Book Review: Gateway by Christina Garner

Friday, July 8, 2011

Gateway by Christina Garner
Publication date: 17th May, 2011
Source: Thanks to Christina Garner

Ember has always known she doesn't belong in this world. But when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution.

She's soon drawn to Taren, the mysterious boy with hazel eyes. He's not what he seems, but what is he?

When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret that Taren has been keeping brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to... the Gateway.

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "I felt changed, soiled by the brutality of all I'd witnessed.  Something had finally replaced teenage girls on my list of most heinous, and I didn't even know what to call it."

Gateway is good.  Really good.  I enjoyed everything about this novel - the strong writing, the believable characters, the captivating plot and the subtle but sweet romance.

Garner has written an impressive debut.  Her writing is quick and engaging and the plot has quite a few surprising twists.  Like I completely didn't see that coming twists and I mean none of them.  And that is a hard thing to find these days.  I really got caught up in this enthralling and convincing world and finished it within 24 hours.

Gateway is not all paranormal.  At the start of the book Ember wakes up in a hospital after an attempted suicide.  So it does deal with some serious issues briefly adding some more emotional depth to the story but it isn't a depressing read.  It is still more of action-packed, mysterious type of story.

The characters are well rounded and well written.   Ember, the main character, struggles with being different.  She has a genuine narrative making it easy to relate and connect with her.   While Taren is an intriguing character.  He is the type of guy that is the first one there if anybody needs anything.  Just a great guy.

There is a touch of romance between Ember and Taren.  They have plenty of tension that builds up nicely as the story goes.  It definitely has you eagerly reading to see if these two will act on their attraction.

Overall, Gateway is a exceptional dark and appealing paranormal novel.  I can't wait to read more of this world.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 - I love the simple black and grey art style cover.

For more info:  Visit Christina Garner's website.

Note: Gateway is available on Barnes & Noble, Smashwords or Amazon for only $2.99!!!

18 comments:

Ange said...

Great review! Sounds like a good read. I really like the cover to this book as well, just like you said: SIMPLE!

Leanna Elle said...

This sounds pretty good! I've never heard of it before now!

Steph: Short and Sweet said...

Nice review :) It sounds pretty good! Looks to me as if Garner is a good writer. Should check up on that :)

Jenny said...

I haven't heard of this one before but it sounds so good! I like that there's just a touch of romance, I live for slow-building tension:) I take it this is going to be a series?

Savannah said...

Very interesting! I love the name of the book surprised that is not a paranormal, but still its sounds great!

Alix said...

I do love a book that can surprise me, this one sounds very interesting. Thanks for the great review

Anonymous said...

ohhh it sounds good too...but that cover, yeah that screams not so good...(lol)

bibliophile brouhaha said...

I just saw another positive review for this elsewhere the other day, and it does sound very good! I like the suspenseful kind of stories - they're always the ones that make you keep reading!

-Linds

Missie, The Unread Reader said...

Now I'm so curious to know what Taren is. I love how you described this story as more than paranormal. It does seem very emotional and dark.

You really have skills Nic. You have a knack for finding hidden gems.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Not all paranormal... hm... And what is Taren? Ember also sounds interesting. See, you can evil laugh with out actually evil laughing! I'm so curious. Great review!!

Anonymous said...

It sounds really good!! :D I like the idea of it!
:) I'm going to add it to my list :D

Kristi The Book Faery said...

I haven't heard of this one yet, I'm so glad I stopped by today!

I loved your review, Nic and you've introduced me to what looks like a great new book!

Thanks for the honest and insightful review! I'll get back to you when I finish it!

Kristi

Audrey (holes In My brain) said...

Awesome review! I like the idea of an action-packed mystery story, even if I don't really read too much paranormal. And "The Gateway" sounds so ominous!

Jenny N. said...

Nice review! I don't think I've ever read a book in 24 hours.

A Canadian Girl said...

I haven't heard of this one. A lot of times I'm able to guess some of the big reveals so it's good to know that you had no idea what was going to happen. Well-rounded characters and a hint of romance makes this one sound even better. Adding it to my wishlist now :)

Nina said...

I never heard of this one, but it sounds really good. It got me wondering what the secret is and where she comes from. ;)

Small Review said...

I probably would have passed right by this one based on the cover. So glad I read your review! I especially love it when books surprise me.

Jess - The Tales Compendium said...

oooo Nic this sounds great!

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