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The Gateway Trackers #4
Portraits of the Forsaken
Deep in the heart of old London town, spirits are drawn to the tempting lure of a lie...As Jess Ballard is struggling to adjust to her new life in London without Finn Carey to watch over her, she has thrown herself into her role as a Tracker, using her gift to communicate with and help as many spirits as she can. But just as she begins to settle into a new city, the city reveals a mystery too intriguing—and dangerous—to ignore.
Something sinister is drawing restless spirits to a tiny old museum, luring them with a promise of salvation it cannot deliver upon. Meanwhile, Durupinen are being brutally attacked, and their gifts are being twisted with a Casting too terrible to comprehend. Can Jess discover the connection between the two mysteries before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim?
Portraits of the Forsaken is the much anticipated fourth installment in E.E. Holmes' spine-tingling paranormal series The Gateway Trackers.
Something sinister is drawing restless spirits to a tiny old museum, luring them with a promise of salvation it cannot deliver upon. Meanwhile, Durupinen are being brutally attacked, and their gifts are being twisted with a Casting too terrible to comprehend. Can Jess discover the connection between the two mysteries before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim?
Portraits of the Forsaken is the much anticipated fourth installment in E.E. Holmes' spine-tingling paranormal series The Gateway Trackers.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2018
1778 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Holmes
33 books1,041 followersE.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 19, 2018
I've absolutely enjoyed this series. While listed as book #4 ... this is technically #7 in my eyes, and every book has been consistently great. These don't seem to have a huge following, not available at my local library, but they should be! They are included in the Kindle Unlimited program and Prime Lending Library, and I borrowed book #3 last month(May) and grabbed this one for my June pick.
Each book has it's own mystery, wrapped up in that volume, while continuing on with the characters and underlying story that weaves through all of the books. The final book is coming out at the end of this year, and I'll be eagerly awaiting it. And while I haven't re-read books since discovering Kindle and having thousands of books at my fingertips, I'm feeling the urge to go back to the beginning and re-read some of these (especially the start, "Spirit Legacy" which I do own in my Kindle cloud, having grabbed it as a free offering, it's currently $3 to buy, but worth it!)
Each book has it's own mystery, wrapped up in that volume, while continuing on with the characters and underlying story that weaves through all of the books. The final book is coming out at the end of this year, and I'll be eagerly awaiting it. And while I haven't re-read books since discovering Kindle and having thousands of books at my fingertips, I'm feeling the urge to go back to the beginning and re-read some of these (especially the start, "Spirit Legacy" which I do own in my Kindle cloud, having grabbed it as a free offering, it's currently $3 to buy, but worth it!)
August 25, 2021
I shouldn't be surprised that the further I get into this series the more my time my jaw spends on the floor. There is so much I don't see coming but at least this time I had a feeling. A very strong feeling and it many happened when ever Charlie was around.
My heart was shattered at the very beginning of Portraits of the Forsaken. Poor Jess and Finn. I mean how did either of them ever wake up thenfollowing day and just carry on cos I'm not sure I would have been able to. I don't know how Jess picked herself up nevermind live life as if nothing had happened. And how unknowingly a brief stolen moment between the two and a promise made weaves its way into her future in more ways than one.
I love the storyline of Charlie and the haunted photography museum Pickwicks. I love that it means that the ghost hunting team gets to make a brief appearance to help Jess investigate said haunting and why the building seems to attract and hold so many spirits. Hannah is making her stamp on being apart of the council and is actually enjoying it. The two sisters have had my heart from the beginning and I love where their relationship is now. And Milo I am so glad that he is still such a huge part of their story and relationship. He is one of favourite characters ever.
That ending!?! I never saw it coming or the book ending that way but it does tie everything together beautifully for the next one to start. And I can not wait to get started!
My heart was shattered at the very beginning of Portraits of the Forsaken. Poor Jess and Finn. I mean how did either of them ever wake up thenfollowing day and just carry on cos I'm not sure I would have been able to. I don't know how Jess picked herself up nevermind live life as if nothing had happened. And how unknowingly a brief stolen moment between the two and a promise made weaves its way into her future in more ways than one.
I love the storyline of Charlie and the haunted photography museum Pickwicks. I love that it means that the ghost hunting team gets to make a brief appearance to help Jess investigate said haunting and why the building seems to attract and hold so many spirits. Hannah is making her stamp on being apart of the council and is actually enjoying it. The two sisters have had my heart from the beginning and I love where their relationship is now. And Milo I am so glad that he is still such a huge part of their story and relationship. He is one of favourite characters ever.
That ending!?! I never saw it coming or the book ending that way but it does tie everything together beautifully for the next one to start. And I can not wait to get started!
October 28, 2018
I've immersed myself in all 7 of the Gateway books, and what a great ride it was! Love the main characters of sisters Jess & Hannah and of course, Milo. And who can won't forget Finn! Can't wait for Book 8 due out this December 😊. I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning with the Spirit Legacy trilogy to embark on your journey into the spirit world...then on to the Gateway Tracker series. I thoroughly love the way the author entwined each story without a lot of repetition to allow her amazing characters and story to develop. Ms. Holmes really knows how to spin a tale that blows your mind while keeping your feet on the ground! Brilliant writing!
May 29, 2018
What I enjoyed: the characters; the rebellious nature of Jess; seeing how the twins are growing more mature; Milo and his fashions. What I didn’t enjoy: how I could guess every move, many times in leaps ahead of the characters; the “to be continued” ending; and the seemingly immature writing.
September 30, 2018
Great read
I forgot how good these books are . Couldn’t stop reading this from page one. Can’t wait for the next book to come out!!
I forgot how good these books are . Couldn’t stop reading this from page one. Can’t wait for the next book to come out!!
July 27, 2021
Another Cliffhanger
Once again, just as in book 3, we’ve been left with a cliffhanger.
As I also stated in my previous review, I find these unnecessary. It’s safe to assume if I’m this far into the series, I’m already invested, so the last thing I need is drama that hasn’t been wrapped up. And to say that it involved part of the drama that was involved throughout the entirety of book 3, just pushes me further and further over the edge. And not in a good way.
For some reason, in this one, I had figured out who the antagonist would turn out to be, early on. Not necessarily all the details, the why’s and therefore’s, but enough.
I will give the series another shot. I’m just hoping that this major plot-line that’s been going on, in one way or another, will be completely resolved by the end of book 5.
I would like to see more individual plots like the first 3 in the beginning series, and the first two in this particular spinoff. After awhile, it becomes repetitive, whether you throw in a new group of characters to keep track of or not.
I’m not doubting the author doesn’t have it in her to pull off a well written series. She’s proven herself in the first one as well as parts of this one. It just has a rushed sort of feeling to it, as if the author is pushing herself, or doing so on the instructions of the publishing company, to crank out as many as she can, in as little as time possible. The old adage “Strike while the fire is still hot,” is not accurate, or acceptable, in all scenarios. This one definitely not being one of those it’s appropriate for.
Once again, just as in book 3, we’ve been left with a cliffhanger.
As I also stated in my previous review, I find these unnecessary. It’s safe to assume if I’m this far into the series, I’m already invested, so the last thing I need is drama that hasn’t been wrapped up. And to say that it involved part of the drama that was involved throughout the entirety of book 3, just pushes me further and further over the edge. And not in a good way.
For some reason, in this one, I had figured out who the antagonist would turn out to be, early on. Not necessarily all the details, the why’s and therefore’s, but enough.
I will give the series another shot. I’m just hoping that this major plot-line that’s been going on, in one way or another, will be completely resolved by the end of book 5.
I would like to see more individual plots like the first 3 in the beginning series, and the first two in this particular spinoff. After awhile, it becomes repetitive, whether you throw in a new group of characters to keep track of or not.
I’m not doubting the author doesn’t have it in her to pull off a well written series. She’s proven herself in the first one as well as parts of this one. It just has a rushed sort of feeling to it, as if the author is pushing herself, or doing so on the instructions of the publishing company, to crank out as many as she can, in as little as time possible. The old adage “Strike while the fire is still hot,” is not accurate, or acceptable, in all scenarios. This one definitely not being one of those it’s appropriate for.
July 5, 2024
They're baaaaacccccckkkkk!
Great chapter of the story and so much happened. Not exactly happy about the cliffhanger but understand why the author did it.
I will say this again as I have in previous reviews, we don't need a recap of past events or backgrounds on characters we already know. Not sure why this is being done unless the books were written very far apart.
Jessica's character at this point to me seems a little stagnant, I thought she would have done some growth by this point like her sister Hannah but that is not the case.
New character Charlie dropped major bombs on the whole story but once the plot was revealed it was pretty easy to ascertain where the author was going.
I think this author is really good at building up the suspense but once that one clue is presented then the rest is super easy to figure out. And quite honestly this particular story line was very predictable so a little disappointed with that but all in all it was a good read.
Great chapter of the story and so much happened. Not exactly happy about the cliffhanger but understand why the author did it.
I will say this again as I have in previous reviews, we don't need a recap of past events or backgrounds on characters we already know. Not sure why this is being done unless the books were written very far apart.
Jessica's character at this point to me seems a little stagnant, I thought she would have done some growth by this point like her sister Hannah but that is not the case.
New character Charlie dropped major bombs on the whole story but once the plot was revealed it was pretty easy to ascertain where the author was going.
I think this author is really good at building up the suspense but once that one clue is presented then the rest is super easy to figure out. And quite honestly this particular story line was very predictable so a little disappointed with that but all in all it was a good read.
June 19, 2018
Portraits of the Forsaken is the much anticipated fourth installment in E.E. Holmes' paranormal series The Gateway Trackers.
Jess is now living in London and without Finn. She’s trying to not spend every waking moment thinking about him, but that’s easier said than done. Hannah is busy with her seat on the council, Milo has his hands full with the release of his new clothing line and Tia has moved to London and his attending medical school while trying to mend her broken heart as well.
Always an exciting storyline with a side of snark, Holmes fourth book in the Trackers series is fantastic. New threats emerge, while the foundation of the final installment in the series is laid. There were a few plots along the way that I would have liked to hear a little more about or have tied up, but I do believe that a few of them will make it to the next book.
Jess is now living in London and without Finn. She’s trying to not spend every waking moment thinking about him, but that’s easier said than done. Hannah is busy with her seat on the council, Milo has his hands full with the release of his new clothing line and Tia has moved to London and his attending medical school while trying to mend her broken heart as well.
Always an exciting storyline with a side of snark, Holmes fourth book in the Trackers series is fantastic. New threats emerge, while the foundation of the final installment in the series is laid. There were a few plots along the way that I would have liked to hear a little more about or have tied up, but I do believe that a few of them will make it to the next book.
October 1, 2020
Can't Get Enough of this Series
Yet another fabulous book from the World of Gateway. I swear they only get better as I go (& I gave the very first one, Spirit Legacy, 5 stars, so this one deserves 8 or 9 stars at least!) There is literally no aspect of these books that I dislike. Writing is fast paced, easy to consume, entirely engrossing, characters relatable & 100% real, & the world itself fully fleshed out & absolutely engaging. My only regret is that I didn't read these books sooner.... That & the fact that they're eventually going to come to an end. But I can promise that this girl will be a fan of author E. E. Holmes for life!
Yet another fabulous book from the World of Gateway. I swear they only get better as I go (& I gave the very first one, Spirit Legacy, 5 stars, so this one deserves 8 or 9 stars at least!) There is literally no aspect of these books that I dislike. Writing is fast paced, easy to consume, entirely engrossing, characters relatable & 100% real, & the world itself fully fleshed out & absolutely engaging. My only regret is that I didn't read these books sooner.... That & the fact that they're eventually going to come to an end. But I can promise that this girl will be a fan of author E. E. Holmes for life!
May 25, 2018
10 star
Can I give this book 10 stars? Wow. Just wow. From the very first pages you are sucked in. This book is so detailed in an unboring way. Milo has a successful moment and it was so real I was even blurry eyed. The twist of the story is such a slap in the face even I feel guilty for the victims. And the ending, oh man the ending. Jess and Finn have just discovered something massive. And I can tell already that book 5 is going to be incredible. This book is THE best in the series!
Can I give this book 10 stars? Wow. Just wow. From the very first pages you are sucked in. This book is so detailed in an unboring way. Milo has a successful moment and it was so real I was even blurry eyed. The twist of the story is such a slap in the face even I feel guilty for the victims. And the ending, oh man the ending. Jess and Finn have just discovered something massive. And I can tell already that book 5 is going to be incredible. This book is THE best in the series!
September 7, 2018
Another brilliant book that you won't be able to put down
Wow, I love the gateway trackers books. They have stories that you really get into and don't want to put down to go to sleep. We join Jess, Hannah and Milo in London. Hannah is a council member now so they live in London to be closer to Fairhaven. Jess is upset because they sent Finn away. But Flavia is in trouble and the girls have to find out what happened to her. The story has twists and turns and I loved everything about it. Can't wait until book 5 is released.
Wow, I love the gateway trackers books. They have stories that you really get into and don't want to put down to go to sleep. We join Jess, Hannah and Milo in London. Hannah is a council member now so they live in London to be closer to Fairhaven. Jess is upset because they sent Finn away. But Flavia is in trouble and the girls have to find out what happened to her. The story has twists and turns and I loved everything about it. Can't wait until book 5 is released.
January 21, 2019
Jess is immersed in yet an another puzzling mystery. Jess and Hannah and Milo are now living in London. Tia Jes''s good friend is now living in the flat too due to circumstances. BUT Tia meets a guy- Charlie Wright who draws Jess into another mystery. Charlie Wright is not who he seems. A museum full of pictures. Ghosts/spirits who are confused. Finn who is not with Jess anymore but been sent to another place. Ambrose who is like a FBI guy always listening and reporting.
The book is riveting . I read it in one day. Loads of clues in the story.
The book is riveting . I read it in one day. Loads of clues in the story.
October 21, 2021
I am seriously loving these books! I started with the Gateway Trilogy and moved on to the Tracker books. I soooo love to binge read when I find books that I enjoy!
They’re full of action, intrigue, flat out crappy baddies and at the heart is the love between the sisters and Milo of course.
I just learned these books were considered YA. Normally, I’m not a YA fan. There’s so many twists, turns and different plots running through these books that I think anyone who enjoys a good paranormal/ fantasy type story would enjoy them.
They’re full of action, intrigue, flat out crappy baddies and at the heart is the love between the sisters and Milo of course.
I just learned these books were considered YA. Normally, I’m not a YA fan. There’s so many twists, turns and different plots running through these books that I think anyone who enjoys a good paranormal/ fantasy type story would enjoy them.
June 10, 2018
Wow
Book 4 in this series......wow! Often I grow tired with repetitive events and the same story being thrown at me with the use of new surroundings. Though I convinced myself I had figured out the events to occur in this installment, I was wrong. And this book lead me down an amazing and page turning trail I could not escape. Emily has done it again and this book is wonderful.
Book 4 in this series......wow! Often I grow tired with repetitive events and the same story being thrown at me with the use of new surroundings. Though I convinced myself I had figured out the events to occur in this installment, I was wrong. And this book lead me down an amazing and page turning trail I could not escape. Emily has done it again and this book is wonderful.
April 22, 2019
Highly recommend!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Well written. Love love love this series. This author gives depth to her characters that in this genre could easily go flat. the only potential problem I see would be overdoing the tension between Finn and Jess. Stretching out the achievement of their goal could be counterproductive for the book, as it has potential to lose readers along the trail. That being said I can't wait for the sixth book. We'll see where it goes from there
Well written. Love love love this series. This author gives depth to her characters that in this genre could easily go flat. the only potential problem I see would be overdoing the tension between Finn and Jess. Stretching out the achievement of their goal could be counterproductive for the book, as it has potential to lose readers along the trail. That being said I can't wait for the sixth book. We'll see where it goes from there
March 10, 2020
I BELIEVE THIS SERIES IS....
....highly addictive. Fortunately, I'm retired and can invest all the time I choose devouring these books. I love a provocative plot that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Okay, even though I occasionally stumble over a bit of adolescent angst here and there, the character development and suspense make it a wise investment of my time. Keep them coming!!
....highly addictive. Fortunately, I'm retired and can invest all the time I choose devouring these books. I love a provocative plot that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Okay, even though I occasionally stumble over a bit of adolescent angst here and there, the character development and suspense make it a wise investment of my time. Keep them coming!!
February 15, 2023
Jess and Hannah Ballard step further into the world of the Durupinen, and this book in the series sees Jess exploring why the spirits are attracted to a photography museum. A great expansion to the overall story, well written with some twists I didn't expect. However, I easily guessed the 'bad guy' in this book, though this didn't detract from the bigger story that is running through the series. The wider story has taken a new turn, and I am excited to see where this is going to go.
September 5, 2018
So still enjoyed the book and series and always a fast read but with the last two books especially this book I felt like I could tell sort of what was going to happen and how everything fell into place. Im interested in seeing what happens with the next book, though Ill actually have to wait to read it since its not out yet.
September 30, 2018
I can't wait until the next book?
I was lucky to have read all of both series one right after the other. Now I have to wait til Christmas? Ugh!
I know I said I wouldn't read another after you severed the "Romeo and Juliet" romance you had going, But I must be addicted because here I am, at the end of #4. You did take pity on us and snuck in a hope and a teaser. Thanks 😊
I was lucky to have read all of both series one right after the other. Now I have to wait til Christmas? Ugh!
I know I said I wouldn't read another after you severed the "Romeo and Juliet" romance you had going, But I must be addicted because here I am, at the end of #4. You did take pity on us and snuck in a hope and a teaser. Thanks 😊
December 25, 2018
Fantastic, as usual. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments thanks to Jess's usual snark. And figuring out the identity of the Necromancer ahead of time did not detract from the suspense, rather, it added glorious tension in trying to figure out how Jess would get out of that mess unscathed.
Well done! Can't wait to read the next book!
Well done! Can't wait to read the next book!
February 3, 2020
Wow what a page turner. I had taken a break from series because I was disappointed that Finn and her were separated. I wish I had started this sooner. Such a great story. So much going on and so much suspense. I had a hard time putting it down at night to go to sleep! Starting next straight away. This series is so good. Must read!
February 12, 2020
Page Turner
Another amazing installment in this series! I will admit that I was upset that Finn wouldn't be in this book much but the non-stop puzzles and action made up for the lack of romance between Jess and Finn. Can't wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this series.
Another amazing installment in this series! I will admit that I was upset that Finn wouldn't be in this book much but the non-stop puzzles and action made up for the lack of romance between Jess and Finn. Can't wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this series.
June 4, 2020
Even though I thought I knew what might happen, constantly saying, “ Nooooo... don’t go there, don’t do that.”, I still really enjoyed it. And Jessica’s comments, especially her unspoken thoughts, make me chuckle. On to the next book. I have to see what situation this band of friends, lovers and allies find themselves in next.
August 18, 2020
Exactly as wonderful and marvelous as her other books 📚 in the series. I enjoyed this book as much as all the others. I stayed up all night once again because I loved this book so much. I could not put it down. Everyone must read this series. It is absolutely the best series I've read on a long time.
June 28, 2021
Evermore complex fantasy
Characters are developing, still looking for more! The cues to the mystery are realistic and decipherable. Character of Jessica is growing and I am looking forward to seeing where the growth takes her. The books are are a marvelous peek into an unusual fantasy world.
Characters are developing, still looking for more! The cues to the mystery are realistic and decipherable. Character of Jessica is growing and I am looking forward to seeing where the growth takes her. The books are are a marvelous peek into an unusual fantasy world.
March 13, 2022
Still getting better
I wouldn’t have thought it possible but this series is getting better & better with each page I turn. If you are seeing this without having read the series from the very start, word of advice - read from the very start.. I’ve no idea what day or time it is, I just keep on reading. Nothing matters anymore except Jess & Hannah et al - Brilliant 🤩
I wouldn’t have thought it possible but this series is getting better & better with each page I turn. If you are seeing this without having read the series from the very start, word of advice - read from the very start.. I’ve no idea what day or time it is, I just keep on reading. Nothing matters anymore except Jess & Hannah et al - Brilliant 🤩
August 15, 2024
3.5 rounded up. I was really missing the gateway in this one. I still love the series but missed all the crossings, communication with spirits, and the sister dynamic. I missed Milo and his sass! All of my favorite characters were just a bit in the background. This one fell a little flat for me because of that. IMO, the best part of this book is the last chapter (not spoiling).
May 26, 2018
A real page turner!
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in 2 days and had to force myself to slow down (it didn’t work so well) because of feeling sad for the book to end. This series only gets better. Must read!
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in 2 days and had to force myself to slow down (it didn’t work so well) because of feeling sad for the book to end. This series only gets better. Must read!
May 30, 2018
Great
Great follow up. Wondering what happens after Jess and Finn are forced apart? Well wonder no longer. Lots of action and for Milos sake drama, in this one. Can't wAit to see what happens next.
Great follow up. Wondering what happens after Jess and Finn are forced apart? Well wonder no longer. Lots of action and for Milos sake drama, in this one. Can't wAit to see what happens next.
May 30, 2018
Book 5, I need book 5 NOW!!!! I have loved every book in this series, they just keep getting better and better. This book, in fact this entire series goes on to my " If I wasn't retired, I'd be fired" list of books, because I couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews