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The Keeper of Secrets: A Fantasy & Magic Adventure (Chosen Origins, Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Amy Proebstel (Author), Bethany Hall (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 113 ratings
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Trapped in an alternate dimension. Hunted by a sadist. With no magic of her own, can she escape her relentless pursuer and get back to Earth?

Amanda Covington is desperate for a miracle. After she and her fiancé are hijacked from the Bermuda Triangle by a sudden electrical storm, the sheltered eighteen-year-old wakes up in another universe with amnesia and a stranger claiming to be her husband. Refusing to give in until she reclaims her memories, she breaks free of her abusive captor and flees into the foreign land.

Stumbling across unexpected help, Amanda is shocked to discover everyone else has powers and she could be exposed as an ungifted outsider and enslaved by authorities. Barely keeping ahead of her ruthless stalker and his cruel plans for her, she fears any wrong step will make her a prisoner in this world… forever.

Can Amanda find her way to freedom before the door to her old life slams shut?

The Keeper of Secrets is the compelling first book in the Chosen Origins portal fantasy series. If you like tales of courage, gripping self-discovery, and eye-opening twists, then you’ll love Amy Proebstel and Bethany Hall’s well-crafted page-turner.

Discover The Keeper of Secrets to cross to the other side today!

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Chosen Origins
  2. Print length
    376 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    September 6, 2016
  6. File size
    3222 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love the intricacies of the plot and how it weaves in and out of both worlds. Happily, there is a second book to continue the read, which I shall certainly do. Highly recommended."
-Elizabeth, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"I truly loved this book. I was sorry to see it end but am glad that there are others in the series. A very well thought out tale of an alternate world. I enjoyed the characters and am looking forward to the next one. Excellent beginning to a series."
-Cherime, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"The story gives you present happenings, then takes you on an adventure to show you how it is she got there - from Tualia to a mental institution - and it's fun, because those pieces of the story keep you wanting to find out how she got there, and what exactly happened to her. The end is well crafted and pulls on your heart strings, definitely setting it up for on awesome second book. I will definitely read more from this talented author."
-Faith, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"This book is well written. It's made believable with good use of detailed descriptions and realistic dialog. From the outset I cared about Amanda and was compelled to follow her on her thrilling, action packed journey in the alternate world into which she's thrown. The author's skill in including vital pieces of information about this other reality made it convincing, leaving nothing to jar me out of the fantasy. I enjoyed escaping and am sure other fantasy lovers like myself will also be gripped. Highly recommended."
-Tarian, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"WOW! What a magnificently woven story! Anyone interested in Sci-Fi and Fantasy should certainly give this read a go at it. I'm excited to read book two! Amanda, the main character, is certainly not the type of MC one comes to expect. Matter of fact, the author did an amazing job in giving each character, just the right amount of depth. The world?! Bonkers interesting good! Just read it for yourself."
-Rose, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"I wasn't disappointed. The story has obviously been well thought out and is well written. The way the alternative world is described and the detail given makes it easy to follow the story as it unfolds. I loved the fact we started with pace and it just kept on coming, I like a book with pace and this one had plenty of it. I loved every minute of this book and would recommend it as a great read."
-Alan, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

"This book is well written. It's made believable with good use of detailed descriptions and realistic dialog. The author's skill in including vital pieces of information about this other reality made it convincing, leaving nothing to jar me out of the fantasy. I enjoyed escaping and am sure other fantasy lovers like myself will also be gripped. Highly recommended."
-Liz, Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★

From the Author

These books were inspired by a series of dreams which would not let me quit thinking about them until I wrote it all down. This has been in the works for many years and Amanda's story is ready to be told.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01LPQOEPO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cavaliers Publishing; 1st edition (September 6, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 6, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3222 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 376 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1946292451
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 113 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Bethany Hall

    Bethany Hall

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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  2. Amy Proebstel

    Amy Proebstel

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    Amy is a USA Today bestselling author who weaves captivating tales of epic dragon fantasy and progression fantasy.

    When she’s not crafting stories about wounded heroes, dying planets, and enthralling elemental dragons, Amy indulges in binge-watching the beloved Roswell series (the 2000-01 version). While she may not soar on the backs of dragons, she finds joy in taking her husband and daughter on exciting flying adventures.

    Among her creative pursuits, Amy delights in the company of her Pomeranian and Pomskies, embracing moments of playfulness and affection. Immersed in the world of literature, she also enjoys diving into captivating reads.

    Amy Proebstel also writes romance and women's fiction under the pen name A.B. Proebstel.

    Please sign up for Amy's fantasy or romance newsletters on her website at AmyProebstel .com or click Follow on her bio above to get notices and updates when she releases new books!

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
113 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

kindle reader
5.0 out of 5 stars two worlds
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
Verified Purchase
As Amanda Covington and her boyfriend Nealan (Nealand Taivas) celebrate their engagement on a Caribbean cruise, on the yacht Neal got from his parents Nealand, Sr. and Jessica as a graduation gift, she enters another dimension. On the same planet, two different dimensions, one called Earth, and the other Tuala.

The characters include Bryon Kesh who works with the shipping warehouses in Kirma; Maga a four anon old horse; Bryon’s wife Alena who is a healer; kids Justan, Andera who is Justan’s betrothed, and Kyelon; Elder Debbon who resides in his Elder Isle Residence; Petre MacVeen who found the The Golden Jesisca yacht and Amanda, pilfering anything of value on the yacht before turning it over to the Elders and taking advantage of the injured girl on the yacht, after drugging her and showing “no limits to his depravity”; Amanda’s father Chris and mother Diane; Captain Issyn who picks Amanda up on the Gulf of Thulen and takes her to the port city of Cresdon; Harbor Master Ahn; Ceren who works for Captain Ahn; Barla wife of Ahn who is careful not to tell anyone Amanda is from Earth and teaches Amanda Tualan history, culture, food, abilities; God named Jehoban; Devil known as Lucinden; Barla’s children Gravin, and Rasa who’s chosen to be taught by Jehoban, Corva a foster child, Gatson, Dr. Stephen Gascon, Dr. Medin at Canon Memorial Asylum, Tana, twin babies Juila and Jena, Frasnia, Dr. Flores, nurse Bota.

In ‘two worlds kept separate even though they had access to one another through the Ascension Gates’, Amanda encounters new things in Tuala like beetlesnatchs the flesh eating beetles, telepods, foxl a cross between a sheep and a cow, tocolas a corn-based chip, glawlet a warm roll filled with a poached egg covered in gravy, steena tea, birth crystals that change color, and Tualan people who possess and use teleportation, telekinesis, translation, deception, healing, amplification, etc.
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Heather Girton
4.0 out of 5 stars choppy start. Its not perfect but it is good.
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018
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This book has me conflicted. On one had I rather enjoyed the unique creativity this book has to offer. It is imaginative and has some good world building. I enjoyed the concept of this story. What I feel conflicted about is it seems more of a telling than a showing. It could use some clean up in that aspect that the author could indeed show a lot more of the story rather than tell the reader what is going on. The telling takes away from the originality of the story and makes for a less smooth read. There is a lot of unnecessary information that gets dumped on the reader from the get go. It was overwhelming at times and got confusing as the story started out, but eventually it worked itself out. As a reader myself, I would have preferred to not have to be info dumped on but rather unravel it as the story progresses and develops with the plot and the characters.

Conflicts aside, the author has a fantastic idea going here. Some parts in the beginning seemed like the story could do without as it slowed the progress of the story and made me question if I would actually get pulled into it and enjoy it, but after a bit things pick up and we get more invested in whats going on. Its a slow progression but eventually you begin to find your connection after you get used to the voice the author is writing with and look past the telling. I recommend this to fantasy lovers. If you do pick this up, stick with it. Its a choppy start but eventually you'll begin to get into it. It is also the first in the series, so I suggest reading in order as I am certain the second book may not be a stand alone and you would get confused. I give this 4 stars. It would easily be a 5 star read if there was some clean up with it to make things more smooth and not so overwhelming. As the story goes along though, the writing progresses and the world begins to build. the character developments start to show and makes it better towards the end. Its not perfect but it is good.
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Rachael T
5.0 out of 5 stars Sucks you in!
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2018
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When it comes to fantasy, I'm a tough nut to crack. As a self admitted book-snob, I struggle to find books that I just love, especially in this genre.  My all time favorite author is a master of all things fantasy, far-fetched and thrillers... Ted Dekker. I've yet to find anyone that I love as much as I love his books. 

That being said...this book was really a good read. It had very light Christian undertones (I picked up on them being raised a die-hard baptist... and former avid reader of nothing but Christian fiction until I branched out) that reminded me a little of Ted Dekker. The way he weaved a story, pulling you in, and you don't realize it until you look up and it's two in the morning.  The author here has a masterful way of creating not just one, but two worlds that suck you into them and keep you salivating for more. 

This book has that I can't put it down quality that I love, even though in parts it did start to drag a little bit. (Hey, no one is perfect, right?) The ending isn't so much a cliff hanger as it is a crap where is the next book what's going to happen!? 

I really enjoyed this book, and I will absolutely  be finishing this series.  
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Top reviews from other countries

Author Elizabeth Eckert
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!!!!!
Reviewed in Canada on July 16, 2018
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Admittedly, I was apprehensive about this novel as I am usually not a fan of fantasies with make up worlds BUT..... Wow! This book gripped me right away and I was enthralled. Amanda is a well developed character as are many other engaging characters in this novel. The plot is detailed, organized, fascinating and full of intrigue! I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. I did find that I wanted a deeper look into how Amanda felt about many of the situations she faced and her mental coping process However, what the reader does see is a creative and well thought out world. Tulua is not only interesting and detailed but the reader feels like they are there experiencing the foreign world. Some situations that Amanda goes through are for older teens though. I also found the insert of book two with being reunited with her family and her boyfriend a bit rushed and again, I had to guess at the deeper emotions that Amanda was going through. Tulua, its elders and crystals is such a fantastic creation I can't wait to learn more about it! I am currently reading book two!!
All around this is a fantastic novel that entertains and keeps you gripped throughout each and every page. I will be reading the rest of the series as I cant wait to learn about the twins!
This author is very talented, has a fantastic writing style and I am now a huge fan!!!!
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Ellie Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars Overall, this novel was a beautifully written tale of loss, familial love, and self-discovery in the face of peril.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2018
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‘POWER IS a heady thing. When used perfectly, it can be a value indeed.’
From the very start, power became a central theme, leaping out at me from the pages. Such power originates from the Ascension Gates, incredible magical portals that act as a divider between the Earth we know, and a dimension named Tuala. I found myself immediately captivated by the two worlds presented and adored the idea of elemental magic being just an everyday part of the lives of Tualans all over.

Amanda is our central character, adapting to life in Tuala, where she was found by a most ghastly man named Petre. I was honestly so relieved when she escaped from him, and would WARN fellow readers that there is a brief reference to drugging (herbal) and molestation of an unconscious Amanda, though any description is transformed by Amanda’s drug-induced dreams (NOT GRAPHIC.)
My relief peaked when Amanda was rescued from her dire situation by a local Sea Captain, Bryon. The fact that such a stranger was willing to welcome Amanda nto his home showed remarkable compassion and care for someone whose past life memories had not fully re-surfaced.

I loved the concept of the Ascension Gates themselves, and the way an individual cannot remember their past life experience once they’ve crossed through to the opposing world. I saw this as the gate’s unique way of protecting those who travel through them from being harmed based on the knowledge of such a fantastical place such as Tuala.
In fact, when Amanda is able to recall details of Tuala, having written herself a letter before crossing back through an Acension Gate (by accident), she is taken to what seems to be some sort of psych ward, where a doctor frequently questions her about her experiences in Tuala. Maybe the gates protect the knowledge of Tuala and its magic so that others won’t try to locate it and harm its inhabitants. Who knows.

Overall, this novel was a beautifully written tale of loss, familial love, and self-discovery in the face of peril and brand new, mysterious surroundings. I would happily recommend Outside Ascension to Fantasy lovers over the age of sixteen.

My rating? 5 stars!
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Saxen49
4.0 out of 5 stars A lot of care and attention, but might not be for everyone
Reviewed in Australia on March 26, 2018
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3.5 stars. I must admit I had a difficult time getting into the story, and with sticking with it, and even really what I felt about it when I finished. I spent a good long while contemplating what to say here. The start really drops you in to a situation without much context and a lot of conversational infodumps about the world that Amanda finds herself in. I found that kinda awkward, and I swung back and forth from being frustrated with the way the story was told (lots of mindreading flashbacks), and genuinely wanting to know what was going to happen. I couldn't decide in the end if the scenes that went back and forward in time were a bad idea, or brilliant.

This story did have something that stuck with me, though. The characters are warm and some interesting dynamics are going on, even if sometimes their reactions seemed unlikely (Amanda doesn't seem very affected by her lost fiance, Neal, for example) and the dialogue is a bit stilted. The story all hangs together, and even though I had to suppress many questions about the world (why are years and months called something different, but "week" is the same?), there has clearly been a lot of attention and care spent on it, and the production is good.

Overall, TBH this story is not in my wheelhouse. It just didn't flesh out the world's white space enough for me, and I didn't find characters I wanted to follow. I never quite got into it. But I sense that many readers would enjoy the story, and it's worth pushing past the first couple of chapter to see if it's for you.
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Mags Gooden
5.0 out of 5 stars This author has done a great job of world building and I found it difficult ...
Reviewed in Canada on May 20, 2018
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I was intrigued by the idea that there is other dimensions that we can’t see or touch... but exist alongside us. This author has done a great job of world building and I found it difficult to put the book down. At times it was a little hard to follow when the timeline skipped, but overall an engaging read
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Dawn
4.0 out of 5 stars Totally a labour of love, well worth a read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2017
Verified Purchase
I picked the audio and e-book version of these and read and listened to it.
This book has absolutely been a labour of love from the author and it shows.

What we have here are two different worlds that clash together. When we're introduced to the MC Amanda and all the happens to her when she's crossed to the other world. The things she can't know or talk about.

It's an interesting start, we're thrown in right in the deep end. And the adventure begins and takes off with some great pacing.

For me, the audiobook was easier to listen too at work as I drive. And honestly, I didn't know the author was the narrator till I came back to review. Which is why I'm a little hesitant to say a couple of production choices put me off.

Music for the one thing is something that doesn't work for me, and it detracted a lot from the wonderful story that was being told. Hence why I also picked up the e-book. It was too much of a distraction. Sorry.

However, the audio itself was done well and once I got used to the voice and cadence of the author/narrator I found there were improvements along the way. The narrator's voice fits the MC because of the writing and the pacing.

I would buy the next book, and I have, and I look forward to reading it.

Thank you
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