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The Gatekeeper's Curse #2
Hereditary Curse
Ilsa Lynn has survived her first few weeks as Gatekeeper between mortal and spirit worlds, but her problems are just beginning.
The source of her magic remains as shrouded in mystery as her family's past, while the necromancers are keen to recruit her as one of their own. And then there's River, the tempting faerie-necromancer, placed in charge of her training. Keeping her abilities quiet seems impossible with wraiths haunting her every step, let alone an estranged family member with a secret of his own appearing on the doorstep.
When a dark evil sets its sights on her family, it'll take everything Ilsa has to lay the spirit to rest before she ends up six feet under -- permanently.
The source of her magic remains as shrouded in mystery as her family's past, while the necromancers are keen to recruit her as one of their own. And then there's River, the tempting faerie-necromancer, placed in charge of her training. Keeping her abilities quiet seems impossible with wraiths haunting her every step, let alone an estranged family member with a secret of his own appearing on the doorstep.
When a dark evil sets its sights on her family, it'll take everything Ilsa has to lay the spirit to rest before she ends up six feet under -- permanently.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2018
189 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Emma L. Adams
87 books948 followersI'm Emma, a fantasy author, book collector, gamer, and wanderer. I write urban and epic fantasy novels, including the international bestselling Changeling Chronicles, the Relics of Power trilogy, and the Death's Disciple quartet.
*Note: I use Goodreads only to keep a record of what I'm reading. Please don't send me unsolicited review requests.*
*Note: I use Goodreads only to keep a record of what I'm reading. Please don't send me unsolicited review requests.*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
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January 20, 2023Slightly better than the first book--again, the best parts were the MC's relationships with her siblings and with River. Love the MC's brother. And the ending, argh! I thought maybe I was done with the series but now I need to know what happens in the third book.
December 19, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Cliffhangerish
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ilsa Lynn
River
Morgan
Hazel
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ilsa is the gatekeeper, not going between the courts but being part necromancer she is meant to guide spirits into death.
Her mother is still missing and she finds out the half necromancer - half faerie River who we met last book is the son of the necromancer in charge of Edinburgh. River has been gone for months so Ilsa goes looking for him only to be found by two necromancers and reprimanded for being an untrained necromancer in the city.
When it is clear that the spirit realm is not done with her family when her brother ends up on her doorstep claiming he is being haunted.
Final thoughts
I thought this was a good addition to this series. I've just finished Ivy & Vance's story so I'm pretty well versed in this world. I can never get my bearings on timings for this world. Is this happening during the war or after? I think its after but hard to keep track.
This book doesn't feature any of the other series' characters so that is something if you wanted to see Ivy you don't in this book although she is mentioned.
Ilsa is more an unexpected hero than Ivy was, the same clumsiness in stumbling into trouble but less street wise than Ivy. Ilsa is younger and it shows in her fighting but she is just as brave and protective of the ones she loves including her estranged brother.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Cliffhangerish
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ilsa Lynn
River
Morgan
Hazel
----------------------------------
What happens?
Ilsa is the gatekeeper, not going between the courts but being part necromancer she is meant to guide spirits into death.
Her mother is still missing and she finds out the half necromancer - half faerie River who we met last book is the son of the necromancer in charge of Edinburgh. River has been gone for months so Ilsa goes looking for him only to be found by two necromancers and reprimanded for being an untrained necromancer in the city.
When it is clear that the spirit realm is not done with her family when her brother ends up on her doorstep claiming he is being haunted.
Final thoughts
I thought this was a good addition to this series. I've just finished Ivy & Vance's story so I'm pretty well versed in this world. I can never get my bearings on timings for this world. Is this happening during the war or after? I think its after but hard to keep track.
This book doesn't feature any of the other series' characters so that is something if you wanted to see Ivy you don't in this book although she is mentioned.
Ilsa is more an unexpected hero than Ivy was, the same clumsiness in stumbling into trouble but less street wise than Ivy. Ilsa is younger and it shows in her fighting but she is just as brave and protective of the ones she loves including her estranged brother.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
September 17, 2021
Found.. and lost..
Recommend you check the reading order for Emma L Adams novels. Several series overlap and to avoid spoilers you need to read in order.
Trying to resume her normal life after the battle against Winter she finds herself facing a wraith on the streets of Edinburgh; despatching it draws the attention of a pair of necromancer's who arrest her as a rogue.
Going along peaceably, and complying with their requests and tests; well except for telling them that she's actually keeper of the gates of death, that is! The leader, of the necromancer's Lady Morgan, is astonished by Ilsa's powers and she's apprenticed to none other than River, the half-blood faerie necromancer who was her bodyguard during the battle.
While she's pleased to see him she's surprised to discover that Lady Morgan is his mother. On returning home she discovers her long lost brother, Morgan, waiting for her; missing for 8 years since he ran away from the Lynn's home following years of difficulties with their mother, Ilsa is uncertain of her feelings. Morgan looks like a vagrant and clearly needs help as he's plagued by ghosts and voices that follow him everywhere.
Ilsa tries to help and finds herself battling against an unknown enemy who is determined to take her book and with it the power of the gate to death. Can they stop them before it causes trouble for the human realm?
Still feels a little stiff and not as flowing as the previous novels set in this world.
Recommend you check the reading order for Emma L Adams novels. Several series overlap and to avoid spoilers you need to read in order.
Trying to resume her normal life after the battle against Winter she finds herself facing a wraith on the streets of Edinburgh; despatching it draws the attention of a pair of necromancer's who arrest her as a rogue.
Going along peaceably, and complying with their requests and tests; well except for telling them that she's actually keeper of the gates of death, that is! The leader, of the necromancer's Lady Morgan, is astonished by Ilsa's powers and she's apprenticed to none other than River, the half-blood faerie necromancer who was her bodyguard during the battle.
While she's pleased to see him she's surprised to discover that Lady Morgan is his mother. On returning home she discovers her long lost brother, Morgan, waiting for her; missing for 8 years since he ran away from the Lynn's home following years of difficulties with their mother, Ilsa is uncertain of her feelings. Morgan looks like a vagrant and clearly needs help as he's plagued by ghosts and voices that follow him everywhere.
Ilsa tries to help and finds herself battling against an unknown enemy who is determined to take her book and with it the power of the gate to death. Can they stop them before it causes trouble for the human realm?
Still feels a little stiff and not as flowing as the previous novels set in this world.
July 1, 2018
I fell in love with Ilsa Lynn when I read the first book in Emma L. Adams’ marvelous The Gatekeeper's Curse series, Hereditary Magic. Put into a situation she definitely wasn’t looking for, she ran with it and did a pretty darn good job. So now in book 2, Hereditary Curse, she’s a Gatekeeper, bound to serve the Summer Court of Faerie, imbued with affinity with the dead, and with her own dangerous magic - and her own set of dangerous enemies out to get her. Yes, she has River, the yummy faerie-necromancer, to train her but that brings its own set of issues. But things are pretty scary and the situation she’s in is dangerous to her and her family. Don’t worry, this is a series after all and we’ve some books left so it’s no shocker to reveal that she does indeed deal with all of this pretty well - but the imaginative way she does so is the key. This is yet another well done book with an exciting plot, a very neat overarching story line that’s continuing to develop, a well-crafted supporting craft and, frankly, superb writing. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 30, 2018
Ghost, spiritual world, and faeries? Yes. Necromancers and psychics? yes. Trouble? Hell yes.
Ilsa's trouble only started by claiming the talisman that marked her as the Gatekeeper of Death. Now, her powers demonstrated in public, and she was forced to enter the Necromancers' guild, being suspected of many broken laws by Lady Montgomery, the Guild leader. Moreover, her long lost brother Morgan crashes on her doorstep, which hints at new disaster on the horizon. And with both summer and winter gatekeepers missing and necromantic hyperactivity around, Ilsa's hands are totally full.
This world could never get me bored. This is the third series in the same world setup I read and there is still so much to discover, to see and enjoy. Half-breeds of all sorts are kind of everywhere, magic takes on the most unique and weirdest forms, and the plot is so complex and intricate you can never get bored, and realize the full extent only in the end. I practically devoured the book in one go, barely stopping to eat and staying up long in the night. I enjoy the interactions between Ilsa and River greatly, as well as the strange relationships among the three siblings.. and any other strange things happening in the book. I so cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Ilsa's trouble only started by claiming the talisman that marked her as the Gatekeeper of Death. Now, her powers demonstrated in public, and she was forced to enter the Necromancers' guild, being suspected of many broken laws by Lady Montgomery, the Guild leader. Moreover, her long lost brother Morgan crashes on her doorstep, which hints at new disaster on the horizon. And with both summer and winter gatekeepers missing and necromantic hyperactivity around, Ilsa's hands are totally full.
This world could never get me bored. This is the third series in the same world setup I read and there is still so much to discover, to see and enjoy. Half-breeds of all sorts are kind of everywhere, magic takes on the most unique and weirdest forms, and the plot is so complex and intricate you can never get bored, and realize the full extent only in the end. I practically devoured the book in one go, barely stopping to eat and staying up long in the night. I enjoy the interactions between Ilsa and River greatly, as well as the strange relationships among the three siblings.. and any other strange things happening in the book. I so cannot wait for the next book in the series!
April 25, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I enjoyed the first book a lot and was excited when I received the second to read. It didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed Ilsa's continued journey as well as the added character of her brother. Welcome home and back to the family and time to turn up the drama. Some of the drama between Ilsa and River seemed a little forced or contrived, especially the surprise at the end. They are, kind of, moving in the right direction and I can only hope the Adams doesn't take away the HEA or HFN that I like in her books. We learned the answer to a few questions and learned a dozen additional questions. Thankfully this is not the end of their story and I look forward to the next installment and where they have been set up to go and do.
If you like stories with strong characters that don't cave to what society dictates and try and live by their own moral compass and desires this is a good series to read and a great author to try out.
I enjoyed the first book a lot and was excited when I received the second to read. It didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed Ilsa's continued journey as well as the added character of her brother. Welcome home and back to the family and time to turn up the drama. Some of the drama between Ilsa and River seemed a little forced or contrived, especially the surprise at the end. They are, kind of, moving in the right direction and I can only hope the Adams doesn't take away the HEA or HFN that I like in her books. We learned the answer to a few questions and learned a dozen additional questions. Thankfully this is not the end of their story and I look forward to the next installment and where they have been set up to go and do.
If you like stories with strong characters that don't cave to what society dictates and try and live by their own moral compass and desires this is a good series to read and a great author to try out.
April 30, 2018
Another superb series
Love this series and the characters! I've avidly devoured books from the multiple series written by Emma Adams. The Ivy Lane books remain firmly my favorites, but this series is very good, too. Ivy and her Mage Lord are older and considerably more mature than Ilsa and River, so the story is accordingly also more mature. I honestly love reading about Ilsa and her journey, too. Her depth and maturity grew remarkably in this second book, and I enjoyed and liked River a lot more. Loved the introduction of Morgan as an integral character. Hope to continue to see a lot of him in the next installment! Hazel seemed much less self centered in this book as well. I'm VERY much looking forward to finally meeting their intimidating mother, Summer Gatekeeper, in the third book! Hope that book is released VERY soon!
Love this series and the characters! I've avidly devoured books from the multiple series written by Emma Adams. The Ivy Lane books remain firmly my favorites, but this series is very good, too. Ivy and her Mage Lord are older and considerably more mature than Ilsa and River, so the story is accordingly also more mature. I honestly love reading about Ilsa and her journey, too. Her depth and maturity grew remarkably in this second book, and I enjoyed and liked River a lot more. Loved the introduction of Morgan as an integral character. Hope to continue to see a lot of him in the next installment! Hazel seemed much less self centered in this book as well. I'm VERY much looking forward to finally meeting their intimidating mother, Summer Gatekeeper, in the third book! Hope that book is released VERY soon!
July 10, 2020
Listen up fans of fairies, necromancer, mages, shapeshifters, witches, read Emma Adams's stories!
Seriously read Emma Adams's first series to get the hang of the storylines. Her first series is book 1 Fairy Blood, Changling Chronicles. I promise you won't be disappointed in reading this series first, then read this series The Gatekeepers Curse. You will be hooked! I've even got my husband reading the first series. He loves the action, the style of writing, and now understands why I read Ms. Adams's books. He's just like me, we don't want lots of words describing dresses, sceneries, dull boring stuff. We want action, laughter, bits of love, lots of blood. He's 75 and I'm 67, doesn't matter your age, we enjoy getting away from reality. Reality sucks big time for us.
Seriously read Emma Adams's first series to get the hang of the storylines. Her first series is book 1 Fairy Blood, Changling Chronicles. I promise you won't be disappointed in reading this series first, then read this series The Gatekeepers Curse. You will be hooked! I've even got my husband reading the first series. He loves the action, the style of writing, and now understands why I read Ms. Adams's books. He's just like me, we don't want lots of words describing dresses, sceneries, dull boring stuff. We want action, laughter, bits of love, lots of blood. He's 75 and I'm 67, doesn't matter your age, we enjoy getting away from reality. Reality sucks big time for us.
April 26, 2018
Solid 4.5 star
I really do feel like Ilsa can't catch a break but she does deal with bad things happening pretty well!
With Morgan her brother turning up after leaving 8 years prior it just adds to the drama going on in Ilsa's life which also includes the necromancers bringing her in after using her magic little book. You really don't know who to trust including family and Ilsa has to work out not only what is going on in town as well as the necromancers while not letting her secret out and others dying. Can she handle all of this as well as being by River when Lady Montgomery is calling the shots on her training and watching her.... bring on book 3!
I really do feel like Ilsa can't catch a break but she does deal with bad things happening pretty well!
With Morgan her brother turning up after leaving 8 years prior it just adds to the drama going on in Ilsa's life which also includes the necromancers bringing her in after using her magic little book. You really don't know who to trust including family and Ilsa has to work out not only what is going on in town as well as the necromancers while not letting her secret out and others dying. Can she handle all of this as well as being by River when Lady Montgomery is calling the shots on her training and watching her.... bring on book 3!
January 6, 2021
Ilsa Lynn has survived her first few weeks as Gatekeeper between mortal and spirit worlds, but her problems are just beginning.
The source of her magic remains as shrouded in mystery as her family's past, while the necromancers are keen to recruit her as one of their own. And then there's River, the tempting faerie-necromancer, placed in charge of her training. Keeping her abilities quiet seems impossible with wraiths haunting her every step, let alone an estranged family member with a secret of his own appearing on the doorstep.
When a dark evil sets its sights on her family, it'll take everything Ilsa has to lay the spirit to rest before she ends up six feet under -- permanently
The source of her magic remains as shrouded in mystery as her family's past, while the necromancers are keen to recruit her as one of their own. And then there's River, the tempting faerie-necromancer, placed in charge of her training. Keeping her abilities quiet seems impossible with wraiths haunting her every step, let alone an estranged family member with a secret of his own appearing on the doorstep.
When a dark evil sets its sights on her family, it'll take everything Ilsa has to lay the spirit to rest before she ends up six feet under -- permanently
April 28, 2018
Emma L Adams is an excellent author and like book 1 in this series the book does not disappoint. This is a great continuation of this series and you really have to feel for Ilsa as she seems to always have something to deal with!! You never know who she can trust from chapter to chapter and it makes this story even more intriguing. Will be interesting to see what happens in book 3 and I can’t wait to see what the future is for Ilsa!!
April 30, 2018
Really cool action packed urban fantasy
A really cool action-packed urban fantasy. A great cast of characters in a continuing world of urban fantasy and fantasy. Great story of a world that went to war with a very low words. You have majors which is necromancers shifters fairies and all kinds of other fairy creatures and mystical creatures. A continuing battle between winter and summer family and the survivors of earth realm. Very entertaining an action-packed read.
A really cool action-packed urban fantasy. A great cast of characters in a continuing world of urban fantasy and fantasy. Great story of a world that went to war with a very low words. You have majors which is necromancers shifters fairies and all kinds of other fairy creatures and mystical creatures. A continuing battle between winter and summer family and the survivors of earth realm. Very entertaining an action-packed read.
June 16, 2018
Absolutely loving this series, Magic and mayhem in a world that’s not all black and white. Faeries, Hellhounds, Ghosts and necromancy fill this Book from cover to cover with adventure, drama and intrigue that has you on the edge of your seat dying to find out what going to happen next!
A great continuation to this series, it will be interesting to find out what happens next so I’m eagerly waiting for the next book
A great continuation to this series, it will be interesting to find out what happens next so I’m eagerly waiting for the next book
May 7, 2018
I love this world!
I've been a huge fan of this author and the world she has created when it all started with Ivy Lane. I love how it all intertwined and each series and book is new and exciting. There is definitely no end to the magic, mystery and drama in this one. Ilsa has outdone herself here and I really enjoyed Morgan and all of the sibling banter.
I've been a huge fan of this author and the world she has created when it all started with Ivy Lane. I love how it all intertwined and each series and book is new and exciting. There is definitely no end to the magic, mystery and drama in this one. Ilsa has outdone herself here and I really enjoyed Morgan and all of the sibling banter.
September 1, 2018
Finished reading the first one and had to go straight into reading the second. Well written, entertaining, funny at times yet serious when called for. I was sad to see the books end and realize the third one wasn’t available yet when I read this in May because I wanted to know what happens next! I think that’s the sign of a good series. 👍🏻
September 18, 2018
This book took me forever to get through, I read a whole other book in between reading this one. The story was kind of slow until the last 2 chapters when everything really comes together. I am not saying the book was bad but it wasn't great. Part one was definitely better. Having said all that I am anticipating book 3 because we hopefully will find out what's going on with the mom
May 28, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title from within the series set box. (Audible)
Lisa had returned to Edinburgh after all the strife the winter gatekeeper had caused, but she was at a comes across something yhst loose end until one day she comes across something that was to redirect her thoughts and footsteps.
Lisa had returned to Edinburgh after all the strife the winter gatekeeper had caused, but she was at a comes across something yhst loose end until one day she comes across something that was to redirect her thoughts and footsteps.
April 26, 2018
Never a bad book
Tightly plotted , with characters that grow and want you to expand their limits as you read on. Series oriented without stupid cliffhangers. Buy this book and every other book that she puts out. It’s worth it
Tightly plotted , with characters that grow and want you to expand their limits as you read on. Series oriented without stupid cliffhangers. Buy this book and every other book that she puts out. It’s worth it
April 26, 2018
Ok read
This is an ok read. As I've stated previously I am really bored with the whole fae concept but since I love this author had to read it anyway. Still I think that this will be the last fae series I read even from her.
This is an ok read. As I've stated previously I am really bored with the whole fae concept but since I love this author had to read it anyway. Still I think that this will be the last fae series I read even from her.
May 3, 2018
Hereditary Curse
Hereditary Curse is the second installment in the Gatekeeper's Curse series, and is even better than its predecessor. It's another entertaining journey into Adam's mythical world, tying in the occasional character from previous books.
Hereditary Curse is the second installment in the Gatekeeper's Curse series, and is even better than its predecessor. It's another entertaining journey into Adam's mythical world, tying in the occasional character from previous books.
May 8, 2018
Beyond the Gates of Death
Someone should write all the rules, and kinds of magic there are. Every time you think you know what’s going on, the ends change. I love the concept, and the whole world. Everything is always so fresh and amazing. I really love these books !
Someone should write all the rules, and kinds of magic there are. Every time you think you know what’s going on, the ends change. I love the concept, and the whole world. Everything is always so fresh and amazing. I really love these books !
October 1, 2018
Excellent writing
I love the writing in this book. It flows so easy! Also love how the book is not based on the love aspect of the male and female characters, but more on growing as The Gatekeeper and the obstacles she is facing. We see different realms which is pretty cool.
I love the writing in this book. It flows so easy! Also love how the book is not based on the love aspect of the male and female characters, but more on growing as The Gatekeeper and the obstacles she is facing. We see different realms which is pretty cool.
December 28, 2018
I love the characters in this series. They are thoughtful, considerate and determined. I was glad to see Grandma could finally help them out. Looking forward to see what transpires between River and Ilsa.
May 11, 2018
Emma L. Adams is one of my favorite authors. I always enjoy her work!
May 30, 2018
Mesmerizing
An excellent sequel to Emma L. Adams first book in the series. Edge of the seat reading. Excitement, suspense, humor and great story line.
An excellent sequel to Emma L. Adams first book in the series. Edge of the seat reading. Excitement, suspense, humor and great story line.
June 3, 2018
Great read!
Emma had an amazing imagination. I really enjoyed reading all of the trials and tribulations of the Lynn family. I look forward to meeting Mum in the next book.
Emma had an amazing imagination. I really enjoyed reading all of the trials and tribulations of the Lynn family. I look forward to meeting Mum in the next book.
June 18, 2018
Kept Me Interested
Kept me interested. Good continuation from the first book. I liked getting to know the characters better and am excited for the next book.
Kept me interested. Good continuation from the first book. I liked getting to know the characters better and am excited for the next book.
July 24, 2018
Wow
Talk about a book you can't put down.... this is it. A fun read and I'm going to the next right now.
Talk about a book you can't put down.... this is it. A fun read and I'm going to the next right now.
July 24, 2018
Love it
I got sucked in the first book love this series. Can't wait to read more about the Lynn family .
I got sucked in the first book love this series. Can't wait to read more about the Lynn family .
December 10, 2018
😻
Now that's was a bit twisted. Glad the siblings are together though. Can't wait to read more about the gate keeper family.
Now that's was a bit twisted. Glad the siblings are together though. Can't wait to read more about the gate keeper family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews