The Gate to Htrae

It starts with a gate — a mysterious gate that leads nowhere. The well-wrought gate to Raz’s house, a gate built many years ago and one that has always attracted the curiosity of everyone — including young Alex. In vain, children have tried to open the gate and even the line from an old song won't do the trick. Ignoring his brother's repeated ask to go home, Alex refuses to leave without having the gate opened. But a riddle gets into his head and as he recites it, a wonderful symphony fills the air, and a golden key floats through the air and lands on his lap. Terrified but determined Alex opens the gate to be greeted by the gatekeeper, Zar, who informs him that he is chosen by Ma-I, the supreme deity of Htrae, a world like ours in another dimension. Soon, Alex is on a mission to rescue Divad, a warrior imprisoned by Htrae's infamous enemy, Natas, king of Sedah. Can Alex succeed in this mission and help Htrae to win the war against Natas and Slegna Nellaf?

The Gate to Htrae by Kerry Gough is a fascinating adventure for fans of epic fantasy and Gough has created characters that are not only complex but utterly enjoyable. The relationship between Alex and his brother, Drew, is wonderfully crafted and from the first page, readers will enjoy the banter and how the two brothers tease each other. Old Raz is an enigmatic character who offers Alex a unique gift; he seems to be the link between Earth and Htrae. This novel is crafted in gorgeous prose and peppered with sparkling, oftentimes snappy dialogues. While there are suspenseful moments and twists in plot development, the strength of this fantasy is in the exquisite world-building and the author’s exceptional handling of conflict. Gough balances the emotionally resonant with mystery to pack an outsize punch for readers. This delightful tale features intriguing characters, prose that has a spell of its own, and a world that is absorbing.