The Gates of Winter

At first, I thought this was the last book of series; but there is one more, supposedly the last. Good! Don't run it into the ground, six is enough! This book is enjoyable as it's predecessors. This time, we get a bit of the X-Files inserted into a traditional fantasy. Mr. Anthony is so derivative, it actually becomes a sort of originality with him. The deeply flawed main characters are also refreshing: Travis is not all that smart, but he's kind and sweet. He is in way over his head, with a love triangle, and an ominous corporate entity to subvert. Grace is not all that nice, but she's very intelligent. She is written from her own perspective ("a skinny witch"), which makes her intriguing. She doesn't understand her own power, or her appeal. A reluctant heroine who has to save the world from the Pale King! I am glad that the ultra derivative characters of Falkan the Bard, and Melia did not get as much play as in the previous novels. They aren't as interesting as the other supporting cast members. It's also good to see the comic book character Vani develop a little--in more ways than one. A fun read, if you're in the mood for something fun, with lots of action.

The Gates of Winter is the fifth novel in The Last Rune series, following Blood of Mystery. In the previous volume, Travis, Durge, Lirith and Sareth have been hurled into the past of Earth, but return to Eldh to reach the Black Tower and then come forward through time to their proper milieu. Grace, Beltan, Vani, and Falken also travel to the Black Tower, at first in the White Ship and then by foot. All find the tower aswarm with feydrim and each witnesses a large man in black stabbing the mysterious messenger Sky, taking a runestone from Sky's robes, and then vanishing through a wall of the tower. Shortly thereafter, Tira appears on the tower doorstep with Krondisar, the Stone of Fire, and presents it to Travis, the Runebreaker.In this novel, Master Larad -- runespeaker, outcast, traitor -- meets with Shemal and is given the power to break runes. Deidre Falling Hawk and Hadrian Farr are welcomed back by the Seekers and promoted, but Farr subsequently disappears on a mission of his own. Grace, Durge, Travis, Beltan, Vani, Falken, Lirith and Sareth return to Calavere, still accompanied by the little girl -- and goddess -- Tira. Grace and her party are greeted by explosions that destroy two towers and open a large breech in the wall. Apparently Duratek has reached Calavere before them.The time of conflict is nearly upon them. King Boreas calls the Warriors of Vathris to muster and to follow Grace, heir of King Uther and holder of Fellring reforged, in the Final Battle against the minions of the Pale King. The witches begin to gather to oppose the Warriors, but some covens pledge themselves to Grace and thus to support the Runebreaker. Travis feels that he would be more effective opposing Duratek's efforts to bridge the gap between the worlds and returns to Denver with his Stones to look for, and destroy, their gate.This novel brings Grace to a confrontation with her heritage as she faces the Pale King. It also brings Travis to a realization of his role as the Runebreaker. However, it is not the end of the story, for The First Stone has yet to come.Highly recommended for Anthony fans and anyone else who enjoys complex tales of sword and sorcery.

War is coming to the medieval world of Eldh, a place where people fight using swords and magic. Mohg, Lord of Nightfall, plans to remake his home planet in his image. His minion, the Pale King toils at opening the Rune Gate so that his hordes can sweep through and prepare it for Mohg's return. Mohg and the Pale King also work with Duratek on Earth to open a portal to Eldh so that Mohg can return and the corporation can exploit the wealth of Eldh.Runebreaker Travis Wilder travels to Earth to destroy Duratek and the gate. According to the prophecy, Travis will save and destroy Eldh at the last battle. His friend, Grace Beckett, witch queen of an ancient lineage marches to the Gravenfist Keep with five hundred warriors and a coven of witches. They must hold back the hordes of the Pale King if he opens the Rune Gate until the Warriors of Vathris arrive for the last battle. If Travis, Grace, the warriors and witches work together they might defeat the dark forces that threaten Eldh.Book five in "The Last Rune" series is an exciting swords and sorcery tale in the tradition of the Lord of the Rings and The Sword of Shannara trilogies. The villains in THE GATES OF WINTER are really caricatures of evil, but the heroes are fully developed people that will endear themselves to the reader. Fans of the series or epic fantasy will enjoy this tale and look forward to book six, THE FIRST STONE in which readers will finally learn what is the secret connection that ties Earth with Eldh.Harriet Klausner