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Y.I. Washington

3.5 Stars

Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2018

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I'm willing to admit that this is not my normal favorite genre. However, since I read a lot of JF Penn's non-fiction books on writing, I figured I'd read as many of her fiction novels & novellas as I could.

Penn has an excellent grasp of pacing, character development, research, fight scenes and description. Story structure and plotting are definitely in her wheel house as well.

Since this is #6 in the series, I do understand the need to repeat necessary information regarding the reoccurring characters, previous adventures and some backstory.

However, I did find some of the repetition, well too repetitive within the book itself. I also found some of the dialogue stiff, as if I were reading from a tour guide book instead of listening to two or more people discuss a certain locale, legend or historical happening.

I already have the 7th novella in the series so, I'll read it as well. I am learning practical application of a lot of what she teaches so, that's a plus.

Elisabeth Zguta

J.F. Penn wrote a wonderful story that is highly entertaining.

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2015

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This book is action packed like you would expect from any book in the ARKANE series, but this story added more than the previous. Morgan, the main protagonist, was joined once again with Jake to work a case— but this time it was personal for her.

What I liked about this plot is that more of Morgan's past, and her relationship with her father, was revealed. This added depth to her character. It also explained so much about her obsession for the truth and her insatiable appetite for religious artifacts. Another side of Morgan that the reader got a glimpse of was her ability to see and accept people for who they are. Her reaction to Jake, and her ability to accept his 'limitations', showed a caring side of her personality.
The tension was high throughout the story, as Morgan overcomes one obstacle then falls in front of another. The character of Mikael was introduced —a great portrayal of a truly faithful man, strong and heroic in an unassuming way. The idea of true sacrifice always makes for a great story, even if he becomes a tragic hero. Of course countering the good was a great villain in Adam Kadmon, another zealot.

The settings were magical, and the Houska Castle is a great choice for the finale, with the haunting stories that surround the place. Other interesting components added in this book were: flamenco nights in Seville, the Kabbalism, the Sefer Yetzirah, the creation of golem and other religious ideas.

I enjoy reading books when I learn something new, especially if done well. This book gave the reader a great value, with added goodies at the end, as well as more information on the topics discussed in the story. I recommend anyone who enjoys high adventure to read The Gates Of Hell.

Jane V. Blanchard

Best of the ARKANE series

Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2015

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Morgan Sierra, the strong, intelligent, and attractive ARKANE agent, is the main character in Gates of Hell by J. F. Penn. From the moment Morgan receives a package from her deceased father, she starts to search for answers to the encrypted message and the meaning of the Key. She discovers that her father's death was not an accident and that his killer wants to open the Gates of Hell.

The story is riveting as Morgan and her partner Jake Timber follow the clues and try to remain a step ahead of Adam Kadmon, the man trying to unleashed hell's demons.

I love the way J.F. Penn uses her experience with geography, dance, and diving to bring her books to life, making the reader feel right in the story. I could see the grandeur of the Sagrada Familia through her descriptions, feel the weights dragging me under the Dead Sea, and sense Morgan's fatigue after climbing the pillar to make a phone call.

As I've read the books in the ARKANE series, I have seen the author's story-telling skill improve. In my opinion, this is her best book to date, and I look forward to more.

i Love Reading

GATES OF HELL is another great read by J.F. Penn

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2015

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J.F. Penn's ARKANE series enthralled me from the start, each book delivering a great mix of character, history, religion, mystery and thrills. GATES OF HELL is no exception, drawing the reader into a new level of excitement. I was with Dr. Morgan Sierra during her Red Sea dive, felt her determination to exact revenge, experienced her horror at Hell's Gate.

Penn's descriptions have never been better. Beautiful Barcelona, peaceful Safed, ominous Houska are articulated in such detail that you can smell the differences. And that brings me to the one problem I have with the ARKANE series. These wonderful setups get you caring deeply for the locales and then, your heart is broken again. From the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to Castle Houska in the Czech Republic, no one destroys landmarks better than Penn.

Despite her penchant for demolition, Penn's GATES OF HELL is a must read. I enjoyed every page.

David C Taylor

Another action packed thriller from Joanna Penn!

Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2016

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One of the best stories of the ARKANE series. While this like all the other books/novellas can stand alone reading the series provides insight into Penn’s characters and the ARKANE organization. The reader gains further insight in to Dr. Sierra and her family, especially her late father – a Kabbalistic Jew - and the relationship between her parents and a Catholic Priest who has sworn to watch over Morgan and her twin.

Penn’s ability to marry various religion’s facets with history and geography while keeping true to the premise of each of the ZRKANE stores is awesome. I come away from each of these books wanting to delve deeper into ideas and historical aspects presented in the telling of the story.

Top reviews from other countries

Icy Sedgwick

J. F. Penn Does It Again

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2016

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I've been working my way through J. F. Penn's ARKANE series and while I had a lot of love for Crypt of Bone, I think Gates of Hell just became my favourite. It's the most overtly 'supernatural' of the books, and has the greatest crossover with the horror genre, which is the main genre I usually read. I won't repeat the plot since it's stated in the book summary, but sufficeth to say that Morgan's family history dovetails neatly with a plot to unleash the foulest hounds of hell. Morgan seems almost fated to be doing what she's doing, and while I do sometimes wish she'd have some kind of flaw, or actually be bad at something, she is pretty fun to read. She's been compared to Lara Croft, but there's an element of Temperance Brennan or Dana Scully in there too. Morgan's intelligent and feisty, and most importantly she's resourceful. This book marks a certain evolution of Penn's style, I felt, and I read it in one sitting! Definitely recommended for fans of religious thrillers - or just thrillers in general!

Nigel Gambles

Another winner

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2015

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I was very fortunate to receive a pre-release copy of this book and read it in a couple of days.
Having read all the previous ARKANE books this one followed the same formula but did not fail to to deliver.
This time round it finds Morgan reunited with Jake and finds them travelling to Spain after Morgan receives a letter from her long dead father. Consequently they find them thrust into the dark side of Jewish religion and the Kabbalah, travelling onward through her fathers hometown in Israel and finishing up in the Czech Republic for a storming climax.
Joanna’s attention to detail and her research into history and religion is impeccable.
Once again a brilliant read….bring on book no.7

Jean M J Rickitt

Fast and Exciting

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2015

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Another fast paced supernatural thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy Indiana Jones, or the Sigma Force novels, then the ARCANE series are for you. This book is part detective story, part thriller, part supernatural, all excitement!

derek

Wow

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2017

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Well after reading day of the vikings and then the Gates of Hell I will be looking for the next in the ARKANE series as soon as I get paid. Keep up the great writing Joanna.

Cris

Fantastic!!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2017

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Yet another masterpiece in this arkane series by Penn. I would put these books up with the popular versions and say as good if not better. A must, must, must read!!!! Can't wait for the next :)

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