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)

Awesome!!!

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

Enjoyable, easy read.

Well developed characters. Easy to listen to while driving or walking. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Creative World

This book has a very unique explanation for earth history, magical creatures, God's of lore, etc. The concept is intriguing and the story line interesting. Creating portals reminded me of the Jumper movie, but with some additional twists. Overall enjoyed the book.
My big beef with it was some unnecessary language and sexuality. One part with this had to do with the plot, but the other could have been left out completely including a brief part where a girl not wearing much attempts to molest a young boy before others pull her off. Totally unnecessary for the rest of the story! There is also language akin to Battle School in Ender's Game. Again, not necessary.

Good story

Started off a little slow and difficult to follow, but picks up significantly by chapter 2.

Unique Story

So, I havent come across a story like this one... yet. The Lost Gate starts off ok, fairly easy to follow. The author started to lose me when he introduced the Gate Thief - or more specifically, how he introduces the Gate Thief. I had a hard time understanding how the Gate Thief fit into the story. Ultimately, the book had me hooked enough to invest into book 2.

fabulous

It's a decent opening to a wonderful world of possibilities. The characters grow like westillian flowers before you.

So Fun!

What did you love best about The Lost Gate?

I really was able to lose myself in this story. So imaginative!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not sure really I honestly loved them all you couldn't of had the same story without any of them.

Have you listened to any of Stefan Rudnicki and Emily Janice Card ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes stone father and if you like this story you'll love stone father

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was but it was too long but i would of been happy to of sat and stare at the wall while listening to it all day

Any additional comments?

Kinda like Avatar but different

Orson Scott card

Orson Scott card, do I really need to say anything more than that at all.

I enjoyed it

to many details in the story but it's nice. I will continue reading the other books

As good or Better than Enders Game

Great story; believable characters the start of another great Epic. Nice twist on all the old myths. Instead of same ole we have been getting like Percy, Red Pyramid etc.