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The Gates of Atlantis #1

Banshee at the Gate

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Thirteen-year-old half-breed banshee, Seven, likes her life. She leads souls safely to Death and she has the planet’s most awesome dad and little brother. But a cryptic message from Atlantis asking for her help changes all that. And then there’s Death, who has decided it’s time to take her brother’s soul. Now she’s racing across the world, trying to stay one step ahead of Death. Unfortunately, getting to Atlantis from Ireland isn’t easy, and there are evil minions determined to keep her away every time she turns around. But fighting for their lives teaches Seven one very important lesson—she isn’t human, and she isn’t a banshee. She has to be both if she wants to save her brother and make it back home alive.

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

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Wendy Knight

38 books344 followers

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5 stars
34 (65%)
4 stars
8 (15%)
3 stars
7 (13%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
April 13, 2017
This was a quick fun read. The main character whose name is Seven goes on an adventure with her younger brother. Seven is a banshee and she was told that she is going to be the one to take care of the stuff at the gates. I would describe it better but I don't want to give any spoilers. The plot is basically them trying to get to the gates so they can fulfill their quest. If you like Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series then you will enjoy this.
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
July 14, 2014
This the first book I have read by Wendy Knight and it certainly won't be the last.

Loved Seven a sassy half human, half banshee. Who along with her human brother Haran set out on a monumental task to save not only Haran from death but magic on earth with Phoibos and Lady Kraken locking the gates of Atlantis. Seven has never really been in touch with her Banshee half and having never seen her mother thinks she is unloved by her. With the help of some new friends which half of Seven is need to win against the monsters sent after them.

A great that I couldn't out down - I read it well into the night even though I had work the next day . So if I could would give it 5 star plus more
Profile Image for Chelsea.
360 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2017
Let me start by staying how darned much I ADORE Seven and her little brother Haran. Holy FRICK Frack, that is one epic duo! They are incredibly brave little kids and remind me of Percy and Annabeth (Percy Jackson series). Seven is the explosive, prodigal child of the mystical world, and Haran has the mythical knowledge to help them face whatever supernatural creatures of myth and lore come their way. I especially love the camaraderie between them both, supporting one another and uplifting each others' spirits when they were low. Love. Them.

I feel that many of my questions were answered throughout the journey in this first addition of the Gates of Atlantis series. Though it took a while to understand some things, I just kept patiently reading until receiving the answers I was looking for. Still, there is much to be discovered in the next book(s) of this cute little series of epically mythological proportions.

I am especially intrigued to see what a series looks like that has been written and pieced together by multiple authors. Each book is a different author and story to tell, ultimately leading up to the grand finale that shall bring them all together, though it seems to me that some of the characters' paths will cross beforehand. Very intriguing indeed. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for CrazyCat (Alex).
905 reviews22 followers
April 30, 2017
This was such a fun read. It’s not easy being thirteen as it is, add to that the responsibilities being a (half) banshee and trying not only to save your brother, but the whole magical community. Wendy Knight is amazing in weaving stories, building worlds and making me want to read more, more, MORE. And so I did, I read and couldn’t stop and in the end, I loved Seven, the hybrid banshee and her human brother, Haran. Since this is book one in the series “The Gates of Atlantis” I can’t wait to get on with the next book and see what more adventures this world held.
515 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2017
What a cute, fun story. Seven and her brother Haran are on a one of kind adventure. Had they not been racing against death, they may have had more time to enjoy the places they visited.

Banshee at the Gate was so much fun to read. All of the places they visited were beautiful and all of they friends they met along the way made this story great!
Profile Image for Tresa.
393 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2017
Being a thirteen year old girl is hard, being a thirteen year old half human half Banshee is even harder!!! When Seven is tasked with saving Atlantis by opening the gate, she and her little brother are sent on an epic journey that takes them to many different places, where they meet new friends and new enemies.....Will she make it??
21 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2014
I am a huge Wendy Knight fan and I have read all her books, and she STILL continues to surprise me with the intricate turns of her imagination! I never would have thought of a banshee as the hero, and yet Wendy Knight somehow makes it work.
The banshee in this story is actually a hybrid banshee named Seven. Hybrid banshees are half human, half banshee and at some point in their lives they have to choose to be fully human or fully banshee.
Since this book is part of a series of loosely connected books set in Atlantis, I can say without spoiling is that Seven does have to go to Atlantis to save the world. There are battles (this wouldn't be a Wendy Knight book without some!), some hilarious moments, and a lovely relationship between Seven and her human brother, Haran. And the kids have The Best Dad Ever!
Profile Image for Angela.
Author 17 books52 followers
August 8, 2019
This book is incredible. Not only does Seven go on a mission to save her brother and Atlantis but she discovers who she really is along the way. I absolutely love that Seven grows throughout this story. It is like watching someone you love realize their true potential.

It is so refreshing to see a female character who is the hero. When it comes down to it she has to figure out how to save the day. With a strong cast of secondary characters Wendy Knight created a middle grade story that can be enjoyed by a parent reading it aloud to her child or (like me)even reading ahead on her own because she wants to know what is going to happen and does not have a set bedtime.

I am getting the entire series for my son's birthday.
Profile Image for Steph.
413 reviews
June 10, 2014
Great third book in the Gates of Atlantis series. I enjoyed the various mythological creatures that showed up to slow down Seven, the teenage half banshee-half human as she hurries toward the Fountain of Youth and Atlantis with her little brother in tow. She's a very likeable character, and the action picked up speed considerably in this installment, and it wasn't slowed down when characters we've met in books 1 and 2 showed up and joined in. I enjoyed it very much!
Profile Image for Tami Schafer.
680 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book I read it in one sitting ! Road trip lol but I could have read it all at once anyway  ! I want to give them a hug demons and all ( just the good ones mind you ) it caught and held my attention . Can't wait till my 6 yr old grandson can read it ...he reads at a 4th grade level so think soon I can let him at it !  I now see a Banshee in a whole new light death also.....they all have a job to do well done Wendy ! 
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
924 reviews127 followers
January 1, 2020
This was such a fun story.

The characters are fun, endearing and truly act their age. I love family bonds and this story has strong ones. I even teared up at least once, but they were good tears. I found myself smiling, and laughing at the antics of the characters. A must read for any YA reader (old or young).
10 reviews
July 21, 2014
I really liked that how people write that banshees are super mean and scary but this banshee is super nice. It is full of mythical creatures, like I didn't know that BigFoot has a cousin the Mapingari. I also like how it is really detailed. I like how the girl is the hero.
Profile Image for Fran.
961 reviews10 followers
April 9, 2018
Seven, the main character, is a half human half banshee (thats a first for me let me tell you) and along with her half all human brother goes on a quest. I will not spill all the details and ruin the book but I will tell you Seven is sassy, spunky and just plain amazing. Haran is such a brave little brother. Absolutely adorable siblings. It reminds me of the Percy Jackson series. Supernatural, quirky, funny, but with way more sass. I highly recommend this.
Profile Image for K Grant.
904 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2020
Interesting idea-a hybrid banshee that escorts souls to "death". I had a lot of problems with this book. #1 there was no accent in the dialog. The main characters were native to Ireland but there was nothing in their speech to indicate they weren't American. #2 the darling little brother was thirteen? He didn't act it and was treated as much younger. #3 I felt the banshee was the only character well developed.
I liked the message that to overcome "bad" you must embrace all of who you are.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
842 reviews
May 17, 2017
Very nice story! About a quest, with several colorful characters/creatures, taking place across the globe. I really enjoyed this book!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Tracey.
441 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2017
I love all of Wendy Knight's books and this one did not disappoint.

This is about a half human, half banshee teenager Seven who is sent on a mission to save Atlantis, but she has to save her brother first as the Grimm Reaper has his eyes on him and until she finds the cure her brother is going to get weaker and weaker.

Seven and her brother Haran make their way to Atlantis and on the way, she discovers new powers, her brother seems to know more about the mythology and helps her bring her powers out so she can save them all.

This was so much fun to read and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Profile Image for Megan.
322 reviews11 followers
June 17, 2017
Mythology at its best!

I purchased this book quite awhile ago, based purely on the author's name. And because I was already committed to reading so many other books, it sat on my shelf. As soon as I picked it up and started reading, however, it was impossible to put down!

I am a sucker for anything about Atlantis, so of course, I was eager to see where the author took this story. And it never disappointed. Of all characters, my favorite ended up being tied between Akie the demon and Seven's little brother Haran.

I loved the sense of adventure as the characters travelled from one exciting place to the next...the pyramids, Rio, a volcano! And of course, Atlantis! I loved it all!

Great job!
Profile Image for Kimberlyisreading.
318 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2014
Really enjoyable book. Seven often feels alone- she's a hybrid banshee- only the 7th ever. And no one likes banshees at all, many run from her in terror. She's incredibly close with her younger brother, Haran, and her father. So when Death makes an appearance near her brother- all hell seems to break loose.
Seven takes on the crazy adventure with her brother in order to save not only him, but Atlantis. She begins to discover who she is along the way and even learns how to use her many powers. The adventure is riddled with demons and other mythological creatures and it takes belief, help from some new friends and old, in order to win the battles.
It's a fun adventure with a great ending.

I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jesk Krita.
11 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2014
A quick but enchanting read for anyone into the mythology side of reading. For the first book that I read in the series it was an amazing one. I was never expecting our heroine to be so young. Her journey throughout the book was inspiring as she learned all of her lessons and grew into what she was supposed to be. The fighting scenes were engaging and I swear I felt I was right there on Seven’s shoulder cheering her on as she fought for everything she believed in. A good read for any age, if I had a paperback copy I’d share it all around.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,846 reviews55 followers
June 3, 2017
I love Wendy Knight's writing! Banshee at the Gate is wonderful and fun! I love the cool creatures in this book, and I love that the characters go on a quest! Lots of adventure and action! Seven is part banshee, and she needs to find a way to save her brother from Death, and also to defeat other evil foes! Lots of good times to be had! Definitely check out Wendy Knight's writing, she has lots of wonderful series that I always enjoy reading!
Profile Image for Excalibur Snape.
280 reviews
December 3, 2015
This is an awesome middle grade read.
If you love mythology and mythological creatures this book is for you.
I can not wait to read the rest of the series.
I haven't read many stories centered around Atlantis.
The authors writing style is amazing.
The characters are fantastic.
I highly recommend this book.
It is an entertaining read for all ages.
Profile Image for JustJams.
524 reviews25 followers
July 19, 2014
This book is about a heart warming journey a 13 year old banshee in training and her brother take. What a clever little gem of a book this turned out to be. Wendy Knight's creativity really did surprise me. Who would have thought to make a banshee the good guy...er girl?
50 reviews
July 29, 2014
This book was so fun to read. I will definitely be having my daughter read this book. It takes on a different look at mythological creatures. I never would have thought about a Banshee being a good guy. I also loved the description of Nessie the loch ness monster. Just a fun book all around.
Profile Image for Promisary.
85 reviews8 followers
April 11, 2017
So so SO GOOD. The beginning was a little slow , to be honest , but gradually it lured me in and I fell hook line and sinker for it. The world this is set in is beautiful and the characters I've grown to love and look forward to more adventures with!
108 reviews
April 11, 2017
Fun Story

This was a great story about a girl who learns to be all of who she was meant to be. Seven is a hybrid human/banshee. She has to save her brother and in doing that learns to be the truest version of herself. It was really well done. There are definitely good lessons throughout this book without being preachy. I was nice to read this one. It is also one I will be happy to share with my daughters.
Profile Image for Sairaika.
915 reviews46 followers
April 17, 2017
A fun filled, adventurous read!

A half-breed banshee...
A chance to cheat Death...
In order to save her brother's soul...
A race against time and evil to save her brother and the world...
Will she succeed or be doomed for failure - Will she outsmart Death while saving the world?

Who knew magical creatures have their own social media network?

I feel for Seven - she has to stop evil while saving her brother from Death.

Full of banshees, evil creatures, mythology, seers, guardian demons, kraken, adventure and family.

Perfect for readers of mythology/paranormal.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews34 followers
April 20, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

This book is an amazing adventure across the world. It is full of amazing mythological creatures. If you love Greek mythology or a Percy Jackson fan, then you will love this book. From Nessie to the chold eating Abiku, you will be amazed at every turn. I couldn't put this book down and read it completely in one sitting. It is listed as a book 1 so I can't wait to see what wondrous adventure awaits in book 2.
Profile Image for Chandra Fry.
Author 93 books621 followers
April 24, 2017
When I read the title of this book I was excited! I had not read a book about Banshees before. When I found out that Atlantis was involved, I was super ecstatic! This was such a fun book to read! I fell in love with the characters immediately! I really enjoyed the various beings involved and how they all tied into the story so well! If you are looking for a fun, quick, and enjoyable read; then this is definitely a book for you!
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2017

This YA novel was pure joy to read. The love between our delightful banshee and her brother just flowed with their innocence. I enjoyed the way this writer wove Harans love for mythology into their journey. A wonderful clean read that will not disappoint! I found the trials that our hybrid banshee faced were highly entertaining and very creative! This voluntary review is based against a copy that was given to me.
150 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2017
I enjoyed that the characters travel to so many different places , but the best was Atlantis . They characters were well developed . It was a quick and fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews