the gate of the world

The gate of the world" opens in a divided fantasy world dominated by two powers: humans and merfolk. The narrative smartly uses themes of racism, oppression, and political conflict to build a central struggle from which the story unfolds. These themes are embedded in a fantasy setting but mirror real societal issues, giving the story weight and resonance. In the first chapter, we follow Evan, a poor boy living with his ill mother, in a deeply emotional and dramatic sequence. The narrative mixes tenderness with harsh reality, culminating in a heartbreaking scene of his mother’s death—a moment that triggers Evan’s gradual transformation from a helpless child into a central figure in the unfolding events. The prose is at times poetic, but shifts to a grounded tone when needed. A mysterious box and pendant add a supernatural thread that hints at larger forces at play. As the story expands, we move to the city of Waterblow, where the focus shifts to the merman prince Corlis and his emotional, politically charged relationship with the knight Nile. These chapters offer a glimpse into the internal power dynamics of the merfolk kingdoms and introduce complex character interactions, blending fantasy with romance and political tension. The novel demonstrates a strong worldbuilding foundation, though the pacing could benefit from more tightening in places. Still, it balances personal emotion and large-scale drama with surprising finesse and builds intrigue for what's to come. Bottom line: A promising and emotionally charged novel with solid worldbuilding, layered characters, and a tone that blends realism with fantasy. If it maintains this upward trajectory, it has the potential to become an epic and enduring work.