The Gatekeeper of Pericael

*I received a free Advanced Review Copy. This review is entirely my own and represents my honest opinions.*

‘He was the Kotalla Kan. A child of two worlds that no one could really comprehend, and everyone was depending on him.’

Twelve-year-old Porter wants nothing more than to be a normal boy - to focus on soccer practice, video games, and science tests – nothing more. Unfortunately, he’s anything but normal. His family are descended from a line of Gatekeepers…and it’s his destiny to take over the role and protect the magical world of Pericael from harm. But when the door to Pericael calls unexpectedly Porter, with help from his fiercely optimistic cousin Ames, will have to learn fast if he wants to make it out alive.
***
Hayley Reese Chow masterfully paints the world of Pericael in a bright yet dangerous light, highlighting the true cost of adventure.

Where many other middle-grade fantasy novels tend to gloss over the threats that accompany adventure, Hayley Reese Chow revels in it. Reese Chow creates a world that is both inviting and dangerous, with the narrative exploring the intricacies of the powerful spirits that inhabit Pericael and the deep threat from those who would seek to control them. From page one, the tension steadily increases until it reaches boiling point with the villainous Raspurn closing in on the Gate. If it’s a fast paced book you’re after, this is the one for you!

Porter and his cousin, Ames, battle hungry beasts and possessed vessels of stolen children enslaved by the Raspurn, a powerful entity set on bending the spirits' to his will. With help from sisters’ Conri and Fira, Porter delves deeper into the world of magic and spirits. Together with Porter’s reluctant heroism and Ames’ unwavering optimism (and countless Star Wars references) the group race to save their joining worlds – Pericael and Earth. Thrown together, the unlikely group navigate the unknown, bickering all the way. An unsteady partnership at first, the tension between them is perfectly accompanied by underlying affection that is reminiscent of most familial relationships, as well as many friendships.

All-in-all, despite being only 168 pages long, ‘The Gatekeeper of Pericael’ is a magnificent read that boasts fully fleshed out characters, an immersive world filled with wonder, and an adventure that will keep you gripped right up until the end.

"To have courage is to step forward in the face of fear."

The Gatekeeper of Pericael is a fun fantasy adventure with a believable magic system and solid characters who grow and are challenged. The world-building is vivid and I found myself easily swept up in the action. The magic was consistent and intricately woven into the story to further the character growth for Porter, the main character, rather than being a crutch for the story in itself.

Porter starts out as the reluctant hero who has inherited a huge responsibility that he doesn't want, but he's thrust into an adventure with world-ending stakes and he fights for what he believes is right, even against great odds. Raspurn is one freaky villain. Porter's friend Ames gets swept up in the adventure too. He provides some comic relief and serves as a foil with a different perspective due to his unflappable spirit and endearing belief in Porter.

Yes, there are loads of action and battle scenes, with creatures and with enemies, but what really solidified the _story_ was Porter’s evolution, his coming into his own skin with who he is and his responsibility. But I liked that he also remained a kid. Having Ames to share his secret with rang true.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced action fantasy with imaginative world-building, vivid prose, and a satisfying character arc.