Freedom's Gate [Mass Market Paperback]

Naomi Kritzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2004

From the acclaimed author of Fires of the Faithful comes the tale of an impetuous young woman, freeborn in a world of slavery and magic. Twenty-year-old Lauria is the favorite aide to Kyros, a powerful military officer. On his authority, she is messenger, observer, and spy. But now she is entrusted with a mission more dangerous than any that have come before Freedom's Gate.

After years of relative peace, word has come to Kyros’s compound that the bandit tribe known as the Alashi is planning an offensive. It is up to Lauria to infiltrate the Alashi by posing as an escaped slave—a charge that requires she serve in the household of a neighboring officer. From there, she will stage an escape and continue on in her guise as a runaway. But posing as a slave—a virgin concubine,
no less—may prove the least of her troubles. For even if she does escape and the Alashi do accept her, how can this freeborn woman convince them she is slave, not spy? And, worse, what if her own views are gradually changing, calling everything she believes about her world into question?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The first book in Kritzer's new Dead Rivers trilogy is set in a fantasy version of ancient Earth, where the vanquished Greek Empire has risen again to ruthless power with the aid of the witch-like Sisterhood of Weavers and their captive djinni. When the mysterious and possibly murderous Alashi threaten the Sisterhood, 20-year-old Lauria, chief slave-catcher to Greek commander Kyros, is sent to infiltrate the nomadic rebels by posing as a slave escaped from another commander's harem. Though the subservient role chaffs the proud young lieutenant, Lauria gradually finds herself questioning not her enemies, but her alleged allies and her own false freedom. Sword and sorcery enthusiasts will find plenty of physical and magical action here. Unfortunately, the plot is conventional, and Kritzer fails to provide a convincing connection between her ancient faux Earth and the present-day world. Although this is a competent fantasy yarn, it may fall short of some readers' expectations, particularly fans of Kritzer's earlier, more inventive works (Fires of the Faithful, etc.).
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Review

Praise for Fires of the Faithful:

"This far-from-typical fantasy from first-time author Kritzer is like chocolate cake: instant addiction...With habit-forming books like this, you can't read just one."
-- Publishers Weekly

"Entertaining."
-- Booklist

"Subtly brilliant from start to finish."
-- Locus

"Exceedingly well done. I couldn't put it down."
-- Katherine Kurtz

Praise for Turning the Storm:

"Mesmerizing...With panache and dexterity, Ms. Kritzer weaves complex plot threads and feisty characters into a tight story of political and social intrigue. Nebulous loyalties create fluid allegiances that contribute to the Machiavellian quality of the story."
-- Romantic Times (four stars)

"This series is a very promising debut, and I hope to see much more from this writer."
-- Philadephia Press/Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Spectra (June 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553586734
• ISBN-13: 978-0553586732
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,404,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, though I was born in North Carolina, lived in Indiana and Houston, Texas before I turned five, and spent a year living in London when I was 13. I moved to Minnesota to attend college, and haven't left. My husband and I have two daughters and three cats. I post regularly about the daughters and occasionally about writing on my blog at http://www.livejournal.com/users/naomikritzer/.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of fantasy writing, December 22, 2004

By 

M. Keating "Avid Reader-MN" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)

Freedom's Gate is a wonderful read. Other reviewers have nicely presented the plot, so I'll write about the writing. Ms Kritzer presents ancient Kazakhstan with a believable fantasy twist. Lots of writers are using the djinn as their entrée to fantasy writing. Ms Kritzer presents the djinn as an intrinsic part of the story rather than the entire story. I'm continually impressed by this author's ability to serve up a dollop of history so skillfully that the reader doesn't realize that she has had a history lesson.

The writing in each of Ms Kritzer's books is beyond criticism. She never takes her readers for granted, her grammar and word usage is impeccable, the editing is sterling. She exemplifies great writing that also entertains splendidly. I heartily recommend this book and each of the previous volumes as well. You might as well buy this one. You'll want to reread it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent writing, and the author doesn't cheat, September 18, 2004

By 

Esther Schindler (Scottsdale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)

Too many fantasy novels are predictable. I'm not speaking only of those wherein the hero or heroine has to collect "plot coupons" (get the sword, pick up the magic stone, take them to the castle or you do not pass Go or collect $200). All too often, the author puts the main character in a situation that is obvious: she has to realize or accomplish Something Important and gosh, you think she will?

In this novel (and in her previous series), Kritzer avoids these traps. Others have summarized the story pretty well: our heroine is the servant of a big cheese among the longtime Greek conquerers (in an alternate history wherein Alexander lived to a ripe old age before ascending to godhood, and wherein djinn have been enslaved). She's sent on a mission to inflitrate the "bad guys"... and ends up rethinking everything she knows about her society.

The characters are well-drawn, even the minor ones. The writing held my attention. But what really impressed me was how often Kritzer surprised me: Lauria doesn't take the simple way out, she agonizes over her changing opinions, and at the end she is a very real, believeable character.

This isn't a huge tome, either: it's suitable for a fun weekend read, not a lifelong commitment. Recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating character-driven fantasy, July 2, 2004

By 

L. Shrake "sfred66" (Blaine, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Freedom's Gate (Mass Market Paperback)

Freedom's Gate is the kind of book that immerses you in the life of the main character, as though Lauria were a living, breathing person taking you along on her journey. I felt as though I had been given a glimpse into her soul, as well as her life and experiences. Her journey, as well as the people she meets and befriends transform Lauria. I really liked the way this first book in the Dead Rivers trilogy had a satisfying conclusion of its own, while it left me wondering what adventures, trials and mishaps would befall Lauria on the next leg of her quest for self-discovery. Highly recommended for anyone who loves character driven fantasy.

I definitely plan to check out the next books in her series.