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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
azrah786's review against another edition
4.0
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, sexual assault/rape (off page), abandonment, animal death, death of parent
--
A great debut, Beckoning of the Gate has the cadence of a classic fantasy adventure.
We follow Santha, a young girl who inadvertently becomes the Keeper of an ancient key that she stumbles upon in the forest behind her house. Drawn in by the key’s power are many creatures of legend that Santha believed to be nothing but stories, their growing presence a great danger to the people of her town. The key itself steers Santha to some unknown destination, unlocking a chance for her to get away from the gossip that has shunned her from society. Thus Santha sets off on an journey to safeguard those around her but to also uncover the key’s true purpose.
Over the last few years I’ve fallen out of love with stories that involve fae and I jumped into this book not realising they were a significant element to it but you know what this book may have somewhat redeemed fae for me.
Benjamin J. Ryan is without a doubt a great storyteller. The worldbuilding in this book is brilliant, the writing immediately giving a vivid sense of the atmosphere.
The mythology, which you become more accustomed to the more you read was fascinating and there was some absolutely fantastic scenes where the unnerving, eeriness of the fae really came across. There’s a particular part of the story near the beginning with the protagonist and her mother that I still can’t stop thinking about.
I didn’t find myself able to exactly connect to Santha (or any of the characters in particular) but her development through the book was really well written. There were also some good character relationships though I feel like the one that stood out the most was the bond with Biahnd, her animal companion.
You have to push through a bit of a slow beginning but when the quest at the heart of the book kicks in I found my self really enjoying this adventurous, coming of age tale all the way through to the end.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the author’s future work!
Final Rating – 4/5 Stars
CW: violence, blood, injury, sexual assault/rape (off page), abandonment, animal death, death of parent
--
A great debut, Beckoning of the Gate has the cadence of a classic fantasy adventure.
We follow Santha, a young girl who inadvertently becomes the Keeper of an ancient key that she stumbles upon in the forest behind her house. Drawn in by the key’s power are many creatures of legend that Santha believed to be nothing but stories, their growing presence a great danger to the people of her town. The key itself steers Santha to some unknown destination, unlocking a chance for her to get away from the gossip that has shunned her from society. Thus Santha sets off on an journey to safeguard those around her but to also uncover the key’s true purpose.
Over the last few years I’ve fallen out of love with stories that involve fae and I jumped into this book not realising they were a significant element to it but you know what this book may have somewhat redeemed fae for me.
Benjamin J. Ryan is without a doubt a great storyteller. The worldbuilding in this book is brilliant, the writing immediately giving a vivid sense of the atmosphere.
The mythology, which you become more accustomed to the more you read was fascinating and there was some absolutely fantastic scenes where the unnerving, eeriness of the fae really came across. There’s a particular part of the story near the beginning with the protagonist and her mother that I still can’t stop thinking about.
I didn’t find myself able to exactly connect to Santha (or any of the characters in particular) but her development through the book was really well written. There were also some good character relationships though I feel like the one that stood out the most was the bond with Biahnd, her animal companion.
You have to push through a bit of a slow beginning but when the quest at the heart of the book kicks in I found my self really enjoying this adventurous, coming of age tale all the way through to the end.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the author’s future work!
Final Rating – 4/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Abandonment, Animal death, and Blood
tink's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really enjoyed this novel from a local author. I like the characters and the premise of the quest. I struggled to stay engaged during the last quarter of the story, but am a sucker for a series so would probably read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Animal death
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