From the Bookshelf of Review / Write / Read Club (Indie & Self-Published)

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Ricardo Medina
Apr 19, 2024 rated it it was amazing
I was lucky enough to find this book totally for free on the Kindle version, so I must say that the deal was awesome. I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.

We have a short novel (a few pages more than one hundred pages long) telling the fantastic story of Connor, who enters via a portal (after breaking the window of his room) into a fantasy world where he will have to run from one danger to another greater danger in each short episode. Because the chapters of this book are short but hectic
...more
Leane Redmond
Jul 20, 2024 rated it really liked it
I must say I really love the story in this book , and I really do think "realm" is real , I have heard some stories about people getting lost in dreams , into another world or dimension , spent few years and then wake up back to life like it was just yesterday... I want to believe this the story in this book continues because the end part left me in some kinda suspense, the only thing I noticed in the book is some typo errors in some parts of the book , other than that ? The book is really inter ...more
Ann Birdgenaw
Mar 31, 2024 rated it it was amazing
The Missing is a great story by E.K. Frances that I read in one sitting. We are thrust into the adventure amid a rash of kidnappings in Connor’s neighborhood, including his best friends Matt and Jess. His childlike imagination tells him it could be vampires or werewolves, or worse! Indeed, Connor is pursed by some creeps in a white van until he too disappears into the portal of a magical realm. Nice pacing to keep you entertained and engaged in the perilous plight of Connor who’s trying to figur ...more
P.L. Tavormina
Oct 19, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Another hair-raising, otherworldly tale of child-snatching.

This is the third book I’ve enjoyed from this author. I’ll focus this review on the differences between The Missing, and The Compound, because these two have similar story-bones. Children disappearing, adults unsure where they are, and a portal into a dangerous world.

The Missing was more straightforward, story-wise, than The Compound. I was never confused, not once. I was always anchored with Connor and felt like I rode along with him c
...more
Cristian Carrington
Jul 20, 2024 rated it it was amazing
I have some good things to say about this book. Straight off the bat, I read the entire thing in one sitting and would recommend others read it as well. I am not the targeted audience, but for the targeted audience, which is huge by the way, this can go crazy.

The story starts with a rather cautious and whiny boy named Conner McConner. I love that name for a children's character. Without spoiling too much, Conner is experiencing a very difficult loss while the friends around him are disappearing
...more
Gene Kendall
Apr 22, 2024 rated it it was amazing
The Missing is a fantasy novella that's equally concerned with the main character's emotional journey as the fictional realm. The plot has a kid named Connor unexpectedly traveling to a fantastical world, following a brief, creepy encounter with men in a white van who somehow knew his name. Connor has to find the inner resolve to find his way home, and is aided by his friend Jess, a dragon, and a key his grandfather had previously gifted him. The story reminded me of 1980s kids movies like The N ...more
Amber Daulton
Jan 08, 2024 rated it really liked it
Connor is a scared, angry child who’s recently lost his mother and is pulling away from his father and siblings. Several children have been kidnapped, so when someone tries to grab him, he runs home for safety. But he’s not safe there. Transported to another world where magical creatures exist, he has to find his inner strength to save not only save himself, but all the missing children and even a dragon!
I don’t normally read middle-grade books, but this fantasy adventure was fun and compelling.
...more
Ed Morawski
Oct 06, 2024 rated it it was amazing
Beware of Beautiful Young Girls

I don’t read many YA books as I am an old man, but this author’s work always draws me in. His style is straightforward and a pleasure to read. I never have to go back and reread sections.

In this case the plot is simple but gets more complex as it goes smoothly along. There are many scary parts and interesting horror aspects which should keep most teenagers interested (as I was).

I think the best part was the subtle life lesson for Conner - something the author has
...more
Marco Santucci
Feb 13, 2024 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
A story of fear from unimaginable loss while doubting ones 'self, triggering an adventure Connor didn't see coming, but was forced to face challenges within. Along the way comes a portal and a dragon revealing learned on bravery in the worst of times. Life's unexpected bad things that can happen, will, only to realize that as hard as it is to lose something precious, never lose sight to what still lies before you, even if only for that one moment in time.

An excellent read whether you are 14 or
...more
David Fribbins
Dec 13, 2024 rated it really liked it
I really enjoyed how imaginative this book was! The world Connor enters feels vivid and immersive, with rich details and descriptions that make it come alive. The sense of authentic danger adds to the tension and excitement. I also appreciated how Connor's grief was portrayed—it felt very real and developmentally appropriate, which made his character even more relatable. The story leaves several questions unanswered, so I'm glad it's the first book in a series, as I’m eager to see what happens n ...more
Ela Sharp
Jul 05, 2025 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: fantasy
I have a deep love for fantasy book and this was a good read. I always make it a point to read them myself before sharing them with my kids. This one definitely passed the test. The story is engaging from the start. The plot unfolds beautifully, and it was interesting to go along with Connor's thoughts and action. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. ...more
Art Isaacs
Sep 23, 2023 is currently reading it
LC Bueno
May 02, 2025 marked it as to-read
1189951

Review / Write / Read Club (Indie &...