Magic at the Gate

Magic at the Gate by Devon Monk

Allie Beckstrom #5

Allie Beckstrom's lover, Zayvion Jones, is a Guardian of the Gate, imbued with both light and dark magic and responsible for ensuring that those energies don't mix. But Zayvion lies in a coma, his soul trapped in death's realm. And when Allie discovers that the only way to save Zayvion is to sacrifice her very own magical essence, she makes a decision that may have grave consequences for the entire world. 

This book starts right up where the last one left off, with Allie, her father, and Stone traveling into death's realm to rescue Zayvion's soul. She succeeds, but at a terrible price, having to sacrifice the magic that belonged to her soul. As dangerous as things are for her in that realm, those dangers pale in comparison to what awaits her when she returns. Some of the most powerful veiled have gotten a hold of the disks that were charged with the wild magic. These disks give them corporeal bodies and make them almost indestructible since they can draw on magic without any price at all. Allie might just have to do something she vowed never to do to make it out of this mess alive, trust her father.

This book seemed like it was the calm before the storm, without really being calm. There was plenty of danger and action, but with the war really starting to brew, I fear they have only scraped the edge of what is in store. Not only do the remaining members of the Authority have to deal with the ones who rebelled, but also a new unknown threat that seems to have followed Allie out of the gate. They seem to be getting it from all sides, and it will be a miracle if the small band is able to hold things together. I think they might just have to rethink their idea of closing everyone outside of their circle. They will need all the help they can get, and there are several magic users that could really be useful if the members of the Authority only allow them to help. I guess only time will tell if their stubbornness holds, or they give in and do the right thing.

I really missed the interaction between Zayvion and Allie in this book. I understand the man was in a coma for most of it, but I just wish there could have been a little more time spent together. Their relationship is one of my favorite things about the series, and it made this book seem to be a little lacking compared to the rest. That being said however, I did enjoy the increased time with her friends Shame and Terric. I'm not sure the two will ever be able to be completely at peace with each other. However, with that being said, they did make major strides at being able to at least work together without killing the other person. Who knows, maybe someday a miracle will happen and Shame will pull his head out of his butt, anything is possible.

Overall, this felt like a transition book, but still had plenty of action to keep me entertained. Some questions were answered about her father and his "use" for her. His continued manipulation and use of her without her permission makes him really hard to trust, especially since he keeps his true motives always hidden from her. I just hope that somehow his ultimate plan ends up being for the good of the world and Allie. Hey, I can dream right? All in all, I enjoyed the book, and I look forward to the next one, especially if there is more quality time between Allie and Zayvion. I have a feeling things are headed to crazy town and the next book should be pretty jammed packed.

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Magic at the Gate: An Allie Beckstrom Novel