Wit'ch Gate (The Banned and the Banished, Book 4)

This book was fabulous. The dark fantasy that Clemens has created in this world is right on par with Mark Perry (Morigu). Unlike Mark Perry let us fans hope that he (Clemens) does not leave us hanging on the cliff waiting for the next book.

Once again James Clemens transported me to the Land of Alansea.Where the witch Elena and her allies must destroy the dark lord's sources of power:the Weirgates. Clemens's world building skills are awesome as ever as he shows more sights of his world.He will show us scenes of elven city in the clouds, sharks who travel in river of sand, ghoulish creatures called Grim who possess bodies. this novel's action sequences have cinematic quality to them. You will watch as our heroes battle d'warves soldiers and monsters. You will bid bittersweet farewell to comrades who will not survive this latest adventure and be astonish as another character who died will be reborn!All and all another demonstration of Clemens's story-telling ability as he shows us magic, menace and wonder of the land of Alansea and the heroic beings who dwell there!

After reading the first 3 novels in this series, I was struck by the author's ability to juggle action and character. But in this latest installment, the author breaks all expectations. He takes the action, romance, suspense, horror, and heartbreak to new heights. Each novel gets stronger, broader, richer. Don't miss this book! (or the others!)

I loved this book! It not only expanded the characters of the books--especially the history of the nyphai--but it also takes the reader to every corner of this fantastic world, to places that are both breathtaking and full of magick and menace. So make sure you bring your passport with you when you read this book, it's a seat-of-your pants joyride!

The world remains in peril as the Dark Lord, though somewhat repelled, has established four weirgates to absorb the magick that makes this realm survive. As Eleanor the Wit'ch and her allies argue over what to do next, time slips away. Finally, they agree to break into three teams to attack the Dark Lord's minions at the weirgates in which the ultimate evil is not residing. All know if successful and if they survive, there remains the ultimate battle at the fourth weirgate where the Dark Lord awaits their presence. The four foes spread across the orb include a basilisk, a manticore, a wyvern, and a griffin. Though Eleanor and her cohorts contain elemental magic to bring the war to their enemy, each member knows the danger and the probability of death, but no option remains as the quest to save the realm leaves no choice. Now the adventure continues. WIT'CH GATE, the fourth tale in James Clemens series "The Banned and the Banished", is an exciting epic fantasy that is a magical element or two stronger than most tales in the genre. Though several twists freshen up the story line, the plot is similar to many of the genre's novels. It is the characters, especially Eleanor, who make this adventure spring to life as readers can feel her frustrations, fears and need to triumph over the evil Dark Lord. Mr. Clemens provides the audience with quite a thriller that still has a weirgate to traverse.Harriet Klausner