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)

Well that was....different?

I'm a total newbie when it comes to OSC's stuff. I only recently heard another book from him a few months ago also read by Stefan Rudnicki and I liked it. I got this for free so I thought, "well ok, let's try this out." The reviews weren't impressed but I went for it anyway. The book feels like it was written by two different people. No, it's not also because it's been read by two different people, I mean even in just Danny's half of the story.

So beginning this book, I thought Danny's powers are cool and I was actually kind of excited to see where this was all going. I found Danny likable, even when he was with Eric. By the way,the sex talk is not what I was expecting. I read it in the other reviews but experiencing it is a whole 'nother level. That's one point I have about it being two different authors: This story feels like it should be Middle Grade but it goes to young adult and beyond in 15 seconds.

It's after Danny leaves Eric (Sorry, spoilers), the story kinda disconnects. Danny starts trying to learn about his powers and proceeds to barely learn anything for six hours (audiobook time). I like how everything comes together in the end, but did we need to sit around for nine or ten hours to get to it?

I don't think I'll be getting the sequels from what I read in reviews. I'd like to hear how this goes on but it doesn't seem worth continuing.

Fantastic

This story intrigued me so much it entered my dreams some nights. I truly love the characters and the wonderful things they were capable of. Looking for a new read by Orson Scott Card.

Slow start.

I’ve had this book in my library for several months and finally decided to read it. I don’t know if I expected too much from it but when I started listening I felt a little bored, slightly uninterested. The beginning seemed slow and lacking but as the book progressed I found myself wanting, needing to know what happened to the main characters. The story flow is great and I see now that without the beginning, the middle and end wouldn’t have snatched my attention. I can’t watch to continue the story and listen to the next two book.

Ignore all the bad Reviews, this was a good book

Contrary to the Negative reviews, I found this book a good speed in progression, interesting enough that I didn't want to stop reading it, the magic system was interesting and different that it was enjoyable to hear about, and I had no problem with the secondary story being told as it all fit together in the end and I loved the plot twist. So if you are reading the reviews about how (O this wasn't so great) just ignore them. If you like magic and enjoy the thrill of discovering forbidden secrets and then learning why you shouldn't and why they are forbidden, this a great book. After completing the book I think that the bad reviews are from people who don't normally like Fantasy books and read this thinking it was something else.

Exploring a world of mages

As usual a great book by Orson Scott Card. There are interesting twists and surprises for sure. Looking forward to the sequel.

More of same

If I had not read any of the Ender universe books, I would have been more entertained by this rational-fantasy story. A brilliant, articulate, adult-savy kid outsmarts the world. This time he is 13. Stefan Rudnicki is a great narrator of cold, logical sci-fi, but I can't feel the emotion that a fantasy story ought to carry. Four stars, but three would more accurately reflect my emotional reception.

Absolutely amazing

not a single series I've loved more. Thak you Orson Scot Card, rest in peace.

Story takes a long time to become engaging

My advice: Be patient. You will eventually get hooked and be glad you stick with it.

Great story. Way too much sexual content

The story is so enticing, imaginative and captivating. But the sexual content ruins it for me.

Amazing

Simply Amazing. Just Amazingly Great. I’d suggest to anyone over 12. 5 more words required.