Cantor is destined for great things. He's just been given the title of realm walker, and much is expected from him. His sacred oath to protect the realms is crucial to mankind. Leaving his mentor, Ahma, behind, he sets off for adventure. Cantor leaps through a portal on his first journey into a new realm, but this time as a true realm walker. As a young man, he finds the feeling of independence refreshing.

On his trek, Cantor meets a clumsy, shape-shifting dragon by the name of Bridger — who is determined to become his companion. With a dragon on his heels, a talk of rebellion within the council of realm walkers, and a whole new host of whimsical creatures in his path, Cantor must bravely face his life-long journey as a realm walker.

Choosing faith over fear, he must do whatever it takes to protect the realms, even if that means starting a fierce revolution within the council.

{My Thoughts:}

I'm an avid reader of fantasy — it's my favorite genre. Most of what my bookish-mind devours is actually Christian fantasy with a twinge of medieval flair. Usually, these consist of sword-fighting, castles, kings, and the fight between good and evil. I often try to stay away from any book that incorporates too much magic (this is difficult to do), and I often find Christian fantasy to be allegorical — which is what I prefer.

I was eager to pick up One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul. She's well-known for her stories on dragons. I've never read any of her books, but I've noticed her passion for writing fantasy. I was not disappointed with this one. My expectations of her writing were indeed met. Cantor's story engulfed me. My mind was filled with amusement, fear, joy, and sadness. I connected with all of the characters and was drawn into their plight.

I was struck with this book's unique take on the story's structure. It lacked any obvious plot path. Like a true adventure, I didn't know what to expect in One Realm Beyond. The weaving of the story surprised me, and I really enjoyed that feeling of being left hanging in mid-air from it.

It's allegorical in that there's a being that watches over the realms: Primen. The characters also visit a "sanctuary," and sing songs — a-kin to a church service. Some of its meaning is easy to ascertain, but other parts may be hidden. I want to go back and chew on what I read. I don't want to miss any significant part. Overall, it's not preachy, but balanced well.

The tale left me hanging at the end, and I wanted to continue reading. It was so hard to let go and put it away with my stack of books. I am now impatiently waiting for Donita's next title to be released — which I hope will be soon! In the meantime, I fully intend to check out her other collection of works.

Well done, Donita. I'm impressed. You've won a new fan.

I highly, highly, completely, and definitely recommend One Realm Beyond to fantasy readers. As with most fantasy, there's violence, tense situations, and a guarantee that you will be drawn into the story. One Realm Beyond not only made it in my top reads of this year, but in my top reads ever list! It's whimsical, magical, and full of charm. A must read!

{This book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.}

Two young people ready to spread their wings and take on the challenge to become realm walkers set out on a quest with a checklist and a plan. But when things don't happen according to their expectations, and they are joined by unlikely companions, their plan begins to unravel while a bigger picture is revealed and the real adventure begins. And since this is book one, this is just the beginning of the battle between the good and evil taking place amidst the realms.

This story typifies Donita K Paul's writing style. She sets her characters out to accomplish a task but the real story takes place on the way. They must learn to adapt to whatever life throws at them while they grow in their skills and knowledge before finally nearing their initial task.

I love the mix of companions from a petite but spunky young heroine, a naïve but strongly convicted young hero and two Mor dragons — one who is always one tale whacking away from disaster and his sister who is a diplomat with a talent for persuasion and fashion. Their vast differences compliment each other's weakness but their interchange makes for some interesting events. Like when you try to move an enormously growing but knocked out dragon in a too small wooden cart.

Sure to be as much of an adventure as the Dragonkeeper series, the Realm Walkers will not disappoint fantasy lovers. Jump in, cross the realms into One Realm Beyond.

I'm not a big fantasy lover, but this story carried me along. It's like taking reality and adding a lot of fun to it. I'd pass this along to friends of all ages, Christian or non. Donita K. Paul has created a set of characters who are distinct from each other, well drawn, enjoyable, and make for great relationships.

I really liked this novel. I think it is probably the best fantasy I've read in several years.

Cantor was born with the gift to walk between the worlds. Finally it is time. In his first journey through the portal to another realm, he is to find his dragon. Within a few minutes of being in the new world, he does meet a dragon — Bridger, a bumbling and inept dragon that insists he's the one for Cantor. But when Bridger almost sets himself on fire, Cantor is not so sure this is the one. He'll keep looking.

As Cantor travels, Bridger on his heels, he meets Bixby — in a tree. Bixby may become a realm walker. She's not sure. She has many other special gifts and Primen (God) has not yet identified her role.

Cantor and Bixby, Bridger following along, travel this realm. They are dismayed to learn that it is plagued with evil. Even the once noble Realm Walkers Guild is in danger. There are a few in the council who destroy the others to gain power. Cantor and Bixby, with the aid of Bridger and his sister, are in a race for time to save the guild.

I really liked this novel. Donita has created a world that is very real and believable. There are no hard to understand (and pronounce) characters or places. There are no strange customs or or animals (except dragons) or plants (except one that blows up).

The best part for me were the dragons. Bridger is a riot. He has a heart of gold but is such a bumbling dragon, I just had to laugh at him. And his sister, who agrees to be Bixby's dragon temporarily, loves to shop! Both of those dragons have character!

This is definitely my kind of fantasy novel. There are clearly identified good guys and bad guys. There are crazy shape shifting dragons. There are well developed characters. There is evil needing to be eradicated and two young people growing into the task. A great book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour.

One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul is Book One of her new Realm Walkers Trilogy. Cantor D'Ahma has dreamed his entire life of becoming a Realm Walker, a defender of the realms. When the day finally arrives, he sets out on his journey which turns out quite differently than he imagined. He meets up with intriguing characters and takes on dangerous adventures. Through it all, he grows in his own character.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are wonderful and written with depth. The story world is fascinating with the realms existing on different planes, and I absolutely love the way the dragons are portrayed. The spiritual theme of the book is brilliantly woven into the plot without being preachy in any way. I'm already looking forward to Book Two. I highly recommend this book.

Note: I received a free advance reading copy of this book, but was under no obligation to give a review.