The Lost Gate

Mithermages, Book 1

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Emily Janice Card

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Orson Scott Card’s The Lost Gate is the first book in the Mithermages series from the New York Times bestselling author of Ender’s Game.

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.

He grew up in the rambling old house, filled with dozens of cousins and aunts and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home was isolated in the mountains of western Virginia, far from town, far from schools, far from other people.

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.

©2011 Orson Scott Card (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[T]his ambitious tale is well crafted, highly detailed, and pleasantly accessible." (Publishers Weekly)

Best yet.

of all the books I have read by this author, the first that did not make me swear I would never put myself through this again. Okay, not completely true: Lost boys was the first I read, and I swore, the last. It sucked me in.
This wonderful story caused me brief and survivable pain. I will start the next immediately.

Audio Issues

I think I would have really enjoyed this book SOOOO much more if the audio wasn't skipping or having so many issues randomly that I had to rewind parts of the book over and Over and OVER AND OVER again and AGAIN to try to make out what was going on.
I don't believe it was (obviously) not the Author's fault, NOR the voice actors (whom I did enjoy), but the recording QUALITY that was the culprit.

Hopefully it will be fixed by Audible so this great book may FULLY be enjoyed by the rest of the world!

amazing story

Fantastic book honestly one of cards best works. Own it in paper and digital.

Another great book by Orion Scott Card SIFY readers must read

I read the book and wanted to listen to the reading of it. To me it was worth listening to the book even though I’ve read it. Mr Card brings all his characters to life.

OSC at his best - - Not Ender, but close

Book was very entertaining, not quite as good as Ender's Game, but depending on how the series progresses could be a great series. Guess have to wait for the next book in a year or so.

Excellent Listen !!!

Great Story, as you would expect from Orson Scott Card.I'm looking forward to the next installment. Hopefully Stefan Rudnicki continues as narrator for the series.

Fantastic Listen

Both the narration and the story here are amazing. I am an avid fantasy fan and especially love the mixing of the modern contemporary world with hidden supernatural worlds. Card does a masterful job of mixing a unique mythology with our everyday society. The character's that matter are all fully fleshed out, and the wit and humour can't be topped. I love Ender's Game, but I think that this is his best work to date. I can't wait for the rest of the books in the series.

A Long, Slow Plod

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Book reads smoothly but has a lot, and I mean a lot, of slow parts.

Would you recommend The Lost Gate to your friends? Why or why not?

If the person enjoys fantasy books without a lot of action it might be up their alley.

Which scene was your favorite?

The

Do you think The Lost Gate needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think it is obvious that there is going to be another book, the real question is will it be better? I think any followup should deal more with the homeworld of the mages and Wad.

Any additional comments?

The story of Wad was much more interesting than the main story involving Danny. I wish the author had focused more on that aspect of the story.

Loved it

I loved this book so much I considered not listening to the last few chapters so I would have something to look forward to when I got home from work.

Underage Sexual Scene/Rape

I do not know what Card’s obsession with molestation and potential molestation of young boys is, but his scenes of it and suggesting it make this a book that I will not mention to nor discuss with any friends.

It was otherwise a good story that was well read.