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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
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