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kharazimthelich's review
5.0
Beckoning at the Gate starts us off after a somewhat cryptic prologue, with an ordinary girl living in a valley town, named Santha. Santha is very quickly shown to be a character who has already been through quite a lot, and we as the reader slowly catch on to the truth of what occurred, or at least, what we think is the truth. Here, is where I will make my first, and likely most important point. Ryan has a great talent for knowing what really goes on in his world, while his characters, do not. This is shown several times through the plot line, regarding several different topics, that no one character has the full picture. Much of the information given is hearsay, or purposefully held back for fear of another character’s reaction to the truth. Many of these plot lines are not fully revealed until a few chapters away from the finale of the book, but how enthralled I was by it.
The world is very interestingly thought out, and as someone who is a fan of folklore across the world, holds many familiar concepts. You may recognize quite a few of the creatures within, such as brownies, wights, and banshees. (The banshee was a particular haunting sequence for me, probably should not have read that in a dark room in the middle of the night.) All of the faerie creatures are fascinating, always offering more to the world with every appearance.
Action scenes are a definite plus here. Every battle or chase is described in excruciating detail, from every broken bone to every slashed muscle and tendon. The choreography is easy to keep track of, with plenty of surprises and gut-wrenching impacts. There are not as many fight scenes as you would find in some novels, but that isn’t a detriment at all.
Dialogue is interesting, but I will say there are certain times that I found it a little difficult to follow. Santha and her myriad companions have certain quips here and there that I had to re-read a few times to grasp what was being said. Other times the dialogue felt a little forced, but not to a glaring detriment.
The plot progression, was a little different than I was expecting. As a minor spoiler, the main party doesn’t leave the starting town until nearly halfway through the pages. It leads to plenty of set-up for how the world works, though I would say some of it could have been shown through flashbacks, or in another more natural way through the adventure. However, that being said, there is quite a lot of ‘past events’ that are referenced throughout, which add to the mystery of the story overall. Certain times, the information was thrown a little hard, and I had to reference back a couple times to keep track of what creatures or history was being discussed. The latter third of the book as well, was a little strange in how the pacing went. Certain times it was breakneck fast, and at others it was perhaps a little too slow. Overall though, it told a concise story, that promised plenty more to come from this rich world.
Beckoning of the Gate is a wonderful dark fantasy story, that is a great startup for a hopefully successful author. Benjamin, if you’re reading this, I can’t wait for your next story. Keep writing, and I’ll keep reading.
The world is very interestingly thought out, and as someone who is a fan of folklore across the world, holds many familiar concepts. You may recognize quite a few of the creatures within, such as brownies, wights, and banshees. (The banshee was a particular haunting sequence for me, probably should not have read that in a dark room in the middle of the night.) All of the faerie creatures are fascinating, always offering more to the world with every appearance.
Action scenes are a definite plus here. Every battle or chase is described in excruciating detail, from every broken bone to every slashed muscle and tendon. The choreography is easy to keep track of, with plenty of surprises and gut-wrenching impacts. There are not as many fight scenes as you would find in some novels, but that isn’t a detriment at all.
Dialogue is interesting, but I will say there are certain times that I found it a little difficult to follow. Santha and her myriad companions have certain quips here and there that I had to re-read a few times to grasp what was being said. Other times the dialogue felt a little forced, but not to a glaring detriment.
The plot progression, was a little different than I was expecting. As a minor spoiler, the main party doesn’t leave the starting town until nearly halfway through the pages. It leads to plenty of set-up for how the world works, though I would say some of it could have been shown through flashbacks, or in another more natural way through the adventure. However, that being said, there is quite a lot of ‘past events’ that are referenced throughout, which add to the mystery of the story overall. Certain times, the information was thrown a little hard, and I had to reference back a couple times to keep track of what creatures or history was being discussed. The latter third of the book as well, was a little strange in how the pacing went. Certain times it was breakneck fast, and at others it was perhaps a little too slow. Overall though, it told a concise story, that promised plenty more to come from this rich world.
Beckoning of the Gate is a wonderful dark fantasy story, that is a great startup for a hopefully successful author. Benjamin, if you’re reading this, I can’t wait for your next story. Keep writing, and I’ll keep reading.
bcandy's review against another edition
3.0
Closer to a 3.75, but unlikely to continue with the series
scotiastories's review
4.0
When I was younger I used to have dreams of finding some magic object that would whisk me away on an adventure. We all probably did, right?
I'm going to hardcore pass on this one though. Santha, our main character, finds a key deep in the forest, and honestly, everything goes to hell from there.
The fae/magic lore in this world seems like one of those that could go on forever, with endess stories and possibilities. I wish I could have learned more about them in details.
The main character wasn't my favourite person in the story, she wasn't my vibe you could say, but you have to give her props for the sheer amount of what she goes through, and then she keeps going. Her relationships with the different characters frustrated me more than once, though maybe that was the whole point. It was meant to be happy and healthy. People can really terrible to teach other.
My absolute favourite was Biahnd. I could read a whole book on her. She was spectacular and I'm still not over everything that happened. The
I'm going to hardcore pass on this one though. Santha, our main character, finds a key deep in the forest, and honestly, everything goes to hell from there.
The fae/magic lore in this world seems like one of those that could go on forever, with endess stories and possibilities. I wish I could have learned more about them in details.
The main character wasn't my favourite person in the story, she wasn't my vibe you could say, but you have to give her props for the sheer amount of what she goes through, and then she keeps going. Her relationships with the different characters frustrated me more than once, though maybe that was the whole point. It was meant to be happy and healthy. People can really terrible to teach other.
My absolute favourite was Biahnd. I could read a whole book on her. She was spectacular and I'm still not over everything that happened. The
muniemoe's review
4.0
A descriptive, full of detail fantasy novel that fantasy readers should read. It got all the elements, adventures,a strong female character,magical kingdom, mythical being and a little romance. A great character development especially the main character and the plot keep growing without losing the essence of the story. The ending is open for another journey and I can't wait what's next.
matthew_zorich's review
4.0
Debut fantasy novel Beckoning of the Gate by Benjamin J. Ryan is an engaging fantasy read. The writing is distinct and effortless, with sprinkles of elegance thrown in. Benjamin pays homage to the fantasy we all grew up with, providing a journey/escape through lands haunted by different versions of the fae. He used a vast history of both folklore and myths of the fae to create a solid world-building experience, yet throughout the book, he focused on characters and their interactions with each other.
I look forward to his future endeavors. Plus, it has a cute canine creature that acts like a cat with an attitude and who doesn't love that!
I look forward to his future endeavors. Plus, it has a cute canine creature that acts like a cat with an attitude and who doesn't love that!
ryangibson7's review
2.0
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. I only got about 25% through this book, it’s something that is just not for me. I’m a character reader first and foremost and I just didn’t connect with Santha. The world itself and the setting was good and there was some aspects of it like the wights that I found interesting, but again it wasn’t enough for me to keep going.
I want to thank Benjamin for being so kind in sending me a digital copy of the book and I wish him all the best in the future.
I want to thank Benjamin for being so kind in sending me a digital copy of the book and I wish him all the best in the future.
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me to review this book. All opinions remain 100% my own.
A strong debut into fantasy, with Beckoning of the Gate, Benjamin J. Ryan weaves a tale of epic proportions of eldritch lore, in this quest to save both the mortal and fae realm.
Santhana is a strong female protagonist who really grows in determination, sense of character and skill as the novel progressed.
Bihand was a grumpy delight, as was Krishtar. I adore animal companions but I always get a twinge in my stomach, as I can't disperse the worry that something may befall them...
I wish we had more opportunity to really sink our teeth into the difficult dynamic between Santha and her mum. I could see there was a lot that was left unsaid between the two, and I feel I could have benefitted from a little more exploration and closure there.
I love a good quest fantasy and this did that well. The world felt unique, yet familiar with the various types of fae beings I've come across before, but this did feel like it's own thing, which was refreshing, especially in medium-high fantasy as a genre.
There was a part when a character who I'll just refer to as the Lady kept shouting "what is your name?". I couldn't help but be thrown into never-ending story when the Princess was screaming "what is my name, Bastian?!" as the only way to save her and then from that, Never-ending Story was everywhere, a neighbour was randomly blasting the theme tune and then I happened to catch the last bit on telly... I do like it when connections between what I'm reading and what I'm living cross over (as long as its good of course).
The ending went in a direction I wasn't too keen on, but it wasn't a bad ending in any way. Just that sort of theme is one of my personal peeves, but it's certainly compelling as it's left me wanting more from this world.
Overall, this was a solid, detailed fantasy quest story that will have me interested in picking up the sequel.
A strong debut into fantasy, with Beckoning of the Gate, Benjamin J. Ryan weaves a tale of epic proportions of eldritch lore, in this quest to save both the mortal and fae realm.
Santhana is a strong female protagonist who really grows in determination, sense of character and skill as the novel progressed.
Bihand was a grumpy delight, as was Krishtar. I adore animal companions but I always get a twinge in my stomach, as I can't disperse the worry that something may befall them...
I wish we had more opportunity to really sink our teeth into the difficult dynamic between Santha and her mum. I could see there was a lot that was left unsaid between the two, and I feel I could have benefitted from a little more exploration and closure there.
I love a good quest fantasy and this did that well. The world felt unique, yet familiar with the various types of fae beings I've come across before, but this did feel like it's own thing, which was refreshing, especially in medium-high fantasy as a genre.
There was a part when a character who I'll just refer to as the Lady kept shouting "what is your name?". I couldn't help but be thrown into never-ending story when the Princess was screaming "what is my name, Bastian?!" as the only way to save her and then from that, Never-ending Story was everywhere, a neighbour was randomly blasting the theme tune and then I happened to catch the last bit on telly... I do like it when connections between what I'm reading and what I'm living cross over (as long as its good of course).
The ending went in a direction I wasn't too keen on, but it wasn't a bad ending in any way. Just that sort of theme is one of my personal peeves, but it's certainly compelling as it's left me wanting more from this world.
Overall, this was a solid, detailed fantasy quest story that will have me interested in picking up the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Violence, Death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Incest
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This was an intense book to read. Whilst it took me sometime to finally finish it after starting, I loved every moment I was reading it. It took me to this new world every time I picked it up.
The lore and characters were really well done. I loved how they interacted and influenced the book but also decisions made in world. The greatest enjoyment I got from the book was every time I had a reading session I ended up learning something new about this world or our characters.
I was surprised by the ending as it did not leave off where I thought it was, but it had now made me really interested to see where the rest of this series goes.
The lore and characters were really well done. I loved how they interacted and influenced the book but also decisions made in world. The greatest enjoyment I got from the book was every time I had a reading session I ended up learning something new about this world or our characters.
I was surprised by the ending as it did not leave off where I thought it was, but it had now made me really interested to see where the rest of this series goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, Death, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape
rjg2806's review
2.0
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. I only got about 25% through this book, it’s something that is just not for me. I’m a character reader first and foremost and I just didn’t connect with Santha. The world itself and the setting was good and there was some aspects of it like the wights that I found interesting, but again it wasn’t enough for me to keep going.
I want to thank Benjamin for being so kind in sending me a digital copy of the book and I wish him all the best in the future.
I want to thank Benjamin for being so kind in sending me a digital copy of the book and I wish him all the best in the future.
tmd145's review
5.0
I’ve finally finished this book, at no fault of the authors - I just experienced some reading slumps.
This book is a fantasy/fae lovers dream. It has world building; character development; a good balance of action and filler; and a good amount of twists and turns some guessable, some not - just the way I like it.
It was eloquently written and the protagonist felt real, unabashedly flawed.
My only piece of feedback would be spending more time building the romance up. Otherwise a perfect read!
This book is a fantasy/fae lovers dream. It has world building; character development; a good balance of action and filler; and a good amount of twists and turns some guessable, some not - just the way I like it.
It was eloquently written and the protagonist felt real, unabashedly flawed.
My only piece of feedback would be spending more time building the romance up. Otherwise a perfect read!