Scan barcode
raemelle's review against another edition
3.0
Is there a word for someone who is a snob about snobs? Not just a snob about snobs, but someone who acts like anyone else with money is selfish and shallow, but they themselves somehow manage to be the only down to earth and good people with money in existence? Am I even making sense? These books are rife with reverse snobs and humble bragging and so much bragging about how 'good' the 'unselfish' main characters are.
I guess Mercedes Lackey got to the point where she could just dump out a pile trite cliches and call it good. Throw in some feminism, and that's enough to refresh overused stories. Ugh. This is one of those series that I half convince myself I'll never read more of, only to wax forgetful of just how unimaginative and frankly amateurish they are; and a few months later I'm reading the next one. These are weak books. Maybe they get better? Maybe not. But they're easy reads and provide enough entertainment between other books. I guess that's all I can hope for.
I guess Mercedes Lackey got to the point where she could just dump out a pile trite cliches and call it good. Throw in some feminism, and that's enough to refresh overused stories. Ugh. This is one of those series that I half convince myself I'll never read more of, only to wax forgetful of just how unimaginative and frankly amateurish they are; and a few months later I'm reading the next one. These are weak books. Maybe they get better? Maybe not. But they're easy reads and provide enough entertainment between other books. I guess that's all I can hope for.
hazeyjane_2's review
3.0
3.5 stars. The Gates of Sleep dragged a bit towards the middle, but in general it was still an appealing book. I loved the double twist on the fairytale and the villains were, if still somewhat eyeroll-worthy, then at least less so than in The Serpent’s Shadow.
Seeing the Water magic performed was interesting, and the love story was less in focus this time around. Everything was much subtler. I like Maya better than Marina, purely in terms of ‘colour’ - she has a stronger force of personality and a more distinctive role - but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Marina as the country lady kept captive in the city. There was a real sense of domesticity and of Marina’s connection to her aunt and uncle and the local village people. All the characters were wonderful.
There were also none of the appropriation issues found in the previous book. So based on that alone, it would merit half a star.
Seeing the Water magic performed was interesting, and the love story was less in focus this time around. Everything was much subtler. I like Maya better than Marina, purely in terms of ‘colour’ - she has a stronger force of personality and a more distinctive role - but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Marina as the country lady kept captive in the city. There was a real sense of domesticity and of Marina’s connection to her aunt and uncle and the local village people. All the characters were wonderful.
There were also none of the appropriation issues found in the previous book. So based on that alone, it would merit half a star.
alannabarras's review against another edition
3.0
I reread this while on a Mercedes Lackey binge. Its a solid and enjoyable read, but if you've read any other books in the series you'll probably find it predictable. Lackey has established a clear formula for these books, and while I always enjoy revisiting them, the most recent reread of this one has it relegated for the used book store pile. The final battle just doesn't have quite enough substance for it to keep its place on the shelf.
That being said, if you enjoy the series or see it in the Library, go for it!
That being said, if you enjoy the series or see it in the Library, go for it!
bellatora's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing happens. NOTHING HAPPENS. For dozens and dozens and dozens of pages. I think the entire book could’ve been shortened into a novella. Maybe Lackey should’ve saved the page space she spent describing everything and preaching about the evils of industrialism and used it to, y’know, develop characters. Everyone is so one-dimensional. I kind of have the feeling that Lackey loves to live in her worlds. Everything is described so lovingly, especially the daily domestic routine. It is charming in its own way, but not anything I want right now and since I don’t want to know about the minutiae of being a country Elemental Master than it simply couldn't hold my interest.
kriedesel's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't know this was a series, overall it was a good book. In the middle it got kind of slow but it picked up towards the end. Not sure if I will read the first two books or not.
electricgoldfish's review
2.0
This book felt very, long and had an abrupt ending after it had dragged on. The pacing just feels wonky. After the first third of the book, very little Elemental magic is used. So far, this is my least favorite book of the Elemental Masters series.
bookwyrm_lark's review
4.0
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
In The Gates of Sleep, Mercedes Lackey takes on the story of Sleeping Beauty. Set in Edwardian England like The Serpent's Shadow, but in more rural locales, the novel follows Marina, only daughter of Earth Masters Hugh and Alanna Roeswood. When Hugh's estranged, non-magical sister Arachne inexplicably curses the infant Marina, the distraught parents hide the child with their childhood friends and fellow mages, who raise her as their niece -- and train her budding talent as a Water Master. As Marina nears her 18th birthday and, it is hoped, freedom from the curse, disaster strikes. Hugh and Alanna die apparently intestate, and Marina is forced -- literally -- to return to the home of her birth under the guardianship of the one woman who most wishes her ill: her aunt Arachne.
Lackey follows the traditional fairy tale much more closely than she did in The Serpent's Shadow, while maintaining the same high standard of characterization and story-telling. Fantasy lovers and fairytale aficionados alike will enjoy this book.
FCC disclosure: I bought this book.
You can read more of my reviews at The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.
In The Gates of Sleep, Mercedes Lackey takes on the story of Sleeping Beauty. Set in Edwardian England like The Serpent's Shadow, but in more rural locales, the novel follows Marina, only daughter of Earth Masters Hugh and Alanna Roeswood. When Hugh's estranged, non-magical sister Arachne inexplicably curses the infant Marina, the distraught parents hide the child with their childhood friends and fellow mages, who raise her as their niece -- and train her budding talent as a Water Master. As Marina nears her 18th birthday and, it is hoped, freedom from the curse, disaster strikes. Hugh and Alanna die apparently intestate, and Marina is forced -- literally -- to return to the home of her birth under the guardianship of the one woman who most wishes her ill: her aunt Arachne.
Lackey follows the traditional fairy tale much more closely than she did in The Serpent's Shadow, while maintaining the same high standard of characterization and story-telling. Fantasy lovers and fairytale aficionados alike will enjoy this book.
FCC disclosure: I bought this book.
You can read more of my reviews at The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.
soulfulsin's review against another edition
Good book, except for the tacked on romance at the end.
"She couldn't remember falling in love with him." Gimme a break. I love Mercedes Lackey's books, but c'mon. You don't need to tack on a romantic plot every time. The book was fine until it came to that point. It ruined it.
"She couldn't remember falling in love with him." Gimme a break. I love Mercedes Lackey's books, but c'mon. You don't need to tack on a romantic plot every time. The book was fine until it came to that point. It ruined it.
mouthoflethe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0