The Portal Keeper by David Alexander Robertson

Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in the fourth adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, now in paperback.

While exploring World's End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. 

Forever.

Paperback, 256 pages

Audiobook, 7 hours, 35 minutes

Published July 2, 2024

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 stars

The Portal Keeper, is the 4th book the Misewa Saga. It's another imaginative and heartfelt journey into the richly woven world of Indigenous storytelling. Robertson continues to blend fantasy and Cree culture in a way that feels both magical and meaningful.

Morgan and Eli continue into new realms and face fresh challenges that test their courage, wisdom and friendship. Being the 4th book I wondered what could be next and again the Misewa world expands in new ways  that offer new characters and settings.

I don't really want to say too much, especially for those that haven't started this series.  Book 6 just released today.  Suffice to say this is an adventure filled series with emotion and cultural insight.  I definitely recommend reading this series in order.  Though written for the middle grade readers this adult is enjoying this series.

This book is part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge - #40

The Stone Child by David Alexander Robertson

It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help — from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most saving her brother's life.

 

Paperback, 256 pages

Published July 5, 2023

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 stars

I really enjoyed The Stone Child. It’s a solid addition to David A. Robertson’s series, The Misewa Saga. 

It's a race against time for Morgan to save Eli, and she has to step out of her comfort zone and ask for help. Good on her! Though it is slower paced compared to the previous books. That said, the story still kept me interested with its mix of adventure, mystery and deeper themes. Eli and Morgan continue to grow in meaningful ways, plus the world-building remains strong and imaginative.

While it didn’t quite grab me as much as earlier installments, it still felt like an important stepping stone in the series. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where things go next in The Portal Keeper.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #38

The Great Bear by David A. Robertson

Eli and Morgan journey once more to Misewa, travelling back in time.

Back at home after their first adventure in the Barren Grounds, Eli and Morgan each struggle with personal issues: Eli is being bullied at school, and tries to hide it from Morgan, while Morgan has to make an important decision about her birth mother. They turn to the place where they know they can learn the most, and make the journey to Misewa to visit their animal friends. This time they travel back in time and meet a young fisher that might just be their lost friend. But they discover that the village is once again in peril, and they must dig deep within themselves to find the strength to protect their beloved friends. Can they carry this strength back home to face their own challenges?

Paperback, 240 pages

Published August 2, 2022

 by Tundra Books

3.5/5 starts

This is book 2 in the Misewa Saga by Canadian author David A. Robertson.

The Great Bear begins right where book 1, The Barren Grounds left off. For Eli and Morgan, foster children, they have found a secret portal into the land of Misewa. But this time it comes with a twist as they can travel back in time . It wasn’t as detailed oriented or explorative as the previous book but it did have a great story about bullying. Not only is Eli being bullied at school, a secret he tried to tries to hide, but bullying also takes place in Misewa. Which is something they want to curb. But how do you tame The Great Bear?

This is a fun series that might remind some of Narnia, but it comes with a Canadian flair and current day setting. I recommend not just to the middle grade but this adult is enjoying this series. I look forward to reading more as book 5 is released in August and #6 coming soon also.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book # 24.

The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson

Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home -- until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom. A portal opens to another reality, Ask�, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything -- including them.

Paperback, 256 pages

Published August 31, 2021

 by Tundra Books

4/5 stars

This is book 1 in The Misewa Saga with book 5 coming out in August. I was lucky enough to get a digital arc of book 5 so now I am slowly going through this series to caught up.

I was excited to start this series not just because David Robertson is a Canadian author with his books taking place on Canadian soil but rather that he is known for his indigenous stories. He did not disappoint here.

For Morgan and Eli they are brought together in a foster home living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They don’t start off as friends, in fact the opposite, but when they travel through a portal they are forced to work together. Transported to a alternate fantasy world called Aski they are met with a culture that both have been internally craving along with myths and creatures, both good and bad. 

This book did have a Narnia vibe to it, but instead of a faith theme it had a very indigenous feel along with a great message. 

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is booked #2.

The Theory of Crows by David A. Robertson

A poignant and evocative novel about the bonds of family and the gifts offered by the land

When a troubled father and his estranged teenage daughter head out onto the land in search of the family trapline, they find their way back to themselves, and to each other

Deep in the night, Matthew paces the house, unable to rest. Though his sixteen-year-old daughter, Holly, lies sleeping on the other side of the bedroom door, she is light years away from him. How can he bridge the gap between them when he can’t shake the emptiness he feels inside? Holly knows her father is drifting further from her; what she doesn’t understand is why. Could it be her fault that he seems intent on throwing everything away, including their relationship?

Following a devastating tragedy, Matthew and Holly head out onto the land in search of a long-lost cabin on the family trapline, miles from the Cree community they once called home. But each of them is searching for something more than a place. Matthew hopes to reconnect with the father he has just lost; Holly goes with him because she knows the father she is afraid of losing won’t be able to walk away.

When things go wrong during the journey, they find they have only each other to turn to for support. What happens to father and daughter on the land will test them, and eventually heal them, in ways they never thought possible.

Paperback, 308 pages

Published September 13, 2022 

by Harper Perennial

4.5/5 stars

This is my first time reading a David A. Robertson book, it's one of those books that came highly recommended. I had the privilege of meeting him last year at the Eden Mills Writers Festival.

The Theory of Crows tells the story of a family going through a tough time. The father is troubled, struggling with grief, guilt over his estrangement from his only daughter. Holly, the teen daughter is angry at her father while also mourning the loss of her beloved grandfather.

Reading this book was an emotional experience. As the characters come to terms with the loss of their father and grandfather, it becomes a journey of self-discovery for both of them while exploring the complexities of family relationships. The story emphasizes the importance of family bonding because we don't know what tomorrow brings. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Cree heritage and how it played a significant role in this family's life. The journey that Matthew and Holly embark on becomes a way for them to work through their grief and reconnect with each other and the natural world.

The Theory of  Crows is a moving story that delves into family dynamics, healing, and learning more about Canadian history. I appreciate how the author incorporated letters that Matthew wrote for his daughter, which added an authentic touch to his character and showed his emotional depth and connection with his own father.  

The author also has a series of  MG/Teen books that I hope to read next month.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge