Passage to Avalon

The Epic Adventures of the Techno Wizard #1

by Mike Thayer

Thirteen-year-old Sam Shelton is the only person in Avalon who can’t use the magical power of aether. He’s also the only person in Avalon with a bag of high-tech spy gear, a solar-powered cell phone with intermittent signal back to Earth, a YouTube account, and a murderous wizard-emperor on his tail…so he’s got a lot going for him.

When an earthquake hits his hometown of Bozeman, Montana, Sam gets inexplicably transported to Avalon, a strange world in which aether defines all aspects of life: the rich, the poor, the weak, the powerful, the oppressed, and the oppressors. Sam soon discovers that not only is he immune to aether’s magical effects, but that he possesses the rare ability to destroy the stuff on contact. This phenomenon poses something of a major concern for the Emperor of Avalon, a tyrant who has dedicated his life to amassing more aether than all his subjects combined.

While trying to find a way back home, Sam learns that his best hope lies with meeting the emperor head on, and draining the tyrant of his power. To do that, Sam will need to band together with a medieval cowboy, a young aether prodigy, and a curious dryad, all while using his whole bag of technological tricks…and posting about it on social media, of course.

In Passage to Avalon, Mike Thayer takes a humorous, action-packed, and modern spin on the portal fantasy genre in the first book of The Epic Adventures of the Techno Wizard, a series that combines magical fantasy with near future technology and social media.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Science Fiction, Adventure

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2018

About the author

Mike Thayer is a proud father of three, lucky husband of one, passionate author, budding podcaster, lifelong gamer, viral blogger, degreed engineer, decent impressionist, inept hunter, erstwhile jock, and nerd.

He has cast a ring on the slopes of Mt. Doom, eaten a feast at the Green Dragon Inn, cemented Excalibur in a sandstone block, tasted butter beer at Diagon Alley, built a secret door to his storage room, and written a few fantasy books. What else is left, really?

Reviews

[Connor]

My Video Review:
https://youtu.be/mI6nxNuvye0


Original 04/28/18:
Still going to do a video review for this after I return to my bookshelves after finals, but I wanted to lay out some of the basics of this super fun middle grade romp.

This well-edited middle grade novel is just such an enjoyable reading experience especially if you're a fan of Lord of the Rings and like video games. There are so many references to Lord of the Rings which I really enjoyed. There is even a race of nature/tree beings (Ents anyone?) called Nartareens. Anyway, the two meet really well in this fantasy adventure with the modern/future technology elements woven in to a magical world.

I really enjoyed the characters. I think there is still a lot to be explored and teased out with them, but we got a significant amount of backstory for a first book in a series. Sam is a geeky son of a geeky father. I think it was a little bit distressing because I was born around the time Sam's father would have been born, and that is weird to me. But you could really feel how much Sam (like the author [I read the afterward]) misses his father.

I'm always a huge fan of aloof, spacey yet direct characters, so Willow was my favorite. She's a Nartareen that calls a spade a spade and keeps the characters accountable. I hope there's some further development between her and the other characters. She's more of a side character than a true member of the crew, and I feel like she has a ton of potential if given the room to grow (See what I did there?).

I thought the writing allowed the plot to move along at a consistent and good pace, and when I read the ending, it actually gave me chills. That is super rare for me.

As for cons, I thought it could be a little too convenient. I would have liked to see more consequences for choices. There should be a door closed to you temporarily or permanently when you make a mistake instead of it always being alright in every circumstance, in my opinion. It made the story a little too secure, but I can definitely feel some consequences coming in book two. They may have just been delayed a little.

Overall, it was a great ride, and I would definitely recommend it.

[Mike Thayer]

I have read this book probably 20 times and it just keeps getting better! That said, I am the author of this book and I HAD to read it 20 times and it got better because I was revising the manuscript. Regardless, this is a FANTASTIC book! Trust me, I would know.

[Kira]

What a delightful book! I just finished it and literally stomped my feet in excitement. I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Ok so time for brutal honesty - I don't just pick up random books from authors I've never heard of, especially not debut authors and ESPECIALLY not self-published authors. As a toddler mom, I don't have a lot of reading time and I don't want to waste it on a mediocre book - and let's face it, with today's publishing opportunities, much of the slush pile has moved from the desks of the editors to the product pages of Amazon. That said, as an aspiring fantasy author myself, I do like to support my fellows. I just usually wait for strong referrals.

But when I met Mike sitting at his booth at the Utah Ren Faire, there was something about him that instantly told me, "this man is a professional." And then he gave me his elevator pitch; a story about a boy who gets taken to another world - and he still has cell phone service to Earth. And he can post updates of his epic adventures to all his social media accounts back home. WHAT!? I knew then I HAD to have this book!

So I bought it on the spot and I have not been disappointed. Passage to Avalon is a high quality, polished book that is easily the quality you'd expect to see from a traditionally published author. The characters are fun, diverse, and well-rounded and they grow and change with the story as they deal with difficult emotions from past traumas and current struggles. The pacing is well-balanced, the plot is fun and interesting, the magic system is interesting and believable, and the world building is incredible! He somehow finds a way to tie in a number of geeky references (yes, there's a nod to a Princess Bride quote) in a way that works and feels natural. I seriously can't say enough good about this book! I'm confident this is only the beginning of a very successful career and I look forward to many more fabulous stories from Mike Thayer in the future.

[A.L. Sowards]

Read this one aloud to my kids. It took us a while to get into it, but the ending was pretty epic. It’s about a troublemaker who gets pulled into a different dimension—a typical medievalish fantasy land with magic, a variety of creatures, and an evil, oppressive emperor. Oh, and the kid still gets a cell phone connection from time to time, and has a bunch of cool electronic gear. My kids enjoyed it. They laughed at the funny parts and really got into the tense parts. It’s the first in a series, so there isn’t complete closure, but it ends in a good place rather than a cliffhanger. They’re ready for book 2!

Note for parents: a character calls another character “jackass.” (That’s something that wouldn’t bother me in an adult or ya novel, but I was surprised to see it in a novel marketed to children.)

[Kaylin Booker]

JUST RELEASED!! I beta read for this author (a friend!) and y’all are definitely going to want to grab a copy of this book!!

The Epic Adventures of the Techno Wizard is a hilarious, fast paced, action packed story of one boy’s journey to the other side of another world, and the challenges he must overcome to find his way home. READ IT TODAY!

Great read! I can’t wait for book 2!

[Drew]

Just when you think you've read every single kind of fantasy world crossing book out there, one comes around that makes this genre feel fresh and new. Techno Wizard does just that and more. I loved the imaginative ideas and world building in this book. It reminded me so much of Brandon Mull's books in that I never knew what was coming and was impressed by the creative creatures and characters. Sam is a great main character. He's smart and quick witted, hilarious at the best times, and sensitive when it counts. The other characters of Cornelius, Roanna, and Willow were so different and fun. I loved all their individual voices. The use of technology in the fantasy world is smooth and believable. It was interesting to see how it played into the world and how it could be used without feeling forced or overpowered. The magic system was well thought out and had definite limits. I can't wait to see what the next installment brings. This is a great first book in what looks to be an even better series.

[Zaz]

A good modern portal fantasy for the oldest kids, with nice world building and pleasant characterization.

Yey, modern portal fantasy! I really enjoyed the integration of modern technology in the story, with video games, smartphones and other hightech stuff that kids this age shouldn't own (so better to read this after 10 years old, except if the kid is a very nerdy one). It gave a modern touch to the adventures in a fantasy world, especially as Sam was actually able to use his items for his searchs and survival moments. It was also a good way to keep contact with other characters which was nice, but also funny at some points. I liked the characters, Sam was resourceful, Roh was a strong female and Willow was exotic and quite fun (the others were nice too). The story was well thought and fleshed, with a bit of travel and some dangerous events, nothing outstanding or compelling in my opinion, but at least I wasn't bored and appreciated the various ideas, the references and the world building. I found the writing pretty nice for a 1st published novel (and an unusual one) and will have a look at the next book in the series.

[Andy]

Fun read for kids and parents. Light-hearted, uniquely fantastical story with very real elements. Excited for the rest to come out.

[Kathy]

This book is amazing!

I started reading this book to see if it was something my Twelve year old boys would like. But I got hooked! Sam’s adventures are a pure joy to read! He is a likable hero and the connection between his new and old friends is awesome. This is the sort of story that you read through, put down when you’re done, and then pick back up again to re-read because your brain isn’t ready to stop thinking about the story. Stop reading this review and just read the book! You will thank me later!!

[Steve]

I really loved this book. I read it aloud to my three kids (5, 8, and 10) and they didn't want me to put it down. Mike has created a fun, unique take on the portal fantasy genre. I felt like I was rewarded for investing in his characters. Each of the core characters had their moment in the spotlight, which was immensely satisfying. I loved all the characters, but I think Willow, the tree creature, is my favorite. She's hilarious and even made me feel a few of my own feelings.

[Sofiya Pasternack]

I heard the pitch for this book at a writing conference in Utah, and I immediately decided to read it. At first it sounded typically MG fantasy, until the author, Mike, said, “And he uploads it all to social media.”

Wait... what now?

I loved the book. The few things I took issue with—Sam and Rinni’s treatment of Lawrence, some of Sam’s attitudes about things—are addressed and resolved as the character learns and grows. I look forward to seeing how Sam manages his growth in the next book.

The writing itself is very clean and appropriate for the age group. The settings are vivid, the magic is mysterious, the people are colorful. I don’t know whether I like the magical cowboy or the kinda-mean-possibly-a-sociopath love interest better. You know what? It’s the socially-awkward tree. I like her the best.

[Stella]

This book reminded me why adults love to read young adult fiction. There is an ease of just experiencing the story without a bunch of unnecessary and all-too-real drama that makes reading this book such an enjoyable experience.
I was enjoying reading YA fiction for the first time in a while, but admittedly a bit ambivalent about the story... until I got about 75% of the way through and then a bunch of things came together. I was also impressed with the ending. The groundwork was laid throughout the book but I didn't see it coming until it happened. I'll be waiting for the next in the series.

[John]

I loved this book. It is funny, adventurous, and my whole family enjoyed it. This is an excellent Young Adult/Fantasy Adventure book. I look forward to Mr. Thayer’s future releases.

[Spuddy]

I read PASSAGE TO AVALON by Mike Thayer as part of a middle-grade reading/study group. But I'd already purchased the book before then and had been wanting to read it for a while.

🖤💜🖤 Review 🖤💜🖤

This is probably the best kidlit indie book I've ever read. The story is fantastic, the editing is perfect, the cover is gorgeous, and layout is easy to read. I cant wait to read the full series to see how the series compares to other indie series.

The MC is 13, so it works well for MG and younger YA, but like other big kidlit books, it's enjoyable for adults as well. I was rooting for the cast, cringing during the mayhem, and when I couldn't take my paperback with me somewhere I bought the ebook so I wouldn't have to stop reading.

5/5. Well worth the read!

[James Van Duker]

Loved it, and so did my kids. They laughed at all the jokes, and peaked out from under their covers when it got tense. Great book to read to read to your kids--really unique and fun.

[Tyler]

I thought this book was really intriguing to me because I don't normally like a lot of books and its hard for me to find a book i actually like. This was perfect for me because it has fiction and it has a level where its a little harder for me to read but i can still figure out whats going on. I'm going to further read this series! In this book it's about this boy, Sam Shelton, he has an awesome group of friends that he hangs out with and they love to pull pranks! One day that all changed, Now he was in Avalon! In Avalon there are no other humans in there, only mythical creatures and things like elves. The only tools that Sam has with him is his solar_powered cell phone, a bag of high tech-spy gear, and a murderous emperor on his tail. Sam is the only one who has this stuff because everyone else has their magic and for them Avalon is their earth! Sam Shelton has a big journey to try and find the portal back to earth! Boy is that going to be a story to tell everyone back at home!

-Tyler Johnson

[Chip Patton]

Just plain fun. Also modern fantasy. Nice use of social media, role playing game culture and youth culture.

[Cherie]

What a fun book! i totally enjoyed it and can't wait to join the characters again for the next 5 books (when they arrive).

The story follows Sam who is a bit of a prankster and lives in the not too distant future from us. Him and his trio of friends love all things technological and gadgety and they have solar powered cell phones (awesome!).

Sam and one of his friends are inadvertently taken back in time to Avalon (which just happens to be New Zealand) and there he embarks on an epic adventure to find his friend and help out some locals in battle, all with the help of his modern gadgets which occasionally work due to an otherworldly power source!

Really great characters and world building. Bring on the next book Mr Thayer! Hope it's not too far off :)

[Angela]

First read: Aug 15, 2018
Great family friendly adventure! Nice to see character development and fun world-building. Reminds me a bit of my 2 favorite Brandons... Mull and Sanderson. Excited to read more!
2nd time around we listened to the audiobook! So fun!

[Loralee]

The world building in Passage to Avalon by Mike Thayer is breathtakingly magnificent! I was thoroughly impressed by the detail of this world; the magic systems that are in place, the unique species, the established government etc. Middle grade readers, especially kids who love fantasy, will absolutely enjoy this book!

Mike Thayer is a master at creating a unique and completely believable world; one that is separate but parallel to our own. And I might add, close enough that the main character is actually able to communicate on occasion, (when he can find enough bars) with the Earth side of the dimensional divide.

While Samwise (Sam for short) Shelton and a friend are pulling a mean prank on someone, they experience an earthquake and subsequently find themselves transported to Avalon, a world separate but parallel to our own. The particular geography of this parallel dimension seems to match ours, and Avalon is where New Zealand is on our half of the dimensional divide. There, he encounters a society that is similar in dress and thinking to the middle ages of Europe, but also with a magical system. When coming into contact with a couple of ne'er-do-wells, Sam unwittingly defeats them, because, as it turns out, he is what the people there call a "void" someone who isn't affected by magic at all, and can actually drain it from others. As the story goes along and as he meets new allies, he learns to use this odd skill as he sets about trying to rescue his friend who came over with him, but who landed in another part of Avalon.

What actually happens when he finally comes into contact with his missing friend was something I predicted would happen, but it was still very exciting, since the protagonist and his friends had not anticipated it.

The main character is, in my opinion, a mean kid, pulling mean, even dangerous pranks on others at the beginning of the story. (Dropping eggs from such a height could do serious damage if they were to hit someone's eye.) That being said, much of his acting out in such mean ways may have something to do with the fact that his dad passed away before the story began. Sam isn't evil, of course. Just thoughtless. He does try to rescue his friend, and even endures difficult and dangerous situations in his attempt to find and save the other boy. I expect he will go through a lot of personal growth by the end of the series.

The world building, as I already mentioned, was absolutely astounding, and Avalon, with its environment, people, magic system and rules, and the deliciously corrupt government is completely riveting.

Middle grade readers will find this book engaging and exciting, and will look forward with much anticipation to the rest of the series!

[Jason Luu]

I finished Passage to Avalon last night, by Mike Thayer who is a writing excuses alumni/friend of mine and was really impressed. Middle grade portal fantasy was something I did consume at a young age and this story is a modern update on classic/older stories like Narnia (think Aslan on Instagram). The cast of characters are likable and have distinct voices and abilities, and the overall world building is clever and fun. I had a few issues with the plotting around the half way point, but these were addressed by the epilogue, and there is actually some really awesome plotting leading up to the climatic final battle that was quite excellent (I think I actually smiled once I realized how the drone would utilized). I did feel that there was too much similarity in the traumatic back stories of the story's main characters, but that's a pretty minor gripe in the scheme of things. I'm not an expert in middle grade, but I found it considerably more memorable and enjoyable than things I've read by bigger names such as Brandon Mull and latter day Rick Riordan. Highly recommended.

[Tanya]

What a fun book! From the very beginning, I was in love with the concept. A kid goes through a portal to a medieval fantasy dimension but takes his cool near-future gear and tech with him. That isn't something I've seen before!
The characters were very appealing. I loved their distinctive dialogue and quirks. Cornelius was my favorite.
I enjoyed seeing Sam grow. His memories and inner turmoil surrounding his father made him feel especially real to me. He was a great main character for the novel. His unusual skills at pulling off pranks came in handy time and time again. Because of it, the characters solved the problems they faced in unusual ways, often making sneaky plans instead of facing the enemy head on, which I enjoyed.
All in all, the novel was fun and original. I can't wait to dive into the sequel.

[Crazy Uncle Ryan]

My sister gave this book to my boys for Christmas. She is good friends with the author and thought we would like it. She was right. I read this to them each night before bed and, each night when it was time to stop I got to hear the plea for me to read "just a little more."

This was a very fun and unique blending of Sci-Fi and fantasy. It had a really creative premise and the ending made it very clear that there is a lot more to this world than we have seen so far. We are very exited to start the next book once it comes from the library.

[Judy Wollin]

Sam loves a prank. It’s his thing. He gets caught in an earthquake a long way from home on a dark night. He wakes in a different land.
Thugs steal his bag of techno wizardry on day one, and Sam needs to retrieve it to have any chance of getting home. The signal on his phone is intermittent, but maybe his techno friend Rinni can help. How will he get back?
I enjoyed the pace and technological elements of this story.
Recommended for Middle Grade and Tween readers aged 10-13 years, particularly those interested in hand-held electronic wizardry.

[Maxwell L]

Even though it seems like just another one of those cringey juvenile fantasy books from its cover, it's actually quite a developed plot. Either I misunderstood said cringey juvenile fantasy books, or it's just out of its time. I expected it to be another slog through cringiness, but it took me barely three hours to read this 200-some page book, it pulled me in so much. I like books that cross over two genres; the modern life and fantasy. Maybe that's what makes this book so good.

[Dawn]

This was a fun book to read. It was a little slow in the beginning but once you got invested in the characters it was very quick and one of those story where you want to know what happens next. I think it would be a fun book to read to my boys as I believe it is targeted for a younger crowd. All in all it was a good read!

[J.S. Jaeger]

Passage to Avalon was a fun book to read. The author did a great job developing his characters and making sense of things that might seem impossible, such as using a cell phone when you've been sucked back into time.

[Kevin]

Love this book. Great for both kids and adults! Willow is my favorite character. Her humor reminds me of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy.

[Michelle Vander esch]

How can I not give 5 for this one!? :) Mike is as witty a wordsmith as they come. The Techno Wizard made me remember how much I love fantasy, can't wait to read The Uncharted Lands!

[Book Geek Reviews]

A fun story of a boy trapped in a non-technical world, who uses his smarts and his tech to succeed. Good characters. Good plot. I think my grandsons (11 yo) would love this!