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Eleanor Morgan #1
The Cardinal Gate
Eleanor Morgan is faced with an impossible choice. Destroy the world of her birth or the world in which she was raised? Sent away from the Fae court and raised as a human, Eleanor never knew of the Fae realm. Now, the summer before her 35th birthday, the man she thought was her best friend reveals her destiny – to open the gates that prevented free and easy passage between the land of the Fae and the human realm.
As Eleanor and Finn begin their quest, they face their first threat. The shifters are watching and waiting, unsure if Eleanor and her quest are a threat to their way of life. They are assigned a watcher—Isaac Walker, a shifter with a mysterious past. Eleanor knows she should be frightened, but cannot explain the draw she feels for this secretive werewolf.
With Finn by her side and Isaac at her back, Eleanor begins the journey that will either destroy the world or save it. Will Finn’s jealousy or Isaac’s past be the bigger barrier to completing the quest?
As Eleanor and Finn begin their quest, they face their first threat. The shifters are watching and waiting, unsure if Eleanor and her quest are a threat to their way of life. They are assigned a watcher—Isaac Walker, a shifter with a mysterious past. Eleanor knows she should be frightened, but cannot explain the draw she feels for this secretive werewolf.
With Finn by her side and Isaac at her back, Eleanor begins the journey that will either destroy the world or save it. Will Finn’s jealousy or Isaac’s past be the bigger barrier to completing the quest?
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2017
203 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cissell
40 books142 followersAmy Cissell is a USA Today Bestselling Author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, her haunted house-obsessed daughter, their two cats, and the murder of crows she's conspiring to turn into her vengeful army.
When she's not working or writing, she's sleeping because that's all she has time to do! There are few things Amy loves more than a well-timed pun, a good book, a glass of wine, and making calf eyes at Portugal when she thinks no one’s looking.
Although she reads anything and everything, her first love has always been fantasy. Eleven-year-old Amy discovered fantasy when she 'borrowed' her father's copy of The Hobbit and an enduring love affair (mostly with dragons) was born.
When she's not working or writing, she's sleeping because that's all she has time to do! There are few things Amy loves more than a well-timed pun, a good book, a glass of wine, and making calf eyes at Portugal when she thinks no one’s looking.
Although she reads anything and everything, her first love has always been fantasy. Eleven-year-old Amy discovered fantasy when she 'borrowed' her father's copy of The Hobbit and an enduring love affair (mostly with dragons) was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 11, 2017
Wonderful debut for Amy Cissell! The Cardinal Gate was full of action, wit, and plenty of *ahem* naughty time.
Eleanor is the main heroine lead. Now if you enjoy strong female protagonists, this is your girl. She’s a beer drinking, junk food eating (dang I hate her, lol), don’t take no crap kind of woman. She doesn’t want to be saved and feel defenseless. She wants to learn and protect herself…and she has a lot to protect herself from.
The meeting between Eleanor and Isaac is fabulous. I laughed. And whoooo that man sizzles! There is some instantaneous attraction there. Big time (Don’t blame her!).
And you have Finn…. Poor, friend-zoned Finn. I felt so bad for him. I honestly didn’t like how Eleanor treated him in the beginning. I understand that she ended their romantic relationship and said they were no longer friends with benefits, just simply friends, but he’s got it bad. And at times, she was insensitive to that. Won’t get too much into this as I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
Can’t forget Raj, our Bollywood vampire! He’s temptation on legs.
We’ll have to see how this unfolds in Book Two, The Waning Moon.
Overall, this book is a fantastic, fun read. Never a dull moment. My only criticism (And this is personal preference) is that I feel the relationship between Eleanor went a little too fast for me as they knew pretty much absolutely nothing about each other, only what they’ve seen while traveling. It doesn’t take away from the story, though. Highly recommended read!
Eleanor is the main heroine lead. Now if you enjoy strong female protagonists, this is your girl. She’s a beer drinking, junk food eating (dang I hate her, lol), don’t take no crap kind of woman. She doesn’t want to be saved and feel defenseless. She wants to learn and protect herself…and she has a lot to protect herself from.
The meeting between Eleanor and Isaac is fabulous. I laughed. And whoooo that man sizzles! There is some instantaneous attraction there. Big time (Don’t blame her!).
And you have Finn…. Poor, friend-zoned Finn. I felt so bad for him. I honestly didn’t like how Eleanor treated him in the beginning. I understand that she ended their romantic relationship and said they were no longer friends with benefits, just simply friends, but he’s got it bad. And at times, she was insensitive to that. Won’t get too much into this as I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
Can’t forget Raj, our Bollywood vampire! He’s temptation on legs.
We’ll have to see how this unfolds in Book Two, The Waning Moon.
Overall, this book is a fantastic, fun read. Never a dull moment. My only criticism (And this is personal preference) is that I feel the relationship between Eleanor went a little too fast for me as they knew pretty much absolutely nothing about each other, only what they’ve seen while traveling. It doesn’t take away from the story, though. Highly recommended read!
April 8, 2017
A nice experience with a new author
One of my all time favorite authors, Elizabeth Hunter, recommended this book. I'm glad I followed her advice and read the book. I liked the main characters and the premise of the book is interesting. The author did a good job of injecting humor into the dialogue. I had two problems with the book: 1) I thought there were too many sex scenes- they were very descriptive and I didn't find them emotionally moving even after the main characters fell in love, it became repetitive, 2) the book needed better editing,it wasn't a glaring problem just sometimes it threw me off my concentration. I'm recommending this book and new author and looking forward to the next book in the series.
One of my all time favorite authors, Elizabeth Hunter, recommended this book. I'm glad I followed her advice and read the book. I liked the main characters and the premise of the book is interesting. The author did a good job of injecting humor into the dialogue. I had two problems with the book: 1) I thought there were too many sex scenes- they were very descriptive and I didn't find them emotionally moving even after the main characters fell in love, it became repetitive, 2) the book needed better editing,it wasn't a glaring problem just sometimes it threw me off my concentration. I'm recommending this book and new author and looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 17, 2018
Cardinal Gate
Paranormal story of fame princess who was raised by humans and suddenly has a huge task and lots of wild new information about the world thrust upon her . This is not a standalone and does leave the reader hanging at the end
I had to drop a star from my rating as sadly I found it very difficult to connect in any way with Eleanor (or any of the characters to be honest). She is the most immature 34 year old I've ever. The story writing was also frustrating at times. There could have been a lot more descriptive writing rather than just "I needed to learn how to do this (very important task that would have a great bearing on the character and story) so I tried a few times and soon got the hang of it". This felt like a lost chance to give us a fantastical description of what she was learning to do, the physical and emotional feelings involved, and what the final results actually felt like.
Paranormal story of fame princess who was raised by humans and suddenly has a huge task and lots of wild new information about the world thrust upon her . This is not a standalone and does leave the reader hanging at the end
I had to drop a star from my rating as sadly I found it very difficult to connect in any way with Eleanor (or any of the characters to be honest). She is the most immature 34 year old I've ever. The story writing was also frustrating at times. There could have been a lot more descriptive writing rather than just "I needed to learn how to do this (very important task that would have a great bearing on the character and story) so I tried a few times and soon got the hang of it". This felt like a lost chance to give us a fantastical description of what she was learning to do, the physical and emotional feelings involved, and what the final results actually felt like.
October 1, 2017
A very enjoyable and entertaining read. I was offered to review this and I gotta say I wasn’t disappointed with what I read. It brought an exceptional story witty, fun, powerful, and interesting characters and setting and a great ending to open into the next book. Eleanor was an interesting written character for her personality and her adaptation into her role in the magical world of the Fae so well. I loved how she is a food manic and grew so quickly into her abilities as well as her mannerisms showing more regal approaches in terms of how she spoke to certain people. Now for her companions they were all fantastic. Finn is definitely in a dark place now and hopefully he’ll recover and find redemption even though you could see his betrayal a mile a way. Though to be fair Eleanor really should’ve made an attempt to address the elephant in the room know as Finns feelings much earlier instead of postponing it till way late. Now Issac I do like but I don’t see the relationship lasting with Eleanor showing a weakness for Raj. My favorite characters were probably Florence and Rebecca especially Florence. Her picking up on Eleanor’s thoughts constantly was hilarious along with her wisdom. And Raj he’s definitely going to add to the plot in the future and turn his minor role status into major. With what’s to come after that most interesting Epilogue I can’t wait to find out what happens next with two gates open and new and old enemies on the horizon.
August 31, 2019
An amazing magical fantasy. A girl finds out she is fae and destined to save this world and the fae world. She comes into some amazing magical powers and finds some great magical companions to help her along the way. I really recommend this book. I found it almost impossible to put it down once I'd started.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
April 22, 2017
Eleanor Morgan think she has a pretty good life. She has a job she loves a house and a best friend in Finn. What more could a girl ask for. Little did she know that her life was about to change. In one night she goes from a nice normal human girl to being a Fea with the fate of two worlds in her hands.
Elanor sets out on her quest with her best friend Finn and a shifter watcher, Issac. You would think that the fate of the world would be enough to make them all get along but even the supernatural have feelings. With Eleanor being drawn more and more to her werewolf watcher will Finn’s jealousy or a secret from Issac's past derail there quest to save the world.
Elanor sets out on her quest with her best friend Finn and a shifter watcher, Issac. You would think that the fate of the world would be enough to make them all get along but even the supernatural have feelings. With Eleanor being drawn more and more to her werewolf watcher will Finn’s jealousy or a secret from Issac's past derail there quest to save the world.
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March 4, 2017
This book was excellent! I can't wait for the next one!
May 5, 2017
This was a great introduction into Eleanor Morgan's fae world colliding with her human world. If you enjoy paranormal and/or urban fantasy romance, this is a great book to pick up. But you'll probably want to keep reading the next series. The action was well written, and I loved getting to know Eleanor's human world, as well as the fae world. Isaac was a hottie, and Finn as well. I didn't feel the romance between Isaac and Eleanor that I was hoping to though. I felt like their romance (and even some of the sex scenes) were a little bit rushed. But it's still a fascinating story line, and I recommend give this author a try! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
April 2, 2017
Fun and entertaining. Compelling characters with an interesting adventure. It's a real page turner. It'll cause you to stay up too late reading. Good sexy scenes too!
June 17, 2017
Okay
Starts out most excellent then apparently the author decided the plot needed thickening and devolved it into a typical jealousy filled bodice ripper.
Starts out most excellent then apparently the author decided the plot needed thickening and devolved it into a typical jealousy filled bodice ripper.
September 7, 2017
Ugh, I couldn't get past the first couple pages. Cheesy writing, poor construction...not my cup of fantasy tea.
July 29, 2018
Very entertaining
Great read lots of sass and love couldn't stop reading. Lots if out loud laughter worth the time to read
Great read lots of sass and love couldn't stop reading. Lots if out loud laughter worth the time to read
December 8, 2018
Great read! Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Not a cookie cutter paranormal story. It is so much better.
February 5, 2019
I've only read 28% and I had to force myself that far... The story just didn't pick up for me... I read the 4 and 5 star reviews and I just don't understand why the high praise.
November 4, 2017
It took me a bit to get into it because the start was kind of tell not show info dump, but once they commenced the road trip I really began to enjoy it. The chemistry between Isaac and Eleanor was pretty hot and I liked the addition of Florence to the team. I do wonder at Eleanor’s willingness to open the gates on Finn’s say so in the face of all that opposition though. Surely she would have sought some more info before charging blindly ahead. Oh I liked how when Isaac's ex was in it there was no stupid jealously or bitchiness.
I have read a few reviews that talk about feeling sorry for Finn but not me. Sure it would have been hard to see her with Isaac but Eleanor was REALLY clear that she only saw him as a friend and that she was never going to be interested in him romantically. If he wasn’t ok with it then he shouldn’t have gone with them. All that passive aggressive sulking and walking in on them and completely ignoring Eleanor’s clearly stated lack of interest and delusions that she will just have a fling and then fall into his arms made me lack any sympathy for him.
I would read more in this series.
I have read a few reviews that talk about feeling sorry for Finn but not me. Sure it would have been hard to see her with Isaac but Eleanor was REALLY clear that she only saw him as a friend and that she was never going to be interested in him romantically. If he wasn’t ok with it then he shouldn’t have gone with them. All that passive aggressive sulking and walking in on them and completely ignoring Eleanor’s clearly stated lack of interest and delusions that she will just have a fling and then fall into his arms made me lack any sympathy for him.
I would read more in this series.
February 28, 2018
I received the Cardinal Gate from the author/publisher (via BookFunnel). The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. First off, the title? Cardinal gate isn't mentioned anywhere in the story, so I have no idea what that's about (maybe this will make sense later, but that means this should be the series name, rather than the book's title). I have to say, despite some worldbuilding and continuity discrepancies (minor, but noticeable), this was a great tale with interesting characters, sub-plots, and pacing. Even when I saw mistakes, I read right over them to stick with the storyline. My favorite part? Eleanor is in her mid-thirties, not a clueless teen, who makes mature decisions in her life and relationships. A great 4.5 read, and I definitely am interested in more books from this series.
October 22, 2025
Great start to a series!
Whenever I pick up a book by an author new to me, I never know what to expect. Will I like their writing style? Or not? Will it be boring, or so-so? Or will it grab me by the throat from the very beginning and not let go until the very last word? I have to admit, with Amy Cissell’s first story in the Eleanor Morgan Novel series, it grabbed me by the throat and did not let go until the ending. We have a woman who had no idea what she really was, or that she had magic or any knowledge of her parents. We have different species—the fae, shifters, witches, and vampires and who knows what other types of creatures Eleanor will meet before the series ends? We have love and betrayal, from a source very close to Eleanor. Not to mention a surprise along the way. Nothing not to love.
Whenever I pick up a book by an author new to me, I never know what to expect. Will I like their writing style? Or not? Will it be boring, or so-so? Or will it grab me by the throat from the very beginning and not let go until the very last word? I have to admit, with Amy Cissell’s first story in the Eleanor Morgan Novel series, it grabbed me by the throat and did not let go until the ending. We have a woman who had no idea what she really was, or that she had magic or any knowledge of her parents. We have different species—the fae, shifters, witches, and vampires and who knows what other types of creatures Eleanor will meet before the series ends? We have love and betrayal, from a source very close to Eleanor. Not to mention a surprise along the way. Nothing not to love.
March 26, 2018
A Fae Princess’ Quest
Ellie spent 34 years as an everyday human only to find out on her 35 birthday that she’s a Fae Princess with a prophesied destiny. After that things get real complicated real quick. Turns out there are also vampires, shifters and mages and nobody trusts anybody else. Ellie and her companions start out on their dangerous quest and find plenty of intrigue, action and romance along the way.
Ellie spent 34 years as an everyday human only to find out on her 35 birthday that she’s a Fae Princess with a prophesied destiny. After that things get real complicated real quick. Turns out there are also vampires, shifters and mages and nobody trusts anybody else. Ellie and her companions start out on their dangerous quest and find plenty of intrigue, action and romance along the way.
December 27, 2017
Happy I kept reading. This one was a struggle for me at the beginning. A few editing errors had me rereading parts and had a little confusion and interruption of the flow of the story. I didn’t care for Finn at all. The last section of the book held my interest and made the book. The addition of stronger characters helped to hold the story. I will pick up the second book to see where this goes.
February 7, 2018
Really fasted pasted well written story with interesting characters and great banter with some intense scenes that caught me by surprise especially all the supernaturals. Did not know who I preferred the wolf or the elf with Eleanor even though she was only friends with the elf. Not a standalone so be prepared.
November 10, 2020
Supernatural genre lovers will enjoy, especially werewolf lovers! Not for beginners in this genre as there is a lot of information at the beginning that's known to genre lovers. Plenty of twists and the normal, but it's the non main characters that help to make this a book you don't want to put down. I'm excited to read the next book!
March 10, 2022
Strong series start
This book ended up being a little deeper than I thought it was going to be. It still fell more into the young adult, coming of age genre to me, but I feel that the author really built the characters well. Each one had their own personality and back story, which were told in a natural and flowing way. Amy Cissell seems to be an author to watch.
This book ended up being a little deeper than I thought it was going to be. It still fell more into the young adult, coming of age genre to me, but I feel that the author really built the characters well. Each one had their own personality and back story, which were told in a natural and flowing way. Amy Cissell seems to be an author to watch.
July 30, 2017
Schaper's story
What??? I want more, now. The book cover and title were a little deceiving, the novel was definitely for a mature audience. I enjoyed the story line but was angry with how nasty of a character Finn turned out to be, jerk. Enjoy, it really is a great story.
What??? I want more, now. The book cover and title were a little deceiving, the novel was definitely for a mature audience. I enjoyed the story line but was angry with how nasty of a character Finn turned out to be, jerk. Enjoy, it really is a great story.
September 14, 2019
I found this book very hard to get into. I actually had to put it down, complete another book before trying again. Persistence eventually paid of as the story became more interesting about halfway through. Enjoyed the ending and the character’s growth.
February 15, 2019
Loved the storyline! Loved the characters and how she made me like and dislike them. Can't wait for the next book.
April 2, 2020
Interesting take on fantasy elements
Good book and series starter. It's an interesting perspective on balance and the relationships between different types of fantasy characters.
Good book and series starter. It's an interesting perspective on balance and the relationships between different types of fantasy characters.
February 28, 2022
Good world building and character development. Not a standalone
June 12, 2023
Good for the genre… starting the second in the series… I’ll let you know.
I think if you like the genre you’d like it.
I think if you like the genre you’d like it.
June 10, 2024
Good action & the story kept my interest. The constant sexual innuendo got in the way of my enjoyment rather than enhanced it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews