The Goblin Gate
Gr 5-8&#x2013;Beginning where The Goblin Wood (HarperCollins, 2003) ended, this story immediately throws readers into the conflict between the sorceress Makenna and her goblin band and the forces of the Hierarch, led by Master Lazur, a priest of the Realm of the Bright Gods. To escape certain death Makenna, the goblins, and the young knight Tobin fling themselves through a magical gate into the Otherworld. It soon becomes clear that there is something not quite right about the Otherworld and a plan to leave it is desperately sought. At the same time, Tobin's young brother Jeriah learns that the Otherworld is deadly to humans and that Tobin has only a short time to live if he remains there. Master Lazur has the spells to recast the Gate, but will not divulge their hiding place. Jeriah vows to find them and save his brother and in the process uncovers an incredible years-old conspiracy. Whew! The nuances of politics and the nature of good and evil are well explored in this fantasy sequel. Through Jeriah's eyes, readers learn that immense wrongs are often committed to achieve a greater good. However, this book does not stand on its own; in order to appreciate the action and intrigue, readers must be acquainted with the characters and backstory.Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI&copy; Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.