The Lost Gate

by Orson Scott Card
The Lost Gate cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Fantasy
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  • ID: 6413
  • Added: 2025-11-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-16
  • ISBN: 9781429993418
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2011-01-04
  • Reviews: 3

Danny North grows up in a secluded mountain home with his eccentric family, who possess the ability to create magical beings like fairies and trolls. While his cousins excel in their magical talents, Danny struggles to find his own, feeling isolated and different. The family lives by strict rules to hide their abilities from outsiders, but Danny soon uncovers secrets that have been kept from him, setting off a chain of events that will have dire consequences for the North family. The story explores themes of identity, family secrets, and the consequences of hidden powers./n/nThe Lost Gate is the first book in the Mithermages series by Orson Scott Card, the bestselling author of Ender's Game. The novel blends elements of fantasy and family drama, with a unique take on magic and its impact on those who wield it. As Danny navigates his family's complex world and the expectations placed upon him, he must also confront the reality of his own place within it.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-16
interesting 3.00

The world-building is intriguing, but the characters are unlikable. It's a fun read despite its flaws.

The reviewer found the blend of ancient gods from various religions in Card's new world to be quite interesting. However, they felt that the characters were all rather unlikeable, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. Despite this, they considered it a fun read, appreciating the unique setting and the adventure it offered. The reviewer's opinion was that while the book has its flaws, it's still an entertaining read that stands out for its creative world-building.

Quick quotes

    Card's new world that blends all ancient gods from all ancient religions is quite interesting

    the characters, however, are all rather unlikeable

    Fun read

Inspire Thoughts · 2018-06-03
enchanting 4.00

An enchanting and exciting adventure that leaves readers wanting more. The pacing is well-done.

The reviewer described The Lost Gate as an enchanting and exciting adventure that keeps readers engaged. They praised the pacing, noting that it smoothly takes readers along with Danny North between two worlds. The reviewer found the story compelling and left them wanting to read more, indicating a high level of enjoyment and engagement with the narrative. The overall impression is that the book is a thrilling and well-paced adventure that captivates its audience.

Quick quotes

    An enchanting and exiting adventure that the readers follow along with Danny North between two worlds

    leaving readers wanting to read more and more

    The story is a mature and well thought through one

Metaphorosis Reviews · B. Morris Allen · 2015-01-01
rushed 3.50

The writing feels rushed and not up to Card's usual standard, but it's largely good.

The reviewer noted that the writing in The Lost Gate feels rushed, which is evident from an afterword indicating the same. They felt that the writing is largely good but not up to Orson Scott Card's usual standard. Despite this, they acknowledged that the book has its merits and is largely enjoyable. The reviewer's opinion was that while the writing could have been better, the book is still a good read, especially for fans of Card's work.

Quick quotes

    The writing in The Lost Gate, unfortunately, is not up to Card's standard

    It's largely good, but feels rushed

    The writing is largely good

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