The Lost Gate Review & Giveaway

Monday, January 3, 2011

Title: The Lost Gate
Author: Orson Scott Card
Publisher: Tor
Published: January 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 378
Source: Publisher
Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself.

There are many secrets in the House, and many rules that Danny must follow. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and none of them in English — but Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in the language of the books. While Danny’s cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see.

Unfortunately, there are some secrets kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster for the North family.
The Lost Gate follows the story of Danny, just one young boy in a family of exiled mages, forced to live in the real world where kids create stories of fairies, werewolves, and the type of stuff his family knows is real. Danny lives his life in a realm of secrets, some of which he can never share with others, but he’s beginning to learn that there are just as many (if not more) secrets being hidden from him. His family calls him a Drekka, or someone without powers. But unknown to Danny, there is more power than he could ever imagine lurking inside of him. He’s a gatemage – and so powerful that it could very well be more of a curse than a magical gift.

Before this, the only work of Orson Scott Card that I’d read was Ender’s Game, which is kind of a hit or miss series, or so I hear. Luckily, it was a hit for me, so I was incredibly excited to read The Lost Gate. The first book in a new series called the Mithermages, The Lost Gate is a riveting urban fantasy adventure blending Norse mythology with an intricate plot that’s equal parts spellbinding and cryptic. Orson Scott Card has an amazing writing style that sends the reader on a journey with the characters, allowing you to experience and feel exactly what they feel giving life to the world within The Lost Gate.

I’ll admit, The Lost Gate is complex at times, and there are moments when the mythology and background of the story gets a bit tedious and too intricate, but the world that’s been created is phenomenal. Danny was a bit hard for me to connect with at first. He was very…bland, and rather unlikeable, but the character development he portrayed throughout the story redeemed him in the end. Wad, however, was the character that defined the story for me. Almost completely shrouded in mystery, I was hooked to every action (and inaction) of his character, desperate to find out who he really was. The dialogue between the characters is fitting and age-appropriate, but I did find it a bit crass or graphic at times. That said, for the age of the MC, it fits.

All in all, The Lost Gate is a great start to a new series from Orson Scott Card. And yes, the cliffhanger ending is a killer. I hate those endings! I give The Lost Gate a strong 4 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to fans of YA, especially teen boys and those who enjoy fantasy, urban fantasy, and anything along the lines of Ender’s Game or Pathfinder.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Because of the generosity of Tor Books, I've been given a second, finished hardcover copy of The Lost Gate for a giveaway. This giveaway is international and will end promptly at midnight EST on January 30, 2011. Winners will be notified by email. To enter to win The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card, follow the link below.

42 comments:

  1. I have heard loads about this author. I need to get his books. Thanks for this review. It sounds interesting and something I would read.

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  2. First time I heard about this author, but his book sounds interesting.

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  3. I still haven't read Ender's Game, but this one sounds more interesting to me. I'm glad to hear you review it positively. But a cliffhanger? GAH! They kill me! My memory isn't good enough to keep up with all these cliffhangers.

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  4. Super review....Ive always wanted to try this author!! Him along with 500 others...:D

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  5. Eventually I'm going to cave and read one of his books no matter how much I dislike him as a person. Maybe it'll be this one because the mythology sounds interesting. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I've read the Ender trilogy some time ago and I liked it very much. If The Lost Gate is similar I think it is a book I will like (so of course I did enter your givaway right away!). Thanks for an honest review!

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  7. I loved Ender's Game, but never did continue the series. I've been curious about what other books Orson Scott Card has and this one sounds like a good one. :)

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  8. This sounds like a pretty interesting book. Thanks for the review!

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  9. this sounds really good, i just got another one of his adult books recently. thanks for the great review, melissa!

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  10. Very awesome review. I don't particularly care for OSC or plan to seek this out (too many books, too little time), but this does sound like it would be a good read for reluctant readers.

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  11. Looks like a good book and awesome giveaway! :)

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  12. I've always heard good things about Orson Scott Card and how he's like the god of fantasy books. I may have to give this one a try!

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  13. I've never heard of this author before but The Lost Gate sounds interesting. Perhaps a bit too intricate for me but I might be willing to give it a shot :)

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  14. Hm, is this book for me? I am having I can't decide day ;)
    But I do love fantasy and TOR

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  15. NOOOOOoooooooo! Cliffhanger! :P

    However, it does sound interesting and that cover is killer. I haven't read his other series, but the sound of the mythology in this one sounds very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win it and for the review! I was curious bout this one. :)

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  16. I have heard little about this book, so I am happy to see your review of it! I enjoy stories where the whole family is involved like this, so I'll have to give it a try. And thanks for the giveaway!

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  17. Hahaha, how could I possibly resist?! But... Maybe I'll wait a little bit to read it... You know, in order to make the waiting for the second book a little more tolerable!

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  18. This one sounds like you are challenging us, Melissa (or rather the book is).

    I've always wanted to read work by Orson Scott Card. I don't why I haven't yet. But I don't deal too well with chiffies.

    Great review. I'm glad you ended up enjoying the novel.

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  19. Sounds like a really great read. Never heard of the author before, but the world he creates sounds really nice. :)

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  20. Darn cliffhangers! I want one that just stands all by it's lonesome in it's awesomeness:) Nice review Melissa, the mythology aspect sounds interesting as does your description of it being both spellbinding and cryptic - love it!

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  21. It sounds really good and the cover is pretty grand :)

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  22. I haven't read anything by Orson Scott Card before but your review has me really curious about this one. I must try to get it from the library! And I agree about what you said about cliffhanger endings; they are the WORST.

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  23. It sounds really interesting plus the book cover is simply beautiful! Thanks for making the giveaway international! ;)

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  24. I haven't heard of this one but it sounds fantastic. I hate cliffhangers too! They give me the urge to throw the book against the wall. But of course I'd never disrespect a book in such a manner. :p

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  25. OH,I picked this as one of my Waiting on Wednesday books. I'm even more stoked about it after reading your review. Only hang-up is I guess the author is a real homophob. Which is really too bad, since I'm a true believe in to each his own! But despite this, I'd still like to read this book.

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  26. I can't believe I haven't read anything by Orson Scott Card yet! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book, though I haven't much about this one yet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  27. Card is quite the prolific writer. Pathfinder just came out a month ago. I loved Ender's Game but loved the Bean books even more (companions to Ender's books). I'd recommend those particularly.

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  28. Oh my gooosh, this book sounds SO good! I wanted to request it from Tor, but I had requested a few other books so I decided not to. I'm regretting the decision. D: I absolutely love Card - his Ender's Game series was a hit for me. :) Thank you for this review ♥

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  29. i seen this book and heard of this author around the blogosphere. it sounds like a good, interesting read. :)

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  30. I loved Ender's Game and am very excited to read this new book from Scott especially after reading your awesome review. you mentioned the complexity of his plot which is something that rtuck me about Ender's Game too. Thanks for sharing this!

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  31. I haven't read anything by Orson yet. What a great time to start though. Thank you for the chance!

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  32. I haven't read anything by Card but the premise of The Lost Gate sounds awesome so I'm going to have to put it on my wishlist :)

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  33. The book sounds awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. I have never read anything by Orson Scott Card, but this book sounds pretty good! I will have to put it on my TBR list :o) I hate cliffhanger endings as well. I prefer not to be left hanging for a year! Especially if it's a life or death situation. Those are the worst! I hope this isn't the case with The Lost Gate!

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  35. I had seen some great review for this one and was going to start it soon, however, I didn't know it had a cliffhanger. I've got more than enough on my TBR to wait until the next book is out before I pick this one up. Thanks for the great review!

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  36. I recently picked up the Pathfinder :)

    they book seem like they will be grand reads.

    Mad Scientist
    http://madsteampunkery.blogspot.com

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  37. Sounds like an excellent read!
    I keep meaning to try his books (along with a few other authors), but everytime I'm at the library I get completely sidetracked and forget.
    Thaks for the great giveaway. ^_^

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  38. Awesome give away! Patiently waiting to see if I win :D

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  39. I've never read anything by Orson Scott Card but I see his name everywhere. I figure one day I'll need to and that you recommend this for boys, well, I have two one of them is bound to like it! After I read it.

    Heather
    Thanks for the giveaway and great review. Wad brings up quite an image. I wouldn't think he was a likable character with a name like that.

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  40. Thanks for the great review and giveaway. I have yet to read one of Card's books so my fingers are crossed! :)

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  41. Oh, I love this author. Thanks for the chance to win one of his books!

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