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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
On two distant planets, an ancient race of magically gifted people live separated from one another by the lack of a great gate which once connected the worlds and amplified the people's strengths. The first in a trilogy, The Lost Gate follows a two primary characters who work hard to hide their identity as gate mages. On both worlds, known gate mages are put to death. One is a master, while the other is trying to unlock the secrets of his gift. Hidden to both, there is a gate thief who works to destroy any gate mages who manage to live past those who hunt them. How does gate magic work? Can the new mage figure out how to use his talent before his family or the gate thief find him to destroy him?
I rate this a 3.5 b/c despite an original magic system and decent character development, several key points are predictable and the characters seem to mostly react to their environment rather than really being a part of it.
I rate this a 3.5 b/c despite an original magic system and decent character development, several key points are predictable and the characters seem to mostly react to their environment rather than really being a part of it.
I have never been so excited to have a book show up on my doorstep as I was with this book. I opened the package, read the first few words, and was so hooked that it was next to impossible to put it down. I had to absolutely force myself to not read it in a single night, to make it last, because I knew I wasn't going to get another book like this for a very, very long time.
Leading the book is a benevolent trickster, one who grew up as a misfit with no power, and finds out accidently that he is actually one of the most powerful (and most feared) kinds of mages - a gatemage. When he was almost discovered, he ran away from home with absolutely no idea of how the world actually works, and somehow, one way or another, ends up alright, despite having to worry about the threat of the Gate Thief.
Card gently and skillfully explores the pain and uncertainty of adolescence, and that of being rejected by those you love, and forming your own way out of the ashes out of that rejection. He spends some time on the need for inclusion, to fit in, and it's a big part of the lead character's psyche to really find out how other people live, despite being raised to disdain regular peoples' lives. I think Card's understanding of the psychology of his characters really made the book more real to me.
Even as the The Lost Gate left me with unanswered questions and curiosity about the future, it did it gently. I'm not going to be ravenous for the next book like I am for the next book in GRRM's series, but quite content to wait -- and if there isn't one, I'll live. I think that's actually a marker of Card's strength as a writer -- he could have left the book on some absolutely painful cliffhangers quite easily.
Reading this book absolutely reminded me of reading Anansi Boys, by Neil Gaiman, and this book is absolutely one of Card's best. Very much worth a read, and thank you for the opportunity to read it early.
Leading the book is a benevolent trickster, one who grew up as a misfit with no power, and finds out accidently that he is actually one of the most powerful (and most feared) kinds of mages - a gatemage. When he was almost discovered, he ran away from home with absolutely no idea of how the world actually works, and somehow, one way or another, ends up alright, despite having to worry about the threat of the Gate Thief.
Card gently and skillfully explores the pain and uncertainty of adolescence, and that of being rejected by those you love, and forming your own way out of the ashes out of that rejection. He spends some time on the need for inclusion, to fit in, and it's a big part of the lead character's psyche to really find out how other people live, despite being raised to disdain regular peoples' lives. I think Card's understanding of the psychology of his characters really made the book more real to me.
Even as the The Lost Gate left me with unanswered questions and curiosity about the future, it did it gently. I'm not going to be ravenous for the next book like I am for the next book in GRRM's series, but quite content to wait -- and if there isn't one, I'll live. I think that's actually a marker of Card's strength as a writer -- he could have left the book on some absolutely painful cliffhangers quite easily.
Reading this book absolutely reminded me of reading Anansi Boys, by Neil Gaiman, and this book is absolutely one of Card's best. Very much worth a read, and thank you for the opportunity to read it early.
adventurous
medium-paced
Not amazing. Like King, weirdly sexualising children when it is absolutely not necessary. I understand teenagers are developing their sexuality but I feel like there were bits that were absolutely not necessary.
The story and ideas were pretty good, the cliffhanger at the end was almost *too* perfect, though I feel like I listened to a ton of filler and the climax is in the next book. I like the intertwining of the two main gate fathers but also was confused as to where Wad is. Is he in Westil? Is he somewhere in time? All in all it was ok
The story and ideas were pretty good, the cliffhanger at the end was almost *too* perfect, though I feel like I listened to a ton of filler and the climax is in the next book. I like the intertwining of the two main gate fathers but also was confused as to where Wad is. Is he in Westil? Is he somewhere in time? All in all it was ok
Really good fantasy using most of the old gods from different cultures. The main character is fun and well written. Has flaws, isn't overly annoying, and the pacing is really good. Definitely reading the rest.
I really liked this book. I thought the concept behind the world was really well done. I especially enjoyed how Card explained all the mortal mythologies likes fairies and werewolves. Danny is a really likable character from the start to finish. I like that he is super powerful yet tries to keep it in check and humble himself. I also enjoy his interaction with the orphans and especially with the mortals. I do think for being as smart as he is he lacks common sense a lot of times and is very impetuous but he is only a teenaged boy. Although, Danny's character is done remarkably I felt like the families weren't as well developed.
I too liked Wad even though he also made some terrible decision that made me frown and a little annoyed like letting that b**** get away with killing his son. I really really wanted Wad to mess her up and still hope she gets whats coming to her and then some. I was actually very surprised he was the gate thief and am excited to learn more about him.
I too liked Wad even though he also made some terrible decision that made me frown and a little annoyed like letting that b**** get away with killing his son. I really really wanted Wad to mess her up and still hope she gets whats coming to her and then some. I was actually very surprised he was the gate thief and am excited to learn more about him.
Orson Scott Card proves his masterful storytelling skills once again. I love his voice!
I was hopeful I’d like this book better than I did, but I think it was good enough to check out the next book when I get a chance. Fantasy instead of Card’s typical sci-fi.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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:
Yes
A solid lead in for a series, with an interesting take on the old gods and modern magic.