eARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Beckoning of the Gate is an epic tale of loss, evil, sacrifice, love, and friendship that culminates in a rather inclusive, mildly curious ending that has you wondering how the next book in the series will shape up.
If you're looking for a heavy read with several characters and complex villains, you won't find it here.
On the other hand, if you're used to the less distorted plotlines with easy-going (even if petulant) MCs, then you're sure to find this a lightly pleasant read.
Santha, the main character, is a chosen one of sorts. At the start of the series, she's a raw, unrefined youngling with many insecurities, flaws, and fears, the latter of which is justly founded. Quite naturally, the figurative cracks in her character are a function of a turbulent past, a tumultuous present, and a barely secure future.
Education with a respectable mentor is the best recourse for her, an option she grudgingly takes up but soon comes to see the benefit of- the beginnings of her personality transformation.
Like all pig-headed, impulsive youngsters, she learns through a combination of forceful insistence and patient doting, both attributes lavished on her by her gifted tutor.
However, the future holds much more than she ever bargained or imagined. The eldritch creatures of her studies come to life, ripping apart her entire world and forcing her to go on a life-changing, character-developing journey.
Along the way, she makes valuable friendships, gains the attention of formidable enemies, and gets caught up in the dregs of a centuries-old, dormant war involving humans and fae creatures.
All is not well, and at every step of the way, she's forced to make difficult choices, battle her relentless enemies, and conquer herself in a new war for control over her soul.
And, at the journey's end, what seems to be the only way out of her troubles, might just be what she's imagined all along...or not.
I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, so I'll have to pause here with my already-too-lengthy blurb.
There aren't a lot of characters in the book. Also, there's just one single plot thread, a surprise for me, given the book's length. I've read shorter books with more variety regarding plotlines, so it's good that the author manages to keep you intrigued all through.
The focus is on the MC's coming-of-age, LoTR-ish quest and nothing else. And, it's pretty interesting to watch Santha's character development from start to finish.
In the place of complex characters and elaborate settings, the author builds on the magic system and the world lore, both of which are done fairly well. They aren't overdone, but neither are they altogether uninteresting.
Only once do we ever get into an actual city, but even then, the scenes are very memorable. Perhaps, subsequent books in the series will explore this aspect more...
All in all, the book is a rather pleasant read. It's not going to set your heart pounding in anticipation at every turn, but it's well-written enough to ignite your imagination.
