When I started the first book, I did not get past the first chapter quickly. I felt it a little heavy and then it fell back in my reading queue. When I finally got around to it again, I had the next book in the series waiting as well so I was extra motivated.

It turned out that I needed no other motivation than the story itself. Once I understood the key players and the story itself, the fantasy and the real historical indications, I was hooked and I spent chunks of my reading time trying to get through it.

When this story begins we have two people living in the same town who are now going to be part of the exodus of others of their faith. Their lives and livelihoods are in danger whether they choose to stay or go.

Naftaly is an extremely average person, he feels like he’s disappointed his father by not being a good enough tailor and for having questions about the random dreams he has. Toba is a weak and strange girl whose grandparents do not even plan to get married. She has learning which girls her age do not usually undertake. As the two separately leave their town, they happen to have different interactions with Maziks and their world. For both people, older women come after them to keep them safe.

This is when the writing picks up and almost every description after this point is borderline hilarious ( on purpose) while still managing to be part of serious events. More characters join the plot and become more important to the bigger picture.

It’s a complex narrative, one that explains itself a little bit before wrapping up in this installment.

I immediately began the next.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I keep hearing good things about this book but unfortunately I just didn’t like it.
Some might like but not me

Beautiful book that I just adored. A retelling that is a bit different. Thanks so much for the galley. I cannot wait to read book 2.

I forgot to leave a review for this when I first read it. give me all the jewish inspired fantasy please and thank you.

This book is an engaging and thought-provoking read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The author’s writing style is both captivating and immersive, creating a world that feels rich and layered. With well-developed characters and a plot that unfolds in unexpected ways, it’s definitely a journey worth taking. Highly recommended for those looking for something that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

I actually missed the date of this book but I had the chance to read it later in an app and I'm really sad that it took me so long, if you're looking for mythology this book is for you, both main characters are so good and the magical system is just amazing, it was one of those books that were really captivating and even if I missed the date limit I knew that I had to read it

Ariel Kaplan's "The Pomegranate Gate" is a masterful introduction to an immersive Sephardic Jewish fantasy trilogy, where the epic scope of "City of Brass" meets the enchanting atmosphere of Studio Ghibli. Set against the backdrop of a fantasy version of the Spanish Inquisition, Kaplan’s narrative weaves together history, myth, and magic into a rich tapestry that will undoubtedly captivate fans of high fantasy and Jewish folklore.

The story follows Toba Peres and Naftaly Cresques, two Jewish characters forced to flee their homes after the Queen of Sefarad decrees all Jews must convert or face exile. Toba, separated from her caravan, stumbles into a magical realm inhabited by the Maziks, mythical beings of immense power. Meanwhile, Naftaly, who dreams of an orange-eyed stranger and carries a book he can never read, embarks on a quest to rescue Toba, navigating both mortal and magical threats.

Kaplan’s narrative is meticulously paced, unfolding like an extended oral tale reminiscent of Shaharazad’s "One Thousand and One Nights." While some might find the pacing slow, it serves the story well, gradually revealing the complex political and magical landscape of this new world. The plot is dense and heavily political, requiring readers to pay close attention as various narrative threads are introduced and interwoven.

Toba and Naftaly are compelling protagonists, each with unique abilities and personal struggles. Toba’s journey is particularly poignant as it serves as an allegory for neurodivergence, specifically autism. Her discovery of latent powers in the Maziks' realm is both thrilling and deeply symbolic. Naftaly’s idealism and naivety provide a counterbalance to Toba’s more grounded perspective, and his romantic subplot adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

The secondary characters, such as the enigmatic Courser and the flamboyant Barsilay, are equally well-developed, each bringing their own charm and complexity to the story. The interactions between these characters, especially Toba’s dynamic with Asmel, her reluctant mentor, are a highlight, offering moments of humor and pathos.

Kaplan’s world-building is exquisite, with every detail contributing to a fully realized setting that feels both fantastical and grounded in historical reality. The use of Jewish cultural elements, from language to religious practices, adds authenticity and depth to the story. The exploration of themes such as power, oppression, and identity is nuanced and thought-provoking, making "The Pomegranate Gate" a narrative rich in both plot and substance.

Kaplan’s writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the story with its poetic prose and vivid descriptions. The atmospheric charm of Studio Ghibli is evident in the whimsical libraries and courts, while the darker, more intense moments are reminiscent of epic fantasy traditions. The balance between these tones creates a unique narrative voice that is both enchanting and gripping.

"The Pomegranate Gate" is a remarkable debut that promises an epic journey through a world where history and magic collide. Its slow pacing and intricate plot might be challenging for some, but those who appreciate detailed world-building and richly developed characters will find much to love. This book is a testament to Kaplan’s storytelling prowess and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Mirror Realm Cycle.

The Pomegranate Gate by Ariel Kaplan is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves rich mythology, magic, and adventure. Set in a world inspired by Jewish folklore, the story follows two protagonists, Toba and Naftaly, as they are thrust into an alternate dimension filled with danger and intrigue. Kaplan's world-building is intricate, blending historical elements with mystical realms in a way that feels both fresh and immersive. The characters are compelling, each grappling with their own internal conflicts while facing external challenges. Fast-paced and full of twists, The Pomegranate Gate is a thrilling journey of courage, loyalty, and self-discovery.

I actually did not finish this book, for several reasons. 1 - life got hectic, so no fault of the book whatsoever. 2 - slow start + hectic life = me less likely to prioritize the book. I plan on attempting this book again and look forward to actually finishing it.

The Pomegranate Gate is Ariel Kaplan's epic Jewish fantasy that follows three main characters as they navigate their world of mysteries and the tension and high stakes of the Inquisition. Rich and luscious, set against a fantastical background, the book takes the reader on a journey through myths and lore as we follow our protagonist and the connections between them. I would recommend this book to fans of Naomi Novik as it has the same cadence-like story-telling.

yes! yes! yes! i enjoyed this book SO much and now i’m anxiously waiting for the sequel!!

thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

The pomegranate gate was a good read. The characters were vivid and the worldbuilding stunning and immense. The only issue I had with the book was the wry slow pace. The end 1/3 picked up massively but the first was plodding and I put down the book for months before I picked it back up again. But all in all an enjoyable read and I will read the sequel.

The story and the world-building are well done enough. The setting is a fantastical version of Spain in 1492 where the Jewish population was given a choice: either convert to Christianism or leave (leaving everything behind). I could really envision the world and what was happening on it.

The problem came with the characters. Toba and her side characters (there is a character in her side of the story that I particularly hated, let's say, another version of Toba) were simply put boring. I didn't care about anything that happened to them. Naftaly's story was a little better: I liked Helena and "the old woman" even if I didn't like Natfaly that much either.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

Slow to start, but unputdownable by the end. Portal fantasy with djinn-like creatures and a lost city, against the background of the Inquisition and the forced conversion / exile of Spanish Jews, which is mirrored in the portal world by the Cacederia.

The Queen of Sefarad has ordered all Jews to convert or be exiled and Toba, Naftaly, and thousands of others are forced to flee their homes. Toba accidentally stumbles through a pomegranate grove into a magical realm and Naftaly, intent on rescuing Toba, finds new companions who harbor dangerous secrets.

There was A LOT going on in this book and I’m really not certain how to describe it. Don’t get me wrong, I liked it a lot, but it’s a hard book to review because there’s so much going on and as the reader, you are kept in the dark for a lot of the big mysteries until the end. So, here goes…

This book is the first book in a trilogy and it certainly feels like it. There is a lot of world-building and explanation happening and the pace feels pretty slow. Most books in a trilogy have some sort of capability to stand alone as its own story, but I think this was a very long, elaborate set up to the rest of the series.

Toba and Naftaly both have magical abilities but they have been advised all their lives to keep it a secret and neither really knows why. Eventually these abilities come out and they are able to use them to varying degrees of success for rescue, political intrigue, and just sheer entertainment. The friendships that are built in this book are really heartwarming.

But the religious persecution part of the book felt the most lacking in terms of depth. There’s no real explanation as to why the Queen has ordered Jews to convert, or what they are converting to, or what happens if they don’t convert. I just felt really confused and it just added another layer to a book that already has plenty.

Overall, I enjoyed it visiting their magical world and I look forward to reading more book in the series to see what happens to Toba and Naftaly going forward and how they are able to further harness their abilities.

This book felt like the first part of a tryptic painting you see on the altar of churches. It's the first installment in a trilogy and you can tell but I don't mean that in a negative light. It was slow but not in a boring way, more like in a "setting up this tapestry and slowly developing it in this first part" kind of way. The vibes were immaculate, the characters were amazing and I'm so excited to read the new book. 4.5 stars

This was a very cool but slightly too long adult fantasy. I was really taken in by the historical setting, and the characters were interesting and well-developed - I just wish it had been a bit pared down as the middle heavily dragged.

This one wasn't for me. I found the story a bit hard to follow and it just wasn't clicking. I had to dnf it, which I did not want to do.

I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review,

The Pomegranate Gate is a unique book, in the aspect of primary Jewish representation. This makes it something I have not encountered before. With this, I would not say I was completely let down by its premise, but I am still questioning certain aspects of the book which I do not feel make sense (to me), nor do I understand how they tie in(to) what this book is about. This seems like a book which is centred around any fantasy-related fluff rather than giving me a full flesh of what I am looking at.

I would like, despite this, to give this book another shot in the future, and hope I might look at it in a different light.

This one surprised me. I went into it without many ecpectations and in the beginning, I wasn't realy feeling it . I couldn't concentrate on it, the characters were uninteresting and the plot difficult to follow. But! At some point, I noticed that I had actually been enjoying myself for a while? I don't know exactly when it happened but this book did a total 180 for me. The characters really grow on you even if it takes very long to get to know them. And the way the different plot strangs start to connect? Amazing. Can not wait to get my hands on part two.