The Gate of Ivory

Doris Egan

Book 1 in the series:Ivory

Save:

Find on Amazon

magical planet setting

sorcerer job dangers

intelligent and determined protagonist

world building in fantasy and science fiction

cultural exploration

humorous writing style

binding job consequences

slow to engaging pacing

folk scholar adventure

relatable characters

About:

The Gate of Ivory follows Theodora of Pyrene, a scholar stranded on the planet Ivory, who finds herself entangled in a job offered by sorcerer Ran Cormallan. The job binds her fortunes with Ran's house and puts her life in danger, leading to unexpected and dangerous situations. Theodora, an intelligent and determined character, navigates her outsider status in Ivory while facing challenges that test her wit and resilience. The book blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique mix of world-building and a compelling narrative that keeps the story moving forward.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed and relatable, with the protagonist being a determined scholar navigating a complex world.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and humorous, effectively blending mundane elements with fantasy to create a relatable narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot involves a folk scholar who gets stranded on a magical planet and takes a binding job with a sorcerer's family, leading to unforeseen dangers and complications.

Setting:

The setting is a richly built magical planet with contrasting cultural elements, enhancing the narrative's depth.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow but evolves into an engaging read, balancing action with deeper character exploration.

I was laying down cards in the marketplace when I got the latest job offer. "Here comes money," Irsa, the vendor next to me had said and moved out of the way so as not to scare him off. So I'd given h...

Notes:

Theodora is a student studying folklore who gets stranded on the planet Ivory.

She tries to make money by pretending to read cards in a marketplace.

Theodora ends up working for a sorcerer named Ran Cormallan.

Her job with Ran comes with hidden catches that tie her fortunes to his family.

Theodora is an outsider, referred to as 'tymon' meaning 'Barbarian Outlander'.

She collects oral Ivoran folktales despite being unable to read the written language.

The book blends fantasy and science fiction elements.

The setting of Ivory feels pre-industrial despite the presence of space travel.

Doris Egan, the author, also wrote under the name Jane Emerson.

The protagonist's cultural observations make the story compelling and relatable.

The tone of the book is described as light, humorous, and entertaining.

It features a mix of magical and mundane everyday life experiences.

The trilogy consists of three books, and readers are eager for more stories.

The book explores themes of belonging and cultural adjustment.

From The Publisher:

Magic is what lures people like anthropology student Theodora to the exotic, dangerous world of Ivory, where everything is for sale and magic really works.

But cut off from her companions, Theodora finds what began as a pleasure trip becoming a terrifying odyssey into her own gift for magic.

Ratings (2)

It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (2)

What can you read after
The Gate of Ivory?

See the list (25 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.