Demon's Gate

In a land very much like our own Bronze Age, a young noble is thrust into a world-spanning plot. Demons, which most people think are merely creatures of legend, have begun to return to the capitol of the old Empire. The young noble and companions must return to their homelands on the fringes of the empire and warn the High King. But demons are not their only problem. Religious and political factions are on the move while the current Emperor is attempting to restore full control over the Old Empire. Plots and counterplots abound and secrets are revealed. Just when it looks like things can't get worse, more revelations make it so. Finally, armies gather to decide the fate of the world. This was much more of an intrigue and politics novel then it was about fighting demons (although that is at the heart of things). Plenty of action rounds out the intrigue and plotting. There is even a reference to our own world at one point. While the book has a good conclusion, there are some openings for further adventures. If there is a sequel I will certainly pick it up.

Now that one of the co-emperors has died, Valdor and Khaavorn are on their way to the imperial city of Schaerisa to offer the High King's condolences to the now lone emperor, Tarhynda. However, on arrival, they find themselves waylaid and brought before Valdor's old mentor, the sorcerer Nyrthim. Once, the world had been tormented by demons of great power and evil, and now someone is trying to bring those days back. Someone in the emperor's household is dealing with demons, and it is up to Valdor and Khaavorn to find out who it is. Also, with the empire's armies on the march, things are getting downright dangerous.Overall, I found this to be a pretty good book. The setting of the story is ostensibly a bronze-age world, but everything in the story seems to point to the sixth century A.D., when the Eastern Roman Empire was seeking to reconquer the lost west. (I could not read "General Vaelsaru" without hearing "General Belisarius.") Overall, I found this to be a good story, with lots of terrifying demons and adventure, but something didn't quite click. The story is good, even very good, but it's just not great. So, if you are looking for a good fantasy story, filled with warriors and demons and marching armies, then this book is for you.

Long ago, the world was ruled by demons. Evil walked the earth and there was much pain and destruction. Using dark magic, the sorcerers drove out the demons and shut the gate behind them. Now, an old evil has risen and threatens to open the gate once again. If it does, the gate will never again be shut and demons will rule the world forever.Original, interesting and exciting are the words I would use. Highly recommended.

As the heir to the Dhulon throne, Valdar, accompanied by warrior Khaavorn, is sent to Schaerisa to diplomatically pass on good wishes to Tarhynda on his ascension to Emperor. However, inside the city, the elderly sorcerer Nyrthim accosts the visiting duo. Valdar knows Nyrthim as a wise teacher so he and his companion follow his former mentor to a hidden locale where they cans safely talk. Nyrthim warns the pair that demons threaten mankind's existence due to the machinations of a demon-worshipping cult headed by the Empress and includes Khaavorn's half sister married to the top general. His final revelation is that the newly crowned Emperor is a demon leading the genocide scheme.Demons once ruled the world before being exiled into a nether realm. Now they are coming back to regain what they lost. Only Valdar and his compatriots stand in their way, but can they shut the DEMON'S GATE when the original sorcery that locked these beasts away has been lost for millennia. Failure means the demise of humanity.DEMON'S GATE is a delightful merging of horror elements inside a classic style sorcery fantasy tale that hooks the audience from the moment the wizened old man intercepts his former student. The plot moves at a fast-pace with action and adventure at every turn of the page. Stephen White makes his key players including a demon or two seem genuine so that fans receive a terrific story starring epic heroes and vile villains that never slow down until the final confrontational adventure occurs.Harriet Klausner