THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN
Joely Sue Burkhart
ISBN: B003NX7BWQ (Kindle eBook)
June 14, 2010
Carina Press
Urban Fantasy
Dark Fantasy
eBook

Declared the “Un-Indiana Jones” by her students, archeology professor Dr. Jaid Merritt refuses to go on any digs. Memories of past tragedies keep her passion for archeology in the class room. However, when her father disappears after performing an ancient Mayan ritual using her translations of a codex he found, Jaid knows she must overcome her fear and venture into the Guatemalan jungle to find him. Little does she know just how much her life will change on the trip.

Mayan priest Ruin broke the rules of the Mayan gate Xibalba when centuries ago he brought his twin brother, Wrack, back from the dead. Now Ruin is cursed to be The Bloodgate Guardian for all eternity. When he was unable to prevent an archeologist from opening the gate, unleashing the demons, Ruin must do whatever it takes to right this wrong, even if it means killing the man’s daughter when she comes looking for her father. The last thing Ruin expected was to find himself falling for the beautiful and determined woman.

With multiple enemies on their trail, Ruin and Jaid must work together if they hope to overcome the evil Jaid’s father unleashed, but more than just their hearts are on the line.

In The Bloodgate Guardian, I discovered a fascinating and intensely paced adventure story full of demons and shape shifters and immortals (oh my!). From the first gripping scene to the final bittersweet encounter, I was thoroughly engrossed in this brilliantly realized dark fantasy tale. I have always loved stories about those mysterious Mayans and this book brings everything to the table with some wonderful world building.

I loved all of the characters we met in The Bloodgate Guardian, from our intrepid heroes Jaid and Ruin, to Jaid’s misguided but passionate about his work father, Charles. Even Wrack and his lost love Butterfly Star’s story lured me in and kept me reading, bringing more than a few tears to my eyes as we learn what happened to them. Ok, I sort of lied, I loved almost all the characters… the demon was pure evil and I have to admit, he even freaked me out more than a little bit, which doesn’t often happen for me. But this guy, this thing, chilled me to the bone. Jaid is just an ordinary woman, with all the normal faults and foibles of an ordinary woman. She’s forced out of her comfort zone into extraordinary circumstances, to rescue the one person she’s always counted on. Ruin is tortured by his own internal demons, and his guilt, forced to suffer, until Jaid walks into his life and turns things upside down. Watching these two overcome the obstacles between them and their happiness makes for a very powerful and moving love story.

Wow! The Bloodgate Guardian by Joely Sue Burkhart is an incredibly amazing book! I didn’t want to put it down and when I did, it was under extreme duress. I love stories about the Mayan culture, as well as the legends and beliefs associated with it. This book sucked me right in and didn’t release me until the bitter end. Excellent book, Joely! I hope the conclusion means more to come?

© Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2010. All rights reserved.

Reviewed By:

I have been reviewing since 2001 and got started on it completely by accident. That accident turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I discovered a hobby I thoroughly enjoy and an outlet for my opinions about the books I love... or love to hate. Now I don't think I'll ever stop! I live in the DFW area with my three "children" of the four-footed and furry variety, Sheba, Aker, and Amun, affectionately known as cats. I work as an environmental contractor for the Army Reserves, a job I've had since 1997 in which there is never a dull moment and no two days are the same.

Email Reviewer | Other posts by Kelley