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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I read this book with big expectations as I enjoyed Orson Scott Card's Ender's Games series. What I liked most about this novel, is while it is about magic I feel that it was not overdone like it is in many fantasy novels. While the book was enjoyable and I would recommend it to other people, it is not a novel that I feel deserves 5 stars.
I like the premise, not the storytelling. Characters are flat and much of the dialogue and situations crass.
This was a spectacularly fast read. And understanding that it was under the purview of Young Adult helped tremendously. I'd rather give it 3.5 stars than 3, but I cannot. It was still choppy, with a sometimes ridiculously ambivalent protagonist. But, again, Young Adult.
The premise is quite clever. I found that the beginning and end were delightful, with a few faltering points in the bulk of the book. Not faltering in the sense that it would make me stop reading, or that I had to think about what was going on (that was something that never once occurred), rather the mentality of this teenage boy with this massive power was difficult to relate to.
All in all though, I look forward to Mither Mages #2 to pick up where #1 left off, with a more mature manboy and a converging storyline between Mittlegart and Westil. Its potential is intriguing.
The premise is quite clever. I found that the beginning and end were delightful, with a few faltering points in the bulk of the book. Not faltering in the sense that it would make me stop reading, or that I had to think about what was going on (that was something that never once occurred), rather the mentality of this teenage boy with this massive power was difficult to relate to.
All in all though, I look forward to Mither Mages #2 to pick up where #1 left off, with a more mature manboy and a converging storyline between Mittlegart and Westil. Its potential is intriguing.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was looking for an audiobook with a simple story I could follow while doing chores and other things. I knew nothing about the book other than I adore another Orson Scott Card book, Ender's Game. The comments give mixed reviews on Card's writing style, but I appreciate his straightforward storytelling. I felt like I could really immerse myself in the story without being weighed down by unnecessary adjectives.
This felt like an Adult version of Percy Jackson. The magic and new mythology was interesting. I think I'll definitely continue the story eventually.
This felt like an Adult version of Percy Jackson. The magic and new mythology was interesting. I think I'll definitely continue the story eventually.
Good:
I liked the way Orson Scott Card designed the way the magic worked in the story.
Bad
Some of the characters were quite unlikeable and did horrible things.
The two stories told in alternating chapters didn't really meld together very well.
Being the first part of a series there were a lot of things that weren't explained.
I liked the way Orson Scott Card designed the way the magic worked in the story.
Bad
Some of the characters were quite unlikeable and did horrible things.
The two stories told in alternating chapters didn't really meld together very well.
Being the first part of a series there were a lot of things that weren't explained.
Accessible for those with limited experience in the fantasy world, but ultimately uninteresting
Huh. I picked up this book for a quick read during the last days of my trip, and I have to say... it grabbed me more than I expected.
I don't know what I was expecting- the other two books by Card that I've read so far (Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow) were both riveting reads that refused to be put down.
The Lost Gate follows Danny, a boy raised in an almost cult-like compound by "The Family", a group of Mages who we soon discover are not of this world. All the myths and legends we have of gods and goddesses are in fact, based on the exploits of their kind, who have become weak and forgotten after they were cut off from their homeworld. Danny discovers that he is a Gatemage, someone with the potential to create a pathway back home and restore their power... but Gatemages are never allowed to live.
Like I said, it's a pretty engrossing story. The pace is good, and the characters are for the most part quite likeable. The side story with "the man in the tree" and the revelation of his true identity was actually far more interesting to me, but it was more of a morbid fascination than genuine enjoyment. That was some messed up stuff!
All in all, looking forward to the next installment, but I won't be rushing to the bookstore on release day.
I don't know what I was expecting- the other two books by Card that I've read so far (Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow) were both riveting reads that refused to be put down.
The Lost Gate follows Danny, a boy raised in an almost cult-like compound by "The Family", a group of Mages who we soon discover are not of this world. All the myths and legends we have of gods and goddesses are in fact, based on the exploits of their kind, who have become weak and forgotten after they were cut off from their homeworld. Danny discovers that he is a Gatemage, someone with the potential to create a pathway back home and restore their power... but Gatemages are never allowed to live.
Like I said, it's a pretty engrossing story. The pace is good, and the characters are for the most part quite likeable. The side story with "the man in the tree" and the revelation of his true identity was actually far more interesting to me, but it was more of a morbid fascination than genuine enjoyment. That was some messed up stuff!
All in all, looking forward to the next installment, but I won't be rushing to the bookstore on release day.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A