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The Gatekeeper's Son #1
The Gatekeeper's Son
Modern San Francisco collides with ancient Japan in this thrilling coming-of-age fantasy.
It’s Junya’s sixteenth birthday, and his grandfather has just named him the heir to a multi-billion dollar corporate empire. Not a bad deal…except his grandfather’s in the hospital, and now someone’s trying to destroy the company.
Junya can’t imagine who (or what) would have it in for his family, but he’s positive it has something to do with the heavily guarded safe in his grandfather’s office. Yet the deeper he digs, the stranger things become: earthquakes no one else can feel, spotting dangers no one else can sense…and being followed by strange men with reptile eyes and forked tongues.
Now he’s being hunted—by his grandfather’s own men. It’s only thanks to a mysterious and beautiful Japanese exchange student that Junya’s able to escape. But why does she keep disappearing on him? How does she know so much about his family? And is she here to help him…or kill him?
4.4 out of 5 Stars on Amazon.com
It’s Junya’s sixteenth birthday, and his grandfather has just named him the heir to a multi-billion dollar corporate empire. Not a bad deal…except his grandfather’s in the hospital, and now someone’s trying to destroy the company.
Junya can’t imagine who (or what) would have it in for his family, but he’s positive it has something to do with the heavily guarded safe in his grandfather’s office. Yet the deeper he digs, the stranger things become: earthquakes no one else can feel, spotting dangers no one else can sense…and being followed by strange men with reptile eyes and forked tongues.
Now he’s being hunted—by his grandfather’s own men. It’s only thanks to a mysterious and beautiful Japanese exchange student that Junya’s able to escape. But why does she keep disappearing on him? How does she know so much about his family? And is she here to help him…or kill him?
4.4 out of 5 Stars on Amazon.com
335 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
2587 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Fladmark
2 books46 followersC.R. Fladmark was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. From an early age, he loved to create imaginary worlds and to read books.
As a teenager, he became interested in all things Japanese (ninja, swords, old temples and shrines, customs), although he had little exposure to the culture. More than a decade later and after forgetting most of his interest in Japan, he was introduced to a Japanese woman on a blind date.
His subsequent travels to Japan (with her) introduced him to the myths and history of Japan that go back thousands of years, to the time when the gods ruled Japan. He now travels often to Japan, where he researches his novels among the ancient sites in Shimane Prefecture.
To learn more, visit www.crfladmark.com or find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crfladmark.
As a teenager, he became interested in all things Japanese (ninja, swords, old temples and shrines, customs), although he had little exposure to the culture. More than a decade later and after forgetting most of his interest in Japan, he was introduced to a Japanese woman on a blind date.
His subsequent travels to Japan (with her) introduced him to the myths and history of Japan that go back thousands of years, to the time when the gods ruled Japan. He now travels often to Japan, where he researches his novels among the ancient sites in Shimane Prefecture.
To learn more, visit www.crfladmark.com or find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crfladmark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 12, 2017
https://angelerin.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Thank you to Ryder Author Resources for providing a free copy of The Gatekeeper's Son By: C.R. Fladmark in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little bit of time to get into The Gatekeeper's Son. Partly because I have been so busy, but also because it was a little slow till about 100 pages in. However, once it got to that point it really picked up. Then once I hit about halfway it was really fast-paced and I couldn't put it down! The world building was a little slow for me, but it paid off because it was so well done. I couldn't wait to find out more about the world in the second book.
#ReallyPicksUpHalfwayThrough
I liked the characters a lot, especially Shoko and Okaasan. They definitely aren't weak women and I always appreciate strong females in books. I did like Junya also, but not as much because the first half of the book he did annoy me a tad. That being said as the book went on he had some great character growth and I love that!
#GirlPower!
Overall I really enjoyed The Gatekeeper's Son, especially the last half when there is so much action! I was so glad I had the second book already because I couldn't wait to start it.
#Yessssssss
I recommend The Gatekeeper's Son for all fans of urban fantasy. I think any fan of the genre would enjoy this one.
#TryIt!
Thank you to Ryder Author Resources for providing a free copy of The Gatekeeper's Son By: C.R. Fladmark in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little bit of time to get into The Gatekeeper's Son. Partly because I have been so busy, but also because it was a little slow till about 100 pages in. However, once it got to that point it really picked up. Then once I hit about halfway it was really fast-paced and I couldn't put it down! The world building was a little slow for me, but it paid off because it was so well done. I couldn't wait to find out more about the world in the second book.
#ReallyPicksUpHalfwayThrough
I liked the characters a lot, especially Shoko and Okaasan. They definitely aren't weak women and I always appreciate strong females in books. I did like Junya also, but not as much because the first half of the book he did annoy me a tad. That being said as the book went on he had some great character growth and I love that!
#GirlPower!
Overall I really enjoyed The Gatekeeper's Son, especially the last half when there is so much action! I was so glad I had the second book already because I couldn't wait to start it.
#Yessssssss
I recommend The Gatekeeper's Son for all fans of urban fantasy. I think any fan of the genre would enjoy this one.
#TryIt!
December 3, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A rich kid turns 16 to find his entire world is under attack. A girl he's crushing on steals his Grandfather's journal, and the company he is inheriting is under attack. He goes from San Francisco to Japan to set things right.
Takes a while for the action to get going, but once it does, the book starts moving.
A rich kid turns 16 to find his entire world is under attack. A girl he's crushing on steals his Grandfather's journal, and the company he is inheriting is under attack. He goes from San Francisco to Japan to set things right.
Takes a while for the action to get going, but once it does, the book starts moving.
January 11, 2015
Goodreads synopsis:Junya’s grandfather is a billionaire who keeps the secret to his success hidden in a heavily guarded safe.
His mother is a martial artist who wields a razor-sharp katana—and seems to read his mind.
And a mysterious girl in a Japanese school uniform can knock him over—literally—with just a look.
What do they know that he doesn’t?
Junya’s life takes a dangerous turn on his sixteenth birthday, when someone sets out to destroy not only the family’s business empire—the one that he’s set to inherit—but Junya himself. He’s fighting for his life, and doesn’t know who to trust.
What has his family been keeping from him?
Junya’s journey takes him from the narrow streets of San Francisco to Japan, and through hidden portals to the top of the ancient Japanese Izumo Shinto shrine, to places where death and violence are a way of life. And in a mystical world he’s never imagined, he finds his true destiny.
My review: So, I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for a review, and although it took a while to get through it, I really enjoyed reading it. I mean, how could you not like a book about ninjas? Although, it did have it's ups and downs, like how if felt like the story was a few different short stories put together, The characters were well rounded and the book was overall action packed. I mean, come on. It's ninjas. How could it not be? The story was good, kinda long, but good, and the characters were a little different, but different is good. Sorry for the short review, but I'm eally drawing a blank at what else to say. Definitely check this book out if you like ninjas, books that are full of action, or just want something to read that's different from everything else. Thanks for reading!
(radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
His mother is a martial artist who wields a razor-sharp katana—and seems to read his mind.
And a mysterious girl in a Japanese school uniform can knock him over—literally—with just a look.
What do they know that he doesn’t?
Junya’s life takes a dangerous turn on his sixteenth birthday, when someone sets out to destroy not only the family’s business empire—the one that he’s set to inherit—but Junya himself. He’s fighting for his life, and doesn’t know who to trust.
What has his family been keeping from him?
Junya’s journey takes him from the narrow streets of San Francisco to Japan, and through hidden portals to the top of the ancient Japanese Izumo Shinto shrine, to places where death and violence are a way of life. And in a mystical world he’s never imagined, he finds his true destiny.
My review: So, I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for a review, and although it took a while to get through it, I really enjoyed reading it. I mean, how could you not like a book about ninjas? Although, it did have it's ups and downs, like how if felt like the story was a few different short stories put together, The characters were well rounded and the book was overall action packed. I mean, come on. It's ninjas. How could it not be? The story was good, kinda long, but good, and the characters were a little different, but different is good. Sorry for the short review, but I'm eally drawing a blank at what else to say. Definitely check this book out if you like ninjas, books that are full of action, or just want something to read that's different from everything else. Thanks for reading!
(radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
January 5, 2015
I got this book from netgalley.
I really liked this book and the premise. I can relate to the main character Junya who is experiencing growing up and a major change in his life. The premise was good and the different settings were good. I like the plot even though it could be slow at times. I would recommend the book.
I really liked this book and the premise. I can relate to the main character Junya who is experiencing growing up and a major change in his life. The premise was good and the different settings were good. I like the plot even though it could be slow at times. I would recommend the book.
April 17, 2015
(This book was won through Goodreads Giveaways)
Well lets get right into it.
Plot-4 Stars. This book really got started halfway through. The first half was YA while the second half was more action, and more enjoyable to me. Im not the biggest fan of the YA, but done right it can be good. This just seemed a little off at times (More on that in the Character Section). The parts with Okaasan (Junya's mother) and Shoko were what got me through the first half. After the first half and Junya trying to learn about his powers and stumbling through just about every encounter, we get to the part where he starts to use his powers and we also get a little bit of a smarter Junya. Also in the later part of the book we really get to see the evil side (Evil Ones). Up until then you had his Grandpa as the main evil looking dude (I didnt get to much of an evil feeling from him) but then you get the Evil ones and Bartholomew. Now Bartholomew is what I picture when I think of evil in this book. Sadly you don't get quite as much of him as I would like. Near the end is when we start to get to get a feel for Bartholomew and I was not disappointed. I wanted more, but you do have a lot of little 'baddies" running around. Once the action starts in the second half of the book it was hard for me to put the book down. Junya starting to realize his potential and being smarter, along with Okassan and Shoko just being their made it much better. Add in the Evil Ones and this book is starting to get really good. Overall Slow beginning and little to much YA but second half Action, Powers, Swords, and some Bad Guys needing taken care of. Love it.
Characters-3.5 Stars. So only 3 Stars mainly because of Junya. For a kid who trains everyday with his mother in the dojo and having her be who she is, kind of made me wonder about Junya. At one point he couldn't take his eyes of of Shoko's legs. Now while I understand boys will be boys it just seemed weird a boy with that kind of training would just...stare. Add in when Shoko was going to take the journal and giving him a million clues she was doing it and yet he just kinda of babbled on and was surprised she was doing it. After he learns more about his powers and having to step up because of his grandpa falling ill, I start to feel more for him. By the end of the book I am curious to see where he is headed. More Focused Junya is awesome, while Mr. Legs Junya is not. Junya's father is not in it very much but for the first book I'm ok with that. Now his Okaasan and Shoko, well I don't have any problems with them. In fact I think I would read a series with those two as the main characters. They were strong, smart, very capable women who were just straight up bad ass throughout the whole book. I'm looking forward to seeing where their story goes. So far there is not too much on the Evil Ones or Bartholomew, but I'm ok with the mysterious Evil guy thing..The bits that do have him in it though I love. He seems like a pretty good bad guy. Overall I love just about every character except Junya. I am starting to come around to him and do want to see how he ends up, but I'm more interested in the others stories.
Extra-5 Stars. Ah extra......what does that even mean? Well in this case it represent the hidden powers and culture part of the book. The powers are limited mainly by the person wielding them. There's been teleporting, early detection signals, fast, strong and more. While there are some abilities that seem overpowered, Fladmark does a great job making them seem more natural feeling then let's say some superheros. The variety is great, not limited to just one power or power type. These Gatekeepers seem bad ass while also showing that they are not invincible. Perfect balance of powerful yet not nothing-can-touch-me-kind-of-pointless power. Now on to the Japanese Culture and locations as well as the America parts. That was one of my favorite parts of this book was the blend of American Culture and Japanese. Throw in some historic and beautiful locations they get to travel to and you just got a great setting. From the Streets of San Francisco to the Shrines of Japan, not one part of it did I dislike.
Now the question is, would I or would I not read the second book? Well, I would. Without hesitation. Junya, Okaasan, Shoko, and that dam Bartholomew are all either too interesting not to or look like they could be headed toward being a bad ass mo fo (Junya).
Well lets get right into it.
Plot-4 Stars. This book really got started halfway through. The first half was YA while the second half was more action, and more enjoyable to me. Im not the biggest fan of the YA, but done right it can be good. This just seemed a little off at times (More on that in the Character Section). The parts with Okaasan (Junya's mother) and Shoko were what got me through the first half. After the first half and Junya trying to learn about his powers and stumbling through just about every encounter, we get to the part where he starts to use his powers and we also get a little bit of a smarter Junya. Also in the later part of the book we really get to see the evil side (Evil Ones). Up until then you had his Grandpa as the main evil looking dude (I didnt get to much of an evil feeling from him) but then you get the Evil ones and Bartholomew. Now Bartholomew is what I picture when I think of evil in this book. Sadly you don't get quite as much of him as I would like. Near the end is when we start to get to get a feel for Bartholomew and I was not disappointed. I wanted more, but you do have a lot of little 'baddies" running around. Once the action starts in the second half of the book it was hard for me to put the book down. Junya starting to realize his potential and being smarter, along with Okassan and Shoko just being their made it much better. Add in the Evil Ones and this book is starting to get really good. Overall Slow beginning and little to much YA but second half Action, Powers, Swords, and some Bad Guys needing taken care of. Love it.
Characters-3.5 Stars. So only 3 Stars mainly because of Junya. For a kid who trains everyday with his mother in the dojo and having her be who she is, kind of made me wonder about Junya. At one point he couldn't take his eyes of of Shoko's legs. Now while I understand boys will be boys it just seemed weird a boy with that kind of training would just...stare. Add in when Shoko was going to take the journal and giving him a million clues she was doing it and yet he just kinda of babbled on and was surprised she was doing it. After he learns more about his powers and having to step up because of his grandpa falling ill, I start to feel more for him. By the end of the book I am curious to see where he is headed. More Focused Junya is awesome, while Mr. Legs Junya is not. Junya's father is not in it very much but for the first book I'm ok with that. Now his Okaasan and Shoko, well I don't have any problems with them. In fact I think I would read a series with those two as the main characters. They were strong, smart, very capable women who were just straight up bad ass throughout the whole book. I'm looking forward to seeing where their story goes. So far there is not too much on the Evil Ones or Bartholomew, but I'm ok with the mysterious Evil guy thing..The bits that do have him in it though I love. He seems like a pretty good bad guy. Overall I love just about every character except Junya. I am starting to come around to him and do want to see how he ends up, but I'm more interested in the others stories.
Extra-5 Stars. Ah extra......what does that even mean? Well in this case it represent the hidden powers and culture part of the book. The powers are limited mainly by the person wielding them. There's been teleporting, early detection signals, fast, strong and more. While there are some abilities that seem overpowered, Fladmark does a great job making them seem more natural feeling then let's say some superheros. The variety is great, not limited to just one power or power type. These Gatekeepers seem bad ass while also showing that they are not invincible. Perfect balance of powerful yet not nothing-can-touch-me-kind-of-pointless power. Now on to the Japanese Culture and locations as well as the America parts. That was one of my favorite parts of this book was the blend of American Culture and Japanese. Throw in some historic and beautiful locations they get to travel to and you just got a great setting. From the Streets of San Francisco to the Shrines of Japan, not one part of it did I dislike.
Now the question is, would I or would I not read the second book? Well, I would. Without hesitation. Junya, Okaasan, Shoko, and that dam Bartholomew are all either too interesting not to or look like they could be headed toward being a bad ass mo fo (Junya).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
- My Description -
On Junya Thompson's (James) 16th birthday, his wealthy grandfather announces Junya to be heir to his company.
Junya is surprised as well as flattered to one day being chairman and sole shareholder to The Thompson Group of Companies.
That's only in the event of his grandfather's death or illness.
Coincidentally, his grandfather suffers a heart attack right after the announcement.
Junya soon meets a girl around his age.
He's instantly fascinated with her.
It's quite destined they would link up at some point.
Shoko is a gatekeeper for another world.
A beautiful world where there is no violence.
Gatekeepers keep this world what it is: violence-free.
She's also a pretty bad ass assissian.
She also can do other cool tricks, like read thoughts.
She was sent to guide Junya on his new found set of powers.
Junya doesn't quite know but he soon finds out that he has his own set of powers.
He can sense vibes.
He can also sense if you have good intentions or bad.
Like Shoko, he can kick ass.
He knows Kendo, a form of martial arts.
Junya's mom (Okaasan) taught him everything about Kendo.
Okaasan is also pretty bad ass.
Junya and Shoko have to use their powers to protect themselves and each other.
Junya also has to protect his grandfather's (and his) business from these same set of men who wish to steal the business.
Junya is also falling helplessly in love with Shoko.
- My Review -
This started out pretty good.
I think once it began to get more into the fantasy realm, It threw me a bit.
I think because I wasn't expecting it to be fantasy.
I don't really like fantasy.
True, it was out of my comfort zone, but it wasn't enough to make me stop reading it. Not in the least.
I did enjoy it.
My most favorite character was Okaasan. She was very cool.
I could totally be best friends forever with that woman.
She could teach me Kendo. We could watch chick flicks, and eat popcorn.
We could go shopping.
She was so zen-like.
Anyway, there's a sequel coming to this book.
I'll be reading it.
Did not finish
December 31, 2015I got this book back in my beginnings of NetGalley. I liked the synopsis, so I requested it… or was it a “read now”-book? I honestly don’t remember. I only remember that I tried reading it back then and had to stop after 5%, because I didn’t like the writing and the whole beginning was absurd.
Now I decided to read it again for the End Of The Year 2015 Read-A-Thon and I had the same problem again. I just can’t get over 5%, even though I always try to give a book the chance to change my mind in the first 20%.
I just can’t make myself read on, so I decided to quit once and for all. I won’t try reading this book a third time. It’s over.
Because I only read 5%, I can’t really voice my opinion about it, so this review will stay without a rating. I just can say that the book and me, we didn’t work out. Maybe if the story started off differently… sadly, it didn’t.
Rating: DNF
Now I decided to read it again for the End Of The Year 2015 Read-A-Thon and I had the same problem again. I just can’t get over 5%, even though I always try to give a book the chance to change my mind in the first 20%.
I just can’t make myself read on, so I decided to quit once and for all. I won’t try reading this book a third time. It’s over.
Because I only read 5%, I can’t really voice my opinion about it, so this review will stay without a rating. I just can say that the book and me, we didn’t work out. Maybe if the story started off differently… sadly, it didn’t.
Rating: DNF
April 14, 2017
This book was surprising in all the right way! Fast-paced with a solid plot and interesting premise. For a debut novel from an indie author this is a very strong start and I am eager to continue this story. More importantly I'll be watching this author closely in the years to come, because I can't imagine the level he'll be at in 10 years!
Full review will be published to ReadingOverTheShoulder.com Apr.21.2017
Full review will be published to ReadingOverTheShoulder.com Apr.21.2017
March 1, 2015
Junya has several events that happen just after he turns 16. A young Japanese girl keeps appearing in his life, he is told he is the heir to his grandfather's estate/business and the awakening of his powers.
Junya was my favorite character as he tries to figure out everything that has come his way in only a matter of hours. His reactions to the things that happen around him are realistic, but the world and adventures are fantastical. There were some characters like grandfather and Shoko that left me hanging their actions at times felt very random and the scenes with them a bit choppy. Yet Junya takes it all in stride and rolls with it.
The only normal relationship Junya has is with his best friend. All the interactions between him and his grandfather, parents and Shoko involve this otherworldly fantasy relationships. This has a lot to do with all of the secrets that have been kept from him. As he is trying to figure things out, crazy and unusual things happen all around him and includes everybody he knows.
If this story were shortened and made into a manga or comic the parts I felt a little choppy in the story would in my opinion make more sense. I did feel that the book was a bit long for the story that was being told and would work better as separate sections or novellas or as a comic.
The ending of the book was a good ending. Junya really shows a lot of growth and strength from his experiences and it ends strongly. It is something I would recommend to those that enjoy Manga and looking for a story form of that.
Junya was my favorite character as he tries to figure out everything that has come his way in only a matter of hours. His reactions to the things that happen around him are realistic, but the world and adventures are fantastical. There were some characters like grandfather and Shoko that left me hanging their actions at times felt very random and the scenes with them a bit choppy. Yet Junya takes it all in stride and rolls with it.
The only normal relationship Junya has is with his best friend. All the interactions between him and his grandfather, parents and Shoko involve this otherworldly fantasy relationships. This has a lot to do with all of the secrets that have been kept from him. As he is trying to figure things out, crazy and unusual things happen all around him and includes everybody he knows.
If this story were shortened and made into a manga or comic the parts I felt a little choppy in the story would in my opinion make more sense. I did feel that the book was a bit long for the story that was being told and would work better as separate sections or novellas or as a comic.
The ending of the book was a good ending. Junya really shows a lot of growth and strength from his experiences and it ends strongly. It is something I would recommend to those that enjoy Manga and looking for a story form of that.
August 29, 2017
“…an engrossing story, with a huge heaping of action and very appealing characters … an intricate, unusual plot wrapped inside a great story. – 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards
“Filled with magic, mayhem and intrigue, Fladmark’s series is off to a solid start.” – Kirkus Reviews
This novel will appeal to readers of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series and Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series.
“Filled with magic, mayhem and intrigue, Fladmark’s series is off to a solid start.” – Kirkus Reviews
This novel will appeal to readers of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series and Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series.
December 9, 2015
This book is a combination of racial caricatures and simply bad plot, but really, it’s mostly racial caricature. For an author who claims to have studied the areas discussed in the book, it is disheartening to see a description of ‘Chinese’ writing, when Chinese is not a language and the book appears to actually concern Japan. The rest of the book follows suit, and has prompted many angry, one sided conversations where I whined about it to my friends - not great press, but all publicity is good publicity, amiright?
First of all, I’m not certain why all of the book is set in Japan, apart from the author’s weird obsession with Japanese culture - or, more accurately, Japanese culture As Seen On TV, but I’ll get back to that later. The book clearly states the gods mentioned have no preference to country or nation, and does not say anything about Japan being a strong magical point (which tends to be the explanation in these cases). So why are everybody Japanese? It’s not the race that bugs me, really, but the bad research and ignorant, stereotypic characters, which are made entirely of tropes: Bashful Japanese Schoolgirl Love Interest! Dedicated Female Ninja and Mentor! Hard-Working Japanese Businessman With a Secret! Give me a break. All the Japanese backdrop showed me was the author’s weird fetishisation of a culture that is far deeper than he lets it appear.
The plot has no continuity, either, and constantly disagrees with already established details, which bugged me. It was hard to follow and the protagonist didn’t help, constantly forgetting details, discovering new skills (such as expert-level hacking), and needlessly using technical language everywhere, rarely explaining it. I don’t want to go search up everything, and this book definitely didn’t make me keen to, so I just kept reading to see if I could get what was going on without speaking fluent Japanese.
Speaking of the protagonist, he’s irritating as can be. The high-and-mighty attitude goes a long way to make me hate him (he shouted at company employees a bunch of times to do stuff, despite being only 16?), and in general, he’s either apathetic or screaming. Yikes. The same can be said for Shoko, his love interest - she’s bland, emotionless apart from when crying about him, and is there only to be a mentor and love interest and nothing more. She’s effectively useless, which is irritating. The romance between them is also very forced, but I won’t get into that because it’s a minor point compared to others.
As mentioned before, the plot is terrible, too, and I couldn’t follow it at all. Moving locations and action scenes formed too much of the book, and when nothing was explained in the rest of it, I gave up on trying to understand and tried to treat it like a B-movie, except this didn’t even have nice jokes or actors.
In short, I don’t like it. I don’t understand the premise enough to tell you if I like that, either. All I know is that this book is all anybody heard me talk about for around a week, because it annoyed me that much. If you’re interested in a book set in Japan, check out Extras by Scott Westerfeld instead.
ARC supplied by NetGalley
July 3, 2017
Rating: 4
I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.
I feel I owe this book an apology. Have you ever just not felt like reading regardless if you were on a good or bad book? Well it happened to me. Normally it's because of the book but this time it really wasn't. Maybe it's cause of all the things going on lately in life but for some reason reading just did not feel like the thing to do. Which isn't so great when you have a goal of 80 books and December has already arrived. *sigh* But alas I did finish this book and it's about time I give it a review.
Regardless of my lack of wanting to read I did greatly enjoy this book. It created a new and interesting world that I could easily get behind and felt original. It also likely helped that I really like fantasy books that have Asian themes and play on that culture.
All the characters except one kept me very interested and invested in the story. The only one who sadly didn't qualify was Junya's father. He seemed so displaced in this book. Like the author didn't even really know what to do with him so he only had slight appearances throughout the book and felt mainly pointless. The only real point he had it seemed was to be what linked Okaasan, Junya's mother, to the family.
Other than that though the main protagonists and antagonists were strong and really brought high stakes to what was going on. By the end I understood the protagonists much more and felt for each of them which is always a good thing.
To sum up; This book left me wanting more. To spend more time with these characters and learn even more about this world and the different possibilities it presented. Making me eager for the sequel. I'm always eager for an Asian themed YA fantasy and this one did not disappoint.
I'd recommend this to fans of YA and Fiction and especially those that enjoy Asian cultured/themed stories as I do.
I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.
I feel I owe this book an apology. Have you ever just not felt like reading regardless if you were on a good or bad book? Well it happened to me. Normally it's because of the book but this time it really wasn't. Maybe it's cause of all the things going on lately in life but for some reason reading just did not feel like the thing to do. Which isn't so great when you have a goal of 80 books and December has already arrived. *sigh* But alas I did finish this book and it's about time I give it a review.
Regardless of my lack of wanting to read I did greatly enjoy this book. It created a new and interesting world that I could easily get behind and felt original. It also likely helped that I really like fantasy books that have Asian themes and play on that culture.
All the characters except one kept me very interested and invested in the story. The only one who sadly didn't qualify was Junya's father. He seemed so displaced in this book. Like the author didn't even really know what to do with him so he only had slight appearances throughout the book and felt mainly pointless. The only real point he had it seemed was to be what linked Okaasan, Junya's mother, to the family.
Other than that though the main protagonists and antagonists were strong and really brought high stakes to what was going on. By the end I understood the protagonists much more and felt for each of them which is always a good thing.
To sum up; This book left me wanting more. To spend more time with these characters and learn even more about this world and the different possibilities it presented. Making me eager for the sequel. I'm always eager for an Asian themed YA fantasy and this one did not disappoint.
I'd recommend this to fans of YA and Fiction and especially those that enjoy Asian cultured/themed stories as I do.
December 2, 2014
What a tense novel! There's big business intrigue, intense fighting scenes and a dash of Japanese mythology thrown in to give it just the right touch.
Although this is marked for the young adult audience, the plot is complex enough to grasp adult readers as well. Junya has just been marked as heir to a billion dollar company, but with it, he's getting more than he bargained for. The company has enemies who plan on bringing it down - strong ones. But this isn't his main concern. A mysterious Japanese girl who keeps popping up (and can fight better than any normal ninja) is already keeping Junya's hands full...not to mention the strange things that are happening to him. Suddenly, he can sense things and a power is growing inside of him.
The characters are very well done - serious and driven, but they let a little bit of the light side of life sneak in every now and then. The problems thrown at Junya are sometimes more than he can handle, despite his own growing strength. Even his oncoming powers aren't something he really embraces at first, and the reader gets to discover and questions things along with him. This made him sympathetic and easy to cheer for.
The plot is fast paced and well weaved. I really enjoyed the more mature feel of the business world in this; the author never talks down to the reader. The little spice of Japanese culture really adds a nice touch, and it's clear that the author knows what he's talking about. It weaves in so naturally.
Summed up, this is a great read for intrigue and fantasy fans. Once they dive into Junya's world, they won't want to leave.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is marked for the young adult audience, the plot is complex enough to grasp adult readers as well. Junya has just been marked as heir to a billion dollar company, but with it, he's getting more than he bargained for. The company has enemies who plan on bringing it down - strong ones. But this isn't his main concern. A mysterious Japanese girl who keeps popping up (and can fight better than any normal ninja) is already keeping Junya's hands full...not to mention the strange things that are happening to him. Suddenly, he can sense things and a power is growing inside of him.
The characters are very well done - serious and driven, but they let a little bit of the light side of life sneak in every now and then. The problems thrown at Junya are sometimes more than he can handle, despite his own growing strength. Even his oncoming powers aren't something he really embraces at first, and the reader gets to discover and questions things along with him. This made him sympathetic and easy to cheer for.
The plot is fast paced and well weaved. I really enjoyed the more mature feel of the business world in this; the author never talks down to the reader. The little spice of Japanese culture really adds a nice touch, and it's clear that the author knows what he's talking about. It weaves in so naturally.
Summed up, this is a great read for intrigue and fantasy fans. Once they dive into Junya's world, they won't want to leave.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2016
Overall, The Gatekeeper’s Son was enjoyable to read but required some patience before the action got started. At just 16 years old, James Junya Thompson is an accomplished architect, computer hacker, and martial artist with a millionaire grandfather. What he knew as normal as a 15 year old is turned topsy turvy shortly after his 16th birthday. Not only does his grandfather’s assistant, Ms Lin, who he has made the star of his pre-adolescent fantasies, kiss him on the mouth, telling him, “I wanted to be the first woman to kiss you now that you’ve become a man,” he also spies a mysterious young girl who literally knocks him off his feet. The book begins with his encounter with Shoko, the mysterious girl in a Japanese school uniform.
Shoko sets into motion situations that expose James' mother’s secret former life, his grandfather’s past misdeeds, and his own mixed unearthly heritage. James Junya Thompson is the “son” mentioned in the title of the book. The Gatekeepers, as Shoko explains to James are “the guardians of this world (the world of Gods), to keep out the evil that has infested your world (the human world).” Gatekeepers are the only ones who can travel through the gates between worlds at will. Most are locked and some only allow temporary admittance.
There is a more indepth review at my blog: http://cranialgunk.com/blog/2015/03/14/the-duality-and-deconstruction-of-james-junya-thompson/
Shoko sets into motion situations that expose James' mother’s secret former life, his grandfather’s past misdeeds, and his own mixed unearthly heritage. James Junya Thompson is the “son” mentioned in the title of the book. The Gatekeepers, as Shoko explains to James are “the guardians of this world (the world of Gods), to keep out the evil that has infested your world (the human world).” Gatekeepers are the only ones who can travel through the gates between worlds at will. Most are locked and some only allow temporary admittance.
There is a more indepth review at my blog: http://cranialgunk.com/blog/2015/03/14/the-duality-and-deconstruction-of-james-junya-thompson/
March 23, 2015
In “The Gatekeeper’s Son,” C.R. Fladmark has put a fresh spin on some classic fantasy elements, blending real-world cultures with a well-imagined parallel universe that combines elements of Eastern philosophy, spirituality, Japanese traditions, martial arts, and hot girls in school uniforms.
Junya, the protagonist, is a likable and relatable young man, bewildered by the sudden changes in his life but clever and resourceful. He was raised and coached in martial arts by his mother, known as Okaasan -- an upbringing he never understood until Shoko, the aforementioned hot girl in uniform, turns his life upside down, and Junya suddenly finds use for the skills he learned in his dojo at home (however unwillingly).
What I appreciated most was the strength of the female characters. Shoko is by turns charmingly naive and chillingly driven, a kind of 16-year-old samurai on a mission from god (or gods); while Okaasan is part Zen master, part drill instructor, and part mom. There’s no need for an explicit “girl power” message, and this is still very much a book guys will enjoy, but it’s a pleasure to see female characters portrayed as tough, resilient, capable, loving, and in positions of authority without being shrill, mannish, or sappy.
Another aspect of the novel I really enjoyed was the choreography of the fight scenes. They’re easy to visualize and follow, so you’re never jerked out of the story trying to picture who’s doing what. I love a good fight scene, so this was a big plus. :)
It’s a fun, fast-paced read, and I hope to see many more from Mr. Fladmark!
Junya, the protagonist, is a likable and relatable young man, bewildered by the sudden changes in his life but clever and resourceful. He was raised and coached in martial arts by his mother, known as Okaasan -- an upbringing he never understood until Shoko, the aforementioned hot girl in uniform, turns his life upside down, and Junya suddenly finds use for the skills he learned in his dojo at home (however unwillingly).
What I appreciated most was the strength of the female characters. Shoko is by turns charmingly naive and chillingly driven, a kind of 16-year-old samurai on a mission from god (or gods); while Okaasan is part Zen master, part drill instructor, and part mom. There’s no need for an explicit “girl power” message, and this is still very much a book guys will enjoy, but it’s a pleasure to see female characters portrayed as tough, resilient, capable, loving, and in positions of authority without being shrill, mannish, or sappy.
Another aspect of the novel I really enjoyed was the choreography of the fight scenes. They’re easy to visualize and follow, so you’re never jerked out of the story trying to picture who’s doing what. I love a good fight scene, so this was a big plus. :)
It’s a fun, fast-paced read, and I hope to see many more from Mr. Fladmark!
December 8, 2014
(I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
My only issue here would be the explanations why female ninjas are called kunoichi. Ku means 9 in japanese. So I think it's erroneous to tell that a woman has 10 "ichi". (Added note: Yes I know that the kanji for woman is ku-no-ichi. Haha. I was just concerned with the fact that the book mentioned that a woman has 10-ichi. Well, I counted and we only have 9! Haha).
Well, putting this very minimal issue aside, this novel is full of intrigue, mystery and action.
Junya is a 16-year-old grandson of a billionaire, who, on the day before his birthday was awakened to the "powers" that he did not expect.
Suddenly becoming a target of a very infuential enemy, he relies on his newfound acquaintance and abilities to fight for survival. Travelling to different places in search of his destiny, he rediscovers himself and the world as he had never seen.
It's important to establish the facts first which I think caused a few dragging parts.
Since this is the first book of the series, I think it's understandable that there were a lot of details here for the world-building of the story.
There were still a lot of unanswered questions by the end of the book but overall I would recommend this book to those who like stories that are action-packed with minimal romance (so far).
(This review is also posted in bookaholicfairies.blogspot.com).
My only issue here would be the explanations why female ninjas are called kunoichi. Ku means 9 in japanese. So I think it's erroneous to tell that a woman has 10 "ichi". (Added note: Yes I know that the kanji for woman is ku-no-ichi. Haha. I was just concerned with the fact that the book mentioned that a woman has 10-ichi. Well, I counted and we only have 9! Haha).
Well, putting this very minimal issue aside, this novel is full of intrigue, mystery and action.
Junya is a 16-year-old grandson of a billionaire, who, on the day before his birthday was awakened to the "powers" that he did not expect.
Suddenly becoming a target of a very infuential enemy, he relies on his newfound acquaintance and abilities to fight for survival. Travelling to different places in search of his destiny, he rediscovers himself and the world as he had never seen.
It's important to establish the facts first which I think caused a few dragging parts.
Since this is the first book of the series, I think it's understandable that there were a lot of details here for the world-building of the story.
There were still a lot of unanswered questions by the end of the book but overall I would recommend this book to those who like stories that are action-packed with minimal romance (so far).
(This review is also posted in bookaholicfairies.blogspot.com).
Read
December 30, 2014THE GATEKEEPER’S SON is a fast-paced coming of age story. Junya has just turned sixteen and named heir to his grandfather’s vast corporation. As he’s learning the ropes, he is read into the fact someone is trying to destroy everything his grandfather built. He has also discovered he has some peculiar abilities about which he was never told. THE GATEKEEPER’S SON is a vivid fantasy novel with both well-developed characters and world-building. Junya’s a very likeable and relatable character and the reader gets to discover the new world which opens before his eyes along with him. Junya’s innate sense of morality helps him greatly during his journey and it was nice to see this sense mature. The strong women in Junya’s life also made a big impact on Junya and I’m glad to see them given their due. THE GATEKEEPER’S SON will appeal to those with an interest in Japanese culture, both the real and the fantastic.
October 7, 2014
( I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
I really liked this book, it kept me entertained the entire time and the whole mystery of what was happening in Junya's life kept me guessing.This is a really cool book that i felt had a lot of similarities to Manga etc. and if this ever got turned into a manga or anime i would watch/read that.
Overall i liked the writing style and didn't bore me at all, liked the characters and i will definitely be reading the rest of the series as they came out.
I recommend this to any one that has even the smallest amount of interest in Japanese culture and mythos.
5 Stars.
I really liked this book, it kept me entertained the entire time and the whole mystery of what was happening in Junya's life kept me guessing.This is a really cool book that i felt had a lot of similarities to Manga etc. and if this ever got turned into a manga or anime i would watch/read that.
Overall i liked the writing style and didn't bore me at all, liked the characters and i will definitely be reading the rest of the series as they came out.
I recommend this to any one that has even the smallest amount of interest in Japanese culture and mythos.
5 Stars.
November 17, 2014
The story is well written, smooth flow. It was an enjoyable read that kept me firmly in place until it was over; I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions deftly weaved without loading down the pacing, the author is very talented. I can say that I will definitely read this again, probably more than once while waiting for the next book to come out.
January 18, 2015
I was prepared to dislike this book. The synopsis sounded weak and the cover was a bit less than exciting. As the story unraveled, I found myself caught up in the relationships, secrets and imagery. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
April 24, 2016
I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.
What a fantastic read! To be continued ...
What a fantastic read! To be continued ...
December 12, 2017
Junya is a typical, albeit rich young man. His grandfather is a billionaire who he visits twice a week to learn the business. In all reality, he honestly goes so he can spend time with his beloved Grandfather. Everything changes on his 16th birthday. It's then that he learns he's officially the heir apparent. On his way to visit with his Grandfather that day he ran into an unknown Japanese school girl. From the moment they met eyes he felt different. Not in a hormonal teenaged boy way either. He felt this odd energy wave and was knocked off his feet. Thinking it an odd one off event as nobody else felt an earthquake, he shook it off. Maybe a bit too soon.... Things started becoming clear. His mother had trained him to fight in their dojo forever. She had an eery sixth sense about knowing where he was and what he thought... Suddenly he too could pick up on things ever since meeting this mystery girl. He felt prickles on his neck warning him of danger whenever it was near, felt energy and had intense intuition... Soon he'd learn that nothing in his life was as it seemed. Someone is trying to dismantle his Grandfather's business... His mother is not what she seemed, and there are forces at work here far beyond his knowing.... All stemming from that one meeting with his new friend. Take the journey with him and see what road he travels, and learn of all the amazing things he learns.... good vs evil has never been more important. Balance is the key... Now if only HE can remain pure of heart and survive what's to come. It's an amazing read with intrigue, suspense, ninjas, Gods, watchers, mystic powers and corporate espionage.... And well worth a read . I received a complimentary ARC in return for a voluntary review! I loved this book so much that I fully intend on buying the follow up book.
November 30, 2019
I don't remember how I acquired this book (I've been going through ebooks I had lying around and hadn't got around to winning). So in best disclosure, I MAY have got it from the author.
First of all, Fladmark is not a bad writer at all. I would have enjoyed this book (And I did finish it, primarily because I'm a fast reader and in part to see where the trainwreck was going).
I'm not fond of rich, advantaged kids as protagonists, but that wouldn't have cost him any stars. Here's what did:
1. The female lead spends the entire book in a Japanese schoolgirl outfit. This, amongst other things, gives the impression that the author learned everything he knows about Japan from anime. It's even stated that when the protagonist goes to Japan, all the teenaged girls dress like that, which I kind of find hard to believe.
2. Women are soooo much closer to Mother Earth and have all the magic. Then the male protagonist inherits the magic. Of course, he's better at it than women who've been practicing it since before he was born.
3. Every Japanese person knows martial arts and/or is a ninja. The Japanese gardener? Ninja. The Japanese personal assistant? Ninja.
Then we meet the bad guy, who is known only by the good Jewish name Bartholomew.
He is, no kidding, an usurious moneylender and...
...a lizard person.
An alien evil lizard person. In disguise.
Between the weeaboo tendencies of how the Japanese characters are portrayed and the anti-semitism, Fladmark's actually quite good writing cannot save this book.
(I am not normally one to knock a book down for racism, but it doesn't seem like Fladmark is ignorant of the lizard person thing).
(I was nice and put this under a spoiler cut because the lizard person reveal is late, as is the Gardener Is A Ninja).
First of all, Fladmark is not a bad writer at all. I would have enjoyed this book (And I did finish it, primarily because I'm a fast reader and in part to see where the trainwreck was going).
I'm not fond of rich, advantaged kids as protagonists, but that wouldn't have cost him any stars. Here's what did:
1. The female lead spends the entire book in a Japanese schoolgirl outfit. This, amongst other things, gives the impression that the author learned everything he knows about Japan from anime. It's even stated that when the protagonist goes to Japan, all the teenaged girls dress like that, which I kind of find hard to believe.
2. Women are soooo much closer to Mother Earth and have all the magic. Then the male protagonist inherits the magic. Of course, he's better at it than women who've been practicing it since before he was born.
3. Every Japanese person knows martial arts and/or is a ninja. The Japanese gardener? Ninja. The Japanese personal assistant? Ninja.
Then we meet the bad guy, who is known only by the good Jewish name Bartholomew.
He is, no kidding, an usurious moneylender and...
...a lizard person.
An alien evil lizard person. In disguise.
Between the weeaboo tendencies of how the Japanese characters are portrayed and the anti-semitism, Fladmark's actually quite good writing cannot save this book.
(I am not normally one to knock a book down for racism, but it doesn't seem like Fladmark is ignorant of the lizard person thing).
(I was nice and put this under a spoiler cut because the lizard person reveal is late, as is the Gardener Is A Ninja).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2017
This was a light, fairly enjoyable YA read. The writing was unassuming, but with poor character development. It required a large suspension of disbelief for character actions and plot holes rather than for the fantasy elements (which actually worked fairly well), and featured some of the most incompetent villains ever. I have no idea if the Japanese/Shinto background was remotely accurate, but it was refreshing to draw from it rather than the standard Western viewpoint. Lots of action to fill in any inconsistencies, and lots of room for sequels (which I will be passing on).
This was a Kindle galley from NetGalley.
This was a Kindle galley from NetGalley.
May 17, 2017
This is a fresh approach to the usual action/adventure story. Fladmark has created an imaginative world of intrigue where things are never exactly what they seem. Well-researched, the story will push the bounds of the reader's knowledge, requiring him to explore further. Fladmark's prose is efficient and ecomonical--just what the fast-paced narrative demands. Young readers will be drawn into the story, and older readers will find it savvy and satisfying. Prepare yourself for the unexpected. A superb read.
December 11, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.
I loved this book! It followed a regular rich kid who ends up living in a world far stranger than he ever realized. Just when you think you have a handle on things, the author adds another twist. I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
I loved this book! It followed a regular rich kid who ends up living in a world far stranger than he ever realized. Just when you think you have a handle on things, the author adds another twist. I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
May 13, 2017
It was just OK. Thin characters, thin plot.
October 17, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was a great teen action novel with a bit of fantasy thrown in.
A wonderful read that does not take itself too seriously.
This was a great teen action novel with a bit of fantasy thrown in.
A wonderful read that does not take itself too seriously.
May 8, 2020
good book
May 9, 2020
Excellent book!!!
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