Like most protagonists entering magic portals, Keltia doesn’t know what comes next. At least she has read the right fantasy books and loves attending the renaissance faire. When a band of Vikings attacks, Keltia follows a victorious jousting knight into a new world that isn’t as friendly as her favorite books. She must discover where she truly belongs—her home state of Texas or the magical land of Artentia. A. C. Castillo’s Once Upon a Ren Faire fulfills and subverts fantasy tropes while exploring themes of family pain.

Best for: Fans of portal fantasy and fast-paced adventure.

Discern: Some violence, heroes withhold truths, light romance with longing glances and light kisses.