The Gates

A Novel

By: John Connolly

Narrated by: Jonathan Cake

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Young Samuel Johnson and his dachshund, Boswell, are trying to show initiative by trick-or-treating a full three days before Halloween - which is how they come to witness strange goings-on at 666 Crowley Road.

The Abernathys don't mean any harm by their flirtation with the underworld, but when they unknowingly call forth Satan himself, they create a gap in the universe. A gap in which a pair of enormous gates is visible. The gates to Hell. And there are some pretty terrifying beings just itching to get out....

Can one small boy defeat evil? Can he harness the power of science, faith, and love to save the world as we know it?

Bursting with imagination, The Gates is about the pull between good and evil, physics and fantasy. It is about a quirky and eccentric boy who is impossible not to love, and the unlikely cast of characters who give him the strength to stand up to a demonic power.

John Connolly manages to re-create the magical and scary world of childhood that we've all left behind but so love to visit. And for those of you who thought you knew everything you could about particle physics and the universe, think again. This novel makes anything seem possible.

©2009 John Connolly (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Only Upset When it Ended

Where do I even start? Everything about this book is fantastic, right down to the quirky narrator who managed to make it sound like each character actually had his/her own voice even though it was just him. This is the kind of dry British humour I love, and I had to struggle not to laugh out loud, as I listened to it at work and would have looked like a lunatic. A very honourable mention must be given to the character 'Nurd' (scourge of the five deities) for his ineptitude, his misplaced superiority complex, and his adorable bond to the main character Samuel. And I can't end this review without the respectful hat tip to the endlessly entertaining "footnotes" that were always hilarious and often genuinely interesting. Bravo!!

What a fun book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was suspenseful and clever. It is suitable for the young and the young at heart!

The audio performance was exceptional!

Love it!

This book reminds me of something by Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett - which is great! I’ll be looking for his next book.

Great Story!

While this may be considered Y.A., the story is very entertaining. There were many times I laughed. I also found it educational in parts, which I wasn't expecting. Great narration too!

Hysterical!

If you could sum up The Gates in three words, what would they be?

Hysterically entertaining listening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Gates?

Nerd's encounter with the policeman while driving his Porsche.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Cake’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Had not heard him before on an audiobook, although had seen him in movies. He was very good in this.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed all the way through.

Any additional comments?

I can totally imagine this as a Brit's reaction to an invasion from hell. The demons hadn't a chance.

Great book - For kids

This was a very entertaining book. I dont know if it was written for kids or for adults but it is better read for kids. Great book though for fun!

Cute

This book about demons trying to take over the world is very cute, and brought to mind Good Omens by Pratchett and Gaiman. Samuel Johnson and Boswell are wonderful heroes, and the flow of the story keeps you riveted.

Gets my vote for perfection

Quantum physics, tenderness, humor, sharp and capable children, charming demons, perfectly frightening demons, AND a loyal dog! One of my all time favorites and a thoroughly enjoyable frequent re-read.

The Gates - What a ride!

My wife and I thought this was one of the most entertaining audiobooks to listen to driving between home and work. It's a a real joy ride, and the reader is thoroughly entertaining. Great character voices!

Wonderful Vocal Performance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Recommend to adults and children who enjoy fantasy. Great vocal performance, great writing.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was fun, the voices were wonderful, slightly scary but very clever and fun.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Cake – was your favorite?

Nerd was a crack up. But they all were - from the main characters to the minor ones.

If you could take any character from The Gates out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Samuel and his dog. Definitely.

Any additional comments?

Clever mix of actual science and wild fantasy. Loved it.