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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I liked parts of it quite a bit, but it takes much too long to get to those parts.
"The Lost Gate" by Orson Scott Card was an enjoyable read. After finishing Card's "Pathfinder," which I found to be too long and tedious ,I was kind of leary trying "The Lost Gate." I am glad I did, however. "The Lost Gate" is shorter and moved along at a better pace. I would rate it at 3.5 stars.
Interesting concept for book drawing upon different mythologies, primarily Norse. Similar to that of the Lightning Thief, but without the monsters.
I have two complaints about the book however:
1: This book suffers from a lot of coincidences. Without going into spoilers, a lot of the people he meets happen to have histories with each other. Along with other situations. But I suppose the author explains this to a degree with the whimsical nature of space time, and treating it as if it has a will.
2: I could have used a lot less of the sexual references. The main character is 13, and there are adults that mention stuff to him. And there is one point where he is basically molested. Could have done without that, and the book would not have suffered.
Ignoring that, I did enjoy the story.
I have two complaints about the book however:
1: This book suffers from a lot of coincidences. Without going into spoilers, a lot of the people he meets happen to have histories with each other. Along with other situations. But I suppose the author explains this to a degree with the whimsical nature of space time, and treating it as if it has a will.
2: I could have used a lot less of the sexual references. The main character is 13, and there are adults that mention stuff to him. And there is one point where he is basically molested. Could have done without that, and the book would not have suffered.
Ignoring that, I did enjoy the story.
I was hesitant to read this because I'm not usually a sci-fi fan, but it came highly recommended by a friend. I have to say that friend really came through for me. I hope Card has a sequel to this. I certainly wasn't ready for Danny's story to end.
Oh, darn, this was the beginning of yet another fantasy series? Why must all fantasy novels be a series? Here I was, thinking I had found a nice stand-alone novel which is back to Card's original style of storytelling, and it ends without a full resolution. Worse, Card's afterword, which relates how the novel came to be, reminded me why I have fallen out of fandom of his work.
Okay, so it's about a kid who must come of age by recognizing his true potential as a lapsed god. That's not a spoiler, because it's obvious from page 3, but Card--with very little suspense in how it is accomplished--treats it like it will be a great mystery and quest. The best part of this dual-narrative novel was the portion I originally resisted, but it contains a female character who is insidiously brilliant, unexpectedly so. No more digital ink to waste about this one.
Okay, so it's about a kid who must come of age by recognizing his true potential as a lapsed god. That's not a spoiler, because it's obvious from page 3, but Card--with very little suspense in how it is accomplished--treats it like it will be a great mystery and quest. The best part of this dual-narrative novel was the portion I originally resisted, but it contains a female character who is insidiously brilliant, unexpectedly so. No more digital ink to waste about this one.
I highly recommend this book, especially the audiobook because I really like how there are two different narrators when it switches different character perspective chapter to chapter. This story is about old gods and mages, in particular about a teenage boy who was thought to have no power but finds out he is very powerful and the friends and enemies he makes along the way. The story is very intriguing and funny too! It hooked my interest and time passed quickly as I listened to this fantasy tale!
Orson Scott Card knows how to tell a story. He weaves a plausible (but unique) universe, interesting characters, and intriguing plot. Can't wait for the second book.
adventurous
funny
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