Gatekeepers

Dreamhouse Kings #3

by Robert Liparulo

The house talks. It breathes. And it's hungry. The Kings have been in the creepy old place, their new home, for only a few days, but they've experienced enough terror to last a lifetime. And the mystery is growing even more baffling. Shadowy and shifting, the big house conceals doors into other worlds that blur the line between memories and dreams-and the slightest misstep can change history forever. At least, that's if they believe the trembling old man who shows up claiming to know them. "There's a reason you're in the house," he tells them. "As gatekeepers, we must make sure only those events that are supposed to happen get through to the future." The problem is that horrors beyond description wait on the other side of those gates. As if that weren't enough, the Kings are also menaced by sinister forces on this side-like the dark, ancient stranger Taksidian, who wants them out now. Xander, David, and Toria must venture beyond the gates to save their missing mother-and discover how truly high the stakes have become.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Time Travel, Christian Fiction, Horror, Christian

307 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

Robert Liparulo's novels, Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall Deadlock, The 13th Tribe, and The Judgment Stone,have received rave reviews. His short story "Kill Zone" is included in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson. He is also the author of the best-selling young adult series DREAMHOUSE KINGS: House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods, Gatekeepers, Timescape, Whirlwind, and Frenzy. Robert lives in Colorado with his family.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but these books have gotten super boring. The first one, HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS, was pretty cool, pretty suspenseful. But these books take a very simple plot and stretch it unnecessarily over way too many books. After I finished this installment, I balked when I saw there were SIX total books in this series. Why?!?!? I think WATCHER IN THE WOODS and most of this book (GATEKEEPERS) could have basically been cut out, except for maybe a couple parts that could have been built into the first book. The book is sooooo dialogue heavy, and the dialogue's not even that good. Their conversations are repetitive and whiny. They still haven't tried to actually make a real plan to rescue their mother. I recognize that it's a weird situation that might not lend itself well to a solid plan, but they've spent the past two books treading water, and it's driving me crazy. They keep dropping into a world, looking around for a couple minutes, realizing they're in peril, and bailing. The characters have not shown much grit, mostly because they're too busy talking.

Ugh. This book is so boring. The series started with good potential (with good book covers), but I can't believe some editor didn't tell Liparulo to cut the series in HALF and add some complexity. The completionist in me wants to know how they end up rescuing their mother, but based on the last two books (two and a half, maybe?) I can't help thinking it'll just be a letdown and I shouldn't waste my time. So I think this is where I drop the series.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quickie Review

More twists and turns are in this third volume, which makes it just as insane as the previous ones. If you've read the series up to this point, you should definitely keep going.

Score: 4/5

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like a feedback scale that goes higher, to ten stars. “Gatekeepers”: Robert Liparulo’s cliffhanging third novel, which I staved off for a year, is excellent. His present choices waver from four stars. It is annoying to protractedly deny the King family fortunate breaks, then obliterate the solace that comes. However those instances were jubilant and momentous, meriting more than three stars. I can’t deny I read this non-stop: in one day! I finished a 305-page novel in one straight sitting! Despite taking depressing directions and the irritant of narrating with the word “said”, when dialogue blatantly posed questions: the closest match to my riveted investment are four stars.

This series comprises one sharply-advancing story. Newcomers should limit synopsis-reading to the first volume. Thus advised, I am free to comment on part three. We knew we were going to meet the mansion’s builder. I looked forward to that above all. If the author took us deeply into why an American residence has portals to violent history tableaux, how to control the shifting entryways, and how to retrieve Nana and Mrs. King... I would have felt elated. I was keyed-up to know if Jesse’s family knowingly caused these queer portals, or how else they exist. Imagine the letdown, that we are told none of this and that the possibility of that reward might be shot.

I marvel at Robert’s boundless creativity and sensitive, intelligent observations by characters like Jessie, David, and Dad. I find Toria useless even at age 9 and Xander, an irritant to the internal plot and books overall. I hope Robert stops the tiresome penchant for hurling dilemmas. It interrupts and sours the story’s soaring qualities. I yearn for a remaining stretch that satisfies the supremely mysterious aspects and which thoroughly answers the metaphysical elements hereon in.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Robert Liparulo is a fantastic storyteller! He most definitely has a very polished, skilled way of telling stories which keeps you captivated the entire book.

The first three books of this series are excellent. I actually thought this was a trilogy, so to find out that there are THREE more books was a huge shocker, although I can't wait until I can read the last three books.

The contents of this story are definitely for teenage+ readers since the King family members travel to violent worlds, sometimes witnessing violence. I like how the family interacts and depends on one another while they experience unique challenges.

All in all, a very novel concept with mini-history lessons throughout, good action, and very compelling storytelling. Highly recommended series.

[Eda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu seriye bayılıyorum! Bence olaylar hız kesmeden devam ediyor ve yazarın anlatımı bu konuda büyük bir öneme sahip. Konu da çok güzel ama yazar öyle güzel yazmış ki sıkılma ihtiyacı bile duymuyorsunuz. Olayları size direk söylüyor, uzatmıyor. Gereksiz drama yok. Hep bir heyecan söz konusu ve bir sonraki sayfada ne olacağını merak ediyorsunuz. Serinin 3. kitabı olduğu için konudan pek de bahsetmeyeceğim spoiler vermek istemiyorum. Ama özellikle küçük yaştakiler bu seriye muhakkak bir şans vermelisiniz. Okuduğum en güzel fantastik/gerilim serilerinden!

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great middle grade series featuring a creepy house and the family who resides there.

[Kassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Death does not simply end life. It steals away the sunsets you’ll never see, the children you’ll never hold, the wife you’ll never love. It’s frightening to almost lose your future, and it’s heartbreaking to witness death snuff out other people’s tomorrows.”

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster ride that I didn’t think I would be riding! It’s crazy to think that since the first book started it’s only been 3 days for the King family. Three very long and exhausting days.

This book went more into detail on certain characters and introduced two more that had more information. This information is pivotal in guiding the King family to their goals. But of course, not everything is that simple when it comes to the Dreamhouse. Onwards to book 4!

[Long Live Wonderland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gatekeepers was a really fast read, but is was still as entertaining as the first two were. There were choices that Xander made that were EXTREMELY questionable, but David and all his perfection more than made up for it. This book wasn't as well written as the first two books, however it is definitely worth the read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think there has been a series that has drawn both of my kids (15 & 11) in like this one. After three books, they still don’t ever want reading time to end. The writing could use a little bit of help, but the story itself is fantastic.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[C Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a house! The action never stops, it's difficult to grasp that the events are happening within one to two days. I can't stop reading this, I'm already 30% through with the 4th book (Timescape) and I need a breather.

I liked how the characters matured, they philosophize, think of the bright side of things after near-death experiences from one portal to another. Jesse, their grand uncle, was the one who built the house and he is really wise. The concept of hostility towards time-travelers make sense. Whenever Xander and David go over, it's always in the middle of war, and the time and elements, the environment of that period senses that they don't belong and thus pushes them away. Even Toria, the cute little girl wasn't spared from the Civil War soldiers, they didn't bring home Mom, but they brought home someone else important.

I'm still fascinated with the time traveling and portal-hopping (if it could be called that), I'm just wondering how it came to be, how someone gifted in other senses built such a house with all the history. I'm not exactly a history buff but I'm interested in historical fiction, there's a lot of it in here, also a lot of gore and life's questions.

Mr Liparulo really writes fear vividly, and it is embodied by "Phemus". The balance between the protagonists and antagonists are sometimes tipped but the good ones get through the day. I'm still anxious to read this 'til the real ending.

[April Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That's my take on this book - WOW!

I almost feel silly for being this excited about a kids/teens book series, but honestly after reading it I think just about ANYBODY would be psyched. I was lucky enough to read books 1 and 2 (House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods) back to back. Waiting for Gatekeepers to release was like sitting on pins and needles... for MONTHS. Then, once it's in my hands I've got it read in one afternoon and the wait starts all over. Somehow though, the waiting is just so worth it. Robert's writing style is like being on a rollercoaster doing Mach 3, and just as you get a chance to take a breath, it flips into reverse and starts all over again. The endings aren't so much endings as cliff hangers that leave you dangling over a deep precipice - and loving every second.

I'm not a risk taker. I don't do danger in real life and I don't like scary movies and books. Robert's books change all of that - at least in my imagination. I can identify with the three kids in the book. I feel what they feel and know that somehow if I was in their shoes, I'd do the same thing. It makes me feel a little braver. Okay, so laugh if you want, but who doesn't want to feel that way?

I bet you want to... read the books. I dare you... :)

[Nicole Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this book was about as suspenseful as the first one was and more so than the second book. I also liked the new twists. However, there was a lot of unnecessary dialogue, and it's annoying that the author uses the word "said" a lot when there's dialogue, rather than being more creative about it. I like when books change up how they do dialogue and when they express ideas without someone having to say it—for example, by describing someone's expression of horror rather than having to say that the person's scared. The end of the book still left me wanting to find out what's next, though!

[rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again the premise is interesting but it is dragged out on such a scale that is boring. Like you are just ready for the next point. I imagine these 6 books could have been cut down to a thrilling trilogy instead. Keep the meat, take out all the unnecessary bs. A good editor would have done wonders….

Also the flying thing is genuinely stupid like? What relevance does this have to the plot at all. It’s just a weird anomaly?

I like Jesse and the grandma thing was nice. Redeeming points at the moment.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this 3rd book in the series as much as the previous two books. One of the things I enjoyed most about this series was the creepy/haunting factor of the house, and this book lacked all presence of that. Most of the book was set in the portal fighting and looking for mom. (I won't spoil whether or not they found her) While the ending left me curious, I'm not sure if I will continue on with the series.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parece como si esta historia, en vez de avanzar para esclarecer las cosas, se tornara más y más complicada, sin embargo, el misterio es excelente!!!!!

Reseña completa

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I started out loving these books, but now I am getting bored.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.
Again, a decent continuation of the series, but - again - not as much action as I would have liked, considering the subject matter.
Speaking of the subject matter, the marketers of this series are trying so hard to sell it as teen horror, but there's really very little spookiness to the books. Yes, there is Phemus, the Neanderthal-like henchman of the main villain, and there is the main villain himself, but he's mostly just your basic time-traveling assassin with a plan to take over the world. He's not Bram Stoker-spooky, or Clive Barker-creepy.
In this, the third book, we're introduced to Jesse, who has information about the history of the house, and the reasons it's doing what it's doing. But he can't tell the King family about it yet, because... ? Things keep happening, and boy, Jesse's head is all muddled because he's old, and boy it sure is good to see you boys finally, etc., etc. It's an obvious ploy by the author to stretch things out a bit before revealing the story behind the story, and it's frustrating and annoying.
A couple of final notes:
While my local library shelves this as Young Adult, I feel like it could be enjoyed by juvenile readers, too. There are war scenes, with at least some discussion of death and people being killed (though I don't *think* anyone is actually killed in the scenes), but overall it feels like the books are written for younger readers.
I think I mentioned this in a previous review, but if not: Liparulo writes from a clearly Christian religious background, and the publishing imprint, Thomas Nelson, is a company with a long history of publishing Christian-themed content. There is prayer, and occasional reference to God and God's will, and other religious references. It's not shoved down the reader's throat, and it doesn't get in the way of the story (at least not yet); I only mention it so that, if that sort of thing bothers you, you can avoid the series.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

😬 I have to agree with the reviewers who've said this series needs to be much shorter. A trilogy, at most. Next to nothing actually happens in this installment to further the plot; the only events of note are the introduction of Jesse, the return of the grandmother, and the revealing of the true nature of the "peaceful" meadow world. Xander has become a thorn in my side as the most obnoxious and stupidest character, willing to sacrifice everyone and everything for "Mom." He is closely followed by the dad, who Xander seems to get all his worst qualities from. I thought I liked Jesse, but the way in which he keeps saying he can help but then by the end of the book has revealed exactly nothing, grated on my nerves. Keal is just a walking stereotype, along with Toria (who I wish they would just call Tory and be done with it).

This is not the worst series, but I'm so disappointed in its pacing and characters, as I've really enjoyed Liparulo's adult fiction. I'm seriously debating just skipping to the final novel in the series to see what happens as I doubt I'll miss much in books four and five, if the first three books are any indication.

[Lilium Coraias · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Gatekeepers*, the third book in the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo, continues to deliver an exhilarating and imaginative experience. The Kings family faces even greater challenges as they delve deeper into the mysteries of their house, encountering new threats and uncovering hidden truths.

Liparulo’s narrative is as gripping and inventive as ever, with a perfect balance of suspense, action, and character development. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers eagerly turning pages. The supernatural elements are well-crafted, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to the story.

The characters’ development adds emotional depth to the narrative, making their journey and struggles all the more compelling. Gatekeepers is a standout installment in the series, maintaining the high level of excitement and engagement that readers have come to expect.

[Sarb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 4.5 because of all the excitement, action, detail, just everything it contained in this book. I salute to you for making this happen thank you so much for this wonderful story I loved every bit of it. I mean it truly.

Xander is so well put together he knows wants he's doing, always has a plan and wants everything to go well. Even when *wink* *wink* something happens. But the whole family brings me joy, the determination in their voice and eyes makes me what to do something dangerous (in a good way.) They always stick together no matter what comes in there way, it reminds me of my family in a way and I love that feeling. O have no words and just loved it OH LOVED IT
L O V E D I T SO G O O D

4.5 stars

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series is incredibly suspenseful and enjoyable to read, even for an adult reader. However, there are some aspects of the stories that come off a bit odd. All of the women are fairly docile and motherly characters. The only black character in the book (Keal) has his race/color of his skin constantly referred to. They talk about how Jesse can't see him well because he's old so all he sees is darkness, eyes, and teeth. When Keal is cut they say it's hard to tell how much he's bleeding because his skin is so dark? Very odd ways of describing the character to say the least. The constant references to God are a little off-putting for a non-religious reader, but it hasn't been too prevalent so far in the series to turn you away if you don't want a religious propaganda book.

[Nevaeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs at your emotions, directing your attention to every detail. At times your heart skips a beat, and others you laugh till your stomach aches. The ending to this book interested me, I wanted to read the next book because I was scared for their lives, “Are they going to get out in time?” And “What if they don’t and they get stuck there and have to find a way out?” Every thought of what might happen next makes me more and more interested! Can’t wait to read book four, Timescapes.
(I might have took way to long to read this I probably could have gotten it done in a month or two.)

[Book Wyvern · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this went a little too slow and it wasn’t really all that easy to pick it up. The exciting parts were a little too far apart until near the end.

I know there’s three books after this, so the story needs to be stretched out, but it just seemed to drag a little too much.

So, this series was my first time trying out annotating, but I just didn’t really find much that stood out to me. The ending really makes me want to go on to the next book though.

If you'd like to read the rest of my review, please visit my blog!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Dreamhouse Kings series. After their father is taken away by the police, Xander, David, and their younger sister are left alone in their creepy house. They still have to find their mother, who has been kidnapped, and taken to another time. They also need to avoid Taksidian who wants their home, the evil monsters who emerge from the door, and what's up with the elderly man who has just appeared and offered to help them? Fans of the series will enjoy this installment.

[Cindy Lyon-Stepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read more of this series I'm more torn. I feel most characters seem spot on but other, well, one in particular disturbs me. Xander seems to flip flop his characteristics. Maybe it's his age (boy to man) but sometimes I'm like, yeah, he'd do this or that and other times I'm like are you kidding me?? I'll read on. * opens book 4*

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was 2.5 stars. I want to really enjoy this series, but being halfway through it, I am not sure I am motivated enough to purchase three more books. I think the idea is interesting, but it's not going in quite the direction I expected. It's more...strange out of place action scenes in portals than about time/place hopping and different dimensions. This one was better than book 2, however.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great read. Suspense gets kicked up a notch in this one. I will say, I was getting bored a little when they were fighting off the big guy in the meadow. And the constant recap of what’s going on is unnecessary. I finished it in one day though, so definitely still a good enough read that I can’t put it down.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be getting close to the end, right? Well...apparently not, lol. So now we have a villain to contend with, as well...and more heroes with Uncle Jesse and his caretaker Keal showing up to help in battle.

[Rahrah_the_sun_spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much fun. I will reread it as long as I am able. WARNING: Every time I read this series, I end up not being able to sleep. I also have a very low scare tolerance. So take that as you will.