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The Gateway Trackers #8
Rise of the Coven
A dark magic seeks to rise even as the dust settles...
It's been more than a year since Jess and Hannah Ballard fought to return the power of the Gateways where it rightfully belongs, and the Durupinen world is slowly adjusting to its altered relationship with the spirit world. At first, Jess is hopeful— women are joining the Caomhnóir to train as guardians, and life at Fairhaven castle has settled into a new school year. But whispers of a new threat are creeping through the halls, and it soon becomes clear that not everyone is happy to see the balance of power restored. A dangerous experiment in unfamiliar magic is threatening to throw into chaos all that the Durupinen have fought to protect. Will Jess, Hannah, Finn, Milo, and the others be able to unravel the mystery in time, or will the spirit world once again be at the mercy of madness?
Rise of the Coven is the eighth installment and highly anticipated return to E.E. Holmes' Gateway Trackers series.
It's been more than a year since Jess and Hannah Ballard fought to return the power of the Gateways where it rightfully belongs, and the Durupinen world is slowly adjusting to its altered relationship with the spirit world. At first, Jess is hopeful— women are joining the Caomhnóir to train as guardians, and life at Fairhaven castle has settled into a new school year. But whispers of a new threat are creeping through the halls, and it soon becomes clear that not everyone is happy to see the balance of power restored. A dangerous experiment in unfamiliar magic is threatening to throw into chaos all that the Durupinen have fought to protect. Will Jess, Hannah, Finn, Milo, and the others be able to unravel the mystery in time, or will the spirit world once again be at the mercy of madness?
Rise of the Coven is the eighth installment and highly anticipated return to E.E. Holmes' Gateway Trackers series.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
586 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Holmes
33 books1,043 followersE.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 1, 2023
I thought the book was leading towards a bigger twist at the end, so I was a bit let down that everything was as it seemed. But overall it was another good book in the series.
May 5, 2024
Not sure about this one. It was definitely the most predictable of the series, but oh well. Still nice to read.
January 1, 2023
reminiscing
It was Fantastic to see the gang again! They are exactly where they should be! Jess and Finn, in love and taking baby steps. Hannah and kiernan taking giant leaps. The council trying to keep the fires out from rebelling high powered families. Milo and savvy, as spicy as ever. I loved jumping back into this world after so long. It was like they never left. Old characters in new challenging situations, it was amazing!!
It was Fantastic to see the gang again! They are exactly where they should be! Jess and Finn, in love and taking baby steps. Hannah and kiernan taking giant leaps. The council trying to keep the fires out from rebelling high powered families. Milo and savvy, as spicy as ever. I loved jumping back into this world after so long. It was like they never left. Old characters in new challenging situations, it was amazing!!
May 1, 2025
I don't know if I have matured since I read the last ones in the series or what, but this seemed...a little lack luster. The protagonist a little more annoying.
I do know that I almost had to go back and read the last one to try and remember the basic plot.
I will plow ahead with the next one.
I do know that I almost had to go back and read the last one to try and remember the basic plot.
I will plow ahead with the next one.
April 15, 2023
So glad the story continues!!
I was so upset thinking Book 7 was the end of this marvelous world that I have so loved since discovering it!! When I seen a Book 8 and now a Book 9 on the way, I was absolutely ecstatic!! I hope the books keep on coming!! I love this world of the Durupinen!! It is so different from other YA supernatural series and right up my alley!! I will say that I do hope to see Jess and Finn married!! I have loved them as a couple from the very beginning of Finn's obvious crush on Jess. I will say that I did cry when the Reckoning happened and the Gateways were restored. I wouldn't mind seeing the Reckoning reversed in the future, I wondered how the story would continue with that aspect being gone from their bloodlines and restored to the Geatgrimas. I don't want to give any spoilers about this book, just that E.E. Holmes was able to find away to give those of us who love the Durupinen world, more content and keep the world alive!! I can't wait for Book 9 (I do hope that the audio book is released soon after the book itself because I love listening to the narration while I read). Please keep the books coming and keep finding new and inventive ways to keep one of my favorite worlds alive!!
I was so upset thinking Book 7 was the end of this marvelous world that I have so loved since discovering it!! When I seen a Book 8 and now a Book 9 on the way, I was absolutely ecstatic!! I hope the books keep on coming!! I love this world of the Durupinen!! It is so different from other YA supernatural series and right up my alley!! I will say that I do hope to see Jess and Finn married!! I have loved them as a couple from the very beginning of Finn's obvious crush on Jess. I will say that I did cry when the Reckoning happened and the Gateways were restored. I wouldn't mind seeing the Reckoning reversed in the future, I wondered how the story would continue with that aspect being gone from their bloodlines and restored to the Geatgrimas. I don't want to give any spoilers about this book, just that E.E. Holmes was able to find away to give those of us who love the Durupinen world, more content and keep the world alive!! I can't wait for Book 9 (I do hope that the audio book is released soon after the book itself because I love listening to the narration while I read). Please keep the books coming and keep finding new and inventive ways to keep one of my favorite worlds alive!!
January 22, 2023
I didn't realize there was another book added to the Gateway Trackers! I thought I had wrapped up the series with the 10 books (original trilogy then the seven Trackers books) but was happy to see a new installment included in KU. I'll admit, I've switched to audio almost exclusively. The earlier books have audio (I've bought a couple and relistened to the first books) but this is new enough not to have it yet ... and honestly, I don't love the narration. It just didn't live up to my experience of reading them on my own, so it's probably good that I went at this with my eyeballs rather than my ears.
I think this is my "Grey's Anatomy" of book series. I'm hooked, and I'm probably going to like any and all continuations. I can come back after a break and get involved the story/setting and characters easily. I like that each of these, while having an overall arch, also has an individual storyline for each book.
I think this is my "Grey's Anatomy" of book series. I'm hooked, and I'm probably going to like any and all continuations. I can come back after a break and get involved the story/setting and characters easily. I like that each of these, while having an overall arch, also has an individual storyline for each book.
July 23, 2024
Drama, gateways and bling
What a story this one was, there was definitely a lot going on from Jessica's new assignment, finding all the gateways, Savvy's new role and "friend", another clan hated as much as Jess and Hannah's, it was a whole lot!
I do enjoy how these stories at the core are all about girl power, it's always the girls that save the day.
The only flaw in these books is that they are kind of predictable or I am just really good at figuring out the plot with the one clue that is given. But even with the predictability it is still a good story.
Jessica's character needs some growth though, good grief she is for the most part the same 18 year old girl we met just older. Everyone in the story has growth except her, I don't understand it.
All in all another good chapter.
What a story this one was, there was definitely a lot going on from Jessica's new assignment, finding all the gateways, Savvy's new role and "friend", another clan hated as much as Jess and Hannah's, it was a whole lot!
I do enjoy how these stories at the core are all about girl power, it's always the girls that save the day.
The only flaw in these books is that they are kind of predictable or I am just really good at figuring out the plot with the one clue that is given. But even with the predictability it is still a good story.
Jessica's character needs some growth though, good grief she is for the most part the same 18 year old girl we met just older. Everyone in the story has growth except her, I don't understand it.
All in all another good chapter.
October 31, 2023
I forgot how much I love these characters. I really did and then I realised I have 2 books to read to catch up. First came Rise of the Coven. And boy what a story this book tells.
I love Jess, Hannah and Milo. I mean I LOVE THEM! and whatever trouble Jess lands them in because let's face it she's a magnet lol. And this was both thrilling and disturbing in all the right ways. And the story is so well written you feel like you are right there in amongst all of the action.
Finn, Savvy and Fiona don't let you down either. I really do love the whole gang and even the newer members.
But on to the next as I'm too impatient.
I love Jess, Hannah and Milo. I mean I LOVE THEM! and whatever trouble Jess lands them in because let's face it she's a magnet lol. And this was both thrilling and disturbing in all the right ways. And the story is so well written you feel like you are right there in amongst all of the action.
Finn, Savvy and Fiona don't let you down either. I really do love the whole gang and even the newer members.
But on to the next as I'm too impatient.
August 14, 2024
Rise of the Coven was the perfect continuation of this series. I was drawn straight back into Jess's world. The character development in this instalment was exceptional, and it all felt natural considering their ages (getting closer to my current age, haha).
Holme's is a remarkable writer, and has a talent for weaving intricate plots and I was on the edge of my metaphorical seat trying to work out who was behind the plot! I have started on book 9 and cannot wait to get into it more; it seems that with every book, I am learning more about the lore and history of the Durupinen.
Holme's is a remarkable writer, and has a talent for weaving intricate plots and I was on the edge of my metaphorical seat trying to work out who was behind the plot! I have started on book 9 and cannot wait to get into it more; it seems that with every book, I am learning more about the lore and history of the Durupinen.
January 3, 2023
Worth the wait
It was wonderful to be back in Fairhaven with our favourite spirit guide Milo, twins Jess and Hannah. And Caomhnōir Finn and Keiran. As usual trouble seems to follow Jess and when they finally figure out that Gemma is at the centre of it. The head off to Ireland to put an end to it before it's too late. And the love between Jess and Finn is just the sweetest thing. And I love Hannah and Keiran at the end.
It was wonderful to be back in Fairhaven with our favourite spirit guide Milo, twins Jess and Hannah. And Caomhnōir Finn and Keiran. As usual trouble seems to follow Jess and when they finally figure out that Gemma is at the centre of it. The head off to Ireland to put an end to it before it's too late. And the love between Jess and Finn is just the sweetest thing. And I love Hannah and Keiran at the end.
April 16, 2023
Worth the wait!
When the last book ended and everything seemed to be wrapped up I was a little sad. Then we were told of a new book.
I was so excited and it didn't disappoint.
Back in Fairhaven with Jess, Hannah,Milo and Finn.
The gateways were restored but it wasn't appreciated by everyone.
Jess has her work cut out trying to solve all the problems.
Loved this book and so excited that there is another book to follow.
When the last book ended and everything seemed to be wrapped up I was a little sad. Then we were told of a new book.
I was so excited and it didn't disappoint.
Back in Fairhaven with Jess, Hannah,Milo and Finn.
The gateways were restored but it wasn't appreciated by everyone.
Jess has her work cut out trying to solve all the problems.
Loved this book and so excited that there is another book to follow.
May 30, 2023
I really like the characters in this series and most of the stories. The writing and editing honestly aren't the best; despite that I've continued with the series for the story. This installment was lacking compared to the others. As most books there is a lot of recall of previous events in the series, which can be annoying. The story line of this particular novel was predictable from the beginning and the action was pretty anti-climatic. A let down compared to the others.
December 22, 2022
great continuation of the Gateway Tracker series
Now that the geatgimas are restored, some want to set things back to as they were. Jess, Hanna and their gang need to keep that from happening.
I was pretty much glued to this book as I finished it in a day. I really enjoyed it, although some plot lines were predictable.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the previous books.
Now that the geatgimas are restored, some want to set things back to as they were. Jess, Hanna and their gang need to keep that from happening.
I was pretty much glued to this book as I finished it in a day. I really enjoyed it, although some plot lines were predictable.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the previous books.
February 3, 2023
Perfection!
What I like most about E. E. Holmes is how flawless her writing style is! She drops enough well chosen words or phrases to make the read sure they know what's coming but they don't! Can't wait for the next book! Thank you E. E. Holmes for such an exciting, as well as informative series!
What I like most about E. E. Holmes is how flawless her writing style is! She drops enough well chosen words or phrases to make the read sure they know what's coming but they don't! Can't wait for the next book! Thank you E. E. Holmes for such an exciting, as well as informative series!
March 5, 2024
Flawless follow-on to the Tracker series
Before reading it, I was apprehensive that it might flop like many sequels to outstanding series, but my fears were groundless. An excellent storyline, new characters , a page-turner as good as the previous ten books., including the Gateway Trilogy. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book!
Before reading it, I was apprehensive that it might flop like many sequels to outstanding series, but my fears were groundless. An excellent storyline, new characters , a page-turner as good as the previous ten books., including the Gateway Trilogy. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book!
July 25, 2024
Great series
This was my least favorite book in the series only because I guessed a lot of the plot along the way. Still a good installment.
I really wish I would see significant growth in Jess. This lone wolf, commitment-phobe, "I have to do everything alone" thing is wearing thin
This was my least favorite book in the series only because I guessed a lot of the plot along the way. Still a good installment.
I really wish I would see significant growth in Jess. This lone wolf, commitment-phobe, "I have to do everything alone" thing is wearing thin
October 14, 2024
I understand why the Gateways are the way that they are but I totally understand the grieving process and feeling a little lost.
Jess makes me howl as ever and she will always gravitate to chaos (or the other way around)
Hannah and Savvy?!?! Yes!! Loving it for them both
I'm so close to the end of this series and I can't guess what is going to happen next
Jess makes me howl as ever and she will always gravitate to chaos (or the other way around)
Hannah and Savvy?!?! Yes!! Loving it for them both
I'm so close to the end of this series and I can't guess what is going to happen next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
I've finally returned to try and finish the Gateway Trackers series after a few months absence, and this is book #8. It was fun to return back to the world of the Durupinen with Jess and Hannah and their cohorts, Finn, Milo and Sassy. These are characters I've grown to know and love.
Of course, they saved the day again...
Of course, they saved the day again...
December 25, 2022
E.E. Holmes best author
I love all the books in the Gateway series.
It is one of the best series I have read . I hope for more books from the Gateway series. I love them😍. Can't wait for the next one
I love all the books in the Gateway series.
It is one of the best series I have read . I hope for more books from the Gateway series. I love them😍. Can't wait for the next one
December 30, 2022
The wait was worth it!
Brilliantly written. Intriguing and an excellent addition to the series. I couldn't put it down, stayed up until 4:48a.m. to finish the book. Another masterpiece.
Brilliantly written. Intriguing and an excellent addition to the series. I couldn't put it down, stayed up until 4:48a.m. to finish the book. Another masterpiece.
January 3, 2023
Another exciting adventure
The gateway never disappoints you. Enchantment, adventure, suspense, thrills, chills, and a great dose of romance and surprises all rolled onto one book.
Now, on to the next one!
The gateway never disappoints you. Enchantment, adventure, suspense, thrills, chills, and a great dose of romance and surprises all rolled onto one book.
Now, on to the next one!
January 3, 2023
Absolutely brillian
These books are absolutely fantastic. As usual the story flows from book to book. I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down.
I will be reading all of these books again... I have read them all several times
Can't wait for the next one.
These books are absolutely fantastic. As usual the story flows from book to book. I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down.
I will be reading all of these books again... I have read them all several times
Can't wait for the next one.
January 5, 2023
Another good one!! I love to read this series and can't wait for the next book..
Although few of the things were predictable, I am still a big fan!! I love to see how the characters are developing, and they have their happy love lives..
Well done, E.E. Holmes
Although few of the things were predictable, I am still a big fan!! I love to see how the characters are developing, and they have their happy love lives..
Well done, E.E. Holmes
January 7, 2023
Good read. As always.
I have enjoyed this entire series and this book is no exception. This is NOT a stand alone book. You probably need to be familiar with the series in order to fully u deter and all the references.
I have enjoyed this entire series and this book is no exception. This is NOT a stand alone book. You probably need to be familiar with the series in order to fully u deter and all the references.
January 7, 2023
Book 8
Feels like I've waited way longer than I have for book 8 to come our!!! Didn't not disappoint at all....!!missed milo's sass and savy, the lines are brilliant_ Roll on book 9
Feels like I've waited way longer than I have for book 8 to come our!!! Didn't not disappoint at all....!!missed milo's sass and savy, the lines are brilliant_ Roll on book 9
January 10, 2023
rise of the coven
E E Holmes is an exceptional writer this series follows Hannah and Jess through a series of events each different but each growing the story the learning and captures your imagination emotions hopes and fears from the beginning
E E Holmes is an exceptional writer this series follows Hannah and Jess through a series of events each different but each growing the story the learning and captures your imagination emotions hopes and fears from the beginning
January 13, 2023
Reading this was like coming home after living away for a few years. It was great to have the gang back doing their best to navigate their unusual lives. These characters as so endearing that you can't help but want more after each book ends.
January 25, 2023
just brilliant
I wasn’t a fan at the beginning of the series but just finished book 8, and I love the characters was already to read book 9 but realised it hasn’t been published yet and feel bereft ☹️ can’t wait for the next book
I wasn’t a fan at the beginning of the series but just finished book 8, and I love the characters was already to read book 9 but realised it hasn’t been published yet and feel bereft ☹️ can’t wait for the next book
January 26, 2023
Loved this book!
Great pace. Plenty of suspense and action. I've also enjoyed watching the main characters evolve and grow more complex. I was completely drawn into the story. Couldn't put this one down and can't wait for the next one!
Great pace. Plenty of suspense and action. I've also enjoyed watching the main characters evolve and grow more complex. I was completely drawn into the story. Couldn't put this one down and can't wait for the next one!
April 3, 2023
Love watching the gang grow into adulthood
Another excellent storyline and love watching the gang continue to develop into adulthood. Can’t wait to see what the next adventure brings
Another excellent storyline and love watching the gang continue to develop into adulthood. Can’t wait to see what the next adventure brings
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews