Jamie Cooper and the Touchscreen Portal
A mysterious message. A hidden gateway. A world that feels more real than reality.
A portal fantasy adventure for readers aged 9–14
A mysterious message. A hidden gateway. A world that feels more real than reality.
Twelve-year-old Jamie Cooper is trying to survive a new town, a new school and the silence left behind by his missing older brother. Then his tablet begins to glitch in the middle of the night.
Strange messages appear. A glowing symbol forms on the screen. One touch sends Jamie into Myridiam — a spectacular world of magical artefacts, monster attacks, rival kingdoms and secrets older than history.
What first feels like an incredible video game quickly becomes dangerously real. With two unlikely classmates beside him, Jamie must learn why the Gateway chose them, survive enemies they barely understand and uncover the link between Myridiam and his missing brother.
For readers who love…
- Portals, maps, quests and the thrill of discovering the rules of a new world.
- Friendship that grows through action, danger, loyalty and learning to trust.
- Magic, mystery, ancient artefacts and technology that behaves in impossible ways.
- Fast-moving fantasy with game-like discovery — while still being a character-led adventure story.
Available now in Kindle, paperback and hardback editions.
Independent review
Jamie Cooper and the Touchscreen Portal received an editorial rating of 4.3/5 from Young Adult Books Central.
Guidance for parents, teachers and librarians
What age is the book aimed at?
The principal audience is readers aged 9–14. The story is written as an upper middle-grade adventure: it moves quickly, gives readers clear goals and mysteries to follow, and combines danger and emotional stakes without losing the sense of wonder at the heart of the portal-fantasy premise. Confident younger readers and older readers who enjoy fast-moving fantasy may also find it accessible.
What themes does it explore?
Alongside the fantasy adventure, the story explores friendship, courage, grief, responsibility, belonging and the way first impressions can shape how people are treated. Jamie is coping with the disappearance of his older brother; Dan is frequently judged by reputation rather than character; and the three friends gradually learn that trust and teamwork matter as much as their new abilities.
Is it suitable for young gamers or reluctant readers?
The story borrows some of the pleasures of games — maps, quests, abilities, discoveries and rules that must be worked out — without being tied to a real game or requiring gaming knowledge. Those elements can provide familiar entry points for readers who enjoy interactive worlds, while the novel remains centred on character, mystery, friendship and an unfolding larger story.