Review - Gates of Hope by JE Hannaford

 

This is my first review of the SPFBO X competition finalists books. Gates of Hope by JE Hannaford is an engaging story with more than a dash of the fantasy epic about it. There is a deceptively large amount of world-building behind it within the land of Caldera. It is dominated by craters after an event called The Rending, in which people dwell in areas named semiclaves. Their world is bound up with the ancient history of the Aulirean Gates, and conflict with the race called awldrin, which sealed the gates closed. And beyond their settled areas, the Edgelands and threats like the dangerous flying xotryl creatures are encroaching 

It follows the viewpoints of three main characters. Darin is a young man who finds himself apprenticed as a So'Dal, an organisation of magical healers whose abilities centre around the use of special plants. However, he finds himself also bonded to a moonhound, enchanted beasts with the power to communicate telepathically and walk through dreams. And when Darin then finds himself involved with a hidden, elite group of men, his adventures truly begin. 

Suriin is also a young apprentice So'Dal on the same world. She must deal with the fate of her father who was unfortunately poisoned while on a journey. Suriin's impetuous nature and good intentions affect a difficult choice she must make. Lastly, the third POV character, Elissa, is from a separate world, Tebein, which has been harshly oppressed by the sinister race of the awldrin. Her decision to leave her harsh home community of DragonsBreath to join another society, based on harmony and understanding, has tragic but also, ultimately hopeful consequences. 

I found the magic system of Gates of Hope unusual, based as it is around music, dreams, plants, wefts and...whistles?! The story and characters are engaging, and the moments of youthful elation we experience with Suriin and Darin were some of the most enjoyable for me. But I also thought it could have done better with some more driving plot force and momentum. There were some sections that seemed a bit indulgently cosy, and rather a lot of time is spent on the characters' own inner thoughts and musings. Anyway, it's a promising start to a series.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

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