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)

It's alright

I've been a nearly twenty-year fan of Card's, have read almost everything he's published. The Lost Gate wasn't his best. I did like it, though, but I miss classic Speaker for the Dead Card, or Seventh Son Card. He seems to have lost something... his books just aren't as deep as they used to be. Still worth a credit, so try it out if you love his other work.

Like two stories in one.

I've never read anything from Orson Scott Card before, but decided to give this book a chance. It was different, combining a thriller with sci-fi and fantasy. There are two separate stories intertwined between our world and a lost world of gods. Both stories were very interesting, and I assume they will wrapped into one story as the series progresses.

The main character of the book is a very likable boy who learns that he has magic powers, and spends much of this book learning how to use them. Other characters in the book are likable as well. Overall this was a very good start to this series.

Fun Magical Coming of Age Story

The Lost Gate is a fun little fantasy book. Like all OSC books, it's a fast and entertaining read. The book is about a boy from one of many magical "families" that are descended from the old gods.

This is not a happy friendly magical world, there are rival factions that are in an almost constant state of war. They view non-magical people as subhuman and have only slightly more respect for their own.

Although the rival factions are important plot pieces the story mostly focuses on Danny's growth and development in this world. There is also a sub plot focusing on Wad a young man who inhabits the magical counter part to Earth.

I thought the book was great. My only complaint is having to wait for the next book as this one ends in a cliffhanger. If you enjoyed Harry Potter, The Name of the Wind, or the Mistborn series you'll probably like this as well. It's not that similar but shares a few themes found in each of those works.

Well worthy of a credit!!

Please sir, may I have another

Good book. What you want and expect from OSC. Now lets have the next book!!

very entertaining

I loved Danny and I felt like I was right with him learning what powers are in him and he has such a great heart.i truly felt bad for him not being loved by his family only to find that family does not ALWAYS mean blood.andto see him turn out to be soo powerful. I soo recommend this book and cant wait to read the next in the series

loved it!

Very good! great characters, great narration. looking forward to the next book! Orson Scott Card is a master story teller.

Best scifi I have read in a long time!

What made the experience of listening to The Lost Gate the most enjoyable?

The storyline was interesting and enjoyable the whole way through. I liked the characters and way the magic was setup and explained.

What does Stefan Rudnicki and Emily Janice Card bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great reading by both Stefan and Emily.

OSC offers us another great series.

The book sucked me in. The found myself driving around my office just to hear another 30 seconds.

The plot is solid, the mythology is believable and the characters are complex enough to make me pre-order the next book.

Fantasy lovers will enjoy.

I liked it far more than I would have thought

I'm starting the second book as soon as I hit submit.

now I'm just writing extra words to fit the minimum.

A Good Beginning

This was the type of story for which I was always eager to return to listening. The two storylines were a bit distracting, but each fascinating in its own right.