Becky Bookworm Book Review: The Gatewatch (Torin Ten-Trees Book 1) by Joshua Gillingham

 

*This review was originally released in advance of publication for The Valkyries blog team but the team has since ceased production of content so I am re-posting it here belatedly by several years.*

I was quite excited when I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of a new Norse Fantasy book that is positively dripping with the drama, adventure and magic of Old Norse Sagas.

The Gatewatch, by Joshua Gillingham is a wonderful blend of the same atmosphere of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (which was also influenced by Norse Mythology) and the narrative captures the imagination as if being told by a fire in a longhouse.

The reader will follow the adventures of three young men, Torrin, Bryn & Grimsa - who have been called upon to serve their time at Gatewatch. It is an ancient fortress that stands between the mountains and the peaceful fjords and fields, but most significantly between the Trolls, Giants and other dark forces that may threaten the people in the Realm of Noros.

Delightfully adventure does not wait for them but begins with the first few pages and every chapter thereafter when a harmless night outside the fort is disrupted and pushes them head first into the dangerous Wild Lands.

It both unites and sometimes weakens our heroes who have joined with other new recruits but ultimately forges them into the heroes, and indeed heroines, that will be essential in saving the Gatewatch from destruction when they perchance to discover a most sinister plot beneath the mountains.

There is a lot about this story that made me think of Lord of The Rings - yet I am pleased to say this tale did still stand alone with it’s own identity, quality and narrative. I also really enjoyed the references, even if adapted, to the adventures the Norse Gods themselves would have and were often re-told in Sagas. Whether it involved competition by word, strength, agility or by stomach through to the bravery demonstrated against each new danger and threat. In all the characters there are qualities that the Vikings themselves would recognise as heroic. For those of us who are familiar with the norse legends, you will recognise motifs, scenes and more.

The descriptions of the food and drink of this world is also Willy Wonker in quality. I was left drooling in quite Homer fashion during some of the more peaceful scenes and all of it was very fitting for both the historical and fantastical context of this new world.

The characters are far from two dimensional and very soon the reader will have a favourite out of Torrin, Bryn and Grimsa. Each does display some classical behaviour such as the one who likes drink & food, the one who is fast and charming and the one who is the thinker. Yet each also has deeper levels of character that come across with their interactions and reactions with allies and foes alike.

The book cover is also a piece of unique and yet traditional design that just emanates the levels of adventure and magic to be found within its pages.

This is a brilliant adventure book inspired by some of the oldest adventures known to the Norse and will certainly delight young teen readers and adults alike.

I am genuinely looking forward to the sequel.