The Lighthouse Between the Worlds

Griffin knows the secrets of the lighthouse's handblown glass, having learned the craft from his father. The lighthouse serves as both their home and workplace, where they practice their specialized glassmaking trade. When Griffin discovers the glass can create portals to other worlds, he becomes caught up in a conflict that spans multiple dimensions. His skills with glass take on new significance as he works to protect Earth from threats emerging through these mysterious gateways. His quest leads him to forge alliances with others who guard the boundaries between worlds. Griffin must decide whom to trust while racing to prevent disaster. The story explores themes of family legacy, the power of craftsmanship, and how ordinary skills can become extraordinary tools in the right circumstances. At its core, it's about finding one's place in a reality that proves far vaster than imagined.

Readers note this middle-grade fantasy moves at a brisk pace and contains unique world-building incorporating glass-blowing. Parents appreciate the lack of violence and age-appropriate content. Liked: - Father-son relationship dynamics - Scientific elements woven into fantasy - Descriptive glass-blowing scenes - Strong themes of family loyalty Disliked: - Some found the ending abrupt - Character development felt rushed - World-building details left unexplained - Several readers wanted more background on the parallel worlds Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (30+ reviews) Kirkus: Starred Review One reader noted: "The glass-blowing details added a fresh take on portal fantasy." Another commented: "While the pace kept me reading, I wished for deeper exploration of the other worlds." The book appeals most strongly to ages 9-12 who enjoy science-based fantasy adventures.

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The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan Young villagers thrust into an ancient conflict must protect a mystical portal while learning to harness their connection to its power.

The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron A boy washes up on a beach with no memory and discovers his identity as a dimension-traveling wizard who must protect multiple realms.

The Merchant of Death by D. J. MacHale A teenager becomes a Traveler who moves through time-space gates to prevent the collapse of multiple territories in parallel worlds.

🌟 Author Melanie Crowder wrote this book while living in a 100-year-old house with hidden passageways, which helped inspire the secret passages in the story. 🔮 The art of glassblowing, central to the book's plot, dates back to the 1st century BC, originating in Syria, and requires temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 🌍 The novel blends elements of portal fantasy with environmental themes, reflecting Crowder's background as a former teacher of ecology and outdoor education. ✨ The book is part of a duology, with its sequel "A Way Between Worlds" completing the story of Griffin and his journey through the lighthouse portals. 🏆 Melanie Crowder is a multiple-award winning author whose other works have received recognition from the National Jewish Book Award Committee and the American Library Association.