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lmckensie 's review for:
The Lost Gate
by Orson Scott Card
I received an ARC of this book through Goodreads First Reads, and I couldn't be more pleased with the result. The delivery was prompt --I got the book within three days of being notified about my status as a winner-- and the book was in excellent condition. I hope to be so lucky as to win more from First Reads in the future.
Now, on to the book review. Compared to Card's other works, I was not as impressed with The Lost Gate; however, I will compliment it in saying that it was not due to my general dislike of urban fantasy. In fact, I rather liked the way that element was presented. As something of a mythology buff, I have always enjoyed books which pull in the mythology of the World, and this was done quite effectively in The Lost Gate. In fact, it is a central point of the book, as the main character, Danny North, is a mage, the descendant of beings from another world who have used their magic to convince humans that they are gods. (Okay, so it's a little Stargate-y, but still...)
The clans have lost their power due to the sealing of a gate and in order to maintain balance, all gatemages who are born into the clans must be killed. Naturally, enter Danny, the clan reject, and amazingly enough, a Gatemage! I found that whole discovery and the way it was presented a little... rushed. But, once again, that's a stylistic choice that's different for every author.
My main issue with the book, aside from small stylistic details like the one mentioned above, is the main character himself. I realize, in the style of a Loki-like character, Danny is a trickster, but I found him altogether... well, simply not likable! He was insubordinate, smart-mouthed and made foolhardy decisions. Even when he learned from his mistakes, he still didn't seem to think about his actions. I realize that this was necessary to build this type of character, but as a hero, it was hard to root for his victory, especially by the point that I had figured out who the Gate-Snatcher was.
Which brings me to my praise of the book. I particularly thought the story line concerning the Gate-Snatcher and his life after being sealed away was particularly interesting, though tragic. Card certainly pulled no punches where that was concerned. I look forward to the next book in the series in the hopes that he will further expand on the history of the Gate-Snatcher, and his reasons for being sealed away.
Overall, the plot line was interesting, though predictable, and most of the characters, aside from the main one, were likable and interesting. While it was not the best of Card's works as far as characterization (Danny was no Bean) nor complex plot devices that leave you a little shocked (as utilized in his earlier work, Treason, which I read earlier this year), I will definitely read the next one. All along the way, this novel felt very much like a set-up for something bigger; it gave you a history so you can understand what will happen in the rest of the series, and I hope that the future books will take more time to expand on the story into which Card has obviously put so much time and thought.
Now, on to the book review. Compared to Card's other works, I was not as impressed with The Lost Gate; however, I will compliment it in saying that it was not due to my general dislike of urban fantasy. In fact, I rather liked the way that element was presented. As something of a mythology buff, I have always enjoyed books which pull in the mythology of the World, and this was done quite effectively in The Lost Gate. In fact, it is a central point of the book, as the main character, Danny North, is a mage, the descendant of beings from another world who have used their magic to convince humans that they are gods. (Okay, so it's a little Stargate-y, but still...)
The clans have lost their power due to the sealing of a gate and in order to maintain balance, all gatemages who are born into the clans must be killed. Naturally, enter Danny, the clan reject, and amazingly enough, a Gatemage! I found that whole discovery and the way it was presented a little... rushed. But, once again, that's a stylistic choice that's different for every author.
My main issue with the book, aside from small stylistic details like the one mentioned above, is the main character himself. I realize, in the style of a Loki-like character, Danny is a trickster, but I found him altogether... well, simply not likable! He was insubordinate, smart-mouthed and made foolhardy decisions. Even when he learned from his mistakes, he still didn't seem to think about his actions. I realize that this was necessary to build this type of character, but as a hero, it was hard to root for his victory, especially by the point that I had figured out who the Gate-Snatcher was.
Which brings me to my praise of the book. I particularly thought the story line concerning the Gate-Snatcher and his life after being sealed away was particularly interesting, though tragic. Card certainly pulled no punches where that was concerned. I look forward to the next book in the series in the hopes that he will further expand on the history of the Gate-Snatcher, and his reasons for being sealed away.
Overall, the plot line was interesting, though predictable, and most of the characters, aside from the main one, were likable and interesting. While it was not the best of Card's works as far as characterization (Danny was no Bean) nor complex plot devices that leave you a little shocked (as utilized in his earlier work, Treason, which I read earlier this year), I will definitely read the next one. All along the way, this novel felt very much like a set-up for something bigger; it gave you a history so you can understand what will happen in the rest of the series, and I hope that the future books will take more time to expand on the story into which Card has obviously put so much time and thought.