Saturday, January 1, 2011

First Book Review and Giveaway of the New Year

The Lost Gate - Orson Scott Card
Publisher:  Tor Books
Pages:  384
Source:  Received a copy from publisher
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

Blurb from Macmillan:


D
anny 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.


My Review:
Orson Scott Card has done it again.  He has created a book that is the first in a new series.
Danny North is descended from the great Norse god Odin. His family and friends all call him a drekka,  someone without powers.  But unknown to Danny he does have a power.  He has the most powerful gift ever and it can get him killed.  He has the gift of a gatemage.  This is a problem because at one time all of the  old gods (Greek, Norse, Roman, etc) lived in Westil and had the power to manipulate the humans in Mittlegard (Earth).  They have been separated from their world Westil and live in Mittlegard (Earth).  The gate between their world had been closed by a gatemage named Loki.  The gods have all agreed that if a child is born to them with the powers of a gatemage they will destroy them.  Danny must now escape and learn to use his power to protect himself.  He must learn where he fits in and who to trust.  This was a really great book and one I recommend.  However, some of the scenes in there are for an older audience than what I teach.  I am therefore giving away my ARC.

What do you need to do for the giveaway?
No you do not need to follow me to enter.  I want people to follow me because they like my content, not because they think they have an opportunity to receive a free book!


Leave me a comment with your email.  On Friday the 7th I will use Random.org to pick a winner.  I will notify you so that you can send me your address.  I will then mail you the book to enjoy.  Good Luck

8 comments:

  1. I love Orson Scott Card! Would love to win this!
    mearley1979 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks like an awesome book Thanks for the chance to win
    tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love OSC and would love to read this. bkhabel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Orson Scott Card is a family favorite! Hope I am in the running! Happy New Year, Sandy!
    Lepapillonchante@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Megan, Tanya, Kathy, MaryC, I have entered you into my Excel sheet for Friday's giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi it's me Niraj! This book sounds very exciting! Hope I can be in the running! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. This book sounds intriguing. I hope I can join the drawing! -Nirali

    ReplyDelete
  8. It sounds like an awesome book! I love books with magic! I really would LOVE to win it. Bummer if I don't.-Saray (s.p.r.ing1019@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete