What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gate
Valhalla is for warriors that die in battle. What of those who don’t have a hero’s death? Where do they go? The inter-world is in chaos and has become the heart of the battleground in the war between Paladins and Gatekeepers. Harley doesn’t know it yet, but she’s at ground zero. A night of drinking, to forget a cheating girlfriend, is about to change her life forever. A birthmark—or a birthright—sets her on a direct path to a woman who claims to have known her for centuries. Not ready to accept her Paladin mantel, she needs proof—and that proof is out to destroy her. A protector by birth, Dawn was bred to preserve the delicate cycle of life and death. Protecting a Paladin is to be mated for eternity, usually without the sex, but Harley’s allure is universally compelling. Harley’s rise in status to The Chosen complicates things further as Dawn finds herself fighting for her own heart, as well as battling her biggest nemesis and brother, Lucius. Lucius, lord of the Gatekeepers, is out to kill souls moving to their next life. He wants Harley in his corner and he isn’t about to let a little sibling rivalry stand in the way, no matter what it takes. Harley find herself caught up in Lucius’s tempting promise of power, but cannot shake the soul-tugging love she feels with Dawn. Will Dawn convince Harley in time to embrace her Paladin destiny and save the souls looking for their gate, or will Lucius be able to sway Harley to throw in with the Gatekeepers?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2017
21 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Isabella
30 books197 followersAward winning, international best selling author, Isabella, lives in California with her wife and three sons. Isabella's first novel, Always Faithful, won a GCLS award in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category in 2010. She was also a finalist in the International Book Awards, and an Honorable Mention in the 2010 and 2012 Rainbow Awards.
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
She is a member of the Rainbow Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Gold Crown Literary Society. She has written several short stories and just finished her next novel, Razor's Edge - American Yakuza III, set for an April 15th release. She is current working on Cigar Barons - A family dynasty where blood isn't thicker than water, it's war!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2017
I love fantasy anything, so I was excited to get my hands on this urban fantasy book. The premise of the book was very interesting, I was hooked pretty fast. My problem was the writing, this was rough in places. Now I did get this ARC over a month ago. I am hopefully this book has been edited again and again and will be really fixed up before it is released in a few days.
I want to explain more what I mean by rough since this is affecting my rating a little. I always expect there to be a few grammar issues or punctuation in an ARC, which is not what I am talking about here. I’m talking about writing choices that made no sense, were convoluted or repetitive. For example, there are two main characters Dawn and Harley. Harley asks Dawn if she is an angel. Dawn says “sort of.” About ten to fifteen pages later, Harley again realizes Dawn is an angel and asks, “You’re an angel?” Dawn answers “I assumed you knew.” Well no you can’t assume because you didn’t tell her you were an angel, you told her you were sort of an angel. What is sort of an angel? And to be honest, I still don’t know for sure what Dawn is, angel, god, I don’t know.
Another example is after the mains have sex for the first time, Dawn apologies and says “I shouldn’t have forced you.” They fall asleep, wake up the next morning and then Harley says “I shouldn’t have forced myself on you.” Okay so question, if they both forced themselves on each other, is it still force? If they both wanted sex, they both wanted sex right? Just odd stuff like this and I was wondering what is going on here?
Last complaint of the writing was this. Harley would think back about something that happened, not that long ago, really only a few pages back. To show this memory Isabella just copied and pasted what had happened word for word. So you would be reading paragraphs that you had recently read, for the second time. I would have thought this was an editing issue, that repeating text somehow slipped through. But that isn’t the case because every time this happened she put it in italics so you knew it was a memory. I have never seen purposely repetitive chunks in a book like that before.
If I take the writing issues, the oddness and convolutedness out, I did like parts of this book. As I said before, I liked the premise. Evil vs. good, soul collectors, angels (I think) and gods, I enjoy all that stuff. The book does end on a small cliffhanger, so I’m sure there will be a book 2. As much as the writing drove me nuts, I do want to know what happens next. I really hope this book has gotten smoothed out because it could be a cool series, after a lot of editing.
An ARC was given to me by Sapphire, for an honest review.
I want to explain more what I mean by rough since this is affecting my rating a little. I always expect there to be a few grammar issues or punctuation in an ARC, which is not what I am talking about here. I’m talking about writing choices that made no sense, were convoluted or repetitive. For example, there are two main characters Dawn and Harley. Harley asks Dawn if she is an angel. Dawn says “sort of.” About ten to fifteen pages later, Harley again realizes Dawn is an angel and asks, “You’re an angel?” Dawn answers “I assumed you knew.” Well no you can’t assume because you didn’t tell her you were an angel, you told her you were sort of an angel. What is sort of an angel? And to be honest, I still don’t know for sure what Dawn is, angel, god, I don’t know.
Another example is after the mains have sex for the first time, Dawn apologies and says “I shouldn’t have forced you.” They fall asleep, wake up the next morning and then Harley says “I shouldn’t have forced myself on you.” Okay so question, if they both forced themselves on each other, is it still force? If they both wanted sex, they both wanted sex right? Just odd stuff like this and I was wondering what is going on here?
Last complaint of the writing was this. Harley would think back about something that happened, not that long ago, really only a few pages back. To show this memory Isabella just copied and pasted what had happened word for word. So you would be reading paragraphs that you had recently read, for the second time. I would have thought this was an editing issue, that repeating text somehow slipped through. But that isn’t the case because every time this happened she put it in italics so you knew it was a memory. I have never seen purposely repetitive chunks in a book like that before.
If I take the writing issues, the oddness and convolutedness out, I did like parts of this book. As I said before, I liked the premise. Evil vs. good, soul collectors, angels (I think) and gods, I enjoy all that stuff. The book does end on a small cliffhanger, so I’m sure there will be a book 2. As much as the writing drove me nuts, I do want to know what happens next. I really hope this book has gotten smoothed out because it could be a cool series, after a lot of editing.
An ARC was given to me by Sapphire, for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
Full disclosure, I am not a big reader of fantasy novels. The great cover on The Gate pulled me in and Isabella’s fascinating world building kept me reading. Paladins, Gatekeepers and Protectors. It was all I could do to sort out the world Harley wakes up in.The system in place to help lost souls find their gate is in a state of flux. Dawn has been Harley’s Protector down through the ages. Her siblings may or may not be working against her as she tries to once again educate and protect Harley.
I love an anti-hero and Harley is excellent as a reluctant Paladin. She has Jack nipping at her heels, begging her to help him find his gate and not be relegated to walk the earth as a lost soul, or worse. I loved how Harley could give a damn about what Jack wants. She is in full denial the majority of the novel. The whole surreal world Harley finds herself in adds impact to her eventual grasp of what power she wields and how important her role as Paladin is in the grand scheme of things.
The ARC Copy I received from the publisher did have editing and some continuity issues but I was assured by the publisher that these problems will be resolved before the book is published. The story itself is out there and well worth the effort it takes to plant yourself in this purgatory of demons,angels and lost souls.
Kudos for an unexpected, entertaining ride. I love when a book pushes me out of my comfort zone. The Gate throws you on the ground and stomps on your sensibilities. Good stuff.
ARC received with thanks from Sapphire Books for an honest review,
I love an anti-hero and Harley is excellent as a reluctant Paladin. She has Jack nipping at her heels, begging her to help him find his gate and not be relegated to walk the earth as a lost soul, or worse. I loved how Harley could give a damn about what Jack wants. She is in full denial the majority of the novel. The whole surreal world Harley finds herself in adds impact to her eventual grasp of what power she wields and how important her role as Paladin is in the grand scheme of things.
The ARC Copy I received from the publisher did have editing and some continuity issues but I was assured by the publisher that these problems will be resolved before the book is published. The story itself is out there and well worth the effort it takes to plant yourself in this purgatory of demons,angels and lost souls.
Kudos for an unexpected, entertaining ride. I love when a book pushes me out of my comfort zone. The Gate throws you on the ground and stomps on your sensibilities. Good stuff.
ARC received with thanks from Sapphire Books for an honest review,
November 5, 2017
A thrilling adventure!
A story that is blurring the line between memories, dreams and real life. Sinister dark forces are constantly knocking on the door. Thirsty for power and control. It is a mysterious, magical, horrifying, unique, fast paced paranormal adventure with an impressive personality as main character. A book that was hard to put down and it keeps you on your toes. In three words; It was perfect. I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent read.
A story that is blurring the line between memories, dreams and real life. Sinister dark forces are constantly knocking on the door. Thirsty for power and control. It is a mysterious, magical, horrifying, unique, fast paced paranormal adventure with an impressive personality as main character. A book that was hard to put down and it keeps you on your toes. In three words; It was perfect. I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent read.
September 22, 2017
Isabella has imagined a fascinating Interworld where Paladins and Gatekeepers are involved in a bitter rivalry and some poor souls trapped there are caught in the middle. Harley finds herself struggling to understand her role in all of this and her Protector Dawn is not entirely forthcoming with information. The two women are drawn to each other in a way that tells Harley there is so much more to their relationship- but she can't remember!
I loved the whole premise of the book and I was learning about the world at the same time as Harley. She had to decide whether she believed in it all and what side she was going to take. The dark side was a scary option but was she ready for the alternative? Isabella managed to inject a great deal of irreverant humour into her writing which I really appreaciated. I liked the banter between Jack, Harley and Dawn as well as the interaction with Lucius and Allie. The sexual tension between the women was intense but went beyond love or lust. This was a really good story that left me wanting to read more about these characters. I eagerly anticipate the release of the next in the series and highly recommend this first instalment.
I was given this ARC by Sapphire Publishing in return for an honest review.
I loved the whole premise of the book and I was learning about the world at the same time as Harley. She had to decide whether she believed in it all and what side she was going to take. The dark side was a scary option but was she ready for the alternative? Isabella managed to inject a great deal of irreverant humour into her writing which I really appreaciated. I liked the banter between Jack, Harley and Dawn as well as the interaction with Lucius and Allie. The sexual tension between the women was intense but went beyond love or lust. This was a really good story that left me wanting to read more about these characters. I eagerly anticipate the release of the next in the series and highly recommend this first instalment.
I was given this ARC by Sapphire Publishing in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2021
I was so excited to read this book! I mean, look at that cover 😍 and reading the synopsis, I thought I'd read about viking and Valhalla!
.
Well....
.
I was wrong. I was so wrong. This book was frustrating. The first 100 pages are pretty much Harley walking around, being stubborn saying she's going to wake up and it's all a dream 🙄
.
This whole entire plot/story could have been written in 100 pages. Nothing was ever really explained. It went nowhere. It was weird. It was random. It. Was. Frustrating. And disappointing.
.
Needless to say, this book will not remain on my shelf.
.
Well....
.
I was wrong. I was so wrong. This book was frustrating. The first 100 pages are pretty much Harley walking around, being stubborn saying she's going to wake up and it's all a dream 🙄
.
This whole entire plot/story could have been written in 100 pages. Nothing was ever really explained. It went nowhere. It was weird. It was random. It. Was. Frustrating. And disappointing.
.
Needless to say, this book will not remain on my shelf.
September 6, 2017
Harley had just discovered her girlfriend had been cheating on her. She needed space, time to collect her thoughts, time away without distractions. But with nothing to busy the mind her thoughts turned dark. She had a gun, for protection, but other considerations began to surface, unwanted thoughts. She knew how to do it, even how to overcome her own fear. That night she fell asleep to such thoughts, and when she awoke she had the headache from hell, and two bullet shells in her hand. It was only when she met Jack, a young man seeking his afterlife, she began to wonder what had happened. Soon she discovers she's between worlds. The dark souls, hunting and praying on those searching for their gates, for some inexplicable reason can't see her, but she can see them, not only that she can kill them. In exchange for his help she agrees to help Jack find his gate, yet through her travels she finds so much more.
The Gate by Isabella is one of those books that will have you hooked from the start. I made the mistake of starting it before bed and found it almost impossible to put down. Part of the reason was the author’s writing style, she successfully executes an informal tone without it being too familiar, this is something I have seen many authors attempt, but few have succeeded on this level. I also couldn’t wait to unravel what had happened, and what was going to happen. Above I have already hinted at the story, and don’t want to spoil anything by revealing some of the great revelations and developments, so just trust me when I say this book won’t leave you wanting.
The Gate by Isabella is one of those books that will have you hooked from the start. I made the mistake of starting it before bed and found it almost impossible to put down. Part of the reason was the author’s writing style, she successfully executes an informal tone without it being too familiar, this is something I have seen many authors attempt, but few have succeeded on this level. I also couldn’t wait to unravel what had happened, and what was going to happen. Above I have already hinted at the story, and don’t want to spoil anything by revealing some of the great revelations and developments, so just trust me when I say this book won’t leave you wanting.
February 21, 2019
2.5 On a good day.
I couldn’t make my mind up on this book. I had every confidence that it would be a great book because of the authors previous work (American yakuza) which is a great series, so I thought this would be just as good. But...
It felt rushed, the background story wasn’t given enough print, nor the background of the characters either. There was some attempt at character development but that fell short too. Many things were left unexplained and somethings just didn’t make any sense.
I was sorely disappointed with this. I got the sense that the author didn’t care much about the characters in this book. Such a shame as it was a great premise.
I hope the next book in the America Yakuza series will be so much better than this.
I couldn’t make my mind up on this book. I had every confidence that it would be a great book because of the authors previous work (American yakuza) which is a great series, so I thought this would be just as good. But...
It felt rushed, the background story wasn’t given enough print, nor the background of the characters either. There was some attempt at character development but that fell short too. Many things were left unexplained and somethings just didn’t make any sense.
I was sorely disappointed with this. I got the sense that the author didn’t care much about the characters in this book. Such a shame as it was a great premise.
I hope the next book in the America Yakuza series will be so much better than this.
August 15, 2022
I was enticed to read this novel by the premise of urban fantasy and lesbians, if that's all you're looking for you may enjoy this book. If you want things like continuity of plot, writing, and solid grammar, you may want to look elsewhere.
It is a story about life and death and what happens when you're stuck between the two. Honestly, it's been a while since I read it and most of what I remember I wasn't very impressed by.
Honestly, it's been a while since I read it and most of what I remember I wasn't very impressed by. It has an intriguing premise and story ideas but I found the actual execution of those to be lacking and the characters to be kind of annoying.
It is a story about life and death and what happens when you're stuck between the two. Honestly, it's been a while since I read it and most of what I remember I wasn't very impressed by.
Honestly, it's been a while since I read it and most of what I remember I wasn't very impressed by. It has an intriguing premise and story ideas but I found the actual execution of those to be lacking and the characters to be kind of annoying.
September 13, 2019
This was a very good read with a strong female protagonist who just happens to be a lesbian. It will be interesting to see if Isabella develops the setting more, there definitely is room in how she wrote the story for that. I personally would like to know more about the cosmology of the setting and see what other supernatural or magical beings are out there.
December 9, 2017
A good story, but lacking in depth.
Some of the characters needed to be developed. They lacked depth. A unique story line but could have been a little better....
Some of the characters needed to be developed. They lacked depth. A unique story line but could have been a little better....
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews