The Gate to Htrae

A mysterious, ancient gate stands tall above Alex's home. It seems to open nowhere and Alex is driven by an irresistible sense of curiosity to open the gate. His junior brother, Drew, would rather be home than waste time around an old, useless gate. When he recites a riddle, something magical happens as music fills the air and a magical key appears. Alex is terrified at what the golden key that floats into his hand does to his body. In spite of his brother's taunts, he braves himself up and opens the gate with the key.  And it opens to the magical world of Htrae, a world torn by war. Natas and his demons are at war with Htrae and Htrae is weakened. Alex might be the key to defeating the enemies, entrusted with a perilous mission. Can he save one of Htrae's finest warriors and help save their world?

Fans of YA Fantasy will enjoy Gate to Htrae by Kerry Gough. The fifteen-year-old Alex is a protagonist who instantly catches the attention of readers — relentlessly curious and courageous. Readers will notice how startled he is from the moment he meets the gatekeeper Zar and learns that Ma-I, the supreme deity has chosen him for a difficult mission. The world-building is fascinating and from the start, readers are drawn to the world of children, and the opening scenes with interactions between Alex and Drew are masterfully written. The magical world of Htrae is written with detail and what threatens it shines through the story. There is action and adventure and readers will root for Alex as he pursues his mission in this suspenseful, spellbinding narrative. Gate to Htrae is full of intrigue, mesmerizingly layered characters, and a clever plot that reserves a lot of satisfying moments for readers.