. It was just left hanging.. left up to the readers imagination..It didn't work for me.
I have read two other books from this author and loved them. But this one was a bit disappointing.
The characters were flat, the world building was lacking, and the story was too complex for it's short length. Details were omitted, questions left unanswered, and the lore, history and creatures not defined or explained.
There was plenty of excitment and conflict, but I didn't feel connected to the characters, didn't care what happened to them. That IMO is most important.
There is some romance, but that was also lacking. The women were too tough, too manly too invincible. I also felt like the men who "loved them" only did because they were beautiful. Moon had done some pretty horrible things, lied, killed, and mutilated people (although deserving I suppose) yet this was ok because she was pretty. Yeah.
The antagonists were stereotypical, had no backround information on them, they didn't seem human, just cartoonish.
The pace was way too fast which left no room for embellishment..no details or explanations.
Anyway I won't keep harping on all the flaws because there were some good things going on. All the elements to a great time travel book were there but it just didn't cut it. Sorry.
It was still relatively entertaining, but I would not recommend this one. I still like this author and plan to read more by him. I just think he tried to write something different than his usal genre, tried to make a more complex fantasy type novel but just didn't execute well. I think if it were re-worked fleshed out, it could be very good.
Last note.. Didn't understand why Luke had an ex wife. I mean she played no significant part to the story. I would advise removing her character completely. I would have also liked to have seen what happened to Tyler..I didn't care for the ending at all. It was just left hanging.. left up to the readers imagination..It didn't work for me.
January 29, 2017
Well, it was OK. Familiar and fun premise. Some of the dialogue was a bit unusual. Felt like the lead kept going from being strong to being a wimp. Just a bit odd.
July 1, 2018
I don't what to rate this one. As with most time travel stories you have to just accept the premise or you won't read the genre. This one goes back in time through a portal and along with a rescue one of the plans is to stop the Nazis from getting ancient technology to win the war. All done with a homespun, gee whiz dialogue. Alright the main character is from rural Arkansas, so that fits but....
I can see why it gets 1 and 5s, it did keep me interested for a 6 hour plane ride, but I don't know. I will split the difference 3.2
I can see why it gets 1 and 5s, it did keep me interested for a 6 hour plane ride, but I don't know. I will split the difference 3.2
April 15, 2018
Portal to the Forgotten interesting take on an alternative time line where in this version of Earth mammoths were not killed off by our ancestors, a time portal exists in the Ozarks and people disappear back into the far past. This is story of how modern people survive in a world of the stone age past.
December 11, 2022
Fantasy in another dimension
JillBJ31@gmail.com Real science fiction fantasy into another dimension. The chapters are easy to follow & so is the story. Well thought out from start to finish. Nothing in there that detracts from the through story but a little more characterisation would be good - a little more description on what makes them tick & descriptions. Really enjoyed the story.
JillBJ31@gmail.com Real science fiction fantasy into another dimension. The chapters are easy to follow & so is the story. Well thought out from start to finish. Nothing in there that detracts from the through story but a little more characterisation would be good - a little more description on what makes them tick & descriptions. Really enjoyed the story.
March 17, 2018
This book could have had so much potential, but I found it lacked a lot. I loved it at the start, I read the free sample on my kindle and immediately downloaded it, but pretty much from there onwards it lost me. The characters seemed flat, to the point where I didn't really care what happened to any of them, and even though I really wanted to love it, I just couldn't.
October 16, 2018
Are you kidding me???
Time travel??? A hell of a long way back in time. But was it really? Was this trip actually a travel back in time on earth? More like traveling to a different dimension. And what kind of animals did they have. This was one wild trip to remember. Can't wait for the next one.
Time travel??? A hell of a long way back in time. But was it really? Was this trip actually a travel back in time on earth? More like traveling to a different dimension. And what kind of animals did they have. This was one wild trip to remember. Can't wait for the next one.
December 20, 2020
Alternate universes, time travel, ancient aliens, oh my!
Strange things are rumored to go on in the Ozarks. High places are known to be mysterious. What happens if you pass through a portal? Where do you go? How will you survive? Who will you be? Interesting answers, and questions, await readers of this book.
Strange things are rumored to go on in the Ozarks. High places are known to be mysterious. What happens if you pass through a portal? Where do you go? How will you survive? Who will you be? Interesting answers, and questions, await readers of this book.
July 9, 2021
It lacks something
I appreciate the author attempting to write a good story but this one lacks something that could bring it to life. For instance he has a main character who loves to hunt and live like his ancestors but is afraid of his shadow? What's up with the man if he is that in tune with his ancestors he should not be afraid of living the life
I appreciate the author attempting to write a good story but this one lacks something that could bring it to life. For instance he has a main character who loves to hunt and live like his ancestors but is afraid of his shadow? What's up with the man if he is that in tune with his ancestors he should not be afraid of living the life
May 1, 2018
Interesting story that gets better
Story is different / unusual? Odd timetravel story. Tiny little bit romance. Some violence. Did not notice any vulgar language. Curious view of history.
Story is different / unusual? Odd timetravel story. Tiny little bit romance. Some violence. Did not notice any vulgar language. Curious view of history.
October 5, 2018
Bloody hell! Thank God I’m done. Not sure why I persevered. If you don’t like hunting you probably won’t like this book. And so many words describing how competent everyone is. Can’t say much for the characters either. So unlikable. Had a lot of potential. Just fell short.
April 29, 2019
Not what I expected at all
This book is so very interesting, it takes us to a whole new world, or would that be an old world.
I really had a hard time putting it down.
I will definitely look for the next one.
A big thanks to the author for a very good read.
This book is so very interesting, it takes us to a whole new world, or would that be an old world.
I really had a hard time putting it down.
I will definitely look for the next one.
A big thanks to the author for a very good read.
September 19, 2021
A Sci Fi that will grab your imagination and hang on with some well written characters. Recommend this book but best not start at bed time. I missed some sleep. Is there another world that is reached by portals?
June 12, 2017
Really good. I couldn't put it down and loved the references to the past. Highly recommend
September 29, 2017
Nice time travel book
Really Loved the characters..... this could lead to a great series. Hopefully we see a follow up book soon! Thanks
Really Loved the characters..... this could lead to a great series. Hopefully we see a follow up book soon! Thanks
May 2, 2018
Awesome!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this time travel story. Fast moving and entertaining. Looking forward to reading sequel. Hope he writes more!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this time travel story. Fast moving and entertaining. Looking forward to reading sequel. Hope he writes more!
November 20, 2018
OMG!
Just the most moving Time Travel book I have ever read!
Can’t wait to read the sequel! So happy I discovered this author!
My Best John, Dennis Michaels
Just the most moving Time Travel book I have ever read!
Can’t wait to read the sequel! So happy I discovered this author!
My Best John, Dennis Michaels
January 30, 2019
Fun
This was a very exciting book. I would recommend this to anyone. I thought it well written and a must read.
This was a very exciting book. I would recommend this to anyone. I thought it well written and a must read.
July 7, 2019
2 stars. Interesting concept, but the MC was extremely unlikable. While other characters rose to the challenges they faced, MC was nothing but an angst-ridden and whiny wimp.
December 26, 2021
Interesting premise.
This book started strong, but seemed to lose its momentum in the second half. Main character was not very likable.
This book started strong, but seemed to lose its momentum in the second half. Main character was not very likable.
June 7, 2023
Good readin
This book was good SF and kept me up turning the pages until the end. I’m starting the next in the series right away!
This book was good SF and kept me up turning the pages until the end. I’m starting the next in the series right away!
March 11, 2017
Why Three Stars
I gave this book three stars even though I stopped reading at 61% because I skipped to the ending and liked it.
I gave this book three stars even though I stopped reading at 61% because I skipped to the ending and liked it.
February 22, 2017
The premises are good, but the author doesn't know sh*t about black holes. To pretend that there could be a black hole on earth (or any other planet) is ridiculous since anything that is close enough to a black hole is eaten by it. If there was one on earth, not only our planet would be absorbed by it but all our solar system, our galaxy and any other celestial body around.
To be interested by a science fiction story, I have to get science. I'm not a lover of fantasy story. I HATED The Lord of the Ring. So, I don't want to get a fantasy story when I buy a science fiction novel.
Note that I read only 40% of this book before I had enough of the stupid pseudoscience in it.
To be interested by a science fiction story, I have to get science. I'm not a lover of fantasy story. I HATED The Lord of the Ring. So, I don't want to get a fantasy story when I buy a science fiction novel.
Note that I read only 40% of this book before I had enough of the stupid pseudoscience in it.
February 23, 2017
Unusual storyline
Wormholes have never been done like this before. What a creative imagination. I couldn't put it down. I would have given 5 stars if the ending was a little longer.
Wormholes have never been done like this before. What a creative imagination. I couldn't put it down. I would have given 5 stars if the ending was a little longer.
February 3, 2017
PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN wins my personal Tepper Award for 2016 for "Worst Title for a Great Read". Second place goes to the author's name, John Gschwend (yes, that is the correct spelling), that I cannot pronounce.
With those preliminaries out of the way, PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN is an original, entertaining, fast-paced shortish (~240 page on my iPad) novel that kept me reading way, way too late one night. Shame on you, John! PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN, despite its B- Movie title is the very interesting tale of an Arkansas constable, Luke Morgan who happens to be a serious outdoorsman type (makes own weapons, hunts own meat, lives off the land with electricity mainly to power his freezer for game that he has hunted) who gets involved with the search for a missing girl. Her boyfriend, who is Luke's cousin, is in the local pokey accused of her abduction and murder. When Luke goes investigation, he falls down the same rabbit hole as Grace, the missing girl and the game it on.
Another world, time travel, ancient civilizations, indians (but no cowboys), Nazis, pyramids and a beautiful federal agent who is both more and less than she seems fill this compact, entertaining novel with tests and turns galore. The ending is complete, but the author states in the afterword that he is working on a sequel. A Saturday afternoon B- movie romp at its best. Not too be confused with great literature, just one heck of a lot of fun. Sign me up for the sequel!
Recommended.
JM Tepper
With those preliminaries out of the way, PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN is an original, entertaining, fast-paced shortish (~240 page on my iPad) novel that kept me reading way, way too late one night. Shame on you, John! PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN, despite its B- Movie title is the very interesting tale of an Arkansas constable, Luke Morgan who happens to be a serious outdoorsman type (makes own weapons, hunts own meat, lives off the land with electricity mainly to power his freezer for game that he has hunted) who gets involved with the search for a missing girl. Her boyfriend, who is Luke's cousin, is in the local pokey accused of her abduction and murder. When Luke goes investigation, he falls down the same rabbit hole as Grace, the missing girl and the game it on.
Another world, time travel, ancient civilizations, indians (but no cowboys), Nazis, pyramids and a beautiful federal agent who is both more and less than she seems fill this compact, entertaining novel with tests and turns galore. The ending is complete, but the author states in the afterword that he is working on a sequel. A Saturday afternoon B- movie romp at its best. Not too be confused with great literature, just one heck of a lot of fun. Sign me up for the sequel!
Recommended.
JM Tepper
September 20, 2016
John Gschwend's PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN
Please read PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN! There are so many memorable characters in it. Luke, the protagonist, encounters unimaginable circumstances. He is like McGuyver - can figure a way out of any danger, and there are plenty. Orion and Adam, and Moon and Grace are like superheroes when confronted with forces of evil. You will be amazed at their ingenuity and skill. Everything that happens is based on truth or a fact. Our author just stretches the truth or fact to suit his story. Also Gschwend knows what he is talking about when he describes the natural world surrounding his characters. He is an astute observer of nature who has spent much of his life in the woods as a hunter and a professional wildlife photographer. You will learn so much you didn't know about nature. This book is a page-turner because Gschwend is a creative genius. Don't miss out on this riveting reading experience! Edwynne
Please read PORTAL TO THE FORGOTTEN! There are so many memorable characters in it. Luke, the protagonist, encounters unimaginable circumstances. He is like McGuyver - can figure a way out of any danger, and there are plenty. Orion and Adam, and Moon and Grace are like superheroes when confronted with forces of evil. You will be amazed at their ingenuity and skill. Everything that happens is based on truth or a fact. Our author just stretches the truth or fact to suit his story. Also Gschwend knows what he is talking about when he describes the natural world surrounding his characters. He is an astute observer of nature who has spent much of his life in the woods as a hunter and a professional wildlife photographer. You will learn so much you didn't know about nature. This book is a page-turner because Gschwend is a creative genius. Don't miss out on this riveting reading experience! Edwynne
December 26, 2016
Enjoyable Adventure
In another review of this book someone said the writing can at times be perfunctory. I think that is an accurate description. It is not a criticism. Just unique since many new writer s tend to be more wordy. It's an enjoyable tale that will make you smile and wonder what fantastic twist it will take next as you ride along on the adventure. The author avoids vulgarity and profanity. But the story does have violence just without the obscene details.
In another review of this book someone said the writing can at times be perfunctory. I think that is an accurate description. It is not a criticism. Just unique since many new writer s tend to be more wordy. It's an enjoyable tale that will make you smile and wonder what fantastic twist it will take next as you ride along on the adventure. The author avoids vulgarity and profanity. But the story does have violence just without the obscene details.
August 11, 2016
Action from the opening pages and a detail to the characters that put you right in the storyline with them. Once I began reading it was nearly impossible to put it down. My hat's off to the author. Very few books do I ever read that captures my attention and imagination as this one. Can't wait for his next book.
September 6, 2016
So very different
This book sucked me in quickly . I devoured it in one sitting. This a such a different take on time travel! Loved it! More please!
This book sucked me in quickly . I devoured it in one sitting. This a such a different take on time travel! Loved it! More please!
September 14, 2016
Portal to the Forgotten
The beginning of the story was very good as I progressed I was getting bored. It could have been a great story.
The beginning of the story was very good as I progressed I was getting bored. It could have been a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews