Chronicles of Ror and the Whisehitel Portals

Karen Langolf
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432762308
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (11/10)

“Chronicles of Ror and the Whisehitel Portals” is the first book in a series by Karen Langolf.  It is a work of science fiction involving a prophecy, a dead princess, a distant world, and a mysterious painting.  There are portals between Whisehitel and Earth that open every twenty-five years and whoever walks through ends up in the other world.  (It reminds me of the “Stargate” series.)  However, no one knows what the portals are, where they are, and how long they will remain open.

The first section of the book alternates between incidents on Earth two years ago and those in present-day Whisehitel.  The book begins with the discovery of a dead body in Maryland that is covered with scars and is similar to another body found three years earlier.  The authorities investigate but can find no useful leads.  Interwoven with this story is the tale of Ror of Whisehitel whose mission is to fulfill the prophecy of choosing the next queen of his tribe.  Eventually, the stories merge into the events that occurred in Whisehitel two years ago.  I was confused at first because I did not immediately recognize the time differences (even though they were stated beneath the chapter headings).  After rereading the first half of the book, I had a much better grasp of the situation.

There are many interesting characters in this book on both worlds.  As they begin to interact it becomes evident they share little in common.  Whisehitel is composed of many different tribes, each battling for dominance.  Some tribe members possess special powers to fight.  The author is extremely imaginative with the situations and scenarios she creates.

“Chronicles of Ror and the Whisehitel Portals” has a great deal of action and adventure.  The battles are very detailed and can be easily visualized.  The book will be enjoyed by people twelve years and older who like science fiction.  There are some mysterious aspects that should be cleared up in future books.  This first book leaves so many open-ended situations which will allow the author to implement even more creativity.  The ending lends itself nicely to the production of additional books.  I truly am interested in seeing the plot further unravel.

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