Destroy the key. Save her people and herself. The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate's ancient key. Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she's gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo's confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears. Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key--or destroying it--save her people or ensure their defeat?
What a fantastic debut novel from Katherine Briggs! I loved Seyo's first person narrative and her curious, clever, and brave soul that lived for all things history. Her priestess' heart was pure and receptive, which allowed her faith to grow and mature as she sought to find and open the Eternity Gate. Seyo's journey to save her kingdom had tons of action and battle, betrayals at every corner, and surprises at every stage. The plot was complex and deeply layered; the characters were quite wonderful and moving. My favorite character was Geras, who had a painful past but a heart-stirring redemption story and was the epitome of loyalty and selflessness.
It does end on a cliffhanger of sorts and I can't wait for the second book of this duology. Any fantasy fan would thoroughly enjoy this epic adventure of kingdoms at war and race to find and open the ancient relic prophesied to hold power and judgment.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
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