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The Marenon Chronicles #2
The Gatekeeper
Silas Ainsley is desperately searching for the Gatekeeper, but the relentless Stühocs are attacking villages, and an assassin is tracking his every move, making it impossible to find the one with all the answers about who he really is.
Meanwhile, after learning that the Dunarian Council has been compromised, Julian Hobbes scours Marenon for the truth about how deep their corruption runs, but the truth will cost innocent lives.
On the other side of Marenon, in the desert city of Voelif, Nalani leads Alric and Coffman in an attempt to steal the orange medallion of power. There they learn of a weapon that threatens to destroy them all.
The war is escalating quickly, and all of them are running out of time.
Meanwhile, after learning that the Dunarian Council has been compromised, Julian Hobbes scours Marenon for the truth about how deep their corruption runs, but the truth will cost innocent lives.
On the other side of Marenon, in the desert city of Voelif, Nalani leads Alric and Coffman in an attempt to steal the orange medallion of power. There they learn of a weapon that threatens to destroy them all.
The war is escalating quickly, and all of them are running out of time.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2012
30 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Jason D. Morrow
30 books179 followersJason D. Morrow is the author of the Prototype D series, The Starborn Ascension, The Starborn Uprising, and The Marenon Chronicles. He enjoys playing guitar, shooting videos, and spending time with his lovely wife, Emily.
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
Currently writing: The Starborn Redemption
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 9, 2012
The Gatekeeper is the second book of the Marenon Chronicles.
If you enjoyed the first book, you are sure to enjoy this second, I know that I did.
Two days ago, I started book one, The deliverer. I enjoyed it so much that before I even finished it, I bought The GateKeeper off Amazon with the plans to start reading it next week, but ended up jumping right into it the following morning.
The story picks up 3 months after the ending of the first book, The Deliverer. It follows the continued endeavors and personal growth of the people of Marenon; the rebel group (Dunarian Council) in its efforts to collect the remaining medallions so that they can activate the Map of Marenon, Julians internal struggles as he assumes the thrown as the King of Marenon, and Silas and his closest friends as they set out to find the Gatekeeper to learn more about the prophecy.
I loved the way the story was written in multiple points of view, transitioning from one groups adventure to the next. Building up the suspense so much you want to skip ahead to see what will happen to that party next, but your so excited to get back to the other group to find out what is happening that you just can't skip ahead.
Many of the same characters return from the first book. And just in case you, too, were wondering what happened to Dink from the first book, did he find his wife... well you are going to find out.
Although they each are going about it differently, the three groups are striving towards a common goal to stop the Stühocs from taking over the land of Marenon.
Just as in the first book the characters struggle 'to do the right thing'. Sometimes they choose the right path, but other times they fall into the darker side of humanity. I found myself wanting to excuse certain behaviors because I liked that character, while at the same time saddened that the character had fallen short of personal growth, proving once again that 'pride comes before the fall'.
While this book answers a fair amount of questions, the story in no way is resolved at the ending.
Note to Jason Morrow, you best be writing at this very moment boy, I am not known for my patience and I just gotta know whats happening to them right now.
I recommend this book (series) to High Fantasy, Suspense, Adventure fiction book lovers.
If you enjoyed the first book, you are sure to enjoy this second, I know that I did.
Two days ago, I started book one, The deliverer. I enjoyed it so much that before I even finished it, I bought The GateKeeper off Amazon with the plans to start reading it next week, but ended up jumping right into it the following morning.
The story picks up 3 months after the ending of the first book, The Deliverer. It follows the continued endeavors and personal growth of the people of Marenon; the rebel group (Dunarian Council) in its efforts to collect the remaining medallions so that they can activate the Map of Marenon, Julians internal struggles as he assumes the thrown as the King of Marenon, and Silas and his closest friends as they set out to find the Gatekeeper to learn more about the prophecy.
I loved the way the story was written in multiple points of view, transitioning from one groups adventure to the next. Building up the suspense so much you want to skip ahead to see what will happen to that party next, but your so excited to get back to the other group to find out what is happening that you just can't skip ahead.
Many of the same characters return from the first book. And just in case you, too, were wondering what happened to Dink from the first book, did he find his wife... well you are going to find out.
Although they each are going about it differently, the three groups are striving towards a common goal to stop the Stühocs from taking over the land of Marenon.
Just as in the first book the characters struggle 'to do the right thing'. Sometimes they choose the right path, but other times they fall into the darker side of humanity. I found myself wanting to excuse certain behaviors because I liked that character, while at the same time saddened that the character had fallen short of personal growth, proving once again that 'pride comes before the fall'.
While this book answers a fair amount of questions, the story in no way is resolved at the ending.
Note to Jason Morrow, you best be writing at this very moment boy, I am not known for my patience and I just gotta know whats happening to them right now.
I recommend this book (series) to High Fantasy, Suspense, Adventure fiction book lovers.
April 12, 2012
Decent Book. The character development in this book is more interpersonal than personal. Yes there is a fair amount of character development in continuing with the first, but a greater note goes to the three couples in the book, one failing, one rising, one sustaining. Many of the questions that the first book left us with were answered in the second, with more left unanswered. The world is more deeply developed, however the duality between the two worlds is now completely lost. There is still mention of life outside Marenon, but no continuity there. In this book there are some rather deep non-ethics philosophical points regarding perception and rationality. When I started reading this book, I expected it to pick up right where the other book left off, instead it picks up three months later. It's therefore a bit of a disappointment that it ends in such a cliffhanger.
My ratings.
Character Development 7/10
World Setting 8/10
Philosophical Points 7/10
Authors Intent and Consistency 7/10
average/ overall 7.25/10 or 4/5
My ratings.
Character Development 7/10
World Setting 8/10
Philosophical Points 7/10
Authors Intent and Consistency 7/10
average/ overall 7.25/10 or 4/5
June 4, 2012
This is the second installment of the Marenon Chronicles; a trilogy by Jason Morrow. As I have said before on this blog, I'm always worried about the second book in a trilogy. The second book is usually the worst book of the lot and I cringe when it comes to it. However, this book was a glorious exception to that notion.
The Gatekeeper is a fantastic followup to "The Deliverer". It keeps the story moving at a break neck pace that keeps you turning pages long into the night. I loved this book from beginning to end. There was no long drawn out sections where you could tell that the author was just trying to fill up space on the pages. The characters didn't become stagnant as some are prone to do in second books of trilogies.
In this book we see Silas and his companions continuing their quest for the six medallions that they believe will bring peace to Marenon. Along the way Silas is also trying to embrace his role as the "deliverer" of Marenon. There are some unlikely twists and turns in his role as the "deliverer" during this book and I'm excited to see how Jason continues this plot line in the third and final book in this trilogy. There are also a lot of players involved in the quest for retrieving the medallions. I have so many different ideas in my head for how this could end that I'm excited to see how Jason wraps it all up.
Overall I would say that Jason Morrow has crafted a trilogy that is a must read for lovers of the fantasy genre. If you haven't picked up these books or heard of Jason then it's time to start reading his books and finding out what he has to offer. I give this book two thumbs up.
Overall rating: 5/5
The Gatekeeper is a fantastic followup to "The Deliverer". It keeps the story moving at a break neck pace that keeps you turning pages long into the night. I loved this book from beginning to end. There was no long drawn out sections where you could tell that the author was just trying to fill up space on the pages. The characters didn't become stagnant as some are prone to do in second books of trilogies.
In this book we see Silas and his companions continuing their quest for the six medallions that they believe will bring peace to Marenon. Along the way Silas is also trying to embrace his role as the "deliverer" of Marenon. There are some unlikely twists and turns in his role as the "deliverer" during this book and I'm excited to see how Jason continues this plot line in the third and final book in this trilogy. There are also a lot of players involved in the quest for retrieving the medallions. I have so many different ideas in my head for how this could end that I'm excited to see how Jason wraps it all up.
Overall I would say that Jason Morrow has crafted a trilogy that is a must read for lovers of the fantasy genre. If you haven't picked up these books or heard of Jason then it's time to start reading his books and finding out what he has to offer. I give this book two thumbs up.
Overall rating: 5/5
June 13, 2012
The Gatekeeper
Book Two of The Marenon Chronicles
By Jason D. Morrow
We return to Marenon in the midst of the war between the Stuhocs and the citizens of Marenon. Silas Ainsley is searching for the gatekeeper in hopes of finding out more of the prophecy that has led to him being the chosen one and find out what exactly he is supposed to be the deliverer of. While this is happening Nalani, a member of the Dunarians, is trying to retrieve the orange pendant from the Nestorians and newly appointed King Jullian Hobbes investigates the corruption within the Dunarians. With all that is happening each character goes through their own individual struggles some more so than others but in the end will what they face bring them any closer to being able to defeat the Stuhocs once and for all?
So much happened in this book I don’t think I did it justice in my brief synopsis. In this book we travel to new places within Marenon and we watch as Silas falls in love, insert girly sigh here. This was definitely a great continuation of the previous book but if you haven’t read the first one you may want to go back and familiarize yourself with the players thus far, the story is very intricate and so far has been a fantastic fantasy series. I loved the progression of Jullian after the death of his brother in the last book I honestly didn’t expect what happened to him and I found it quite entertaining to read, of course I can’t tell you more than that otherwise it would spoil it so I suggest you read it and find out!
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
Book Two of The Marenon Chronicles
By Jason D. Morrow
We return to Marenon in the midst of the war between the Stuhocs and the citizens of Marenon. Silas Ainsley is searching for the gatekeeper in hopes of finding out more of the prophecy that has led to him being the chosen one and find out what exactly he is supposed to be the deliverer of. While this is happening Nalani, a member of the Dunarians, is trying to retrieve the orange pendant from the Nestorians and newly appointed King Jullian Hobbes investigates the corruption within the Dunarians. With all that is happening each character goes through their own individual struggles some more so than others but in the end will what they face bring them any closer to being able to defeat the Stuhocs once and for all?
So much happened in this book I don’t think I did it justice in my brief synopsis. In this book we travel to new places within Marenon and we watch as Silas falls in love, insert girly sigh here. This was definitely a great continuation of the previous book but if you haven’t read the first one you may want to go back and familiarize yourself with the players thus far, the story is very intricate and so far has been a fantastic fantasy series. I loved the progression of Jullian after the death of his brother in the last book I honestly didn’t expect what happened to him and I found it quite entertaining to read, of course I can’t tell you more than that otherwise it would spoil it so I suggest you read it and find out!
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
February 11, 2013
This middle book of the Marenon Chronicles sends Silas off on a classic quest to find the Gatekeeper. Meanwhile politics, war, and deviously devised misunderstandings test the humans of Merenon almost to their limits. Young love faces the twin frustrations of ancient evil and divided loyalties. Readers delve into the depths of internal dialog. Betrayals loom at every corner, and leisurely explanations occasionally confuse. But the quest is well-plotted and the story’s hard to put down. An intriguing take on death and second death adds mystery to the tale, and I enjoyed the sense of completion at the end... and the feeling of gathering storms of war promising more in the conclusion.
Disclosure: I was given free ecopies of these three books by the author and I’m sorry it took so long to read them. I enjoyed them all.
Disclosure: I was given free ecopies of these three books by the author and I’m sorry it took so long to read them. I enjoyed them all.
May 24, 2012
Good book, can't wait for the 3rd one
May 27, 2012
Can not wait till third book comes out which hopefully will be in June of this year..
May 18, 2021
Marenon - Gatekeeper
After striking a big blow against the Stühocs, our heroes find out the enemy isn’t as weakened as they thought. The group attempts to divide and conquer but nothing goes according to plan and everything ends up much worse then when they started.
I can’t get over how small Marenon is. I am also surprised how every plan is to wing it and figure it out in the moment, prolly why things don’t work out so well. It will be interesting to see how they turn things around and save Marenon.
After striking a big blow against the Stühocs, our heroes find out the enemy isn’t as weakened as they thought. The group attempts to divide and conquer but nothing goes according to plan and everything ends up much worse then when they started.
I can’t get over how small Marenon is. I am also surprised how every plan is to wing it and figure it out in the moment, prolly why things don’t work out so well. It will be interesting to see how they turn things around and save Marenon.
September 4, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
March 24, 2023
⭐️3.5⭐️
January 16, 2023
This set of 3 books is surprisingly original and interesting to read. While some common tropes exist in all fantasy-type books, this novel kept those to a minimum. The characters continue to flesh out and grow from the first book, and the story continues to be a motivation to finish the set.
July 2, 2012
Ah! A little late but finally found the time to read it! :D And i'm so happy it as good as the first one.
Now we all know Marenon and the characters, the author goes continues the story (of course there are explanation just in case you forgot something). So this time you are getting straight into the action and the war, following once again all the characters from before. The writing stays light in a way that most epic fantasy books aren't. I usually have problems read epic fantasy in English fast and all at once, but this time i read Gatekeeper and the next one exactly after. Not only that but i felt that i could read more.
Even though at the previous book you get to know all the characters a lot, in this one you still learn new things about them. Something that showed me how well they change and adapt to the story, revealing more about them when it was right.
Silas is an amazing character! At the start of the story he was doing some stupid things, but after what happened at the end of the 1st book he matured and he continues to understand himself and the world better every time. It's so easy to connect with him, because he is one of those heroes that remind you of your best friend, the boy next door. I loved, LOVED his scenes!
If someone really annoyed me was Julian. I wanted to smack him. He was so unfair, acting so stupidly! I really thought he was crazy or possessed. I am mean i know, but grrrrr!
Overall, i really enjoyed the Gatekeeper. It was easier to follow it than The Deliver but it didn't lack anything. The whole idea with the gates, the prophecy and how the story was about to go on really kept me reading til the end!
Now we all know Marenon and the characters, the author goes continues the story (of course there are explanation just in case you forgot something). So this time you are getting straight into the action and the war, following once again all the characters from before. The writing stays light in a way that most epic fantasy books aren't. I usually have problems read epic fantasy in English fast and all at once, but this time i read Gatekeeper and the next one exactly after. Not only that but i felt that i could read more.
Even though at the previous book you get to know all the characters a lot, in this one you still learn new things about them. Something that showed me how well they change and adapt to the story, revealing more about them when it was right.
Silas is an amazing character! At the start of the story he was doing some stupid things, but after what happened at the end of the 1st book he matured and he continues to understand himself and the world better every time. It's so easy to connect with him, because he is one of those heroes that remind you of your best friend, the boy next door. I loved, LOVED his scenes!
If someone really annoyed me was Julian. I wanted to smack him. He was so unfair, acting so stupidly! I really thought he was crazy or possessed. I am mean i know, but grrrrr!
Overall, i really enjoyed the Gatekeeper. It was easier to follow it than The Deliver but it didn't lack anything. The whole idea with the gates, the prophecy and how the story was about to go on really kept me reading til the end!
September 9, 2014
Jason Morrow is one of the best fantasy/adventure writers I've ever read. I would go as far to say that he is as good as R.A. Salvatore. I'm not a big fan of series but, I have to admit, Morrow's cliff hangers always leave me wanting more. This is the second book in the Marenon Chronicles series. I didn't know how Morrow was going to top the first book in the series, "The Deliverer," however he did manage to make the plot even more intense. Usually, I don't download a sequel, until I'm ready to read it, but I've already downloaded the third book in the series, "The Reckoning." I'm not going into details on this book or the first book in the series, but I will say, if you're a fantasy/adventure fan, this series is a must read.
May 25, 2015
The second book in the series is a little better than the first. A little easier to read, a bit more enjoyable. The story is good, which is probably what makes people give it 4 or 5 stars. But its just not great.
The characters do not seem to learn or grow. Julian Hobbes experiences this epiphany after killing a few people, decides to do things differently and then falls back into old habits in the next sentence. Silas drifts through the story without any real contribution of skill or knowledge. Its as if the plot develops regardless of the main characters' "interference". Maybe its a comment the author is trying to make about destiny?
Good story. Not great characters.
The characters do not seem to learn or grow. Julian Hobbes experiences this epiphany after killing a few people, decides to do things differently and then falls back into old habits in the next sentence. Silas drifts through the story without any real contribution of skill or knowledge. Its as if the plot develops regardless of the main characters' "interference". Maybe its a comment the author is trying to make about destiny?
Good story. Not great characters.
March 19, 2013
Once I finished book one in this series, I was happy to see that books two and three were ready and waiting for me to read them. I would recommend these books to anyone who might be unsure that they want to delve into the fantasy genre. I enjoyed the whole series.
May 25, 2013
Becoming formulaic...the protagonists don't seem to be learning any lessons and the plot seems to be falling apart. I would say, it is becoming a little cheesy - so simplistic that only a middle schooler would appreciate.
April 16, 2014
I started this series with the Gatekeeper, and I was drawn in immediately. I loved the sotry and really got to liking the characters right away. I will have to back track to read the First book, and I already have the Kindle version of book three to read. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes!
June 28, 2012
This book was every bit as good as the first. The characters in this series are very interesting and personable. Set up well for the last book in the series.
Want to read
February 12, 2013Kindle freebie, 2/12/13
April 1, 2013
Just as captivating as the first book in the series. The characters are consistent and very believable.
The story just makes you keep on turning those pages.
Onto the next....
The story just makes you keep on turning those pages.
Onto the next....
October 21, 2013
Going to be good
great
but no one knows how to edit anymore.
great
but no one knows how to edit anymore.
June 9, 2014
I guess this one deserves 3 stars, but I was disappointed by the ending. Cliffhanger. Also some editing sloppiness. Wrong word errors, like reigns for reins and you're for your.
February 17, 2016
I read 64% of the book before I gave up. I struggled to get into the story and the jumping between two groups of characters did not help me in following the story.
July 25, 2015
Not as good as the first. Don't like zombies. Nevertheless, still interested to see how it all ends.
July 20, 2015
Interesting story that held my attention, but the writer has yet to reach his full ability.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews