Gateway to Faerie

Gateway to Faerie #1

by M.D. Bowden

A gateway has opened to the land of Faerie. Can one girl close the portal in time to protect her world from the destructive powers of darkness?

Set two hundred years after the world has been destroyed by a terrifying faerie invasion, Fayth Blackman is busy studying for her final exams. She has no idea that a gateway has opened to the land of Faerie and that dark haunting creatures are filtering through into her own world. But then tragedy strikes and her life turns upside down. She finds out that she is the descendent of a powerful faerie, and that the key to closing the gateway is in her blood. She must embark on a dangerous quest to find the Bell Stone, and with it stop the world from being destroyed once more. But can she make it in time?

Follow Fayth on her quest for the Bell Stone in 'Gateway to Faerie.'

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fae, Amazon, Fiction, Ebooks

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2013

About the author

M.D. BOWDEN is a writer who lives in England with her partner and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, in the sea, on the cliffs, and reading as much fantasy as she can get her hands on.

Reviews

[Kelli Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
Man, this started out promising. Taking place in a faerie induced post-apocalyptic Britain, Fayth is a girl trained by her father to be a survivor. Strong and smart, self-reliant, she's trying to focus on passing her final exams for school. Then one evening, everything changes. On her way home, she witnesses her father being murdered by evil faeries, who have escaped from their realm. Fayth is stopped from attempting to rescue him by a "good" type of faerie, Rowan, who looks like he was spawned from a hedge.
So far, I consider this interesting.



Adventure ensues! After spending the night in a cave, hiding from the evil doers, Fayth and Rowan head over to her friend Dillon's home, hoping for an able bodied recruit, who also knows about the history of the faeries (a fact not widely known, in this magical post apocalyptic future). He's a bit of a hunk, too (bonus).



And so they're off to Bristol to find this magic Bell Stone which allows only Fayth to close the gateway to the faerie realm. Sure, okay, but THE ENTIRE STORY ends up being an ENDLESS friggin' CAMPING TRIP. Days--yes, DAYS--of laying snares for rabbits, fishing in streams, drinking purified water, and defeating bizarre magical beasts, like we're in a stinking game of Zelda. Page after page after page of this crap, with a slight romance building between Fayth and Dillon, despite their stinky (literally, she's washes her hair a couple of times in streams) circumstances. I mean, really?! You're off to save the world, and you need to wash your hair?!



Final destination is reached. Awesome. I'm so deflated by this point, I can't even summon the enthusiasm to actually get excited about it.



And then: Fayth touches the Bell Stone and POOF! It's over! Faeries are banished back to their realm, and she and Dillon are done, and can go home.



THANKS FOR WASTING MY TIME WITH THIS ENCHANTED CAMPING TRIP AND CRAP ENDING.

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5

Gateway to Faerie was provided to me by the good folks at storycartel.com for an honest review. Of course, that in no way adjusts my review of the book, but it does give me access to some books that I wouldn’t have normally picked up to read. Whether I like those books on a personal level sometimes varies.

Gateway is a book that I would recommend to the Young Adult and Teen audience looking for a dystopian novel that qualifies as an ‘easy, clean’ read. Bowden has written a nice story with sharp edges and an unusual world build.

Fayth Blackman lives in a dystopian world, set two hundred years or so after a global apocalypse blamed on religious fanaticism and growing to nuclear war. In reality, the destruction is the outcome of a gateway between worlds, allowing the faerie world to intersect with our own through a gateway opened by evil fae.

I have read and enjoyed many YA books, some of which as exceptionally written. Sadly, this isn’t one of them. Though not offensively incompetently written, there is still a great deal that could be better about the book. The story line when dealing with the three main characters is pretty much ‘rinse and repeat’ – the whole walk, fight, walk, fight, teenager finds love in a time of terror situation. The editing of the book is poor, the sentence structure is choppy, and overall I wish that the author would find a really good editor and work to outgrow the “See Fayth Run, Run Fayth Run” flow of the books narrative.

The concept pulls the book back from a lower star rating, simply because the government line of what happened to the world two hundred years ago vs. the reality is interesting. Even now, the books and schooling which Fayth receives are “humancentric” rather than realistic. The book also ends rather abruptly. I note that there is a second volume, but I won’t be reading it, as I understand from reviews that it is not written any better than the first, is novella length and basically would have been better served to be added into this volume.

Overall, this is a “tell it” not a “show it” and it simply didn’t enthrall me, even with the understanding that it is designed for a YA audience. Just because that is your audience doesn’t mean that your audience should be talked down to. A great number of the YA readers out there are smarter, better educated, and more literate than their Adult counterparts.

I would rate this book a 2.5 on a 5 point scale based on back story only.

[Alma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a headache. I didn’t like Gateway to Faerie. I love a good story, and I can overlook quite a lot of mistakes and annoyances I have with writing style and the like if I feel a connection with both the characters and the world created. But in this case, I felt the writing detracted severely. It reads like a step by step guide of what is happening to the heroine, quite like bullet points that have a rough explanation added to mesh each point together. There is a lot of tell but no show, and that does not a good story make. *Shrugs* Can’t like them all I guess…

[Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, virtually no character development. Why do we care about Fayth? It seems like the author just wants to throw a lot of random descriptions about make believe characters at you. Basically the story goes: walk through woods, get attacked, Rowan grows big, kill attackers, repeat. Definitely won't be reading anything else by this author; it wasn't even worth the free download on Kindle.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hauntingly beautiful and darkly magnetic tale of incalculable vision

“Gateway to Faerie” is an exciting new Young Adult/ teen distopian novel ideal for lovers of dark Faerie tales. I was instantly drawn to the magnetically attractive cover of this beautiful book, and liked the sound of the intriguing storyline with a different ‘take’ on the world of Faerie. As an avid fantasy reader and addicted to Fae, I could not help but be spellbound by the wonderfully imaginative creation of the Gateway.

Fayth is the girl tasked with closing the portal, so as to protect her world from the destructive powers of darkness that threaten to destroy all she holds most dear. The story itself is set two hundred years after the world has been destroyed by a terrifying Faerie invasion {that’s somewhat unexpected!}, with dark haunting creatures filtering in through the Gateway and into the world.

The sinister twist in this tale is that Fayth is a descendant of a powerful Faerie! The key to closing the Gateway is in her blood…
She embarks on a dangerous quest to find the Bell Stone, and with it stop the world from being destroyed once more.

Firstly, Fayth Blackman is your typical teen studying for her exams and a protagonist who I simply loved! The clever mix of darkness and light {with Fayth showing the light} was an inspired combination, plus the dark twist with Fayth’s Faerie blood putting an altogether innovative slant on the most extraordinary story. Books such as ‘Wicked Lovely’ and ‘Forever Fae’ don’t contain the deliciously dark side to the world of Faerie, which is so vividly realised in this creation…as luscious as chocolate! The world that Mandy has created is supremely magical and enchanting, plus the engaging narrative is highly addictive.

This unputdownable, absorbing read was so riveting that I was literally glued to the pages and so I finished reading in a single sitting! Anyone seeking a sensational YA Dystopia that I grantee you will find hard to put down, will be dazzled by this ingenious story of immeasurable vision.

*I would like to thank ‘Story Cartel’ for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest, non-biased review of Mandy Bowden’s book *

[Levian · Rating 5 out of 5]

200 years ago, a dimensional gate between the human and faerie world was open, causing a faerie invasion that destroyed the human world. some faeries earned for powers, intending to take over the human world. 200 years after the war, Fayth lived a secluded life with her father. one day, dark shadowy creatures name Skries killed her father in search of her. rescued by Rowan, also a faerie, Fayth learnt that she was the descendant of a powerful faerie, where they key to closing the gateway was in her blood. Fayth must find the Bell Stone in time to keep the human world from being destroyed again.

i received a free e-book in exchanged for a review. the book was an extremely fast read. despite the post-apocalypse backdrop, i was pleased to find the story wasn't as complicated. the excitement started right from the very first few pages and had me felt engaged throughout the book. the precise and straightforward plot came as a surprise to me, but all because of its simplicity, i was able to sit back and joined Fayth, Rowan, and Dillon on their long and dangerous journey. i was absolutely delighted with the amount of creatures the book introduced, i was constantly googling for a picture or two just to know what the trio were up against, making the read even more fun than it already was. seeing how the story played out, i was very intrigued with how the second installment would turn out to be.

my review: here

[Halston Seabolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Especially since it was free on my Nook. I love that the faeries aren't like the faeries usually think of. Some of them are evil. Yet you have Rowan who comes to Fayth's rescue. He's a good faerie or the way he explains it is that he is good, but he has done things that she wouldn't find so good. I also particularly like that Bowden gives us a budding relationship between Fayth and Dillon. Because when you're trying to save the world you live in you end up realizing,while you're dodging deadly faeries, that you've been missing out on someone great. This book is very well written for being free.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gateway to Faerie by M.D. Bowden

Amazing ! !!
Not your joyful fairy story, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This dark tale take place two hundred years after the world has been destroyed by a terrifying faerie invasion.
And like every other teenage Fayth Blackman is busy with her life and has no idea that her world is about end as she knows it to be...
If you love the world of faeries like I do you a in for a treat.
Great read ...

The reading corner gave it a strong 5 stars
jackee322001.tumblr.com

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I read this book to see if my daughter would be able to read it. Very good story. I enjoyed it the characters were fun and their adventure was exciting. Can't wait for the second book.

[Melissa Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. It was fast paced with action at every turn. The characters were lovable and had me routing for them the whole way. The second one, Bell Stone, is being added to my to read list.

[Christina Mohamed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book was a bit boring. It felt the days were repetitive and there was no character build up. I struggled to get through the entire book. The ending was a bit disappointing as well.

[Jennifer Petrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I've read it twice and still love it!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover/Title: It is no secret that I love books about faeries so the title is definitely what drew me in.

Characters: The characters were definitely interesting. Fayth is part faerie, Dillon is human and Rowan is a Spriggan.

Plot: This motley crew is on a journey to find the Bell Stone so Fayth can close the door to Faerie. I love the variety of faeries they meet along the way.

Overall: The beginning was a bit rough and I almost put it down a few times. I really wish there had been more character building. It was an ok book but with all those types of faeries, it had the potential for so much more.

[morgz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhh

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

We watch as Fayth, a spriggan, and a dude that's only good for cooking through war torn England. She is the last of her line and has a mission to do: Save the world from another Fae invasion.

What I liked: I enjoy Fae! I liked the description of Rowan.

What I didn't like: It was a play by play of every waking moment of the MC. Dillon had no point in being there except to be a romantic interest. There was too much time spent on the food, peeing, washing, and complaining about smells. It takes up about half of the book.

It was all done through exposition. The author has rules and history for the world, and that's good, but it's all told to us. It was really hard to get through and there were times I felt sleepy. Unfortunately, the little dialogue we do get is stiff and unnatural. It's all told through the narrative.

Poor editing skills. At one point, the MC narrates about her savior, but she says savor instead. And of course, it's littered with other mistakes and typos. This reads like a first draft.

[Intisar Khanani]

DNF. While the premise had me intrigued, the storytelling did not work for me. There were a significant amount of typographical errors, to the extent that I could not enjoy the story as a whole. The book would greatly benefit from a professional proofreader. Additionally, the main character, Fayth, acted inconsistently given her reported background (after all, if she's been training with her father, including fighting and physical fitness, then she should be able to hurry home without panting for breath, or hold what amounts to an uncomfortable squat without reporting pain in her legs within a few moments). Finally, priorities seemed a little skewed here and there, for example, deciding to take a full bath and shampoo after one night on the run, when you're also immediately surrounded by evil fae searching for you and have a Long Way To Go.

Because I did not finish this read, I am not providing a star review.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this first book Gateway to Fairie on the free Kindle list so I downloaded it. It was an easy read, and I did like it, but for a girl who must go on an adventure to save the whole world, which only she can do, it wasn't much of an adventure. Most of the book involves the small group camping and trudging through valleys and forests, and what they eat. A few times they faced danger, but it was uneventful and easily overcome, then right back to camping and what they eat. To save the world, one would have expected much more harrowing journey in which our heroine proves herself to be worthy of saving the world. But, alas, I was still interested enough to read through the whole story. And to be honest, I purchased part 2 because the concept is good, and surely where part 2 will take her should be more interesting - I hope!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book introduces you to its protagonist, Fayth, a teenager living with her father in a vastly destroyed Great Britain, 200 years after a faerie invasion. Her father has taught her to fight and survive in case of another invasion. Her routine of training and learning for the upcoming exams ends abruptly as dark shadows encircle her father – the gateway to faerie has opened again. With two companions she sets out to find the Bell Stone – to save the world. I will not tell you more about the story than shown in the Goodreads plot description. This would spoil the fun of reading this book yourself.

With Gateway to Faerie, M.D. Bowden has created an urban fantasy adventure for young adults showing the importance of cooperating. Gateway to Faerie is an entertaining and fast read.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fairly straightforward. Young girl must save world, with handsome friend, and the help of a fey. She must find a magical stone to close the gates to the fey realm. Meanwhile all types of evil fey try to stop her, and her friends. There was a lot of hiking, and eating, and resting, and holding hands. The story never quite grabbed you. I felt like I was just an observer, and each day seemed very similar. I gave it three stars for a first book, but if she continues her character development has to improve. There were lots of questions asked, but the fey had few answers. They just all went with that, and you really had no storyline that was well plotted out.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's not bad. it's just not good. it is a young teen read. no older than 15-16. no swearing or sex. also, no anything else. just hiking in the woods and hiding or squashing "creatures" from faerie. it had a strong start. it did alright until they left for bell thing. then it was bland and monotonous. and then it was over. I might read second one if it was free and I had insomnia, really bad insomnia. I was glad this one was free. but I think a few 12 year olds I know might like it. it is the perfect fae book for that age group.

[Sandy Grissett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read

About a girl named Fayth, 200 years from now. She watches as her father is killed by fairies. She is held by a Fairie named Rowan that becomes her friend. Faith is the only one that can close the portal and send all the fairies back to where they came from. She must find the Bell Stone and Rowan ask her if she knows of anyone that could help. They go to Dillons house and he gathers some supplies for their journey. Along the way they run into fairies. Average read. I didn't think it was one of her better books.

[Shacancan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would say 2.5-3. It's not bad like a few others have also said, it's just not great. I didn't care about the romance because it wasn't believable. Rowan was more of an intriguing character for that, Dillon just seemed dumb. Still I did keep reading it. The premise is strong but it did seem like the book was getting rushed with a lot of eat-fight-sleep-repeat. I hope the next one improves, I'd be willing to try it because the idea of the series is original and fun.

[Joy Mclaurin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok. The ending kinda disappointed me. Also, if a story is in first person, it's really got to be good to keep me. And present tense always bugs me. At least the tense was consistent throughout. Present tense is hard to keep up and tends to slip away from most authors. Honestly, though, I despise reading present tense. (Couldn't tell, could you?) There were also a few glaring grammatical and spelling errors that bugged me, but I'm a grammar nazi. I take pens to errors in my paperbacks. :)

[Heather Langston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, the beginning was pretty good but then my interest kind of dwindled. Things slowed down considerably. It needs more depth and the ending was something of a disappointment. For the younger crowd, they might like it (it's a light, easy read) but I don't know many over the age of 14 who might find it interesting. Will not be continuing this series.

[Arie Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a toss up. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. This was supposed to be about a girl stopping evil faerie from coming into our world and it was but the author's approach was a complete let down. This was more like reading about a hiking trip with some monsters along the way. The ending was a complete let down. I will not be continuing this series

[Chrystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book moved quickly which was nice. the action was consistent which kept you interested. only downfall was the abrupt ending. guess i will have to read the next one :-). not bad for a free kindle book.

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a tough time getting into this book. I found it very boring. There was no character development. There wasn't much to hold my interest. I didn't like the way most of the story was told in first person by Fayth because I couldn't develop any feelings for her. I did not like this book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real character development at all. Just camping and slaying random monsters. The book felt more like a long chapter than an actual book. I was annoyed after I read it. The concept is intriguing, so I will read the second chapter/book. What can I say I'm a gluten forpunishment.

[Amanda Arshad]

Eh

While an interesting story it tends to drag and is very anticlimactic. there are also a lot of misspelled words, and I am factoring in American versus British spelling. A proof read would have been nice.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well from the title and the awesome cover it had me! It was also free in exchange for a review. However no matter how hard I tried I just never got this book. I have laid it down and come back I never really enjoyed it. It took me almost a week to get to the end.