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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Gun violence, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Incest, Infidelity, Sexual content, Excrement, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Ima be so real I listened to this audiobook because I loved the narrator, but seriously Orson Scott Card has some issues he's gotta deal with
Orson Scott Card doesn't miss. He just doesn't - whether it's hard science fiction or fantasy, his aptitude for writing dialogue and character are nearly flawless. THE LOST GATE, the first fantasy book I've read in over a year, is a fantastic book with intriguing characters, a fun, take-one-back fantasy plot, and the kind of specific, perception-based writing and dialogue that are the hallmarks of his best books. The first in a trilogy, THE LOST GATE has made a fan out of me, and I'm anxious for THE GATE THIEF to be published soon.
Gatemagery is awesome--it's not actually teleportation, but rather miniature wormhole making, something that seems more akin to solid, hard science fiction than it does to fantasy. It's just one element from a whole host of other genres that Card apprehends here: mythology (all of it), science fiction, teen romance, and fantasy. Danny functions as the developing genius of the piece, the gatemage-in-development whose chief job is to learn as much about being a gatemage so as to return his people to their long-lost land of Westil. It's a fairly conventional plot, and one that smacks of the Israelites in the desert, but the focus on Danny, who he is, and what he means, is really the hallmark of the book--I was a fan of Danny's before the end of the first chapter, and that sort of thing goes a long way to making a book readable.
Wad's story interested me less, but I'll wait until the sequel comes along to assert a judgment of his character, as he seems to be a chief focus of that forthcoming novel. Veevee and Ced were great secondary characters, and Danny's brief foray into public high school was a highlight of the whole book. All in all, Card is at it again, and while his new hero doesn't quite stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ender Wiggin (who could?), it's a take on fantasy that sticks out as a great example of what competent authors are doing with the genre in the 21st century.
Gatemagery is awesome--it's not actually teleportation, but rather miniature wormhole making, something that seems more akin to solid, hard science fiction than it does to fantasy. It's just one element from a whole host of other genres that Card apprehends here: mythology (all of it), science fiction, teen romance, and fantasy. Danny functions as the developing genius of the piece, the gatemage-in-development whose chief job is to learn as much about being a gatemage so as to return his people to their long-lost land of Westil. It's a fairly conventional plot, and one that smacks of the Israelites in the desert, but the focus on Danny, who he is, and what he means, is really the hallmark of the book--I was a fan of Danny's before the end of the first chapter, and that sort of thing goes a long way to making a book readable.
Wad's story interested me less, but I'll wait until the sequel comes along to assert a judgment of his character, as he seems to be a chief focus of that forthcoming novel. Veevee and Ced were great secondary characters, and Danny's brief foray into public high school was a highlight of the whole book. All in all, Card is at it again, and while his new hero doesn't quite stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ender Wiggin (who could?), it's a take on fantasy that sticks out as a great example of what competent authors are doing with the genre in the 21st century.
I had kind of given up on OSC, especially after he came out with a freaking Ender's Christmas gift book, but Lost Gate is as good as anything he has ever written. Putting his politics and beliefs aside, he has a written an interesting and well thought out world withal intriguing magic system and an interesting take on the gods.
I am torn on this one because I love [a:Orson Scott Card|589|Orson Scott Card|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1294099952p2/589.jpg]’s writing style but I am not a fan of fantasy world building or political intrigue so I ended up caring about the characters but not the story.
Maybe I'm just getting too old for Card's style. Maybe I'm not the same person who read about very similar characters in Ender's Game, but the characters drove me nuts with too much thinking and explaining which is a very shallow cover for Card's thinking. Wad's story was better than Danny's, easily. I liked the world a lot, so I will probably continue the series if he manages to finish it.
I don’t think there was a single character in this book I actually cared for
I should state right off--I partially read it because the author is the same as one of my absolute favorite books, Ender's Game. If you are expecting that quality, turn back now. However, if what you want is a mature but still young adult novel that's a little more on the fluff side with some philosophy thrown in to keep it interesting, you'll get this book. And, granted, it's heavier on the intellectual side than much of YA fantasy out there right now.
There are two separate storylines that intertwine towards the end. With the first one, Card again proves that he writes young adults very well, and his teenage characters are engaging and interesting though a little flatter than the ones in other novels he's written. The other storyline is much darker and very different by comparison, with adult characters with adult needs, politics, subterfuge, lust etc. I really enjoy the magic system and the realms he created, and look forward to seeing the next book soon.
There are two separate storylines that intertwine towards the end. With the first one, Card again proves that he writes young adults very well, and his teenage characters are engaging and interesting though a little flatter than the ones in other novels he's written. The other storyline is much darker and very different by comparison, with adult characters with adult needs, politics, subterfuge, lust etc. I really enjoy the magic system and the realms he created, and look forward to seeing the next book soon.
I had little expectation for this book (a friend loaned it to me). It took me a bit to get into. The narrator and worlds swap often and it took me a bit to get into the flow.
But it was sooooooooo worth it.
It was an interesting read and thought provoking. I've already texted 2 people who enjoy or shared geekery (awesome word, right?) To read this book asap!
I don't often write reviews. I'm to lazy. But I make exceptions for books like this.
I HIGHLY recommend it.
But it was sooooooooo worth it.
It was an interesting read and thought provoking. I've already texted 2 people who enjoy or shared geekery (awesome word, right?) To read this book asap!
I don't often write reviews. I'm to lazy. But I make exceptions for books like this.
I HIGHLY recommend it.
I knew nothing about this book or series before starting it and I was very pleasantly surprised! It’s a very quirky style but I was in love by the end and can’t wait to dive into the next one in the series! If you are a fantasy fan, this first book in the series is a must read!!
Content warning: I listened to this book as an audio and the two readers are FANTASTIC!! However I wouldn’t listen around your kids. There is a bit of language and some awkward ish moments that I wouldn’t want my 6,3,and 2 year olds to overhear! I didn’t love the main character and his “attitude” throughout the first half of the book either but as he grew and matured, surprise surprise, I started to like him a lot more! I love how the character evolves and grows and I can’t wait to see how he grows in the next books!
Content warning: I listened to this book as an audio and the two readers are FANTASTIC!! However I wouldn’t listen around your kids. There is a bit of language and some awkward ish moments that I wouldn’t want my 6,3,and 2 year olds to overhear! I didn’t love the main character and his “attitude” throughout the first half of the book either but as he grew and matured, surprise surprise, I started to like him a lot more! I love how the character evolves and grows and I can’t wait to see how he grows in the next books!