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The Gossamer Gate
Nine years ago, Khiara committed a grave offense against the fae, a crime for which she is destined to pay the price. When a faerie prince intent on revenge returns to seek retribution against her, she is pulled into the Otherworld against her will. She is given a quest: she has nine days to locate the gate that will allow her to return to the mortal world.
But the laws of the capricious fae are calculated to work against mortals and keep them trapped forever in their realm. There is temptation at every turn, and even if Khiara does not give in, there is still a chance that the devious prince will go back on his word.
For the fae may change the rules of the game on a whim, and the prince has already set a seemingly impossible condition on Khiara's quest for freedom...
But the laws of the capricious fae are calculated to work against mortals and keep them trapped forever in their realm. There is temptation at every turn, and even if Khiara does not give in, there is still a chance that the devious prince will go back on his word.
For the fae may change the rules of the game on a whim, and the prince has already set a seemingly impossible condition on Khiara's quest for freedom...
292 pages, ebook
First published October 27, 2011
8 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Wendy L. Callahan
16 books31 followersWendy is an urban and steampunk fantasy author, as well as a genealogical Nancy Drew in disguise.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 9, 2016
Gossamer Gate by Wendy Callahan is more of a “new adult” read with the heroine in her early 20’s. This is straight up Labyrinth fan fiction and even with the adult language, adult situations and the sexual promiscuity of the heroine, Khiara, who’s juggling four different men at once, I DNFed this half way through because of the blatant fan fiction style. Even when Khiara enters the Otherworld fae realm and the prince, Ronan stalks her and his brother, Liam comes along to help her, including her human best friend and her crush, Sean tries to save her, there’s barely any real action to keep this story moving along. Gossamer Gate isn’t magical or spectacular and again because it’s blatant Labyrinth fan fiction trying to be original fiction, I cannot recommend this or the $2.99 price it’s now being sold as.
December 8, 2011
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There must be something about faeries. I liked this story. It took me a tiny bit to get into it. But once we were in faerie, I was really into the story and found it hard to put down.
I must say, I found the beginning of the story burdened with descriptions that weren’t necessary to the story as not much happened inside Khiara’s shop or living quarters. But that was really my only complaint.
I don’t give spoiler reviews if I don’t have to. So I won’t say much about the storyline except it was refreshing that Khiara was a character comfortable in her own skin. She didn’t have hang ups or baggage. She followed her heart and made decisions with no regrets. I did like Josh and was sad we didn’t see more of him. I was shocked about Sean and how things turned out which is quite different than most books. I loved Liam so much and wished we had more time with Kieran. It would also have been nice to learn more about the Cat Sidhe and how it related to Khiara.
Ronan was the perfect bad guy and in a way a kindred spirit to Khiara. Both had goals and didn’t apologize for trying to attain them.
It was a really interesting read and not a predictable story at all. I was totally engaged in the story once I got into it which wasn’t that far into the story.
I look forward to reading much more from this author. I enjoy her voice and her story telling having read two of her books.
I recommend to mature audience as there is subject matter not appropriate for all ages.
October 31, 2011
Khiara is a High Priestess of a coven and has been pulled into the Otherworld by a faerie prince, Ronan, who has been waiting nine years to claim what he believes is his. Khiara has been given nine days in the Otherworld to find the Gossamer Gate which will take her back to the mortal world. This may seem an easy task but nothing in the faerie world is ever simple, as Khiara soon discovers.
The Gossamer Gate is an enjoyable quick read that tells a story about finding true love, the power of friendship and discovery of your true self. Following Khiara's journey through the Otherworld, all types of fae are introduced which makes this story action packed with plenty of twists and turns. This is a good thing because as the reader, where you think the direction of the story is heading, is not necessarily the right way. Due to the story being quite short, some of the scenes did feel a bit rushed but that aside, the story did flow and did keep me enthralled to the end.
This is a good introduction to the writing of Wendy L Callahan and I will be looking out for more of her stories in the future.
The Gossamer Gate is an enjoyable quick read that tells a story about finding true love, the power of friendship and discovery of your true self. Following Khiara's journey through the Otherworld, all types of fae are introduced which makes this story action packed with plenty of twists and turns. This is a good thing because as the reader, where you think the direction of the story is heading, is not necessarily the right way. Due to the story being quite short, some of the scenes did feel a bit rushed but that aside, the story did flow and did keep me enthralled to the end.
This is a good introduction to the writing of Wendy L Callahan and I will be looking out for more of her stories in the future.
January 22, 2012
This is a lovely tale of revenge and a nearly decade-old obsession, that turns into adventure and romance.
First of all, I would like to say that I do find the comparisons to Labyrinth to be quite erroneous. While there are some vague similarities (a girl drawn into another world and a ballroom dance), one could say the same for any adventure where a normal person is pulled into a magical world, where they meet strange creatures (from "Wizard of Oz" to "Labyrinth" and everything in between).
But there's not even a maze, no baby (the stakes are the main character's freedom alone), no goblins and no four-legged creatures (everything in the story is a faerie of some sort). So perhaps the spirit of the adventure is similar, but that's about the extent of it.
Khiara is a bit of a geek girl who likes to play D&D with her guy friends, and a long-time Witch who serves as High Priestess to her coven. It's a pretty realistic coven: none of those silly "Charmed" powers. The main character isn't gorgeous. She's more of a cute girl-next-door type.
She's also in love with her best friend, the guy who runs their gaming group. It's very, as referenced in the story, "Some Kind of Wonderful".
Unfortunately, Khiara was once (and still is) the single-minded object of a faerie prince's affection. She managed to defend herself from the prince, but he has had nine years to recover from the wound she inflicted on him in the mortal world. He returns to drag her into the faerie Otherworld, and then her adventure begins!
I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say this: Khiara meets a variety of strange faeries (not animals/creatures like in "Laybrinth", the movie that this book has been compared to, but the different types of faeries of the faerie courts. It doesn't get into the differences between Seelie and Unseelie, like Julie Kagawa's "Iron Fey", but you can definitely tell which ones are good/beneficient, and which ones are evil/malicious!).
Along the way, Khiara also meets a faerie bard, who seems to offer her help, but also appears a bit shady. She isn't sure whether or not she should trust him. Thank goodness she's not some moronic teenager who thinks, "He's cute and therefore trustworthy." ;)
Fortunately the heroine uses caution in dealing with the faeries, even though she finds herself falling in love with one of them. That is what I liked about her most - she didn't let emotions get the better of her, but still accepted that her feelings were a part of who she was; that her feelings for the bard, Liam, were growing and changing.
Though the beginning was a little slow, I appreciated the character development and definitely enjoyed the action in the Otherworld. Khiara encounters a variety of fae who challenge and test her in different ways. She even finds that the laws of the Otherworld grant her actual magical powers - the use of the element of fire. This is something that stuns her a bit and she's reluctant to use it, but learns quickly that she will need it in order to survive.
When she finally encounters the faerie prince, she is ready to face him, and say goodbye to her new friend, Liam the bard. But as she gets closer and closer to her goal - getting home - she isn't quite sure she really wants to leave...
Looking forward to more releases from this publisher's authors! <3
First of all, I would like to say that I do find the comparisons to Labyrinth to be quite erroneous. While there are some vague similarities (a girl drawn into another world and a ballroom dance), one could say the same for any adventure where a normal person is pulled into a magical world, where they meet strange creatures (from "Wizard of Oz" to "Labyrinth" and everything in between).
But there's not even a maze, no baby (the stakes are the main character's freedom alone), no goblins and no four-legged creatures (everything in the story is a faerie of some sort). So perhaps the spirit of the adventure is similar, but that's about the extent of it.
Khiara is a bit of a geek girl who likes to play D&D with her guy friends, and a long-time Witch who serves as High Priestess to her coven. It's a pretty realistic coven: none of those silly "Charmed" powers. The main character isn't gorgeous. She's more of a cute girl-next-door type.
She's also in love with her best friend, the guy who runs their gaming group. It's very, as referenced in the story, "Some Kind of Wonderful".
Unfortunately, Khiara was once (and still is) the single-minded object of a faerie prince's affection. She managed to defend herself from the prince, but he has had nine years to recover from the wound she inflicted on him in the mortal world. He returns to drag her into the faerie Otherworld, and then her adventure begins!
I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say this: Khiara meets a variety of strange faeries (not animals/creatures like in "Laybrinth", the movie that this book has been compared to, but the different types of faeries of the faerie courts. It doesn't get into the differences between Seelie and Unseelie, like Julie Kagawa's "Iron Fey", but you can definitely tell which ones are good/beneficient, and which ones are evil/malicious!).
Along the way, Khiara also meets a faerie bard, who seems to offer her help, but also appears a bit shady. She isn't sure whether or not she should trust him. Thank goodness she's not some moronic teenager who thinks, "He's cute and therefore trustworthy." ;)
Fortunately the heroine uses caution in dealing with the faeries, even though she finds herself falling in love with one of them. That is what I liked about her most - she didn't let emotions get the better of her, but still accepted that her feelings were a part of who she was; that her feelings for the bard, Liam, were growing and changing.
Though the beginning was a little slow, I appreciated the character development and definitely enjoyed the action in the Otherworld. Khiara encounters a variety of fae who challenge and test her in different ways. She even finds that the laws of the Otherworld grant her actual magical powers - the use of the element of fire. This is something that stuns her a bit and she's reluctant to use it, but learns quickly that she will need it in order to survive.
When she finally encounters the faerie prince, she is ready to face him, and say goodbye to her new friend, Liam the bard. But as she gets closer and closer to her goal - getting home - she isn't quite sure she really wants to leave...
Looking forward to more releases from this publisher's authors! <3
November 22, 2013
Well first of all let say that I really really love this book!!I just cant be leave its not more popular and more people don't give a try cuz let me say that I was pleasantly surprised about how this book is not going to be very good, anyways that's what I was thinking. I even started to read it. Well I'll just give a go! hmmm than BAUM what a shock!! when I started getting in to the book but I have to say the beginning is deceiving because it dose start out slow and that's probably where the author went wrong cuz a lot of people like books that grab from the get go and I'm one of them so when I got to about chapter 4 it picked up and I was hook. I kept thinking hmm whats going to happen next and whats is up with the mane female? her name is (Khiara) but she comes off a real do gooder and like she seams real Innocent, from my perspective but like I said the begging is deceiving ones the story picks up. You will find out that's not her at all. shes not a saint but shes not bad either but it dose get interesting with all her love interest. WOWs with all the twist and turns in the book you just don't know who shes gong to end up with, witch is a fresh of breath air cause a lot of romance that I've read have good plots and you already know caricatures and basically you may already know the out come but the books you read but it wast like that and I really haven't enjoyed a book this good in a very, very, very, very long time and I've read a lot so fare. I'm sooooo happy!!!! OK I'm babbling its late and I tend to babble when I'm getting tired and well I had to write something on this good book. Normally never do. I think this maybe my secant or third time so if I write that means I really enjoyed it. I'm definitely not a writer as you can see... sniff**
back to the book when I say love interest with out given to much away. UM to say this hmm ok I'll try. She loves her best friend but its one sided and then shes got the other 3 men to tend too. yes said 3 wink* plus one is a nut case but all of them as caricatures as a hole make this book that much bedder their is (sex) in this book but its very miner. The author doesn't go in to it and there is (swearing) but I think she may have only (swore) a few times. So I will probably say that this book is for (young adults) not *-YOUNG TEENS-* moving on...
(Khiara) all so has very good girlfriends and shes very close to them but to me she seems like when the book starts taking of, she start to push them away. I'm not sure if that's what the author intended cause the book at the begging she felt for me, real close to them not so much if you read you will see I'm not complaining I just think the author wasn't sure how she wonted to push the book, then some how she made it flow together very well, fast pace always changing it up but still making every thing flow together nicely. Just a thought I just had, I've read lots of urban fantasy and a lot of the book are fast paced and have a lot of twist and turns and not sure whats going to happen next, just saying it not labeled as urban fantasy just fantasy *rolling my eyes at my self* any ways I can say with absolute serenity I have no complaints about this book, though this is my first book by this author I'm going to try the next one on her list *all smiles* my brain is slowing down hope I didn't give to much away.
back to the book when I say love interest with out given to much away. UM to say this hmm ok I'll try. She loves her best friend but its one sided and then shes got the other 3 men to tend too. yes said 3 wink* plus one is a nut case but all of them as caricatures as a hole make this book that much bedder their is (sex) in this book but its very miner. The author doesn't go in to it and there is (swearing) but I think she may have only (swore) a few times. So I will probably say that this book is for (young adults) not *-YOUNG TEENS-* moving on...
(Khiara) all so has very good girlfriends and shes very close to them but to me she seems like when the book starts taking of, she start to push them away. I'm not sure if that's what the author intended cause the book at the begging she felt for me, real close to them not so much if you read you will see I'm not complaining I just think the author wasn't sure how she wonted to push the book, then some how she made it flow together very well, fast pace always changing it up but still making every thing flow together nicely. Just a thought I just had, I've read lots of urban fantasy and a lot of the book are fast paced and have a lot of twist and turns and not sure whats going to happen next, just saying it not labeled as urban fantasy just fantasy *rolling my eyes at my self* any ways I can say with absolute serenity I have no complaints about this book, though this is my first book by this author I'm going to try the next one on her list *all smiles* my brain is slowing down hope I didn't give to much away.
January 8, 2012
*Possible Spoilers**Same review as posted on Amazon* I must first start by saying how much I hate reading the words "Oh my Goddess!" over and over. And while that was the first thing that got my eye twitching it certainly wasn't the last. Khiara is probably one of the worst characters I have read for a while. She is a supposedly independent woman who has "given up on love"(!!!) because no one ever loves her back, but the entire book is basically guys chasing after her, rescuing her and protecting her then her crying about how she doesn't need anyone, can take care of herself, and that she won't let a guy control her.
She spouts quasi feminist ideals and strengths while being no better than the simpering Bella character in Twilight. Just another story of a girl who has everything but isn't complete until she gets a guy who will be her knight in shining armor. Another girl in love with her best friend who doesn't love her back...that is until some better guy comes along and then she totally falls in love with him! Surprise surprise. Oh yeah her amazing life affirming new love happens over the course of nine days and I'll let everyone guess about if this "strong, independent, focused, intelligent" woman continues on with her pretty much perfect life or if she can do nothing but pine for her newly found beloved boy toy. This book is perfect for 13 year old girls, a book for girls who are "hardcore" and "not like other girls" who dress sort of gothy, don't have a ton of friends (mostly guys) and are swept up in pagan-new-age BS because they really want to be unique. That is what the main character is, just aged up to be an "adult".
And for the aspects of the book which are not the annoying as crap main character, the plot was pretty boring, the world was unrefined and the characters were one dimensional. The writing style was ok though, it didn't have too many glaring errors or misspelled words and it seems that the author at least had it go through the editing process once or twice. Maybe it's my fault for expecting something other than a long drawn out teen angst romance but if you are looking for a book with any kind of real fantasy offering, or even subtlety or nuance then move along.
Khiara is basically a hot mess, just like this book. At least it was free.
She spouts quasi feminist ideals and strengths while being no better than the simpering Bella character in Twilight. Just another story of a girl who has everything but isn't complete until she gets a guy who will be her knight in shining armor. Another girl in love with her best friend who doesn't love her back...that is until some better guy comes along and then she totally falls in love with him! Surprise surprise. Oh yeah her amazing life affirming new love happens over the course of nine days and I'll let everyone guess about if this "strong, independent, focused, intelligent" woman continues on with her pretty much perfect life or if she can do nothing but pine for her newly found beloved boy toy. This book is perfect for 13 year old girls, a book for girls who are "hardcore" and "not like other girls" who dress sort of gothy, don't have a ton of friends (mostly guys) and are swept up in pagan-new-age BS because they really want to be unique. That is what the main character is, just aged up to be an "adult".
And for the aspects of the book which are not the annoying as crap main character, the plot was pretty boring, the world was unrefined and the characters were one dimensional. The writing style was ok though, it didn't have too many glaring errors or misspelled words and it seems that the author at least had it go through the editing process once or twice. Maybe it's my fault for expecting something other than a long drawn out teen angst romance but if you are looking for a book with any kind of real fantasy offering, or even subtlety or nuance then move along.
Khiara is basically a hot mess, just like this book. At least it was free.
January 21, 2012
This was a great book. I finished it within 24hrs. I loved Khiara and felt she was a strong character with just the right amount of soft emotions in her. Loved how the Author wrote her as not overly perfect, just an everyday pretty type of girl. The story kept me going and I found myself wanting her to get home but at the end changing my mind as the story folded out. She was very smart to not thank any of the fairies as that might put her in their debt. And I found myself hoping that Liam was a nice fairy and wasn't just messing with her. I wouldn't say this is an overly romantic book but definitely has stronger feeling toward the end and leaves you with a happy feeling all the same as the HEA turns out. I found myself hoping that there would be another and if the Author writes one I would definitely read it. Would recommend to anyone who likes PNR or fairies, and it has a hint of witches in it too.
November 4, 2011
The Gossamer Gate was a fun and interesting read! It kept me turning the pages and threw me into the "Otherworld" filled with many different Fae that I have never encountered in my reading, from good to evil! I know it is a good book when I feel like I am in the story and feel personally invested in these characters! Khiara is the epitome of the modern women, a woman who is completely self sufficient , yet still yearns for the man of her dreams. She is strong and feminine at the same time. I wanted Khiara to find her love and my heart went from love for Liam to irritation at his antics. I hope that there will be another book on these characters! Can't wait to read more by Wendy L. Callahan!
December 10, 2011
I just recently finished reading "The Gossamer Gate". I absolutely loved it. It's a quick but enjoyable read. Many times I felt like I was like I was "in" the story.
I was drawn into the story from the start. Khiara is our strong willed, follow her heart heroine. Following her as she is pulled into the Otherworld, the world of the Fae was one heck of an adventure. Not only was I introduced to a fantastic world, but I also learned about different types of Fae...some that I didn't even know anything about.
"The Gossamer Gate" is all about following your heart, not giving up, and finding true love where you least expect it. I highly recommend reading the book.
Looking forward to reading more from Wendy.
I was drawn into the story from the start. Khiara is our strong willed, follow her heart heroine. Following her as she is pulled into the Otherworld, the world of the Fae was one heck of an adventure. Not only was I introduced to a fantastic world, but I also learned about different types of Fae...some that I didn't even know anything about.
"The Gossamer Gate" is all about following your heart, not giving up, and finding true love where you least expect it. I highly recommend reading the book.
Looking forward to reading more from Wendy.
January 16, 2012
Kiara is a 25-year-old witch who is in love with her best friend. She also committed a crime against a Fae 9 years ago. That crime comes back to haunt her and she's forced to pay for it in a quest that forces her to travel through the Otherworld to find her way to the Gossamer Gate and on her way back home to the mortal realm. Many things tempt her, including Liam, another Fae, who acts as her protector along her journey. This book is about more then a fantasy quest, it's also a journey into her heart. It's a fun faerie book and a good romance. Considering it's a freebie, it's just a little unpolished, but I enjoyed it all just the same.
January 14, 2012
Overall this was a really fun story about a mystical journey a' la the movie Labyrinth. Khiara is snatched into Otherworld by the evil Prince Ronan and has 9 days to find her way out. The catch? She can't eat/drink anything and someone she loves must meet her at the gate. Seemingly impossible terms.
The story reminded me of the movie "Labyrinth" but was so fun that I didn't care. Heavy pagan elements and the characters always say " oh goddess" for everything but these are minor annoyances in an otherwise fun tale. Only one sex scene and it's very minor.
The story reminded me of the movie "Labyrinth" but was so fun that I didn't care. Heavy pagan elements and the characters always say " oh goddess" for everything but these are minor annoyances in an otherwise fun tale. Only one sex scene and it's very minor.
February 11, 2013
Have to say, I downloaded this book because it was free, but I would have definatly paid for it! I did really like it and I devoured it in one sitting! I love the chance to read a book from someone I've never read from and enjoy it!
April 9, 2016
Review to come
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews