Three siblings. One stolen artifact. Seventy-two hours to save a life.

Jack Brennan is on the run. Hunted by ruthless bounty hunters scouring the streets of London for runaway factory apprentices, he’s living on borrowed time. But Jack’s problems are about to get worse. His sister has sent an urgent message: a drunken nobleman has stolen a sacred amulet—a blood-red spider encased in amber—from the Maiden temple where she serves.

Jack’s older brother, Billy, relishes the thrill of their newfound freedom and hatches a daring plan. With the help of a resourceful theatre makeup artist, the brothers learn the art of disguise and pledge to retrieve the stolen amulet.

Their mission leads them to the bustling Mercers’ Tavern, where danger lurks at every turn. Among the card-playing noblemen sits Michael Basilicus, a mysterious time traveller with murderous intentions. Unbeknownst to the brothers, they’ve been set up—the tavern is crawling with bounty hunters.

The brothers succeed in reclaiming the amulet, but the victory comes at a price: Billy is captured. Now Jack faces an almost impossible venture. With just seventy-two hours until Billy is executed at the gallows on Tower Hill, Jack must outwit bounty hunters, evade Basilicus, and risk everything to save his brother.

Why You’ll Love This Book
A heart-pounding tale of sibling bonds, high-stakes heists, and daring escapes, Beyond The Shining Portals will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Perfect for fans of Oliver Twist and Six of Crows, this thrilling historical adventure is brimming with suspense, betrayal, and the courage to defy the odds.

The clock is ticking. Will Jack save Billy before time runs out?

Charles N Palmer has written a novel that can sit shoulder to shoulder on a bookshelf with books such as The Lion ,The Witch and The Wardrobe, Where the Wild Things Are and The Wind in the Willows. The depth of this story puts it shelves above the Harry Potter Books. I am trying to patiently wait for book two.

Amazon Reviewer

'I gave 5 stars because it's simply a fine and often thrilling read which I have only been able to put down when necessary.'
Goodreads Reviewer

'Characters have depth, and you really are pulling for them. I found myself feeling their struggles and goals mattered, their personalities deep and applicable to their scenarios.'
Goodreads Reviewer

'So many twists and turns, and just when you think you have understood it along comes another twist.'
Goodreads Reviewer

'From a 'Dickensian' story in a poor London neighborhood, it evolves to a time travelling plot where several worlds interact and the whole existence of the universe is at stake.'
Goodreads Reviewer

'I was absolutely enthralled by this book. The author deftly mixes themes of time travel, mythology, and historical facts. Reading this story puts you right in the middle of locations that seem both familiar and bizarre, while the characters seem like old friends and enemies.'
Goodreads Reviewer

'The book excels at building suspense, especially surrounding Billy's impending execution. The characters of scrappy Jack and charming Billy are appealing. However, the villainous Basilicus steals every scene he's in.’

WARNING: If you are a follower of an organised religion: Christianity, Islam or Judaism, you may be offended by the opinions of some of the characters. However, if you enjoy books where the creative force is a Nature Goddess, read on and meet The Maiden.