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The Gateway Chronicles #3
The White Thread
Darcy Pennington spent her freshman year agonizing over the sacrifice of her dear friend who gave himself to the Oracle to set her free. But when she returns to Alitheia determined to rescue him, she soon discovers there’s much more at stake than just his fate. Alitheia is in turmoil, the dark power of Tselloch grows stronger every day, and a new riddle from the Oracle hangs over all their heads.
To set things right, the Six, the alchemist Rubidius, and Prince Tellius must set off on a sea voyage into the realm of a legendary archipelago. The journey is riddled with foes who are both deceptive and charming, and Darcy feels just as conflicted in her heart as she does in her mind over the mysteries she has to solve.
Darcy isn’t sure if she’s prepared for another meeting with the Oracle, but if she wants any chance of saving her friend—and saving Alitheia—she must try.
To set things right, the Six, the alchemist Rubidius, and Prince Tellius must set off on a sea voyage into the realm of a legendary archipelago. The journey is riddled with foes who are both deceptive and charming, and Darcy feels just as conflicted in her heart as she does in her mind over the mysteries she has to solve.
Darcy isn’t sure if she’s prepared for another meeting with the Oracle, but if she wants any chance of saving her friend—and saving Alitheia—she must try.
First published October 9, 2011
11 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Hoyle
16 books261 followersK. B. Hoyle’s love of good stories began when she stepped through a wardrobe at age six, and she never looked back. She is the multiple award-winning Young Adult author of THE GATEWAY CHRONICLES fantasy series, THE BREEDER CYCLE dystopian series, The Fairytale Collection, and more.
In addition to her many novels, K. B. Hoyle is the co-founder and CEO of Owl's Nest Publishers, an independent press specializing in books that capture the imagination of adolescents. She is also a sought-after voice in the areas of storytelling and culture, and she has contributed articles and essays to a variety of publications. Her speaking resume includes keynote addresses, leading writing workshops, and international experience as a featured panelist at the 2013 Sydney Writers' Festival.
K. B. Hoyle stays busy at her home in Wisconsin on a winding creek with her husband, their four sons, and the variety of wildlife that frequent their land.
For more information on K. B. Hoyle, visit her website at kbhoyle.com or find her around social media at @kbhoyle.author on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Email her at author@kbhoyle.com.
In addition to her many novels, K. B. Hoyle is the co-founder and CEO of Owl's Nest Publishers, an independent press specializing in books that capture the imagination of adolescents. She is also a sought-after voice in the areas of storytelling and culture, and she has contributed articles and essays to a variety of publications. Her speaking resume includes keynote addresses, leading writing workshops, and international experience as a featured panelist at the 2013 Sydney Writers' Festival.
K. B. Hoyle stays busy at her home in Wisconsin on a winding creek with her husband, their four sons, and the variety of wildlife that frequent their land.
For more information on K. B. Hoyle, visit her website at kbhoyle.com or find her around social media at @kbhoyle.author on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Email her at author@kbhoyle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 8, 2023
READ THIS SERIES PLEASE I BEG OF YOU
May 27, 2019
Some good ole fashioned angsty teenaged love triangle drama disguised as an epic sailing trip/rescue mission anyone? Yes please.
Reminiscent of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader in some ways. But with more hormones and love interests.
Still loving it. I’m glad I had the fourth book on my kindle ready to go because that ending was just mean.
Reminiscent of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader in some ways. But with more hormones and love interests.
Still loving it. I’m glad I had the fourth book on my kindle ready to go because that ending was just mean.
July 19, 2012
Review posted on I'm a reader, what about you?
First, I have to tell you, guys, something. Actually, ask you. Why aren't you reading this series? All of you who have NetGalley account, go there now and request it! I don't care what you've been up to! Do it NOW!
I've been lucky to be part of blog tours for first two books: The Six and The Oracle. This time I can't wait for tour to talk about this book - The White Tread is the best one so far. I told this already to K.B. Hoyle, but I'll tell it again:
This woman is genius!!!
So, let's begin, shall we?
Storyline. The White Thread has pretty much the same general structure as the first two books - considering the fact that everything happens when Darcy, Sam, Amelia, Perry, Dean and Lewis "cross" to Alitheia, we are meeting characters again after a year since the events in The Oracle. But difference now is that the story is much darker. Remember that main characters are fifteen years old? This book is about growing up and making tough decisions and choices. What I liked? This time they didn't just simply go trough the gateaway - their lives in this world and in Alitheia are starting to mix and nothing is that easy anymore.
Characters. I absolutely love Darcy from the very start and she didn't disappoint me now. She's not kid anymore, that's for sure. She makes mistakes as anybody else, she's not perfect, but she knows what is good and what is not and, in the end, she makes all the right choices. I know that I'm boring with this because I tell it every time - Yahto Veli. But, hey, I'm in the fan girl mood so back off! I didn't believe that I could love him more after what he had done in previous book, but I do. You'll see. So far I didn't like Tellius that much but I've changed my mind - he's going to be swoon worthy boy. Here's the funny part - Perry has a new haircut and I couldn't stop imagining him as Justin Bieber - and, dear God, I hate that kid.
Extras. If you want to learn more about the story, characters or how this whole series came to life, go to K.B. Hoyle blog. There you can read extra bio information about Darcy, Yahto Veli, Tellius and character interview with Sam. I have to admit that I envy her three sons . Their lives must be full of amazing bedtime stories with mom like that.
The White Thread is coming out on August 16th and forth book, The Enchanted, is due sometime this fall. I know I'll be waiting for it like a madwoman. You can find first two books on Amazon - The Six and The Oracle.
Until next time,
Glass
First, I have to tell you, guys, something. Actually, ask you. Why aren't you reading this series? All of you who have NetGalley account, go there now and request it! I don't care what you've been up to! Do it NOW!
I've been lucky to be part of blog tours for first two books: The Six and The Oracle. This time I can't wait for tour to talk about this book - The White Tread is the best one so far. I told this already to K.B. Hoyle, but I'll tell it again:
This woman is genius!!!
So, let's begin, shall we?
Storyline. The White Thread has pretty much the same general structure as the first two books - considering the fact that everything happens when Darcy, Sam, Amelia, Perry, Dean and Lewis "cross" to Alitheia, we are meeting characters again after a year since the events in The Oracle. But difference now is that the story is much darker. Remember that main characters are fifteen years old? This book is about growing up and making tough decisions and choices. What I liked? This time they didn't just simply go trough the gateaway - their lives in this world and in Alitheia are starting to mix and nothing is that easy anymore.
Characters. I absolutely love Darcy from the very start and she didn't disappoint me now. She's not kid anymore, that's for sure. She makes mistakes as anybody else, she's not perfect, but she knows what is good and what is not and, in the end, she makes all the right choices. I know that I'm boring with this because I tell it every time - Yahto Veli. But, hey, I'm in the fan girl mood so back off! I didn't believe that I could love him more after what he had done in previous book, but I do. You'll see. So far I didn't like Tellius that much but I've changed my mind - he's going to be swoon worthy boy. Here's the funny part - Perry has a new haircut and I couldn't stop imagining him as Justin Bieber - and, dear God, I hate that kid.
Extras. If you want to learn more about the story, characters or how this whole series came to life, go to K.B. Hoyle blog. There you can read extra bio information about Darcy, Yahto Veli, Tellius and character interview with Sam. I have to admit that I envy her three sons . Their lives must be full of amazing bedtime stories with mom like that.
The White Thread is coming out on August 16th and forth book, The Enchanted, is due sometime this fall. I know I'll be waiting for it like a madwoman. You can find first two books on Amazon - The Six and The Oracle.
Until next time,
Glass
January 12, 2025
I love this book so so much. This is my favorite in the whole series. The third book is Darcy and the other five teens’ journey to rescue Yahto Veli, so much of the year they’re at sea. Darcy and Perry take a romantic interest, but despite all Darcy’s attempts to avoid marriage with Tellius as she spends more time with him she starts enjoying his company more and more. This book is full of adventure and drama since everyone is forced to be in the same ship for such a long period of time. I love this boooooook!!!
This is one of my favorites. This book, they are on a ship, sailing out to find Yahto Veli. This book really shows Darcy’s teen side- it has a little drama. It’s still a good book but the drama can be… frustrating to some readers. It’s my personal favorite of the series.
This is one of my favorites. This book, they are on a ship, sailing out to find Yahto Veli. This book really shows Darcy’s teen side- it has a little drama. It’s still a good book but the drama can be… frustrating to some readers. It’s my personal favorite of the series.
July 24, 2024
From here on out I could NOT put these down. At one point I was literally holding my one year old, browning hamburger, and reading this book. My husband walked in from work and just started laughing at my multitasking. But it was worth it!
May 15, 2024
The adventure and suspense and characterization in this series keeps getting better. I really liked seeing Darcy come more into her own in this one, as well as the exploration of interesting new layers to Sam and Tellius. And Yahto Veli! What a fantastic character and what a cleverly imagined creature the nark is. I can't wait to find out what's next for the Gateway crew and all of Alitheia. On to The Enchanted!
December 18, 2024
This is the part of the series where I literally just can’t put the book down because it’s so good 🤭
August 18, 2012
This review was originally posted on The Oaken Bookcase (along with a giveaway) on August 18, 2012.
The Six teenagers are now fifteen and head back to Cedar Cove for summer camp. This year things are slightly more tense in Alitheia as the population start becoming displeased with the lack of progress against the dark forces of Tselloch. The group doesn’t get to do anything about it though, as they are all swept off on a rescue mission to liberate the Nark, Yahto Veli, from the Oracle. A sea journey, mysterious islands and evil gods are just some of the obstacles to content with, not to mention new riddles from the Oracle itself.
I am a little conflicted with this book. You know how sometimes, in big fantasy series, you read a whole book and feel that nothing much has happened with the main storyline? I felt a little that way with The White Thread. I’ve loved the three books in this series so far and I’ve loved the character and relationship developments in each story, but I was a little disappointed that there was no actual visible progress against Tselloch’s forces during this year.
That’s not to say this isn’t a great instalment in the tale! The adventures are still exciting and very well told, and I enjoyed the budding romances within the group of teenagers. I really love the interactions between characters – they seem very realistic to me which makes the story very enjoyable to read. K.B. Hoyle has continued to write what she started with The Six and The Oracle – an action-packed story with plenty of fantasy elements both familiar and imaginatively new.
The White Thread is pretty much the Darcy Show – she solves all the riddles herself and saves the group’s lives on more than one occasion, occasionally with a bit of help from Tellius. I suppose this is part of her growing sense of responsibility and of settling into her role in Alitheria but I hope that in coming stories we get to see the rest of the Six taking a greater part.
The ending felt a little rushed and then left on a cliff-hanger – I really hope the next book isn’t far away because I’m anxious to find out what has happened now!
Overall, The White Thread is a solid and enjoyable addition to the Gateway Chronicles, even if the main storyline was not visibly progressed. Fans of teen Fantasy, get a hold of this series! You won’t regret it!
The Six teenagers are now fifteen and head back to Cedar Cove for summer camp. This year things are slightly more tense in Alitheia as the population start becoming displeased with the lack of progress against the dark forces of Tselloch. The group doesn’t get to do anything about it though, as they are all swept off on a rescue mission to liberate the Nark, Yahto Veli, from the Oracle. A sea journey, mysterious islands and evil gods are just some of the obstacles to content with, not to mention new riddles from the Oracle itself.
I am a little conflicted with this book. You know how sometimes, in big fantasy series, you read a whole book and feel that nothing much has happened with the main storyline? I felt a little that way with The White Thread. I’ve loved the three books in this series so far and I’ve loved the character and relationship developments in each story, but I was a little disappointed that there was no actual visible progress against Tselloch’s forces during this year.
That’s not to say this isn’t a great instalment in the tale! The adventures are still exciting and very well told, and I enjoyed the budding romances within the group of teenagers. I really love the interactions between characters – they seem very realistic to me which makes the story very enjoyable to read. K.B. Hoyle has continued to write what she started with The Six and The Oracle – an action-packed story with plenty of fantasy elements both familiar and imaginatively new.
The White Thread is pretty much the Darcy Show – she solves all the riddles herself and saves the group’s lives on more than one occasion, occasionally with a bit of help from Tellius. I suppose this is part of her growing sense of responsibility and of settling into her role in Alitheria but I hope that in coming stories we get to see the rest of the Six taking a greater part.
The ending felt a little rushed and then left on a cliff-hanger – I really hope the next book isn’t far away because I’m anxious to find out what has happened now!
Overall, The White Thread is a solid and enjoyable addition to the Gateway Chronicles, even if the main storyline was not visibly progressed. Fans of teen Fantasy, get a hold of this series! You won’t regret it!
February 24, 2024
Imagine Voyager of the Dawn Treader with a teenage love triangle…not great
June 10, 2016
One day while hiking a young girl discovers a portal to another world, the magical land of Alithia. She soon learns of a prophecy claiming that she and five others are destined to save this mystical place. At first the six are unsure of their part in this ancient prophecy. But eventually they learn to work together as a team, united in their efforts to fulfill their destiny and save this enchanted land.
Author K.B. Hoyle pens scenes that pop with vibrant details, making the world of Alitheia vivid and very much alive for the reader. There are new and exciting twists with the turn of each page as this dynamic series unfolds. Hoyle is a gifted author whose stories flow smoothly from one exciting chapter to the next, leaving the reader heartily anticipating the next adventure.
The Gateway Chronicles are a phenomenal and entirely compelling series. As the story progresses all the characters are fleshed out as each grows and develops in maturity. The six encounter struggles to which we can all relate and from which we can all learn. Each book in the series expertly builds upon the last. Hoyle guides her readers through a gauntlet of magic and fantasy adventure as the series builds to a resounding crescendo. The world of fantasy fiction is brought to an entirely new level with this outstanding series. The Gateway Chronicles are destined to become a timeless classic.
Author K.B. Hoyle pens scenes that pop with vibrant details, making the world of Alitheia vivid and very much alive for the reader. There are new and exciting twists with the turn of each page as this dynamic series unfolds. Hoyle is a gifted author whose stories flow smoothly from one exciting chapter to the next, leaving the reader heartily anticipating the next adventure.
The Gateway Chronicles are a phenomenal and entirely compelling series. As the story progresses all the characters are fleshed out as each grows and develops in maturity. The six encounter struggles to which we can all relate and from which we can all learn. Each book in the series expertly builds upon the last. Hoyle guides her readers through a gauntlet of magic and fantasy adventure as the series builds to a resounding crescendo. The world of fantasy fiction is brought to an entirely new level with this outstanding series. The Gateway Chronicles are destined to become a timeless classic.
September 12, 2013
Some time ago I read the first two books (The Six and The Oracle) in this fabulous YA fantasy series The Gateway Chronicles by K.B. Hoyle. I've recently gotten my hands on the last three books in the series. The White Thread is book three, and you will soon see reviews for books four and five, because they are just so darn good I can't put them down.
In The White Thread we pick up where The Oracle left off. Darcy and friends return to Alithea with more puzzles to unravel, danger to confront, and life-threatening adventure to live. These books are strongly character driven and I've become so attached to Darcy and Tellius and Sam - watching them all grow up and mature in each book - that when I get to the last page in this series I know I'm going to be devastated.
I know this isn't really much of a review - more of a rave, but I'm really struggling to write anything that isn't a spoiler and I'm already deep into reading The Enchanted, book four.
So all I have to say is, if you like YA fantasy these books are some of the absolute best I've ever read, and that includes the Harry Potter series.
In The White Thread we pick up where The Oracle left off. Darcy and friends return to Alithea with more puzzles to unravel, danger to confront, and life-threatening adventure to live. These books are strongly character driven and I've become so attached to Darcy and Tellius and Sam - watching them all grow up and mature in each book - that when I get to the last page in this series I know I'm going to be devastated.
I know this isn't really much of a review - more of a rave, but I'm really struggling to write anything that isn't a spoiler and I'm already deep into reading The Enchanted, book four.
So all I have to say is, if you like YA fantasy these books are some of the absolute best I've ever read, and that includes the Harry Potter series.
May 25, 2021
Utter. Goodness.
I must say that I am increasingly impressed with K.B. Hoyle, not only her ability to craft a story and plot of this magnitude but to actually FINISH. Her characters are superb, actually feeling like real teenagers with real teenage thoughts. I love it when it feels like what happens in the story happens because that's just what would happen if the characters were left to their own devices - like there are no authors to tamper with them at all. That is basically what this whole series feels like... if that thought was coherent at all. These books are truly hidden treasures - worthy of praise to the point of Harry Potter enormity. But I'm so so glad these do not have all that publicity that HP has, it makes them better in that respect. Anyway, amazing series, my favorite books forever, totally recommend.
I must say that I am increasingly impressed with K.B. Hoyle, not only her ability to craft a story and plot of this magnitude but to actually FINISH. Her characters are superb, actually feeling like real teenagers with real teenage thoughts. I love it when it feels like what happens in the story happens because that's just what would happen if the characters were left to their own devices - like there are no authors to tamper with them at all. That is basically what this whole series feels like... if that thought was coherent at all. These books are truly hidden treasures - worthy of praise to the point of Harry Potter enormity. But I'm so so glad these do not have all that publicity that HP has, it makes them better in that respect. Anyway, amazing series, my favorite books forever, totally recommend.
May 16, 2014
Can't believe I forgot to post my review here when I read it! Read it just as it came out in 2012.
Another book in the series that I just couldn't put down. My daughter read along with me, again, and she and I just kept comparing thoughts. And they were all along this line: WOW!
The Six are still growing, and growing up and into their gifts.
Darcy insists that they must save Yahto, and she's right. I think that's part of her appeal, her loyalty to friends. It's a journey that they take, after they figure out the clues as to where they are going. Ms. Hoyle is so good at leading us one way, then spinning us around.
The bad guy is still lurking, a friend is in dire straights, and flights of phoenix will make you sigh.
Well done, and now I want more!
Another book in the series that I just couldn't put down. My daughter read along with me, again, and she and I just kept comparing thoughts. And they were all along this line: WOW!
The Six are still growing, and growing up and into their gifts.
Darcy insists that they must save Yahto, and she's right. I think that's part of her appeal, her loyalty to friends. It's a journey that they take, after they figure out the clues as to where they are going. Ms. Hoyle is so good at leading us one way, then spinning us around.
The bad guy is still lurking, a friend is in dire straights, and flights of phoenix will make you sigh.
Well done, and now I want more!
November 13, 2011
K.B. Hoyle does a FANTASTIC job of drawing you in to every, single book. This story doesn't disappoint. I have loaned this (as well as the first two books-also wonderfully done!) to several people, who read it in a day-then went out and BOUGHT it themselves so they could re-read it. K.B. Hoyle designed the characters to be very "relate-able" and they are consistent the whole book series. You start to learn valuable information about backgrounds of each character-making you love them even more. And the ending? Let's just say it will be a long wait for the next book in the series to come out. FANTASTIC closure! Read it!!
October 24, 2023
When I hit about 50 pages to go in this book, I realized I needed to immediately order the next one because I really had to know what happened next. This book has similarities to Voyage of the Dawn Treader in that most of the book takes place traveling by boat, but I found the situations and plot elements really compellingly different. This book explores more interpersonal relationships between characters, giving teens a lot of relatable moments and also fantastic examples of how characters can change and grow.
August 29, 2019
The White Thread was a wonderful, adventure of a read! I am amazed that Hoyle could create so many fantastical characters and worlds while continuing to develop the main characters of The Six. So much of the interactions between Darcy and her friends are relatable, making this a story that feels real even though it is set in a very un-real place. I loved this book.
August 31, 2018
I'm left with so many questions. And I have a few guesses. I don't know if I can wait until 2012 for the next book. I need everyone to read this series so I have people to discuss my theories with! See my full review: http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2011/11...
December 14, 2011
The White Thrread was my favorite in the Gateway Chronicles series. I was captivated from the beginning and could not put it down. I am astounded at the author's gift of weaving riddles throughout her storyline! It is truly amazing to me. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
August 11, 2012
This book is a YA supernatural adventure/ rescue story which is part of a series. It's exuberance reminds me of Lloyd Alexander in his Prydain Chronicles. Their spirit of adventure is the same. While our protagonist is a strong female is this book, Lloyd's is a male, it make's little difference – they both have that special something that makes a series great. K.B. Hoyle should be proud to create such a series as this for young adults. I remember reading the Alexander books as a kid, as well as to my kids and the enjoyment was the same both times – in fact, I think it was better reading it out loud to my kids when they were eight or nine, we all enjoyed it immensely. The only books they enjoyed as much as Alexander were His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman. I think my kids would have loved this series, it has all the hallmarks of books they loved: adventure, magic, good friendships, loyalty, monsters, evil, wizards, technology, other worlds, mysteries, teenagers solving things on their own, battles, magical items, magical creatures, a magical system, swords, chivalry, honor, and everything else that goes with a thumping good read for kids and teenagers and that is what this is.
THE PLOT: Six teenagers from our world are transported through a magical gate at summer camp each year to a world called Alitheia. Darcy, our protagonist, is a strong, teenaged girl who works for her father at the family furniture store. She is harassed at school ,based on her Father's sign on his store, but she handles it because she thinks of Alitheia and the things that she has to do there. Sam – a girl, is her friend. Lewis, is also her friend and is a brain in chemistry and math. Perry is a jock. Amelia is a musician. Dean is a friend of Perry's and is also a jock. Darcy and Perry have been chatting over the computer during the year that has just passed and kind of “like” each other.. Now it is summer – time for camp. Time for Alitheia. Darcy has a mission. She has to rescue her friend, Yahto Vehli – a nark who had the Oracle set Darcy free last year by offering his life up to the Oracle. As her third trip to Alitheia draws near, will Darcy be able to save Yahto Veli? Will her friends help her? Is there more to this rescue then meets the eye? And what of the royals in Alitheia? How do they fit in? Will they be a part of this? Will Darcy go it alone? Will other narks help her? Will this rescue be a grand and glorious adventure or a gigantic flop? And what of the evil that lurks in the land in the form of Tselloch? What is he doing and how will it effect Alitheia? There are so many twists and turns in this plot, it's like you never know which way you are facing – like playing blind man's bluff – put a blindfold on. Have someone spin you around, then ou ttry to find someone. You are truly disoriented. That is the type of plot this book has. There are so many options in this book that it is like a labyrinth, one wrong turn and you are lost. For plot, I give the book, 9/10.
THE CHARACTERIZATION: The characterization mostly centered on Darcy – our protagonist. She got the royal treatment, with frills and all. She was completely detailed, human, three dimensional, technicolor with flaws, foibles, and quirks. The other teenagers got the next best treatment. I have to include Tellius in this – a Prince of Alitheia, who is supposed to marry one of teenagers and become King of Alitheia. Sam, Amelia, Lewis, Perry, Dean, Tellius were all rather human, but not as detailed as Darcy. Even the wizard Rubidius who played quite a role in the book, saving people with his magic and figuring out situations was not as detailed as Darcy. I really liked Rubidius, he was portrayed as a cranky old wizard – a trope, I know, but one I liked. Cranky wizards can be funny if done right, and this one was. The other people in the book were not detailed, even Eleanor, who I thought would have been treated quite differently, as she was an elder in Alitheia and quite important to the royals as well as to Rubidius. You got some glimpses of her personality, but that was all. Maybe in future books, or in past books, that detailing was provided and I missed it. But, consistency is not over-rated in my opinion, so I would think that the characterization would flow through all of the books. I give this part of the novel a 6/10
THE DIALOGUE: The dialogue of the book was not the slang you expect from teenagers, and neither was it true of any of the great books mentioned before in the introduction. Too much slang, and you are dragged away from the story, in fact the teenagers made a serious effort to stay away from slang and any mention of technology or anything from their world in Alitheia, which made sense considering they were in a different world where magic reigned and they had adult responsibilities which put them in league with the royals of Alitheia on a day to day basis. This meant that their dialogue had to be quite formal in Alitheia and they played their parts quite well – only slipping up once, when Perry made an analogy to a video game system which went over everyone's head except the teenagers. When they get back home, the dialogue is business as usual. I give this section a 9/10.
THE GORE SCORE: There is very little to almost no gore in this book – being YA, I expected little gore. There is only one scene in the book, where a monster which islanders think is a goddess eats a man. It is not bloodless, but not bloody either, but rather dramatic. I give the gore score a 2/10
THE IMAGERY: the imagery in the book was really quite good. Hoyle was quite imaginative in describing the magical characters and places where they found themselves, along with the sequences of action that occurred through the novel. While not quite movie quality – it gave the imagination all it needed to create Alitheia in full detail, including: islands, a castle, a town, a bridge, a dwarf town, battles, a volcano, a grotto, snake infested lily pads, an island village, the royal ship, a village riot, several nightmares, the Oracle's Labyrinth, and other places. There was more than enough information in the book's sentences, adjectives, adverbs and sentence structure to create these places in your mind without any trouble. The imagery for young people will be all they need to create the world of Alitheia in their heads because of that, I give this an 8/10. As for worldbudiling, that is another story completely, and will not be addressed here.
THE PACING: The pacing in the book – with it's exuberance – is so swift, that you feel like you are being dragged behind a horse galloping along at full speed without stopping for anything. When the novel is done, then you are let go. Of course – this is not a painful process, more like a runaway wagon on a arrow straight road running full out, with no hope of stopping. You are hooked – fully in the power of the book. You don't want to leave off reading it. You don't want to close the book. You want to keep reading and reading until you are done. The pacing doesn't let up. It doesn't slow down. It just keeps going and going and going. That is how adventures ought to be. Full throttle – foot to the floor – all out. No one likes an adventure that drags, at least I don't. That's why the pacing on this one works. If it was a car – this is how it would play out. Ultra high-speed, nitrous oxide spraying, barreling down the road, faster than anything out there, red lining the engine, big meats squealing, 25” rubber grabbing traction, fishtailing back and forth down the road as everything moves into the rear-view mirror. I give this a 10/10 for pacing.
THE ENDING: The ending of the book was a little too convenient as well as a cliffhanger. Once they got what they wanted, and were faced with another trial, they were swiftly picked up by an invisible hand and carried away to the gate – as another year had passed. They were deposited on the Earth side of the gate. Summer camp was over. It was time to leave for home. Frustrated that they did not get to face this new trial, they checked out a hunch at the summer camp, and found a surprise – which will be addressed in the next book I am sure. While one storyline came to full closure, many more were opened up. Evil is running unchecked from two sources and the royals and in a worse position than ever. Someone's life hangs in the balance. But whose? This is such a cliffhanger of an ending that I felt little to no closure, which unsettled and surprised me. While I really enjoyed the book, the ending chopped off the adventure at a seriously weird place adding a twist and a mystery as well that left me wondering just what the heck was the author thinking ending the book this way. It may have seemed natural to her, but it just pissed me off. Yes, I want to read the next book because I am hooked, but at the same time, I am thoroughly frustrated at the outcome of the this book – leaving me swinging in the wind with one hand on a root and no footing whatsoever. So, I hope the next book comes out soon, so I can overcome this frustration. It is not nice to frustrate readers. They can decide with their feet – and walk away. If the book wasn't so good, that is what I would do. But it is, so I will carry on. K.B. Hoyle, please – no more cliffhangers! I hate them. They tease and frustrate the reader. It just isn't fair. I give this section a 6/10.
THE UPSHOT: The book and the series is definitely worth reading. Start at the beginning and buy the whole thing. Read them one by one, until you get to this book and its cliffhanger. At least you will know it is coming. I will try to get some hints of what is coming in my interview with K. B. Hoyle. I really like this series. I recommend it for pre-teens and teenagers who like adventures with magic and magical creatures, evil, battles, swords, other worlds, warriors, Kings, Princes, teenagers who makes their own decisions and do their own thing. Friendships are a big part of these books as well as loyalty to each other. That's what makes these teenagers stronger that normal – that and their magic. They each gain magical powers when they cross to Alitheia. Then there is the prophecy about the six teenagers – but that is another story for another day. Parents – buy these books and read them aloud to your kids, you will be a hero if you read these. They will beg for more after each book and after each chapter. The girls will especially love Darcy with her wind magic and her deductive powers of reasoning and her bravery. She is strong, kind and loyal. Just like the Lyra Belacqua in His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, but older and wiser, less impulsive. She takes her responsibilities seriously. She is a humble hero. She always worries about her friends and the affect her actions have on them. A perfect role model for your children. These are good stories for your girls as well as your boys. For the boys have role models as well: Tellius, Perry, Dean and Lewis, Wal Wyn, Yahto Veli and the other narks are all role models for your boys. The honesty, the loyalty, the bravery, the heroics, the humbleness all goes back to the days of chivalry – which is when men were good to women and protected what was good without reward, or thinking of themselves before acting. That is why these books are so endearing. They also remind me in a small way of some of the Sabatini books, but without the magic, just the chivalry. Sabatini was so good at chivalry – maybe the best. He is another one I would read to your children, if heroes are what they like, and adventure is what lights their fire. But, to get back to White Thread – put chivalry together with adventure, magic, magical creatures, evil enemies and mysteries abounding – what you have is a series which represents one thumping good read for young adults.You can't beat that one with a stick! The overall MLB score (see below for score card) is 48/60 which means a high 4 stars. (about 4.8 stars)
MLB Scoring System
50 – 60 5 STARS
40 – 49 4 STARS
30 – 39 3 STARS
20 – 29 2 STARS
10 – 19 1 STARS
0 - 9 0 STARS
THE PLOT: Six teenagers from our world are transported through a magical gate at summer camp each year to a world called Alitheia. Darcy, our protagonist, is a strong, teenaged girl who works for her father at the family furniture store. She is harassed at school ,based on her Father's sign on his store, but she handles it because she thinks of Alitheia and the things that she has to do there. Sam – a girl, is her friend. Lewis, is also her friend and is a brain in chemistry and math. Perry is a jock. Amelia is a musician. Dean is a friend of Perry's and is also a jock. Darcy and Perry have been chatting over the computer during the year that has just passed and kind of “like” each other.. Now it is summer – time for camp. Time for Alitheia. Darcy has a mission. She has to rescue her friend, Yahto Vehli – a nark who had the Oracle set Darcy free last year by offering his life up to the Oracle. As her third trip to Alitheia draws near, will Darcy be able to save Yahto Veli? Will her friends help her? Is there more to this rescue then meets the eye? And what of the royals in Alitheia? How do they fit in? Will they be a part of this? Will Darcy go it alone? Will other narks help her? Will this rescue be a grand and glorious adventure or a gigantic flop? And what of the evil that lurks in the land in the form of Tselloch? What is he doing and how will it effect Alitheia? There are so many twists and turns in this plot, it's like you never know which way you are facing – like playing blind man's bluff – put a blindfold on. Have someone spin you around, then ou ttry to find someone. You are truly disoriented. That is the type of plot this book has. There are so many options in this book that it is like a labyrinth, one wrong turn and you are lost. For plot, I give the book, 9/10.
THE CHARACTERIZATION: The characterization mostly centered on Darcy – our protagonist. She got the royal treatment, with frills and all. She was completely detailed, human, three dimensional, technicolor with flaws, foibles, and quirks. The other teenagers got the next best treatment. I have to include Tellius in this – a Prince of Alitheia, who is supposed to marry one of teenagers and become King of Alitheia. Sam, Amelia, Lewis, Perry, Dean, Tellius were all rather human, but not as detailed as Darcy. Even the wizard Rubidius who played quite a role in the book, saving people with his magic and figuring out situations was not as detailed as Darcy. I really liked Rubidius, he was portrayed as a cranky old wizard – a trope, I know, but one I liked. Cranky wizards can be funny if done right, and this one was. The other people in the book were not detailed, even Eleanor, who I thought would have been treated quite differently, as she was an elder in Alitheia and quite important to the royals as well as to Rubidius. You got some glimpses of her personality, but that was all. Maybe in future books, or in past books, that detailing was provided and I missed it. But, consistency is not over-rated in my opinion, so I would think that the characterization would flow through all of the books. I give this part of the novel a 6/10
THE DIALOGUE: The dialogue of the book was not the slang you expect from teenagers, and neither was it true of any of the great books mentioned before in the introduction. Too much slang, and you are dragged away from the story, in fact the teenagers made a serious effort to stay away from slang and any mention of technology or anything from their world in Alitheia, which made sense considering they were in a different world where magic reigned and they had adult responsibilities which put them in league with the royals of Alitheia on a day to day basis. This meant that their dialogue had to be quite formal in Alitheia and they played their parts quite well – only slipping up once, when Perry made an analogy to a video game system which went over everyone's head except the teenagers. When they get back home, the dialogue is business as usual. I give this section a 9/10.
THE GORE SCORE: There is very little to almost no gore in this book – being YA, I expected little gore. There is only one scene in the book, where a monster which islanders think is a goddess eats a man. It is not bloodless, but not bloody either, but rather dramatic. I give the gore score a 2/10
THE IMAGERY: the imagery in the book was really quite good. Hoyle was quite imaginative in describing the magical characters and places where they found themselves, along with the sequences of action that occurred through the novel. While not quite movie quality – it gave the imagination all it needed to create Alitheia in full detail, including: islands, a castle, a town, a bridge, a dwarf town, battles, a volcano, a grotto, snake infested lily pads, an island village, the royal ship, a village riot, several nightmares, the Oracle's Labyrinth, and other places. There was more than enough information in the book's sentences, adjectives, adverbs and sentence structure to create these places in your mind without any trouble. The imagery for young people will be all they need to create the world of Alitheia in their heads because of that, I give this an 8/10. As for worldbudiling, that is another story completely, and will not be addressed here.
THE PACING: The pacing in the book – with it's exuberance – is so swift, that you feel like you are being dragged behind a horse galloping along at full speed without stopping for anything. When the novel is done, then you are let go. Of course – this is not a painful process, more like a runaway wagon on a arrow straight road running full out, with no hope of stopping. You are hooked – fully in the power of the book. You don't want to leave off reading it. You don't want to close the book. You want to keep reading and reading until you are done. The pacing doesn't let up. It doesn't slow down. It just keeps going and going and going. That is how adventures ought to be. Full throttle – foot to the floor – all out. No one likes an adventure that drags, at least I don't. That's why the pacing on this one works. If it was a car – this is how it would play out. Ultra high-speed, nitrous oxide spraying, barreling down the road, faster than anything out there, red lining the engine, big meats squealing, 25” rubber grabbing traction, fishtailing back and forth down the road as everything moves into the rear-view mirror. I give this a 10/10 for pacing.
THE ENDING: The ending of the book was a little too convenient as well as a cliffhanger. Once they got what they wanted, and were faced with another trial, they were swiftly picked up by an invisible hand and carried away to the gate – as another year had passed. They were deposited on the Earth side of the gate. Summer camp was over. It was time to leave for home. Frustrated that they did not get to face this new trial, they checked out a hunch at the summer camp, and found a surprise – which will be addressed in the next book I am sure. While one storyline came to full closure, many more were opened up. Evil is running unchecked from two sources and the royals and in a worse position than ever. Someone's life hangs in the balance. But whose? This is such a cliffhanger of an ending that I felt little to no closure, which unsettled and surprised me. While I really enjoyed the book, the ending chopped off the adventure at a seriously weird place adding a twist and a mystery as well that left me wondering just what the heck was the author thinking ending the book this way. It may have seemed natural to her, but it just pissed me off. Yes, I want to read the next book because I am hooked, but at the same time, I am thoroughly frustrated at the outcome of the this book – leaving me swinging in the wind with one hand on a root and no footing whatsoever. So, I hope the next book comes out soon, so I can overcome this frustration. It is not nice to frustrate readers. They can decide with their feet – and walk away. If the book wasn't so good, that is what I would do. But it is, so I will carry on. K.B. Hoyle, please – no more cliffhangers! I hate them. They tease and frustrate the reader. It just isn't fair. I give this section a 6/10.
THE UPSHOT: The book and the series is definitely worth reading. Start at the beginning and buy the whole thing. Read them one by one, until you get to this book and its cliffhanger. At least you will know it is coming. I will try to get some hints of what is coming in my interview with K. B. Hoyle. I really like this series. I recommend it for pre-teens and teenagers who like adventures with magic and magical creatures, evil, battles, swords, other worlds, warriors, Kings, Princes, teenagers who makes their own decisions and do their own thing. Friendships are a big part of these books as well as loyalty to each other. That's what makes these teenagers stronger that normal – that and their magic. They each gain magical powers when they cross to Alitheia. Then there is the prophecy about the six teenagers – but that is another story for another day. Parents – buy these books and read them aloud to your kids, you will be a hero if you read these. They will beg for more after each book and after each chapter. The girls will especially love Darcy with her wind magic and her deductive powers of reasoning and her bravery. She is strong, kind and loyal. Just like the Lyra Belacqua in His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, but older and wiser, less impulsive. She takes her responsibilities seriously. She is a humble hero. She always worries about her friends and the affect her actions have on them. A perfect role model for your children. These are good stories for your girls as well as your boys. For the boys have role models as well: Tellius, Perry, Dean and Lewis, Wal Wyn, Yahto Veli and the other narks are all role models for your boys. The honesty, the loyalty, the bravery, the heroics, the humbleness all goes back to the days of chivalry – which is when men were good to women and protected what was good without reward, or thinking of themselves before acting. That is why these books are so endearing. They also remind me in a small way of some of the Sabatini books, but without the magic, just the chivalry. Sabatini was so good at chivalry – maybe the best. He is another one I would read to your children, if heroes are what they like, and adventure is what lights their fire. But, to get back to White Thread – put chivalry together with adventure, magic, magical creatures, evil enemies and mysteries abounding – what you have is a series which represents one thumping good read for young adults.You can't beat that one with a stick! The overall MLB score (see below for score card) is 48/60 which means a high 4 stars. (about 4.8 stars)
MLB Scoring System
50 – 60 5 STARS
40 – 49 4 STARS
30 – 39 3 STARS
20 – 29 2 STARS
10 – 19 1 STARS
0 - 9 0 STARS
April 20, 2019
The White Thread picks up where The Oracle left off, with a new journey and purpose. The Six undertake a sea voyage (Dawn Treader, anyone?), following the Oracle's cryptic instructions to regain what was lost. Tellius accompanies The Six, and with seven 15 year olds on a ship for several months, there is so much drama this time around. A love triangle/quadrilateral makes relationships tense, with some compelling insights. Tellius' assessment of his rival's character makes a strong impression, and this point cannot be overemphasized. Character matters. Tellius gets some great lines in this book. (While this mess does a lot for character development, it's not my favorite part of the plot.)
When I first read this volume, I think I loved the sea voyage and the way several of the relationships progress. Darcy is growing as a character, making better decisions more often, while still tripping up here and there. The anguish from the previous book is mostly resolved, but with many questions lingering as the story ends with multiple cliffhangers.
Because I read books 2-6 back to back my first time through the series, they all ran together a little more. I'm enjoying revisiting the finer details - I remember what happened, but not exactly how, which keeps me moving forward at a quick pace. One disturbing scene was impossible to forget, however. Again, I recommend this for teenagers, not children.
When I first read this volume, I think I loved the sea voyage and the way several of the relationships progress. Darcy is growing as a character, making better decisions more often, while still tripping up here and there. The anguish from the previous book is mostly resolved, but with many questions lingering as the story ends with multiple cliffhangers.
Because I read books 2-6 back to back my first time through the series, they all ran together a little more. I'm enjoying revisiting the finer details - I remember what happened, but not exactly how, which keeps me moving forward at a quick pace. One disturbing scene was impossible to forget, however. Again, I recommend this for teenagers, not children.
June 18, 2019
Choosing a favorite Gateway Chronicle is like picking out just one favorite ice cream flavor. It’s pretty much impossible. But for me, The White Thread by K.B. Hoylealways rises to the top. I think I know why: there’s something about an epic sea voyage, full of danger and strange new lands, that always draws me in. I know I’m not alone. If you’ve found delight in the enchanted islands of C.S. Lewis’ Voyage of the Dawn Treader, or traveled in the thousand-year-old wake of Eric the Viking, Sinbad the Sailor, or the even more ancient Odysseus or Jason, you’ll understand The White Thread’s allure.
In this revised version of The White Thread's 2012 edition, K.B. Hoyle dives even deeper into the murky waters between her chief protagonist, Darcy Pennington, and the conflicted, impetuous crown prince of Alitheia, Tellius. There are many expanded sections that give readers clearer insight into Tellius’ emotions and motivations, and one chapter that’s entirely (and masterfully!) reworked. Read my full review here
In this revised version of The White Thread's 2012 edition, K.B. Hoyle dives even deeper into the murky waters between her chief protagonist, Darcy Pennington, and the conflicted, impetuous crown prince of Alitheia, Tellius. There are many expanded sections that give readers clearer insight into Tellius’ emotions and motivations, and one chapter that’s entirely (and masterfully!) reworked. Read my full review here
November 15, 2019
>Book Review – The White Thread
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Gateway Chronicles and continues the adventure. This story fast forwards 1 year. The 6 friends are back at camp and ready to go back through the portal to save Yahto Veli. The adventure in this book deals with the journey through unknown lands, encountering unknown dangers and trying to decipher confusing prophesy. The kids are starting to grow up. Darcy and Perry kiss and decide that their kiss felt wrong. Tellius feels some jealousy and is like an alpha male in training as he is protective of Darcy.
>This story has a ton of action and cool description of new lands. This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The way the time flows in this story is very unique.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 3rd in the Gateway Chronicles and continues the adventure. This story fast forwards 1 year. The 6 friends are back at camp and ready to go back through the portal to save Yahto Veli. The adventure in this book deals with the journey through unknown lands, encountering unknown dangers and trying to decipher confusing prophesy. The kids are starting to grow up. Darcy and Perry kiss and decide that their kiss felt wrong. Tellius feels some jealousy and is like an alpha male in training as he is protective of Darcy.
>This story has a ton of action and cool description of new lands. This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The way the time flows in this story is very unique.
May 3, 2025
If the first of this series was an ode to The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe, the second book to LOTR, then this book was the Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Again, there's some juvenile parts and flat characters, but I enjoyed it and yes, Kindle Unlimited has already pushed me to download the 4th one.
This is a fun read for sure.
Again, there's some juvenile parts and flat characters, but I enjoyed it and yes, Kindle Unlimited has already pushed me to download the 4th one.
This is a fun read for sure.
May 11, 2025
Okay THIS is where my interest has really hit climates I never expected. Now that these characters are far beyond the age of 13 and their maturity is getting ... there... I am so locked into this series.
Of course, all of the drama is a bit annoying, but I think it ultimately shapes these characters really well by the climax and resolution of this book.
Thrilled!!
Of course, all of the drama is a bit annoying, but I think it ultimately shapes these characters really well by the climax and resolution of this book.
Thrilled!!
December 27, 2023
My favorite of the series thus far. This series does a great job of building off of one another and making each book feel like you are growing with the characters. A lot more drama that capitalizes on two books worth of world building.
July 2, 2025
The most enjoyable installment in The Gateway Chronicles so far! It helps that the main characters are aging up, less teen angst. Going to take a break before getting into the final three, but things are definitely picking up!
February 18, 2018
This book is where things really started to pick up in my mind. I loved how I got to know my characters so much better! When reading this, I felt as if I was in the book with them!
January 7, 2020
There were some great fantastical elements in this book I really enjoyed, and I definitely wanted to pick up the next one at the end!
April 6, 2020
I’ve stayed up way too late reading this one, which is a sign that the series is compelling and a lot of fun. I certainly recommend it if you’re looking for an easy, adventurous read.
April 11, 2020
Oh my gosh! So so good. I'm going to have to go immediately to the next in this series, though, because I simply must know...
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