The Lost Gate

How nice to be sucked into a book, particularly by Orson Scott Card. This is not really a SciFi, but a fantasy. I am not entering any debates on their differences.

The plots and characters are clever and vivid. Orson had a very well-constructed set-up. Gods, as in Olympia, are really aliens from far away planets. We, mortal earthlings, are either their descendants or a version that is inter-breedable. Gods are genetically capable of manipulating elements: water, dirt, wind, plants, or even animals by separating the soul, or outself, as means for control. Everyone has an affinity for specific elements and also a strength of control. The most precious affinity is with space: the ability to create gates, or worm holes, that tunnel two points in space to allow instantaneous travel across distance. The most powerful gatemages can create Great Gate that leads to gods’ planets.

Alas, mysteriously, a Loki closed every gates in the world in 632 a.d. and stranded all those gods who happened to be on earth then. Gradually, probably through genetic diversification, their power weakened. Their only hope is to get back to Olympia via a Great Gate. But factions of those earth-bound gods were at war and would prefer mutual destruction than letting any of them get ahead by having a Great Gate. As a result, they killed all those who showed signs to be able to create gates. This stalemate, an inability to work together for common benefit, guarantees total oblivion: the future generation will become mortals, called drekka by gods, just like the rest of us.

Danny is the first gatemage in 1500 years that survive to teenage. He fled his Amish-like family and became a run-away kid. Like everyone, he was also looking for parental love, friendship, and, of course, girls.

Loki closed those gates to prevent a horrible monster from destroying the world. The year was specifically 632 a.d., when Muhammad died. Hmm…

Orson, I think, wrote this book for young adults, Harry Potter style. He really over-played the prankstering, trickeries, and the teenage verbal jousting. The friendship, parental, and other kinsman emotions were superficial. The training process lacked intensity or any struggle. I actually enjoyed the parallel plot of Wad no less than the main one.

Overall, it is a story masterly told and an easy read.