The Midnight Gate

Spellbinder #2

by Helen Stringer

It's been two months since Belladonna Johnson discovered she was the Spellbinder, and she's full of questions about her powers. When a ghost finds Belladonna and her classmate, Steve, and gives them a mysterious map, the friends don't know if they should be looking for or hiding from the one person who holds the answers to Belladonna's the Queen of the Abyss. Throw into the mix that Belladonna's parents, who are ghosts, have disappeared and that her brand-new and maybe even sinister foster family seems to know more than they'll let on, and you have a sequel made of high adventure and intrigue, seasoned with affecting characters and topped with a dollop of wit.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Paranormal, Ghosts, Mystery, Adventure, Childrens

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2011

About the author

Helen Stringer is the author of the middle grade fantasy novels Spellbinder (UK title: The Last Ghost) and The Midnight Gate, as well as the novelette The Blood Binding. Her most recent novel, Paradigm, is a fast moving scifi adventure set in the not too distant future. Helen was born in Liverpool, England, and now lives in a barn in Northern California, where she reads, writes, and looks after an embarrassing number of cats.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Michelle Elizabeth]

I loved the first book in this series, Spellbinder, very intensely; I had never heard of it until I stumbled over a copy in a Goodwill shop, so it seemed like such a stroke of luck when I went into it with no expectations but finished it wanting to know everything about Belladonna (the MC).

In the end, this installment just didn't have a very tight plot and the driving force behind it lacked urgency. There's nothing compelling me forward. I don't hate this book, I've actually finished books I had more negative feelings towards. I just feel so intensely disinterested; when I finish "bad" books, I'm usually waiting for a payoff that never comes, but right now, all I can say is I don't care. I do not care. I would be forcing myself to finish this and I don't want to.

[Otchen Makai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really charming book geared towards middle school aged people, but still highly entertaining for people of all ages.
The Author, Helen Stringer, really does a fantastic job with this story and I have to say I was even more impressed with this sequel than I was with the first one. Well done!
A story full of adventure, magic, death, the underworld, multiverse/other worlds, and all kinds of creatures and fun. It even has some suspense to it!
All in all, I had to give this story 5 stars all the way around the board for youth, YA and Adults. 5 stars.
Loved this story and recommend it for people of all ages. <3

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh-em-freaking-zee!!! That was epic. I love Steve. He is awesome. And wow! Go Belladonna! That last sentence....ahh!!! Holy cow! That school! AAAhhh! Sorry. I am not really saying much about the book, am I?
K, so the story picks up few months after the whole incident with Dr. Ashe. Belladonna and Steve are back at school and...depressingly for them...everything has gone back to almost exactly as it had been before the grand adventure had begun. Life is boring, which aught to be good. Belladonna is still suffering at the hands of (can't recall her name, blast it all, but she is the blonde girl) until one day she makes a fatal mistake: she retaliates. She never imagined what that one small retaliation would lead to.
There was great character development in this book, as well as a few new faces as well. Belladonna grows on me even more, and I positively love Steve! He is amazing, and I want his ruler. Also, what exactly were they hinting at with how the Paladin is chosen? -.^ Who knows. =P But yeah, there was also a pleasing development in the relationship between Belladonna and Steve. Obviously, as I'm willing to bet you gathered from how the first book went, I'm not saying there was some out of the blue romance. I'm saying that they both realize that they are in this together and that they need to be there for the other. The only negative thing that I can think to say about them is that the don't quite ct like they are twelve. But hey, it works so who cares?
The pick up in this book might have been a little slower, but not in a bad way. The plot is developing well. I cannot wait to read the next book. There is a little more intrigue added to the plot. Who could that have been? Where could she have gone? What could possibly happen next?! The cliff-hanger at the end...I feel sorry for all people like me who read this and are now going to have to wait who knows how long to read the follow up. >.< Ah! Sorrow...
But anyway...the book was incredible. I totally recommend this to anybody who liked Percy Jackson, as well as anybody who enjoys a good story. Good characters, good plot, just enough tension to keep the book in your hands for an after you finish it wondering what will happen next, but not enough to annoy you. A jewel, I think. Thank you Helen Stringer for another highly enjoyable book. I, and I'm sure most others who read this book, am eagerly awaiting the further installments.
(*cheers* *bounces up and down gleefully* *claps and grins like an idiot* Ok, all done acting like I am a good and proper reviewer. That was awesome. C= Grazie tante Helen Stringer!)

[Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Midnight Gate starts off not too long after Spellbinder concluded and while it begins with a much slower pace, the story unfolds cleverly and with ease. Belladonna’s troubles couldn’t have ended with Dr. Ashe being carted off by The Hunt, that would have been far too easy. But her troubles double, triple, just get really, really bad. Yet Belladonna is still Belladonna. She copes remarkably well for a twelve year old girl with dead parents and an ever-mounting pile of bad on her doorstep.

Belladonna’s perseverance is one of her many characteristics that make her, and this series, stand out. She’s tough and intelligent, but still only a young girl. She knows that. She’s unafraid to ask for help, and is more than willing to accept it from her Paladin, protector, and maybe-friend Steve. Just as before, Helen Stringer puts Belladonna and Steve through the ringer and places them in more than a few unsettling positions – Belladonna’s venture into foster care being only one of them. These two are able to work through it though and, from their uproarious banter with ghost girl Elsie, a huge story unfolds.

The Midnight Gate is a bit slower than Spellbinder, but there are heaping, bountiful bouts of backstory that are captivating. The good and evil – Spellbinder vs. The Darkness – aspect jumps to life with dragons, other worlds, mythical creatures, life and death situations, and even some ancient Sumerian. The ending comes together flawlessly; with small details from the story working into a big showdown that provides the action and adventure young readers crave, but also adding to the series as a whole.

Unexpected twists and turns abound in The Midnight Gate, bringing Helen Stringer’s story about a girl who can see ghosts, into an entirely new light. Mythology runs heavy throughout the pages, leaving the ghost aspect on the backburner, to tackle the new responsibilities that Belladonna is only now realizing she has. Spellbinder is much more than just a nifty title for her and she quickly discovers that she holds a lot of weight in the fight between good and evil, light and dark. This series will entice readers both young and old, with a fantastical element that delights, characters with heart, and a strong backstory that ties each adventure together.

[Barbara Ayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Gate begins two months after the events in Spellbinder (Book 1). Twelve year old Belladonna has discovered that she is the Spellbinder, "destined to prevent the Empress of Dark Spaces from entering this realm and allowing chaos to reign." Belladonna is assisted by her classmate Steve, the Paladin who must protect her from harm. They are learning about their magical powers,stuggling to master them on their own. Belladonna's parents tragically died two years ago, but have returned to live with her as ghosts. They can talk and see each other, as well as other magical creatures. Now that her ghost-parents have disappeared, Belladonna's secret is discovered by the class bully and she is sent to live with a creepy foster family. While on a school trip to an old monastery, Belladonna and Steve meet a ghost who gives them an ancient parchment and a cryptic message about the coming of the evil Empress of the Dark Spaces. Lots of fantasy, adventure, suspense, ghosts and magic. A good scary summer read!

[Ronald Roseborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a very good followup to Helen Stringer's earlier novel, Spellbinder. In this latest episode, Belladonna Johnson, a twelve year old is wondering what comes next. For a girl who lives with the ghosts of her parents and has traveled to the Dark Side and back, life that is defined by middle school classrooms is not very exciting. Her biggest problem is how to avoid trouble with Sophie Warren, who reigns as the class bully. Trying to stay one step ahead of her isn't easy. After a run in with Belladonna, Sophie alerts child services that Belladonna is apparently living alone in her parents house. Belladonna obviously can't admit that she shares the house with her loving, but ghostly parents. When she is placed in a temporary foster home, she has a bad feeling about the older couple who take her in. While on a school trip to an old monastery, Belladonna and her friend, Steve, meet a ghost who gives them an ancient parchment accompanied by a cryptic message about the coming of the evil Empress of the Dark Spaces. As more days pass with Belladonna still in foster care, she becomes increasingly tired and haunted by bad dreams. Can these incidents be related? You'll have to follow Belladonna on her adventures to search for the answers to this and other questions. This book is fast paced, full of magic and adventure. The book should appeal to tweens and young adults. It may be a bit intense for younger children, although the lessons of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance are good for all ages.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belladonna and Steve continue their supernatural adventures in this second book. The authorities discover that Belladonna is still living at home, seemingly alone, after the death of her parents. Grandma Johnson has mysteriously disappeared. So Belladonna has no choice but to stay with her foster parents, the Proctors. But then she finds out that the building in which they live was demolished years ago, and the Proctors themselves are not what they seem. What part will Belladonna, the Spellbinder, play in their strange plans, and how can Steve, Elsie, and Belladonna stop the re-entry of the Empress of the Dark Spaces? This rich and wonderfully written fantasy will hold readers until the exciting ending. Highly recommended to those who enjoyed the first book in the series. 4th grade and up.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was almost 4 stars, because the second half moved apace, the tension was dealt with well, and the ending worked satisfyingly.
However, the amount of unnecessary waffle in the first half was highly frustrating. We don't care what the classroom looks like, who the classmates are, what Belladonna does, day to do, in minutiae in school, or the evening routines of the Proctors. This is not setting the scene, it's just describing unimportant stuff, and is a serious rookie mistake. So I hope this does not continue in other books.
So, Talia liked it, and so did I. We'll be looking for the third in the series, with a little prayer for the quality of writing.
As a side note, I wondered at the providence of the author, as the story is set in England, yet there are a number of phrases used that give away an American slant. Terms like trunk for the boot of a car, and a joke about US currency, are just not things a British cast would ever refer to. There were at least half a dozen of these, and they were niggardly, but by the final one, amusing rather than annoying.
Oh, there is an extra half-star for the mythical shizzle. Lovely to see the Sumerians and to some extent, the Babylonians featured in a story. I must say, as a parent reading this, the mythical cast were my most enjoyable parts of the story.

[Vernon Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This supernatural fantasy story of two witty teens has the ability to see ghosts or the undead. Their adventure starts with Belladonna discovering her powers. She is an orphaned child that lives with her grandmothers, but most of the time, she is the house of her parents. She is being watched, unknowingly by demonic beings, serving a powerful figure seeking to gain entry back on earth—Belladonna's friend Steve, whose parents weren't who they seemed. Steve had powers of his own, set out with Belladonna to save humanity.

I think that book is excellent for Middle schoolers or anyone who likes reading about supernatural adventures

[Annie DeLallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read and liked the first book in this series, The Spellbinder, than you'll love its sequel, "The Midnight Gate"! this author is very good at describing intense scenes, solving advanced problems throughout character's journeys, and leaving ever-lasting impressions on her readers. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, magic, and finding who you truly are.

[Melissa Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book series on Barnes and Noble Nook or was it Book Bub? Anyways I loved this series and look forward to her third book. Thank you Helen Stringer!!!

[Amita · Rating 4 out of 5]

this ended in 2012 with a plot hook for book 3 and we still haven't gotten the book 3. I think that's illegal

2022 popsugar reading challenge: A book about the afterlife

[Gem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn't interesting enuf to keep going

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best things about book blogging is that I get the occasional middle-grade chapter book to review. I don't always like them, but some of them are favorites that I'll never forget.

Spellbinder, the first in Helen Stringer's series, was delightful. Goth and quirky and funny without being condescending about any of those things and about kids who seem real, who have real problems, who make mistakes, who aren't templates of childhood perfection. Wonderful book - I gave it away immediately to a friend with a daughter.

Since I loved the first book, I was really excited to get a copy of the second, The Midnight Gate. I was trepidatious because second books aren't always where they should be. They're just hard to write well no matter who you are. Still, I plunged in and the water was fine.

The Midnight Gate is another wonderful, age-appropriate, non-saccharine kids book with ghosts and mysterious others, childhood revenge and places that aren't what they seem and a world where the environment can be turned against you. Throughout it all the friendships that remain at the center of the book are clear and strong and liberating. While no single child could overcome the obstacles set in Belladonna and Steve's path these kids prove that by working together, no obstacle can stand before them. And, by the way, adults aren't infallible (just in case you were wondering).


This is a delightful series for kids of all ages, but especially those struggling through those middle school years. Belladonna is a great heroine who suffers from being different, but perseveres while her friend Steve becomes more and more open minded about difference as the friendship grows. Scary, exciting, and funny, this book delivers.

[Sara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Harry Potter. Not in the broad sense, they aren't witches but in the smaller sense that a young child is forced into a position where they have to be so much wiser and older than their years. Poor Belladonna is still only 12 years old - this story is only months away from the previous. The adventure is far more dangerous. The sad part is that those who have put Belladonna in this position really don't care if she lives or dies, she's replaceable as the Spellbinder. She has people who love her and want to protect her but they are not in positions to really help her.
There were things I loved about this story. Belladonna and Steve take their missions very seriously but there seems to be loose ends from one book to the next. In the first book, the oracle gives them two riddles to solve and they only solve one. That second riddle doesn't come up in this book. Aside from that, it's very good.
Belladonna is forced to live with foster parents but her new family is not what they appear to be. So many things happen but I worry about spilling any of the surprises. Early on you figure there is something wrong with her foster family and you find yourself very suspicious of hot chocolate but what is going on has so many details and twists that you can't guess it all.
I love the way Helen Stringer mixes in all types of mythology. There's so many more creatures in this book than in the last one. I really need a good mythology book but that will have to wait until after I finish my growing reading pile.

[Diana Ault · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings. Perhaps the rating is closer to a three, but not a full on three. The story didn't really pick up until the last several chapters (which is where the "mixed feelings" comes in because they were pretty good); before that it was agonizingly slow and the main character was being so dim! I was very disappointed because the first book was wonderful. But this one felt less edited? Less controlled and shaped? There was a ton of "telling" rather than "showing" of emotions etc. and oh my gosh I commented out loud several times out of frustration of the main character and her lameness. She was just being so dopey and kept second guessing things and being wishy-washy and being acted upon. There was no character arc whatsoever. I did not feel this way about her in the first book which I read directly before this one (and enjoyed very much), which means the main character's personality/character actually devolved where it should have been evolving. I wish the series was really the Adventures of Steve and Elsie, and Belladonna can just go off to the side somewhere if she's going to continue to be disappointing. I am going to finish the series though, when it's available, because I like the world Stringer has created and I like the other characters. There are a few mysteries that I'm curious to find the conclusions to. And I do have hope that Belladonna gets her (freakin'!) act together.

[Kristen Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I read this: I really enjoyed reading Spellbinder and was happy to read on into the second novel.

Plot: Another intriguing plot, where Belladonna and Steve once again have to save the world from the evil powers. I really enjoyed these tales, with all of its supernatural awesome mixed with witty British humor. They go on quite the adventure with tests involved and are almost killed, quite a few times actually. And I definitely laughed when they met the Queen of the Abyss because it was completely unexpected. Most definitely unexpected. These are definitely great books that I will be putting in my elementary library for my students that love supernatural and adventure stories.

Characters: I absolutely love Belladonna and Steve and their chemistry is very funny. Steve reminds me a lot of my next door neighbor who I grew up with and liked to be around me, but when his friends were around, he'd totally ignore me. Maybe I see a bit of Belladonna in myself as well. Definitely a book full of great supporting characters and interesting villians.

Relatability: Fans of funny, spooky and adventurous stories will really dig into this series.

Cover Commentary: I like this one a lot more than the first book. It's got a perilous edge to it that I think kids will be drawn to.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like the characters in these books. Belladonna ... you can't help but sort of relate to her feeling out of place at school and with her new Spellbinder responsibilities (whatever they may be). Steve is a lot smarter than he lets on.

"Okay, yes, this could be the end of the world. But we can't worry about things we have no way of knowing. Right now we just have to concentrate on getting to the Queen of the Abyss. We'll figure everything else out later." (p 284)

That quote just stuck out at me this week. Working on being more like Steve. As it goes on to say ... "Belladonna nodded. She felt envious of Steve's ability to set things aside and just tackle the problem at hand."


Got a little confused on this one but maybe that's more because it's been a while since I read book one and I tend to read things too fast anyway. Didn't quite understand the point of calling the Hunt (foreshadowing something to do with wherever her aunt might be?) or really Sophie or the "last Palandin" in particular. Or who/what the Proctors were.

[The Book Reader Supreme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belladonna is a spellbinder, a spellbinder is a person who can see ghosts and say these strange words called The Words Of Power he/she can will also be able to become The Empress. Belladonna WAS living with her ghost parents until Some Person Called Mrs. Tattletale told the Children's Department(CD is made up but anyways)(CD) That Belladonna lives alone, because she can not see ghosts. There is this place which was already was broken down but A KERE made EVERYONE think that it's there but it's NOT. They are trying to bring back the EVIL EMPRESS! Belladonna has to get to the all knowing person but there are these seven guardians the friends in the first set but at the end there are some real bad stuff. Read the book for more info.

[Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up reading the second book first, but I found that not reading the first book didn't leave any unanswered questions. Unlike some authors, Terry Goodkind being a prime example, Ms. Stringer didn't feel the need to repeat or explain what happened in the previous book to the point where it became annoying. She would make a very brief aside which was blended into the plot, so I didn't feel like I was hearing the same information over and over again. I really enjoyed the book, even though its target audience is kids.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belladonna and Steve return in a new race to save the world. Belladonna's grandmother disappears and she is taken into foster care. Her foster parents seem nice but there are a number of unexplainable incidences. Belladonna and Steve must save the world from the Empress of the dark spaces. Elsie helps in their quest.
It is a well written book. You definitely need to read the first book to follow this one. I liked this one better than th first.
There will be more adventures to come because the ending leaves us with unanswered questions.

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the sequel to The Spellbinder, this fantasy about a boy and a girl with heavy responsibilities is, at times, confusing and always dark. Humor nearly saves the story, but the plethora of beasts with unfamiliar names in unusual settings is nearly enough to make the reader skip pages. Part ghost story and part coming-of-age, this suspense will delight many children. Others will be frightened by the themes.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

But perhaps it was always like that. No matter what time you were born in, the past always seemed simple, the present was always slightly disappointing, and the future was always just a little bit scary.

I thought this was a good followup to Spellbinder. Just a good solid story.

She's had a perfectly decent breakfast of course, but there was something about rainy days, or any days for that matter, that just cried out for sweets on the way to school.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a Goodreads win. I will definitely look for more from Helen Stringer. It is geared more for pre-teens, teens, but it is still a good read, very similar to the Harry Potter genre. I thought the characters were very well developed and the plot was very good - moving along as it should to keep one interested. I highly recommend this for a fun summer reading experience.

[Steve Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most sequels are not as well written or developed as the first novel. This is not the case with The Midnight Gate. Stringer spins another great ghost-story with Belladonna and Steve at the center of the mayhem. Danger abounds as Belladonna and Steve try to prevent evil from crossing over from the dark spaces. You will enjoy every minute of the fast read.

[Samantha Boyette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally an average good book. I think I liked it a little better than the first one. My library has these as audio books, so I hope they get more.

Both of the main kids are fun characters, they are both very capable and smart. They never get to the point of being obnoxiously too smart for their ages.

A good book for kids with some cross over appeal.

[Chithra Kaviyappilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

well.. This is my first book of Helen Stringer, I had no idea that this was a sequel to spellbinder ... :( it wasn't mentioned any where in the book though.. so I guessed the situations where there were mentioning of the past events.
this may be rather exciting for children... full of ghosts... death .. etc...

[Maeve Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Midnight Gate was a wonderful sequel to Spellbinder, and I really enjoyed it. The story continues with Belladonna, her friend from school, Steve, and her ghost friend Elsie. They set out on another adventure as Belladonna struggles with her foster family. SLIGHT GIVEAWAY!!! Major plot twist at the end though, unexpected person!!

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though it is a ypung readers book I truly enjoyed it. Now my Grand daughter is reading it and is very absorbed. There are so many things [ghosts, dragons and etc] that we both love to read about and she really likes the fact that the heroine is a little girl jjust like her.

[scarlettraces · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where oh where is the next one? I want to confirm my suspicions about Deirdre.

(Thinks: has anyone done an adult paranormal series featuring the Wild Hunt? That could be a thing. And there's lots of them, so you could keep it going for a while.)