Book review of The Last Portal: An Urban Fantasy Time Travel Adventure

by Barbara Hartzler (Author)

Updated at: 16/01/2025

In Barbara Hartzler's The Last Portal, the thrilling conclusion to the Sacred Stones Portal series, Seer Lucinda and Bella face their ultimate challenge. A shared vision reveals an impending doom orchestrated by the villainous Ricky Montrose, who's opened a portal to an alternate reality threatening to erase their world. Time is running out. Lucinda and her team must choose between preventing the creation of the portal book in the past or confronting Montrose directly in a desperate race against time. With friends and foes blurring, and the very fabric of reality at stake, Lucinda must master her powers to save her loved ones and close the last portal before everything they know is lost forever. This action-packed finale delivers high stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of historical fantasy and time travel adventures.

The Last Portal: An Urban Fantasy Time Travel Adventure (Sacred Stones Portal Series)

4.7 / 19 ratings

Review The Last Portal

Wow, what a ride! "The Last Portal" truly delivered the explosive, heart-pounding finale I was hoping for. As a longtime fan of Barbara Hartzler's Sacred Stones universe, I felt deeply invested in Lucinda and Bella's fight to save not only their present but also the very fabric of time itself. The author masterfully weaves together threads from previous books, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events that converge in this thrilling conclusion. It's a testament to Hartzler's storytelling that even the supporting characters felt vital, each contributing to the high stakes of the final battle against Ricky Montrose.

The plot itself is a whirlwind of time travel, alternate realities, and unexpected twists. I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next. The tension is expertly built, and the pacing is perfect—never lagging, always propelling the story forward. The descriptions of the alternate reality and the clashes between opposing forces are vivid and engaging, painting a picture that's both imaginative and terrifying. The stakes are undeniably high; the potential erasure of the Three Societies and the destruction of the future is a compelling threat, raising the emotional ante significantly.

What truly sets this book apart, for me, is the way Hartzler handles the relationships between the characters. The bonds of family and friendship are explored with depth and nuance, demonstrating their enduring strength against impossible odds. Lucinda's growth as a Seer, her increasing mastery of her powers, and her unwavering determination to protect those she loves is truly inspiring. The interactions between Lucinda and Everett, and the way their family dynamic plays out across different time periods, adds a powerful emotional core to the action-packed narrative. It's a reminder that even in the face of world-altering events, the strength of human connection is paramount.

I also appreciated the author's ability to balance action and emotion. The fight scenes are thrilling and well-described, but they never overshadow the personal stakes involved. The moments of vulnerability and introspection provide a welcome counterpoint to the adrenaline-fueled clashes, allowing us to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Finally, I want to echo the sentiments of other readers who appreciate the clean nature of Hartzler's writing. In a world where so many books seem to push boundaries in ways that might not be suitable for all readers, it's refreshing to find a series that maintains its integrity while still delivering an exciting, compelling story. "The Last Portal" is a fantastic example of how to create a thrilling adventure without compromising on the values and preferences of diverse readers. It's a perfect blend of action, emotion, and a satisfying conclusion to a captivating series. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves urban fantasy, time travel adventures, or simply a well-crafted story with memorable characters.