Keeper of the Gate

by Margaret Feuerman

Be strong. Be deadly. Be the Queen who brings your people home.

Froth covers Bess Sonnenberg’s long lost Kingdom. One touch, one breath of the noxious fog turns people into monsters, slaves to a dark God imprisoned beyond a shattered Gate.

At five, Bess’s grandmother taught her how to cast firebolts.

At eight, her grandfather placed her fallen mother’s sword in her hands.

At twelve, she stepped to the frontier—shifting banks of poisonous Froth in a polluted land, monsters lurking in the mists, battle, blood…

Froth doesn’t wait for a Princess to grow up. Will she survive long enough to become the Queen her people need her to be?

Please, Lady of Hope, grant me your strength to lead my people home and shut the Gate forever, so my children need not become strong and deadly.

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

Reviews

[S.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world that constantly strives to keep evil at bay for just one more day, a little queen is born. Although she’s been orphaned, she’s surrounded by the love and guidance of her grandfather and the ghost of her many-times great grandmama. The world depends on that little queen rising to her power, to meet the duties of her people, to right the wrongs of a jealous god.

The world of Keeper of the Gate is immersive and rich. There is something about this novel that reminds me of how fantasy used to read. The language is beautiful and carefully crafted. I was deeply invested in the characters and their struggles.

I am eagerly awaiting the next installation in this series.

Keeper of the Gate is a highly unique read, but the best comparisons I can make are a less graphic, more hopeful variant on the vibes of The Black Jewels trilogy and Anathema. I highly recommend this for fantasy fans who want a woman-centered read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching twist on coming of age, Keeper of the Gate has a backdrop of epic fantasy with real and close stakes. Bess, princess and heir to the throne, is surrounded by strong family relationships, even if the meddling aunties state their strong opinions at times.
This isn't your average orphan tale -- Bess is connected to a strong support system, which is something she'll need as she and her kingdom face the Froth, a substance that has the power to change people into monsters. Not to mention the Cultists whose hatred for Bess and her kingdom is an ever present threat.
There's a wonderful mix of epic and cozy in this tale that kicks off Bess' journey.

[EV Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this debut novel that combines wonderfully realised characters and meticulous world building with a romantic sub plot which is as grounded as it is genuinely moving. The dynamics between the characters, the politics and the religion created by the author are vivid and grounded and thoroughly authentic within a believable fantasy Universe. All in all a fantastic debut novel and I cannot wait until the next book.

[Christiana Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical and enchanting.

I loved this story. A beautifully written tale of a young girl thrust into a position of power by the death of her grandfather, fighting against an ancient evil which threatens everything and everybody she loves.

Beseiged by the Froth, which emanates from that ancient evil, aided by goddesses and their consorts, her ghostly many-times great grandmama, bards, vampires, elves and humans, Sweet Bess sometimes feels overwhelmed, but her magic is powerful and she is determined to return to her people the homeland which was stolen from them.

If you enjoy strong female characters, hefty doses of magic and a delightful romantic sub-plot, this is the book for you.

[Elizabeth Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re craving classic fantasy, rich worlds, compelling characters, and adventure from the very first page, Keeper of the Gate is the book for you. I was hooked instantly.

This delightful story wrapped me in the warm nostalgia of the fantasies I grew up loving, yet felt fresh and alive with vibrant details that made the world leap off the page. The characters are brimming with wonder and intrigue, each one adding depth and heart to the tale.

If you love classic fantasy that captures both the magic of old and the excitement of something new, you’ll adore Keeper of the Gate.

[Katie Zentai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Margaret Feuerman's Keeper of the Gate. Everything, the world, the characters, the battle scenes and how it made me more times cry. I can't wait to read the second book!