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)

Always delivers

OSC always brings a great story, thoughtful, intelligent and engaging. Can’t wait to hear the sequel!

Solid!!

This author can really pump out some good books, only thought is at times storyline seems to give way to excessive details. Great book, great story, great performance... well done guys.

Nice intro to a new series.

I really enjoy the expansive nature of a series. The first book is key for me it either hooks me or not. This one has hooked me with it's good characters, interesting plots and thoughtful dialog. I like the use of the old gods of mythology it's a good twist😉. DFM

Card does it again

fun, engrossing I would listen again and share with friends and family. great book for sure.

Good story.

My first experience with OSC, though I have known of his work for years. This felt much like young adult themes and I look forward to more stiries in this world.

Wonderful Book!

I read a lot of books, and this was the best one that I have read in a long time!

erratic audio

Even while writing the review it was interrupted and wiped. During the performance the audio would suddenly stop for no apparent reason.

Other than the above I liked the book and performance.

I kept waiting to be engaged

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not particularly. I never felt attached to the characters, or the parts they played. The last hour or so of the story seemed to develop some plot, but the wait was far too long and unfortunately left me dissatisfied. I never understood where the story was going or to what it was building.

Would you ever listen to anything by Orson Scott Card again?

Sure. I read/listened to Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow and Speaker For The Dead, all interesting plots that kept me interested in where they were headed.

Was The Lost Gate worth the listening time?

Unfortunately, no. I like and want longer story's; 12-15 hours at least, because they usually need that much time to effective develop interesting characters. This story showed segments, but the plot-line moved along too slowly to keep me interested. I listened to it mostly to see where it would finish.

Best magic a Sci-fi book

So far the best book ever, starts rookie but everything entangles towards the end making a whole lot of sense, as if the gates from everywhere where puzzle pieces that form a bigger puzzle out of view! Just amazing book and amazing ending! Can’t wait to start listening to the next audiobook from this saga!

A really great book

All around fantastic. The story, the characters, and the reading. It’s incredibly engaging and playful. Highly recommend.