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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Truly an interesting concept. Definitely a first in a series, which makes it bland. As a whole, the series might be good, but this book alone was not.
In reading Card's opinion in his notes in the back of the book, I see that he takes a lot of pride in the background info in this book. And that he wrote most of it on planes and buses during a very busy time period in his life. Well, that much is evident, because the book DRAGS. He says after the first few chapters the book flew from his imagination, but it drags to the reader.
I suppose I am interested enough to consider the next in the series, but only if the action picks up. There was a LOT of sitting around and talking, and figuring out the magic of this fantasy world. All well and good for the author, who probably loves to explain it in detail like anyone dotes on their brainchild. But for a reader, rather boring. Sorry.
My second complaint is that Danny is just not a relatable character. He was very annoying, and just when you think he's sensitive deep down and is doing the right thing, he does it for the wrong reason and keeps being an idiot. Granted, it's part of his personality as a Gatemage, but come on. He was REALLY annoying.
Thirdly, what age group is this for? Because there is plenty of good young adult fiction that is earthy without being THIS "earthy." For heaven's sake, there was nearly as much swearing as a Tom Clancy book, and a lot of references to crude concepts including irreverent references to sex and unnecessarily rude references to bodily functions. Ew. What exactly is the target audience? And why does Card think it's necessary to be shocking and gross?
Disappointing, since I like Card's work. Might read the next one. Probably not.
In reading Card's opinion in his notes in the back of the book, I see that he takes a lot of pride in the background info in this book. And that he wrote most of it on planes and buses during a very busy time period in his life. Well, that much is evident, because the book DRAGS. He says after the first few chapters the book flew from his imagination, but it drags to the reader.
I suppose I am interested enough to consider the next in the series, but only if the action picks up. There was a LOT of sitting around and talking, and figuring out the magic of this fantasy world. All well and good for the author, who probably loves to explain it in detail like anyone dotes on their brainchild. But for a reader, rather boring. Sorry.
My second complaint is that Danny is just not a relatable character. He was very annoying, and just when you think he's sensitive deep down and is doing the right thing, he does it for the wrong reason and keeps being an idiot. Granted, it's part of his personality as a Gatemage, but come on. He was REALLY annoying.
Thirdly, what age group is this for? Because there is plenty of good young adult fiction that is earthy without being THIS "earthy." For heaven's sake, there was nearly as much swearing as a Tom Clancy book, and a lot of references to crude concepts including irreverent references to sex and unnecessarily rude references to bodily functions. Ew. What exactly is the target audience? And why does Card think it's necessary to be shocking and gross?
Disappointing, since I like Card's work. Might read the next one. Probably not.
Another great series by Orson Scott Card! I loved the introduction of magery to Earth. Quick and easy read
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
The Lost Gate starts off slow, taking its time to build a complex world of mages, clans, and ancient magic. While the pacing picks up toward the end and the concept of gate magic is intriguing, the book ultimately feels surface-level in its exploration of a much larger magical universe. There’s so much potential—especially with the wide range of magical abilities introduced—but the narrative remains narrowly focused on gates, leaving the rest of the magic system underdeveloped.
Additionally, some of the plotlines veer into uncomfortable territory, with oddly inappropriate sexual themes that feel out of place—particularly for a book that seems aimed at a young adult audience. While there are moments of creativity and tension, the overall execution didn’t quite live up to the promise of the premise.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
an excellent first book in this series. much more in depth and thought provoking than a lot of the YA in this genre right now. i did find it hard to get into in the first chapter, but i rarely give up on a book in the first chapter so i kept pushing. it paid off within 50 pages (my guess since i'm on kindle with this one.) it is at once a coming-of-age book and a mystery and a fantasy book so if you like any of those 3 genres, i think you'll enjoy this.
orson scott card is a fantastic author. i enjoyed all of his ender series and this book as well so i will take it as a good sign to look into his other books!
orson scott card is a fantastic author. i enjoyed all of his ender series and this book as well so i will take it as a good sign to look into his other books!
I’ve been a fan of Orson Scott Card’s since I first picked up Ender’s Game back in seventh grade, so when I got a chance to read The Lost Gate I jumped on it. It’s a great mix of the mythic and the modern day, very similar to some of Neil Gaiman’s books.
Danny’s the odd man out in his family, a mage with no magic among gods with no worshipers. A drekka with no place in the North complex. That is, until the day when he discovers that he’s a gatemage and his world becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse. Gatemages are killed as soon as they are discovered among the families with exception to the weakest of the weak, those who can sense gates but not make or use them. Danny is neither weak nor willing to die, so he runs to save his own life and to give himself a chance at learning about his powers. We see Danny grow up, meet new people, and learn what it means to be human.
As I said back at the beginning I’m a big fan of Card’s Ender series of books, and it looks like I’ll be a fan of this series as well. Danny is a trickster hero who relies on his brains to stay out of trouble. He avoids direct confrontation, preferring to misdirect an opponent to taking them on alone. Like Ender before him, Danny worries about becoming a monster due to some of the choices he makes. It could’ve gotten a little tiresome, but Card uses Danny’s self doubts to make him a more human figure in comparison to the casual monstrosities of his family and some of the humans that me meets. I like that Card doesn’t write down to his audience, he seems to expect them to keep up with him, this is a habit I tend to find terribly lacking in current young adult literature. This is a series that I would start buying for my younger cousins as well as for myself. That said, my one complaint is how quickly Danny mastered his magic. It seemed kind of like in a super hero comic where the hero gets new powers just as they need them or, failing that, right before they need them. Over all, I give The Lost Gate a five out of five.
Danny’s the odd man out in his family, a mage with no magic among gods with no worshipers. A drekka with no place in the North complex. That is, until the day when he discovers that he’s a gatemage and his world becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse. Gatemages are killed as soon as they are discovered among the families with exception to the weakest of the weak, those who can sense gates but not make or use them. Danny is neither weak nor willing to die, so he runs to save his own life and to give himself a chance at learning about his powers. We see Danny grow up, meet new people, and learn what it means to be human.
As I said back at the beginning I’m a big fan of Card’s Ender series of books, and it looks like I’ll be a fan of this series as well. Danny is a trickster hero who relies on his brains to stay out of trouble. He avoids direct confrontation, preferring to misdirect an opponent to taking them on alone. Like Ender before him, Danny worries about becoming a monster due to some of the choices he makes. It could’ve gotten a little tiresome, but Card uses Danny’s self doubts to make him a more human figure in comparison to the casual monstrosities of his family and some of the humans that me meets. I like that Card doesn’t write down to his audience, he seems to expect them to keep up with him, this is a habit I tend to find terribly lacking in current young adult literature. This is a series that I would start buying for my younger cousins as well as for myself. That said, my one complaint is how quickly Danny mastered his magic. It seemed kind of like in a super hero comic where the hero gets new powers just as they need them or, failing that, right before they need them. Over all, I give The Lost Gate a five out of five.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The book is fine. The writing is very matter-of-fact, which also prevents much of an emotional connection to the characters. The magic system is interesting and I like the overlap with the gods, and remnants of power. I just don’t care enough about the world or people to read a sequel. Doesn’t seem to have fully fleshed out female characters either, unsure if the author is able to write decent female characters.
