Title: The Gates
Author: John Connolly
First published January 1, 2009
264 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780340995792 (ISBN10: 0340995793)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
In the sequel to Descender, Tim-21 and his friends continue to fight for survival in a universe that has condemned all androids. With bounty hunters hot on their trail, they must navigate through dangerous planets and treacherous enemies.
Jeff Lemire’s Machine Moon is a gripping tale of humanity’s fear of machines, and the lengths they will go to destroy them. This collection of issues 7-11 of Descender is an epic journey of courage, friendship, and sacrifice that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
John Connolly was born in Dublin, Ireland back in 1968. He has worked in various positions such as a journalist, barman, local government official, waiter, and even as a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London.
He pursued English at Trinity College, Dublin and journalism at Dublin City University. He worked as a freelance journalist for five years at The Irish Times newspaper, where he still contributes as of today.
Currently, he is based in Dublin and the United States, dividing his time between both places. If you would like to reach out to him, you may contact him directly by writing to contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com.
You may also follow him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks. Please note that this page is managed by John’s assistant, Clair, on his behalf.
Editoral Review
John Connolly’s novel The Gates tells the story of young Samuel Johnson as he tries to save his sleepy English town from an invasion of demons. Known for his dark and eerie thrillers, Connolly takes a droll and irreverent approach to this YA novel that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and humor.
The novel begins with Samuel Johnson, an inquisitive and imaginative thirteen-year-old, who becomes convinced that his odd neighbor, Mrs. Abernathy, is a witch.
He tries to investigate her, but his probing causes a chain of events that opens a portal to Hell. A horde of demons begins to invade the town, and it’s up to Samuel and his trusty dachshund, Boswell, to save the day.
Connolly has a knack for dialogue and characterization, and he infuses The Gates with a sense of whimsy and absurdity that makes it a fun and fast-paced read. The demons, who make up the majority of the cast, are a motley crew of misfits that range from the hilarious to the terrifying.
Connolly has a knack for creating vivid and memorable characters, and he doesn’t shy away from making them complex and flawed. Despite its playful tone, The Gates delves into some serious themes, including religion, morality, and the nature of evil.
Connolly doesn’t provide easy answers or moral absolutes, but he challenges his readers to think deeply about the choices that his characters make and the consequences that follow. One of the strengths of the novel is its intertextual references.
Connolly weaves in a lot of references to literature, mythology, and pop culture, from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to Stephen King and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. These allusions add layers of meaning and depth that make the novel rewarding for readers who are familiar with them.
The pacing of the novel is its Achilles heel. While the first half of the novel is brisk and engaging, the second half drags on, and the final showdown feels anticlimactic.
The novel could have benefited from some tighter editing and a clearer sense of direction in the latter half. Overall, The Gates is a fun and inventive YA novel that showcases Connolly’s versatility as a writer.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a refreshing departure from the usual YA fare and a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy, horror, and humor.
