The Keeper of the Threshold

The Astoria Chronicles #1

by T.A. Lawrence

What if the worlds you dreamed up as a child were real?

Judah has been frequenting the land of Astoria through a portal in her neighbor's cotton field since she was five. Her daily visits to the centaur Lyle's cottage provide Judah both a friend and an escape from the reality of her mother's mental illness. What Lyle hasn't told her is that Astoria banned human adults ages ago, and the portals of Astoria close upon a human’s coming of age. When Judah surprises Lyle by sauntering into Astoria on her thirteenth birthday, Judah soon realizes she has become a fugitive in a land she once considered a refuge.

For readers who loved The Chronicles of Narnia , T.A. Lawrence offers a modern take on a portal fantasy adventure. Complete with clever riddles, an enchanted forest, an epic journey across a stunning world, and the occasional Southernism, readers are in for an adventure they won't forget.

Genres: Middle Grade

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2021

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first word upon finishing this was literally wow. As someone who finds fantasy very hit or miss, I appreciated how the world was built throughout the story rather than over explained and feeling overcomplicated up front. It was so easy and enjoyable to slip into the world T.A. created that I flew through the first half of the book. I did lose steam about 3/4 of the way in, but the last few chapters weaved everything together so well that near the end, I couldn't put it down, so it was 100% worth seeing it through. It definitely made me excited to (hopefully) see more of this world. I have so many questions, but in the best way possible! More people need to read this so I have people to talk about it with.

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightful from start to finish. The world, the characters, the writing...it was what my Narnian heart longed for. T.A. Lawrence has created a beautiful tale with twists, turns, and lessons along the way. I hope this series continues until I can find my own way to Astoria.

[Dana Craig]

Passing on to my two grands to read. Just not grabbing my interest, I've picked it up three times and although I sometimes like this genre, this one isn't getting it for me. I know many others love it.

[Laura McChesney · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay book. Set in Alabama, but the main character switched between dimensions? They never did explain how that happened. I only read til in the middle of chapter 2. It was too young for me.

[Kris Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

What a great adventure! As an adult I enjoyed this story, and as a mom I know kids will, too! It’s a great mix of fantasy, adventure, mythical creatures, fun, danger, and many emotions. Some of the characters will surprise you! It’s also clean—no profanity or other problematic content. I am awaiting the next book in the series to see what happens next!

[Sarah Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So good. Loved the ending and I am in desperate need of the sequel!