Review + Giveaway – The Eternity Gate

Madi’s Musings is participating in the tour for The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs, which is hosted by Celebrate Lit.

Read on to find, in this order, more about:

the author
from the author
the book
the giveaway
the review
the tour

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

From the Author

Hello friend,

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

What part of your journey has made you stronger?
Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate.

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER

Review

Rating: 4 Stars

The Eternity Gate is a Christian fantasy tale with a hint of steampunk. It is unique and different, and the second half takes the reader for quite an adventure.

PLOT
This is where the uniqueness emerges. I’ll not say much more than that, but it truly has a plot I’ve never seen in any other book.

CHARACTERS
Seyo took a few chapters to grow on me, but I liked her as the story continued. Her bravery and loyalty, especially, were endearing and commendable.

There is a wide cast of secondary characters. Some, like Kirobo, Seyo’s father, and some of the Brotherhood, are likeable. Others, like a Certain Sir Nasty, need to be smacked over the head with a crowbar.

Geras was, perhaps, my favorite character. I really enjoyed the way Briggs spun his arc.

SETTING
The settings were vividly and clearly written, and Briggs did a good job in the worldbuilding aspect, especially since there was so much of it. It was never overwhelming and always written to where I could visualize it in my mind as I read.

FAITH/RELIGION
This is a Christian fantasy. Perhaps my favorite part about this book is the beautiful message Briggs brilliantly weaves, reminding the reader that, no matter who we are, God can use anyone for His purpose.

The Father of Light is mentioned countless times; characters pray; priests and priestesses are mentioned numerous times; a goddess is referred to; there is a shaman (the book does not condone this); it is speculated a mother prayed to demons.

This did feel a bit Catholic-like in parts, so keep that in mind as you read this book. There are prayers for the dead and at one point it is insinuated characters have to be a regular temple attendee to be saved.

VIOLENCE
Briggs handled everything tastefully and without gruesomeness.

Suicide is mentioned; characters are imprisoned; characters are whipped and it is insinuated one has received more than one round of lashing during his life; there are battles, more battles, and poisoning, and it is told us a mother harmed her daughter via fire.

OTHER
There is a fantasy word that is used often in lieu of an actual profanity. It didn’t bother me.

Different lands have gifts. While some may see this as magical, I did not and considered it merely for how it was portrayed–that they were given gifts.

The writing style sometimes falls into the “I stood. Walked.” prose form, which I am not a fan of, although I know it is growing in popularity.

CONCLUSION
With its distinctive plot, wonderful faith message, and clever worldbuilding, The Eternity Gate is sure to pique Christian fantasy readers’ interest. Congratulations, Briggs, on delivering a solid debut.

*I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive rating.