Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Anthony Horowitz's THE GATEKEEPERS series continues with NIGHTRISE. The Old Ones are still a threat to the safety of the world, and the five young gatekeepers are the only ones equipped to help.
Previously, Matt and Pedro were in Peru attempting to close the second gate. Their attempt failed and Matt was seriously injured. The adventure continues in a new location - Reno, Nevada. A small, rundown theater is hosting a performance called The Circus of the Mind. The featured act involves twins named Jamie and Scott. They amaze the audience by reading each others' minds. No one seems to know the secret of the trick. Actually, the secret is, there is no secret. They really do read minds and not just each others'.
Readers will soon guess that Jamie and Scott are the next two of the special "five." The problem is how will they learn about their responsibilities and how will they find out about the others. When the evil corporation, Nightrise, becomes involved, it is clear that the Old Ones' power still reaches around the world.
When Scott is kidnapped by Nightrise and taken to an isolated juvenile detention facility in the desert, Jamie begins his rescue attempt with the help of Alicia McGuire. She wants inside the prison as much as Jamie because she suspects her son has been kidnapped, as well. Nightrise seems to be making it a habit to kidnap teens with various "special" abilities. Could they be looking for the five young gatekeepers?
Horowitz thrills readers with kidnapping, adventures in the present day world, a world 10,000 years in the past, and the dream world Matt became familiar with in the first books. There are shape-changers, fire-riders, and mutilated humans to be battled. Some might find the story filled with twists and turns a bit confusing, but fans of the earlier books will be pleased with the surprises Horowitz has hidden in this new episode. The "to be continued..." ending promises even more surprises to come.
Anthony Horowitz's THE GATEKEEPERS series continues with NIGHTRISE. The Old Ones are still a threat to the safety of the world, and the five young gatekeepers are the only ones equipped to help.
Previously, Matt and Pedro were in Peru attempting to close the second gate. Their attempt failed and Matt was seriously injured. The adventure continues in a new location - Reno, Nevada. A small, rundown theater is hosting a performance called The Circus of the Mind. The featured act involves twins named Jamie and Scott. They amaze the audience by reading each others' minds. No one seems to know the secret of the trick. Actually, the secret is, there is no secret. They really do read minds and not just each others'.
Readers will soon guess that Jamie and Scott are the next two of the special "five." The problem is how will they learn about their responsibilities and how will they find out about the others. When the evil corporation, Nightrise, becomes involved, it is clear that the Old Ones' power still reaches around the world.
When Scott is kidnapped by Nightrise and taken to an isolated juvenile detention facility in the desert, Jamie begins his rescue attempt with the help of Alicia McGuire. She wants inside the prison as much as Jamie because she suspects her son has been kidnapped, as well. Nightrise seems to be making it a habit to kidnap teens with various "special" abilities. Could they be looking for the five young gatekeepers?
Horowitz thrills readers with kidnapping, adventures in the present day world, a world 10,000 years in the past, and the dream world Matt became familiar with in the first books. There are shape-changers, fire-riders, and mutilated humans to be battled. Some might find the story filled with twists and turns a bit confusing, but fans of the earlier books will be pleased with the surprises Horowitz has hidden in this new episode. The "to be continued..." ending promises even more surprises to come.
This book is the third in its series, The Gatekeeprs, and the previous books should of course be read first. The protagonist is a teenager, as in the other books. I enjoyed this book even more than the others, which themselves were very enjoyable. The characters are likable (or detestable, if they are the villains), and the plot moves along briskly, once it gets going. The book veers in a surprising direction in the middle, and that may be the most enjoyable section of the book.
Anyone who likes exciting YA fantasy books set (mostly) in the current day should enjoy this book, and the entire series.
Anyone who likes exciting YA fantasy books set (mostly) in the current day should enjoy this book, and the entire series.
