The Guardian of the Gate, by Richard Blackburn
Book Review by Phillip A. Ellis
Have you read this book?
When Jenny visits Stonehenge, the chance combination of ancient Druidic
magic and being in the wrong time and place catapults her back to the
Fourteenth Century. Not only does she have to try and survive there, she
must also find her way back home, at the same time as dealing with an
evil and ambitious son of the local lord, a ruthless neighbor, and the
evil magician who works behind the scenes.
The Guardian of the Gate is the first novel of Australian author Richard Blackburn. It had previously appeared in Australia, under a related title, and it has been revised and tightened for this Canadian edition. As a result, the book is leaner, and the narrative flows smoothly and quickly.
The protagonist, Jenny, is a believably competent and ethical character. She has a strong sense of values tempered with humanity and compassion, and while she faces dangers that threaten her with death and danger, her choices and actions read consistently with her moral and ethical compass. That said, Blackburn does not use her to preach to us, but, rather, to explore her character, and the results of her choices in the context of a radically different set of beliefs and behaviors.
Although The Guardian of the Gate may initially appeal only to young girls -- it is, after all, a novel aimed at young adult readers -- it can be enjoyed by readers of both sexes and from younger readers to adults. It would be a shame for it to receive a limited audience, as it is an engaging work that entertains on a number of levels, and it is a book that encourages and rewards repeated readings.
The Guardian of the Gate would make an ideal present for readers of fantasy, and while a sequel has been published in Australia, and while Blackburn is writing a third book, it works quite well as a stand alone novel. I recommend giving The Guardian of the Gate the chance that it deserves.
The Guardian of the Gate is the first novel of Australian author Richard Blackburn. It had previously appeared in Australia, under a related title, and it has been revised and tightened for this Canadian edition. As a result, the book is leaner, and the narrative flows smoothly and quickly.
The protagonist, Jenny, is a believably competent and ethical character. She has a strong sense of values tempered with humanity and compassion, and while she faces dangers that threaten her with death and danger, her choices and actions read consistently with her moral and ethical compass. That said, Blackburn does not use her to preach to us, but, rather, to explore her character, and the results of her choices in the context of a radically different set of beliefs and behaviors.
Although The Guardian of the Gate may initially appeal only to young girls -- it is, after all, a novel aimed at young adult readers -- it can be enjoyed by readers of both sexes and from younger readers to adults. It would be a shame for it to receive a limited audience, as it is an engaging work that entertains on a number of levels, and it is a book that encourages and rewards repeated readings.
The Guardian of the Gate would make an ideal present for readers of fantasy, and while a sequel has been published in Australia, and while Blackburn is writing a third book, it works quite well as a stand alone novel. I recommend giving The Guardian of the Gate the chance that it deserves.
|
Click here to buy The Guardian of the Gate, by Richard Blackburn on Amazon
|
The Guardian of the Gate, by Richard Blackburn on Amazon
| More Books You Might Like |
Comment on The Guardian of the Gate, by Richard Blackburn
| Comments on The Guardian of the Gate, by Richard Blackburn |
| There are no comments on this book. |
