Book Review: The Gates of Heaven

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Gates of Heaven     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Curt Benjamin
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Daw, Sept 2003, $23.95, 464 pp.

The kingdom of Thebin was a prosperous place under the rule of a benevolent king until the hordes of Horn invaded. They killed the king and queen and sold the seven princes into slavery. An army of occupation now rules Thebin.

Several years later through the help of an earth god, Llesho is freed and determined to find his brothers and liberate his homeland. He discovers two of his brothers almost right away and finds allies to help him throw out the invaders. When he finds his next sibling he is joyous but he realizes the next prince found is mad and not to be counted on to fulfill the quest. By this time, Prince Llesho knows that his goal is bigger than his family regaining their kingdom. Heaven is being besieged by an evil being let loose by Master Marrko, a powerful mage and Llesho’s sworn enemy. Only when all the princes are united and the kingdom is free will Llesho find the entrance that will take him to Heaven so he can defeat the evil creatures. If he fails, all of Earth and Heaven will be destroyed.

Prince Llesho is a determined, head strong and vulnerable young man who attracts allies to his quest because they believe in him. The prince learns early on that being favored by the gods is no easy thing because he is at their whims and mercy. What sets out as a boy’s dream to find his remaining family turns into a man’s quest to free his homeland and destroy the indestructible if he wants to see this world and heaven safe in a world filled with many kingdoms and empires gods walking alongside man.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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