Amazon Taff Lovesey's Web Site Independent Authors Waterstones Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Booksurge ISBN-10:  1419621394 Type: Fiction Pages: 438 Copyright: December 2005 ISBN-13: 9781419621394 Note: Signed author copies ship from UK - hence higher price. For non signed copies go to Amazon.com. Accidentally invoking the power of a magical portal network, three teenagers, Ashley from the USA and two Welsh boys, Rhys and Michael, are pulled into a fantastic world of mythical beasts and creatures. Befriended by centaurs, the trio find themselves at the forefront of a perilous quest to thwart the efforts of an evil warlock and his army of spiders and strange lava creatures that are intent on domination of Portalia and the portal gateways. As the teenagers become attuned to their new world they develop unique skills of their own and soon join forces with dwarves, elves and human forces to form an alliance of good. A mighty battle is inevitable as the alliance, led by a warlord with the power to summon the power of a red dragon, rush headlong towards confrontation. The Spider Gem is the first book of the Portal Chronicles. In a fast flowing story it takes the reader from the coast of West Wales, to Oregon, USA and to the magical world of Portalia. Weaving together traditional fantasy elements with new ideas, Taff Lovesey has produced a fantasy novel that can be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. The sun was rising over Portalia, painting the countryside in wonderful shades of colour. The green of the forest, the vibrant amber rock of the Red Hills, the Snake River meandering through the valley reflecting the colour of the landscape around. Beyond, to the North, the tall peaks of the Pinnacles, purple in hue and with only a vague sign of summertime snow on the highest peaks. Gorlan looked out from his vantage point in the Red Hills towards the west, where the River of Yew met the Snake River, and decided this would be where he and his men would camp tonight. Food would be plentiful there with fish in abundance at the river junction. Wildlife too could be hunted in the Halfman Forest to the south. His band of thirty Pinn warriors would be able to relax for a while on the banks of the river and refresh their spirits before they continued their long ride west. This point also offered an easy crossing of the river Yew. Here the waters were shallow and could be easily traversed by man and horse. They had left Pinnhome three days earlier on instructions from the Overlord. Already Gorlan had sensed disheartened spirits in his men. Softened by three generations of peace and by the tranquillity of the city of the Pinns, his men were not hardened to swift travel. The Pinn city, once a formidable citadel, was nestled at the foot of the Pinnacle Mountains in the Valley of Heroes. Over the years it expanded from its fortress foundations to become a large and ornate city, rich in art and culture and greatly loved by its residents. In generations past the city was rarely visited by travellers, but now the city was seen as one of the wonders of Portalia and welcomed visitors from near and far. Some came for trade and others simply to discover the delights that the city had to offer, tourists searching out the wonders of their world. Gorlan, Warlord of Pinnhome, contemplated the instructions that he had received from Toran, OverLord of Pinnhome. He wished that he could provide better information to his men as to what they may face at the end of their journey but this was very much a voyage of discovery and certainly, Gorlan did not want to alarm his warriors with rumours that may yet prove false. The Overlord had looked grey and troubled when Gorlan had been brought before him just a few days before. The Warlord recalled the scene; Toran, Overlord of Pinnhome looked worried as he addressed his Warlord. "Gorlan, you must listen well for I have an important task for you to undertake," "Of course my lord, your wishes will be honoured as always" Gorlan replied. The Overlord looked at him and smiled, "Earlier today a messenger arrived from Fortown. As you know, this is an outpost town that sits on the borders of the Dargoth Mountains. It was founded generations ago by the combined troops of the Legion of Portalia following the defeat of the hordes of Shangorth the Warlock. Since those days the town has grown from a fort into a larger farming community. The messenger was one of seven sent throughout Portalia to request assistance to investigate some curious happenings. It is reported that black eagles have been seen in the skies above Dargoth once more." "Black Eagles!" exclaimed Gorlan, "There has not been any such sightings in years, I assumed they were all killed in the Warlock Wars". "As did we all Gorlan, but now it appears that they are back. We need to know if there is dark magic behind this. I want you to take a squad of your best men and accompany the messenger back to Fortown to investigate." The Overlord gestured to a young man stood to his right before continuing. "Gorlan, this is Molt who carried the message to us. He will accompany you on your journey to Fortown." Molt stepped forward. He was a youth of around 17 years. He had an untidy crop of blond hair and striking blue grey eyes. "It is an honour to meet you Warlord Gorlan. I look forward to our journey back and to introducing you to our town and to leader, TownMaster Cortrain. It was he that dispatched the messengers throughout the land." Gorlan looked the youth up and down and, making his usual quick assessment of folk, he determined the lad to be trustworthy, honest and true. "Greetings Molt, it is good to make your acquaintance. I believe my lord mentioned that seven messengers were sent?" "That is correct Warlord, Seven of us were sent, obviously I travelled northeast from Fortown to yourselves here at Pinnhome. Two rode north. The first to the dwarves in Drenda, the second to the centaurs in Eumor City. Two rode east, one to call for the help of the Elves from Forest of Lorewood, the other to request an audience with the Dark Elves of Rusinor." "Rusinor!" exclaimed Gorlan, "That indeed is an ambitious mission, for it is many years since anyone has made contact with the Dark Elves. It is rumoured that some may even have tried and failed to return from the ancient forest, I fear for the messenger who had to make that journey. Please continue." "I fear for that rider too Warlord, although thankfully my brother, Meld, was the messenger chosen to ride to Eumor to request an audience with the centaur council. Another of my family, a cousin, was instructed to travel west to the water-elves of Seahome on the island of Llan, so hopefully his journey will not be too dangerous either. The last was sent north-west to The Gates, the human twin towns of Northgate & Southgate at the mouth of the Snake River. All carried the same request for assistance." OverLord Toran turned to his warlord once more, " TownMaster Cortrain made a wise decision to send for our help. I am sure that the humans of Pinnhome and the Gates will answer the call as likely will the Elves of Lorewood and the dwarves of Drenda. The other races are more likely to wait before committing to such a venture, I doubt whether the elves of Llan or Rusinor will intervene, both races tend to keep to their own business. It is anyone’s guess how the centaur’s will respond. The council is not as decisive as it once was." A short silence ensued as each thought on the Overlord’s words. "WarLord Gorlan, prepare your men for the journey, you will leave at first light tomorrow morning. Be advised that we should keep this story quiet until we know more. I do not want rumours of the Black Eagles to cause panic amongst the people. I would also ask that you keep this information from your troops too, at least until you arrive and can substantiate or dispel the rumours." As commanded they departed the next day for the journey to Fortown. The troop rode for three days without breaking for camp, surviving on short rests to take in water and food. Now both the men and the horses were in much need of a rest. The river junction would offer an ideal location for this. Gorlan rode back to his troop. The travelling party consisted of thirty warriors, Molt and himself. Each warrior was accompanied by his Fire Eagle, an ancient warbird which had been magically forged by the crossing of a phoenix and an eagle. The birds possessed a wing span of over twenty feet from tip to tip. Their wings carried the markings and colouration of a golden eagle whilst their heads bore the bright red and yellow feathers of the phoenix with a large orangey-red hooked beak. Their legs were strong and powerful, ending in two large clawed feet possessing vicious tearing talons. When closed tight, their tails resembled that of an eagle but once opened and spread, the dark brown feathers were augmented by feathers of flame red, yellow and orange. The Fire Eagles made the Pinn warriors a fearsome force, for, as well as being impervious to the cut and thrust of normal weapons of battle, the creatures possessed the strength and agility of a giant eagle and the fire magic powers of a phoenix. Carrying their Pinn riders on their backs during battle, the eagles were offered protection by the soldiers whilst they fought enemies with beak and claw. Their talons offered a particular threat as, once an enemy was within their grasp, the birds were able to use fire magic to engulf their prey in flames, incinerating flesh within seconds. Even those foe immune to death by fire were not safe, still susceptible to the powerful ripping and tearing abilities that the giant birds possessed. Sadly, following the Warlock Wars, when the wizards were slain, the knowledge of how the birds had been created was lost. However, the birds enjoyed a longevity of life via the Ceremony of Choosing where individual birds would select a new and younger Pinn warrior as their partner. Many of the warbirds had been kept this way for generation after generation. Although, through this ceremony, the birds did not age, they were not immortal. Fire eagles could still be killed by the use of magical spells and by certain creatures with knowledge of the magics. Many had been lost in previous battles to warlocks, witches and warriors with enchanted weapons. Fire Eagles had also been lost through the death of their Pinn rider. The pairing of the rider and Fire Eagle, undertaken at the Ceremony of Choosing, forms an inseparable bond between the two. If the Fire Eagle’s soul partner is lost in battle, then the bond is broken and the lone Fire Eagle immediately flies to the west and is never seen again. What happens to the eagle is unknown but legend tells that they continue to fly west, gradually fading in form until they no longer exist. The only way that this soul link can be broken, without the loss of the eagle, is through a change of bonding at the Ceremony of Choosing. The outgoing warrior rides his warbird into the ceremony and takes his place at the centre of a large circle formed by the new recruits. As the sun sets the Fire Eagle soars high into the sky bursting into flames as it rises. It is believed that the birds then use a magic of their own to choose their new partner by sensing the quality and honesty of the recruit by touching the very soul of the individual. The ashes of the burning eagle fall to the feet of this chosen warrior. Once selected the new rider makes a cut in their palm, allowing the blood to flow and drip into the ashes at their feet. From these ashes arises a newly reborn Fire Eagle, ready to fly and serve its chosen soul partner. After this choosing the warbird remains with the chosen warrior until death or succession at another Ceremony of Choosing. Once the Pinns had boasted over five thousand Fire Eagles but now, through the death of Fire Eagles or riders, only a little over one hundred remained. As a result of this decline, previous Overlords had ruled that the use of the birds should be strictly controlled and they were now rarely ridden other than for training or very occasionally, into battle. Gorlan was therefore both honoured and extremely happy that the Overlord had given permission for the Fire Eagles to be used on this mission. If the reports were true and Black Eagles flew the skies again, then the Fire Eagles would be more than a match in any direct combat. Gorlan approached his band of warriors, "Warriors of Pinn," he shouted, "You have ridden well and we make good time on our journey to Fortown. We are approaching the mouth of the Yew and there we will make camp. There should be plenty of fish to catch and the forest will offer game. We will camp this evening and rest until the morning." No-one cheered, or offered any comment, but Gorlan could sense the relief amongst his men. They were good soldiers, if a little inexperienced, and he had pushed them hard over the last few days. They had responded well but it was clear that his men were tired and needed this break. Gorlan was most surprised by the youth, Molt who, despite Gorlan’s fears, had kept pace with the warriors and had not faltered. He rode over to the Fortown youth. "Well ridden Molt, you have coped well with the pace". "Thank you WarLord, the ride from Fortown to Pinnhome had toughened me and the rest and refreshment that I enjoyed in your city was enough to revitalise me. That said, I am sure that my rear is the colour of a monkey’s backside and I will welcome a swim in the cooling waters of the River Yew." Gorlan laughed and slapped Molt on the shoulder, "Well in that case, I think I’d better tell my men to bathe before you as I wouldn’t want your backside to turn the waters to steam before they’d had a chance to freshen up themselves!" Both laughed. They arrived at the river junction by early evening. Apart from the benefits of abundant food, the setting for their camp offered a natural beauty that helped to raise the spirits. The shallow waters of the Yew danced across large pebbles worn smooth over the years. Grasslands to the north gave way on the south bank to the luscious green Halfman Forest, whilst the river waters themselves deepened and churned as they dropped sharply to join the Snake River. Gorlan spoke with his captains and the soldiers were split into various groups, some to hunt game, some to fish and others to set-up the camp for the evening on the grassy north shore. Molt wanted to help the soldiers hunt game but Gorlan insisted that he rest and allow his troops to carry out their designated activities. Molt reluctantly agreed but insisted on setting up his own tent. Within a few hours the camp had been prepared, fish had been cleaned and the hunting band had returned with deer, rabbit and game birds. Campfires were lit as the sun set beyond the White Peaks to the west. Everyone seemed in good spirits and Molt sensed a keen camaraderie that is often felt by those sharing a particular hardship. Molt made his way to one of the campfires, pulled off a chunk of venison, spooned a large portion of freshly dug wild vegetables into his dish and filled his tin mug with cool drinking water. He turned to his right and saw two warriors sat on a log, the light of the campfire illuminating their faces. Molt was surprised to note that they were twins. The brothers were almost identical and Molt estimated them to be only a few years older than himself. Large in stature, dark hair, prominent noses and with rustic bronzed skin they were indeed formidable warriors standing at over six foot six inches. Despite their similarity, their eyes offered the key to their identities. Whilst the first possessed dark brown eyes, the other looked through eyes of bright blue. Both were blessed with laughter wrinkles though which foretold of a friendly demeanour. The blue eyed twin noticed Molt and raised his right fist in the traditional greeting of Pinn folk. "Well ridden Molt, that venison was truly earned. My name is Carl and this is my brother Stern. Please, won’t you join us?" Molt raised his right fist in return. "Thank you. Other than Gorlan I have had little time to meet anyone in the past few days. I also feel that eating alone brings little pleasure so I doubly appreciate your offer." Propping a cut log upright to form a third seat, Molt took his position next to the twins. Stern turned to Molt, "This venison tastes so good after the dried rations of the last few days. My brother is strange though as he actually likes dried rations. Look at him now." Carl had taken two dried oatmeal biscuits and was making a venison sandwich with them. He bit into his creation. "Now that is what I call food! The best of both worlds, the dry of the biscuit and the succulent juice of the meat." Stern stared at his brother and laughed, "Carl, sometimes you are a very strange person," he said jovially. Molt talked with the brothers and found out more about them. They had lived with their parents, brothers and sisters on a farm in the Valley of the Heroes, a few hours west of Pinnhome. Their parents were originally from one of the hamlets in the Pinnacle Mountains. Molt knew that the mountain folk were hardy people, born tough to live in the inhospitable climate, where a glorious summer day could quickly turn to fog and freezing temperatures. There were only a handful of hamlets in the mountains as, like the twin’s parents, most had moved to the more temperate climate of the Valley. A few families decided to remain though and Stern estimated that there was still a hundred or so folk living in the four hamlets. Their parents had lived in the northernmost hamlet, which was also the highest of the four. Stern and Carl could not remember much about their lives in the mountains as they had been only three years old when their parents had made the journey south. At that time there had been a number of severe winters and the Overlord, concerned for his mountain citizens, made arrangements for additional land to be cleared in the Valley to accommodate farms. He then offered these farms to the folk of the north. Many argued against the move, as the mountain folk had lived in the Pinnacles for countless generations. Those that felt strongly decided to stay, but the vast majority gratefully accepted the Overlords offer, driven by too many years of hardship and family bereavements in the frozen northern winters. The mountain folk settled in their new valley homes and were surprised at the hospitality accorded to them by the Pinnhome people. Each year more families came down out of the mountains and, true to his word, the Overlord set each up in small farmsteads. Carl looked thoughtful, "It is good to see so many of our folk settling into their new homes but, at the same time, it is sad to think that many of our customs and traditions are to disappear. Of the folk that remain in the hamlets most are old and very few have children. It is true that we can visit our old homes in the summer but, although we are offered hospitality by our old friends and colleagues, a divide has been created between us. Those that remain feel that we have turned our backs on our heritage and our ancestors. I know what was done was right, otherwise many would have died over the years, but sometimes I cannot help wondering if those that criticise us are correct. Some say that when the winters grow mild again we will return to the mountains. Stern and myself agree that this is unlikely though, as all that have made the move have settled and their farms are thriving. There is also more opportunity for children in the valley. Some stay and work the farm, others obtain work in Pinnhome. Many of the boys take up training with the Pinn army although we are honoured to be the first to be accepted by the warbirds as part of a Fire Eagle unit." The mention of Fire Eagles reminded Molt that earlier, when the camp was set, he had witnessed the birds fly off to the west in a large single flock. He asked the brothers the reason for this. Stern replied, "At the end of each day in Pinnhome and when camp is set on a journey, the Fire Eagles all fly west. They return at first light the next morning." Molt looked worried, "But why?" Carl and Stern shrugged, "No-one knows." Molt continued, "And what if a unit is attacked at night? Do you then have to fight without your war birds?" The brothers shook their heads, "Ah, now that is another magical thing about the beasts. Pinn warriors have the advantage of knowing when they can get a good night’s rest during battle as the birds instinctively know if trouble is in the air. If the flock doesn’t leave at night, then it is time to beware as the unit is in danger. When this occurs the number of guards are increased and everyone sleeps lightly, if at all. However, sometimes the very fact that the eagles remain with us, and that extra guards are posted, is enough to ward off any attack." Molt thought on this and frowned, "But if no-one has attacked during this time, how do you know that there was danger and it was not just that the birds had got it wrong?" The brothers looked shocked, "We’ve never even considered it! To question a Fire Eagle’s instincts would be to insult the bird and damage the bond that we have. No, there is no question about it, if a Fire Eagle stays with you during the night, you’d better be on your toes." "Has your bird ever remained with you at night?" Molt asked Stern. "No never. I have been fortunate enough not to have had to do battle, either day or night. My fighting has been limited to the training arena." Molt looked at Carl, "How about you Carl, has your bird ever sensed danger and stayed with you at night?" Carl nodded in affirmation, "Just the once. We were on a training trip in the Red Hills. There were ten of us. On our fifth night our Fire Eagles stayed and sure enough we were attacked by a band of forty or so brigands. They were no match for us. Thirty were killed in a matter of minutes and the rest ran off. It was my first and only taste of combat. The power of the Fire Eagle during that fight was incredible, my beast had clearly gained a bloodlust and wanted more, it took all of my strength and skill to subdue the bird to prevent it flying after the survivors and completing the rout. They are incredibly fearsome when they are in battle." Molt tried to imagine the scene and thought he had a sense of how it must feel to fight against a foe with such power. This was something he hoped never to have to face, or indeed observe. Stern smiled, aware of Molt’s musings, "Don’t worry Molt. A Fire Eagle has never been known to harm a comrade in arms, no matter how strong the blood lust during the fight.". Stern picked up some wood and stoked the fire , his brown eyes looked even darker in the dim light. Fuelled by the openness of the twins, Molt asked another question, " I notice that the Warlord is not accompanied by a Fire Eagle. Does he not possess a warbird?" Stern looked at his brother and grinned, "Our Warlord, as with Warlords before him does not need a Fire Eagle. He has his own beast to call upon. Have you noticed the horn that Gorlan carries around his neck?" "I have," replied Molt, "I presumed it was a horn to call troops to battle." "Well you were right about calling something to battle, but it is not for our troops. Many years ago a Warlord saved the life of a red dragon who had been cornered by a fire demon. Even in those days red dragons were rare and the Warlord was not going to stand by and see another be killed needlessly, even though there was no great love between the folk of the Pinnacles and the red dragons. The Warlord ordered his men to attack the fire demon which fled, thus sparing the life of the dragon. In thanks the dragon gave the Warlord the Horn of Summoning. When any Warlord enters battle he may blow the Horn and a red dragon will appear to accompany the Warlord into combat." Molt looked amazed, "I have never seen a dragon but I have heard rumours that they no longer exist." Molt continued dreamily, "Imagine how things must have looked during the Warlock Wars. To see a dragon carrying a Warlord into battle must have been an incredible sight. That alone would be enough to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy, let alone seeing this man and beast being followed by a band of Fire Eagles warriors!" "I have not seen a dragon either Molt. Gorlan has not had a need to use the Horn in his lifetime. Legend has it that the Warlord must not use the Horn unless the strength of the dragon is essential to win the battle. It is said that if a dragon is summoned by a Warlord when there is no need for its strength, then the power of the Horn is spent and red dragons will no longer answer its call. Some also argue that it has been so long since the Horn was sounded that the dragons will no longer respond anyway and many have called for the Horn to be blown to call forth a red dragon to ensure that the power still exists. Overlord and Warlord agree that this should never happen and the original pact to summon only during battle be honoured for all time. But now to other things, tell us, what brought you to Pinnhome and what do you know of our mission? Our Warlord has told us that we are to escort you back to Fortown and that the TownMaster has asked for help but has said little else. Are you able to share anymore information than this?". Molt felt uneasy and shuffled on his log. "I’m afraid that I am not at liberty to say. I have promised your Overlord and Warlord Gorlan that I will not speak of our mission. However, what I can say is that the need is great and the request for assistance was not made lightly. My heart hopes that on your arrival in Fortown we will require nothing more of you, other than to enjoy our hospitality. Alas though, my head tells me that we may well have need for the skills and strengths of yourselves and your great war birds." Stern turned to his brother, "You see, it is as I said, you will be seeing battle for the first time my brother." Carl nodded and placed a firm grip on Molt’s shoulder, "Do not worry friend, we will not ask any further and would not request that you break your word to our leaders. My brother was sure that there would be battle at the end of this journey but I was not. I am no coward and one day I hope my training will be put to good use, but I do not relish the thought of conflict. Some men fight for the love of the battle but I am not one, I will fight for necessity to protect my family, homeland and kinfolk, but I do not expect to take any enjoyment from it." Molt fully understood this attitude as he too felt this way and he acknowledged this to the two brothers. He pointed to the Halfman Forest, "If all goes well on our journey through the forest then we have less than two days ride to Fortown. Over the years there have been many stories of people disappearing in these woods and once they were teeming with villains and robbers. These days they seem to offer little hostility. In fact I have ridden through them many time myself without incident. Even so I still follow the advice given to me by my father and I always stay to the well trodden track, even though it winds its way through the forest and makes for a longer journey. It is thought that many of the stories of monsters and evil creatures have been created through the exaggeration of rumours of folk who have stupidly tried to take short cuts through the trees, losing their way and dying of starvation rather than more sinister means. I myself have also seen large wild boar amongst the trees and I can imagine that these creatures would make short work of anyone that they came across weakened, vulnerable and lost in the woods." Carl shrugged, "I’m sure that we will not have any problems travelling through the forest and even if we did, I feel that we are a match for anything it cares to throw at us. I agree with your philosophy though, why court trouble by leaving the beaten path. I’m sure that Gorlan would not take any unnecessary risks and that you’ll be back in your own soft bed before two days are out my friend." Molt spent the rest of the meal chatting idly with the brothers. When he had finished his meal and drunk the last of the water he bade them goodnight and made his way to his tent. It had been erected close to the river, a short distant from that of Gorlan’s. Molt walked along the riverbank, the moon was almost full and its light was reflected in the babbling waters of the Yew. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye Molt caught a glimmer of moonlight amongst the trees on the other side of the river. He peered into the darkness of the forest but could see nothing at first, then another glimmer and movement amongst the trees. At first Molt was startled but then realised that there would probably be guards posted on both sides of the river. Laughing at himself for being so stupid he continued to his tent to retire for the evening. Meanwhile, across the river, two small creatures watched Molt’s progress. The creatures stood only three foot tall, their skin was as black as the night. They possessed long gangly arms that swung close to their knees and walked with a stoop on short hairy legs. They wore nothing but a leather loincloth and into this was tucked a crude short sword. Their eyes were small and pig like and were coloured blood red. They grew no hair on their heads and their ears were merely two small holes. From the centre of their foreheads protruded a rhinoceros like horn, dark grey and leathery. The larger of the two creatures grabbed his colleague who had stumbled through the undergrowth just as Molt had looked across the river. "Fool," he hissed, "You were almost seen. Stycich must punish you now." The larger creature curled back thin dark blue lips to reveal sharp yellow teeth. Lifting the left hand of the smaller creature, Stycich bit off the middle of seven fingers. Blood ran down his chin as Stycich chewed and swallowed the morsel. The smaller creature held its hand painfully but dared not cry out for fear of attracting more attention and further punishment. Stycich used his own hand to mop up his bloody chin and licked his fingers clean ravenously. Moving with little sound, the two creatures melted deeper into the forest so that they would not be found if anyone chose to investigate. When they were sure that no-one was coming, they moved back a little closer to the river so that they could observe the camp more closely. Stycich glared evilly, "For now we merely watch humans, but our Lord will have his moment soon and we will be rewarded for our service to him. Sleep well while you can."          Excerpt As the first block of stone fell from its place in the wall, long slim grooves were revealed on either side of the corridor exhibiting racks of sharp, metal tipped arrows aimed directly at the Graav, their points coated green with poison. The Graav hardly paused in their efforts to move forward. Turning their heads as one to look through the flame red slits that formed their eyes, they momentarily glanced at the arrows, before returning to their demolition of the wall.

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When thirteen year old Rhys stays with his Aunt on the Welsh coastline, he looks forward to an action packed time and soon hooks up with an old friend, michael, who still lives locally. Allowed to explore a nearby cave (as long as they take walkie talkies) they discover a strange light and follow an old passage to a cave where a Dwarf is sending vast numbers of spiders through a portal. Disturbing this strange creature they too find themselves sucked through into a strange land, Portalia, along with an American, teenager (Ashley). Their only connection are the pendants that they possess. As they tentatively make friends with centaurs an old evil is awakening in the land.

Rhys has latent magic within him, which at first manifests itself in portal creation whilst asleep, but this is a force that can be harnessed, and there are some teenage crushes to be kept in check. Carefully constructed, but not intrusive, are political struggles within the centaurs, with even a ban on a music.

What role does the auntie of Rhys play? In her attic are many boxes, all decorated with Welsh symbols and scenes, and one even has the fateful cave painted upon it. Interestingly one is padlocked, and doubtless this will feature in a future book, and perhaps we will hear more of Uncle Liam, supposedly lost at sea, but it may be possible he too is somewhere in Portalia. Only time will tell.

There are plenty of battles, first in ambushes by halflings (naughty hobbits?) who will be paid in terms of human women, and there is a massive prolonged pitched battle at a small town. Here Dwarves, elves, men and centaurs fight side by side, but even with these combined forces the battle ebbs and flows. The dwarves, so far are pretty 2D, and little is seen of the elves who turn up late in the book, but do lend a hand in the battle. One intriguing story is of the fire eagles who have been created by long lost wizards and are therefore a finite source. As each night falls they leave their riders and fly to an unknown area in the west. When a rider is killed they instantly take no further part in fighting and fly off, never to be seen again. Then there is the horn of summoning. It hasn't been used in such a long time that it is thought to be just a legend. If it is blown will a Red Dragon heed the call, or are they all dead? Of course the spiders play a role. They have been summoned by the evil wizard to be just one part of his army, alongside creatures formed from lava. The spider gem is the key to control them and they have been siphoned off from a number of worlds.

Intertwined with all this action are tales of the portals and the key stone. Remnants of these are what have summoned the teenagers, but how are they to return to their own plane of existence? There is also the story of a shapeshifter and an exiled human, both who work for the evil wizard.


Lovesay, who is Welsh, manages to write from the viewpoint of teenage boys and at one stage even writes from the viewpoint of Ashley so well that you would think he was American! As the story progresses it takes on more of an adult form and could be said to grow with the protagonists as they mature. I normally don't like fantasy books with a map, but this is one case where it would be very helpful.

AllReaders.com
The plot centres around three Earth teenagers, Ashley from Oregon USA and two Welsh boy, Mike and Rhys. The teenagers accidentally trigger a magical force when they find and connect a magical pendant and ring. All three are thrown into the world of Portalia where they arrive in the city of centaurs, Eumor. Here they befriend a young female centaur and the centaurs agree to help the earthlings return home.
To do this they must join forces with the centaurs, together with the friendly Portalia races of humans, elves and dwarves, to fight against an ancient foe, recently reawakened after many generations.
This foe, a warlock, has forged a mighty army of strange rock hewn creature known as the Graav couple with a huge force of spiders, called forth from various worlds by the use of a crystal known as The Spider Gem.


IA.com
Hi everyone, I really like the unique story as it is different than many other fantasy themed books that do tend to have the same types of characters as every other similar books, The Spider Gem is different and I believe it would make a great series of films, I understand from a radio piece the author was on he has two other books in the TSG series being written now, cant wait!

For a self published author this guys really got talent, give it a read, you'll be just as pleased I'm sure :) being self published must be difficult but best of luck to him. JK Rowling had to start somewhere! keep it up Mr Lovesey.