Gate of Darkness, Circle of Light

Like [b:The Fire's Stone|338131|The Fire's Stone |Tanya Huff|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1228323229s/338131.jpg|328538], with which I have this bound in a double edition, this book has a terrible title that doesn't convey what the story is about, and I always forget about it after I've put it back on the shelf.

The main characters are a young woman who is mentally disabled, and also sees and interacts with the fey creatures in the world; and a young man who is a musician, presently a busker, and otherwise drifting a bit aimlessly through life, at least by modern standards. These two who don't fit very well into the modern world, the Innocent and the Bard, are drawn into a story of light and darkness, a battle to save the world from show more evil, with help from a representative of the Light (an angel, but not the kind with wings) and other beings both ordinary and otherwise. The fantastic elements are extremely well integrated into the modern setting, which lends a nicely surreal tinge to the story for the readers as well as the characters (for whom it's more than just a tinge surreal!).

It has a somewhat similar feel in some parts to [b:Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls|1404122|Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls|Jane Lindskold|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1230861278s/1404122.jpg|1394347], but with a more fantasy feel overall. In other ways it resembles [b:War for the Oaks|1270841|War for the Oaks|Emma Bull|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1287266144s/1270841.jpg|144029], though on a larger scale and a more religious/theological theme. show less

Nicely written, old fashioned, stand-alone urban fantasy. No bloody sparkling vampires!!!

I read this a very long time ago, and can't say I remember much. I believe the main character is dumpy and developmentally disabled, which is pretty damn rare. Many of the fantasy novels I read as tween left me with a distinct, clear memory of at least a single scene; I used to fall deeply into books, inhabiting even the least of them as though they were reality. I don't remember anything about this book except the cover, which is not a good sign. But from other reviews it has a diverse group of characters (always a nice change from the usual white-boy-hero, male-sidekick-with-some-quirk, girl-sidekick-who-is-the-smart-one trio--sometimes one of the sidekicks is queer or not white, but it's pretty rare) and is set in a recognizable show more city, thus setting it above half the urban fantasy out there. show less

I was looking for something with more intrigue. There is some great representation in this book. The storyline is straight forward. I would suggest it to those who like YA.

Fairly typical urban fantasy. I think her Blood books are better.