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)

Entertaining story spoken with pleasant voices

I enjoyed The Lost Gate. I thought the story was well thought out and organized. I thought the author did a great job writing it as well. But, I thought the narrators really brought it to life, especially Emily Janice Card. Her voice completely welcomed me into their world, wanting to know and understand the culture and the character's (Wad) personality. Also, despite how much I wanted to hate the queen for her manipulative ways, Emily's voice still made me end up liking her to some extent. To me, that is a sign of a great narrator. Stefan Rudnicki did a great job as well. Although, I must say I did often forget that Danny was supposed to be a 13 year old kid for over half the book. Stefan's husky deep voice does not fit that age to any degree. He still did a great job reading, though. Perfect pace, perfect voice adaptations and overall intriguing story deserves a recommendation. I'm looking for to the sequel.

Engaging story

This is an engaging story combining old world magic and mythical God engagements with human society. The story is enticing and I'm ready for the next in the series.

I was not so thrilled with the male voice, Stefan Rudnicki. A wonderful bass pitch, yet I felt he could have been more engaged and less concerned with precision reading. While pronunciation is important, please don't forget to also 'feel'. At times, his reading was almost monotone with precision.

Pretty good

I like. Both Stefan Rudnicki and Emily Janice card do a great job. Sometimes Emily gets a bit distorted. I think the gain was just a bit too high, and so sometimes it hurt my ears a bit.

Moving to book 2 :)

Wonderful worlds, fun book to travel in

I had my ups and downs with my opinions and thoughts. I look forward to learning more about the worlds in the next book.

It's ok.. Orson card teen fiction

Strange.. Orson thinks this is one of his strongest books. I totally disagree. While magical and full of depth... It was just mediocre for me. Felt like teen or young adult fiction

Good start to a series.

This book sets a foundation that can grow and gain momentum in future writings. Well written as usual.

Not just for young Adults

The depth of the mystery and intrigue kept me listening for hours at a time. Danny and his friends are all very deep and complex and no one is innocent or completely evil.

Is Magic real

I like the Way it turned and twisted and I didn't like the way now some characters are its something

let me explain

and explain the hell out of and grind into the dry gray gravel of a well trod path one damn idea at a lengthy horrible over extended period .

Awesome!!!

Wonderfully done. Excellent writing. Enjoyed the afterword too! Definitely will keep going with this one.