"The Fourth Portalby J.A. Merkel is an intriguing blend of science fiction and fantasy that captivates from the first page.Merkel’s writing is vivid and immersive, expertly crafting a world that feels both expansive and meticulously detailed. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and arcs that unfold seamlessly throughout the story. The protagonist’s journey is relatable and engaging, as they grapple with the implications of their choices.One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of themes such as identity, choice, and the consequences of our actions. Merkel poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and what it means to truly live. The pacing is spot-on, with a perfect balance of action, introspection, and world-building that keeps readers turning the pages.The climax is both thrilling and satisfying, leaving the door open for future adventures without feeling overly unresolved.Overall, "The Fourth Portal" is a compelling read that will resonate with fans of speculative fiction. J.A. Merkel has crafted a unique narrative that delivers an exhilarating adventure. Highly recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking tales that push the boundaries of imagination."

Spine tingling, captivating, educational, and fantastical are just some of the adjectives I'd use to describe The Fourth Portal by JA Merkle.In a world where love is forbidden, natural curiosity destroys the known balance.Each character was expertly written with strong motivation and growth. I love or hate them deeply, the sign of well developed personalities.I'm not at all a regular fantasy reader and the few things that bugged me will delight fantasy lovers. Detailed and original world building can be found throughout these pages.A deeply moving and exciting tale, I'm really glad I got the chance to savor this one early! Can't wait to read more from this talented author.

The Fourth Portal is such an incredible book and I loved the mix of major world building, science, and magic all intertwined together to create this beautiful story. As I was reading this story it felt like I was unraveling a mystery. I was hooked from the moment I first started reading and I loved the major twists and turns throughout. Additionally, this book has multiple POVs and it is done so well. I truly loved getting to go through the journeys of so many characters. They were all written with so so much depth and it was amazing getting to connect with them all. If you’re looking for an epic adventure that has the vibes of both Dune and Avatar: The Last Airbender then this is the book for you.

It took the author 10 years to perfect this amazing book. He did an amazing job. With all the twists and turns. He was able to grab my attention and keep it. I was drawn in and was able to envision the landscape, the people the monsters. The battles for survival intense and the will to live was strong. Can’t wait for book number 2. I’m sure it will be just as good if not better.

When I saw on social media that some aspects of this book were based on the chakra system, I was immediately in. This isn't your regular fantasy book, so abandon all preconceived notions at what you'll find in its pages. The originality and notable hard work the author put into writing this book and developing every aspect of it is latent in every page. Everything about it is unique and felt magical yet grounded at the same time. The characters, the civilization, the magic system, the different archetypes found in the book are unlike anything I've read before.I will say this, though. It's not an easy-breezy book to read. It will probably take you a while to familiarize yourself with the characters and the world building. There are some expositions that feel too long and some that feel not enough, mostly because everything is new for the reader. If you're familiar with spiritual concepts like the chakras, it will probably be a smoother read but even if you're not, it's well explained. Everything has a different name (you can find resources for this at the end of the book, personally I think it would benefit to being in the front matter) so it's like walking into completely unfamiliar territory. Once you get your bearings and start understanding the story, it is well worth it. It took me a while to get into it but it kept calling to me so I kept on and wow, I am so happy I did.