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Through the Last Door: Sacred Guardian, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

J.A. Jaken (Author, Publisher), Dan Calley (Narrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

When Kaori Sansa’s father dies, he is forced to return home to claim the throne as the rightful heir of the country of Kazure. In the aftermath of his father’s death, he learns that the country he loves is riddled with corruption, and is hovering on the brink of war.

Will he be able to hold the kingdom together despite the odds that are stacked against it and, somehow, unlock the buried powers of Shinja, the Sacred Beast of Kazure?

Sacred Guardian, book one

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  1. Listening Length
    13 hours and 38 minutes
  2. Author
    J.A. Jaken
  3. Narrator
    Dan Calley
  4. Audible release date
    April 27, 2021
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    J.A. Jaken
  7. ASIN
    B093HBQ5LY
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 13 hours and 38 minutes
Author J.A. Jaken
Narrator Dan Calley
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date April 27, 2021
Publisher J.A. Jaken
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B093HBQ5LY
Best Sellers Rank #426,691 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#591 in LGBTQ+ Fantasy (Audible Books & Originals)
#2,498 in LGBTQ+ Fantasy Fiction
#5,052 in LGBTQ+ Fantasy (Books)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
71 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one review highlighting its complex worldbuilding and plenty of action and adventure. Moreover, they appreciate the characters and find the book enjoyable to read. Additionally, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as immensely well written.

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Story qualityCharacter developmentReadabilityEnjoymentWriting quality
10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, appreciating its intriguing building and suspenseful elements, with one customer highlighting its complex worldbuilding.

"...sentence was cherished and honed to perfection, creating a deliciously rich narrative, full of vivid descriptions, endearing characters, intriguing..." Read more

"...The subtle romance was done well. The plot moved along at a fair enough pace. Characters in this tale were likeable ...." Read more

"This was a very interesting premise and I enjoyed the world building very much. Loved the dynamic between Kaori and Hunter...." Read more

"...Wonderful growth of the main character. Lots of intrigue, suspense, action and resolution. I really look forward to the next installment...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...gradually easing us into the story and for creating such an amazing set of characters: Kaori, Hunter, Yura, Ben, Haku, Ishaya, Malo, others… brave..." Read more

"...The plot moved along at a fair enough pace. Characters in this tale were likeable ...." Read more

"...Wonderful growth of the main character. Lots of intrigue, suspense, action and resolution. I really look forward to the next installment...." Read more

"...Romance that does not feel forced? -check Multiple fleshed-out side characters that that actually have their own personalities? -check..." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one customer noting it serves as a great introduction to the series.

"...reading THROUGH THE LAST DOOR I had an impression of a masterfully crafted book, steeped in history, tradition, myth and lore of that incredible..." Read more

"...I liked the HEA." Read more

"Really good book!" Read more

"Great author! Love all her books." Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very enjoyable, with one customer particularly appreciating the world building.

"...the very end; that brought me so many varied emotions and so much sincere pleasure...." Read more

"This was a very interesting premise and I enjoyed the world building very much. Loved the dynamic between Kaori and Hunter...." Read more

"...action, suspense with a smidgen of romance yet surprisedly very satisfying....the romance...." Read more

"I very much enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and written plus it had good editing...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting that every sentence was cherished.

"...I felt like every word and every sentence was cherished and honed to perfection, creating a deliciously rich narrative, full of vivid descriptions,..." Read more

"...I enjoyed this immensely well written.... you're drawn in from the beginning...." Read more

"I very much enjoyed this book. The plot was well thought out and written plus it had good editing...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Farida Mestek
    5.0 out of 5 stars A masterfully crafted story; rich narrative, excellent characters, gradual immersion, sweet romance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I honestly don’t remember the last time I read a book that not only hooked my interest but kept me interested till the very end; that brought me so many varied emotions and so much sincere pleasure. From the moment I started reading THROUGH THE LAST DOOR I had an impression of a masterfully crafted book, steeped in history, tradition, myth and lore of that incredible fantasy world the author has created. I felt like every word and every sentence was cherished and honed to perfection, creating a deliciously rich narrative, full of vivid descriptions, endearing characters, intriguing relationships and steadfast friendships. I liked the fact that the author didn’t throw us right into action but gave us time to acquaint ourselves with the world and the characters around us – gave us an opportunity to invest in their goals and well-being before jumping into the fray – so that when one of them perished half-way through the book the shock and the blow were severe and real indeed. I actually cried. I could not believe that such an amazing character was gone for good and so soon too! I really want to thank the author for gradually easing us into the story and for creating such an amazing set of characters: Kaori, Hunter, Yura, Ben, Haku, Ishaya, Malo, others… brave and strong, honest and loyal, intelligent and wise, fierce and gentle, funny and grave, insecure and full of doubts... I thought that the book took a somewhat different route as compared to other fantasy stories so that the events unfolding on its pages took me completely by surprise. I also enjoyed the romance, which, just like the rest of the story, wasn’t rushed. It was sweet and tender and precious and heartwarming. I knew before long that this was the book that I would come back to again and again. I like books that make me feel like coming back home to family and friends and I think that THROUGH THE LAST DOOR is one such book. I have downloaded it for free but I have already bought the second book in the series and I can’t wait to return to Kazure. However, I am strongly tempted to reread the first book again :) I am that much in love with it!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Blatimore Phil
    4.0 out of 5 stars AN ANCIENT TALE WITH A MODERN FLOURISH
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The main character bolstered by a cadre of close friends and a childhood mentor grew quickly into his assigned role. It wasn't just about one
    hero saving the day. There was a sense of interconnection with others creating the ability to take responsibility for self. The author didn't preach
    at the reader but presented important human values for consideration. The subtle romance was done well. The plot moved along at a fair enough
    pace. Characters in this tale were likeable . One could easily visualize the physical appearances and personalities in this wonderful tale of
    change, loss, love and responsibility.

    Perhaps, Karori could have had more human frailties . On occasion it felt like he was too good to be true. Even when he did justifiably lash out
    there appeared second thoughts. Hunter was an exceptional long time companion for Karori. When they did admit their feelings the author
    did not overplay the erotic but kept it tastefully within the storyline. The author did keep you guessing as to the outcome of our male lovers and the
    kingdom itself. Yes, there were a few slow parts but it didn't pull from the story. Come to think about it, life itself moves slowly at times.

    This is my first introduction to this author. I'll certainly check out some of her other works.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to start a series
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was a very interesting premise and I enjoyed the world building very much. Loved the dynamic between Kaori and Hunter. The 'found family' that surrounded them was great too. I look forward to other books in the series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dale W. Nash
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best I have read!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    GREAT characters which are thoroughly explored and developed. Wonderful growth of the main character. Lots of intrigue, suspense, action and resolution. I really look forward to the next installment. I read lots of gay fantasy and this is one of the best I have read. I plan to buy ALL of the Jaken books. A huge thank you to the author.
    One person found this helpful
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