Rating: 
Summary: Very UNDERwhelming
Review: OK... I work in a 9 to 5 job and read books for a way to relax and wind down. So, typically, books with the same old themes and one dimensional characters don't bother me- I could use a little mindless relaxation...right?
When I finished with the first book's "arching eyebrow" annoyances, I gave the author the benefit of the doubt and bought the second book. Error.
How anti-climatic can you get?! Watch out, I might spoil this one for you- but the all powerful anti-hero, in essence, blows himself up. No classic struggle... nothing.
Newcomb, I have some ideas for future book endings where good prevails over an omnipotent evil foe:
1) The great villain could cut himself shaving and die of a rare infectious disease.
2) The great villain could get thrown from a horse and break his neck.
3) The great villain could trip near a desk and stab himself in the eye with his letter opener.
4) Heart attacks are always good.... It could be the final show down with the hero and the villain could have a heart attack from all the stress that comes from trying to takeover the world!
Save your time and go get a root canal; it will feel better than this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A great book in a great series
Review: Robert Newcomb debuted with The Fifth Sorceress last year. One year later he came out with another hit book, The Gates of Dawn.This book does everything TFS did and better. The story is well paced, plenty of action and great characters. I read some reviews of TFS, and a few people complained about sexism and the brutality. In my opinion, they weren't apparant in either book. Mr. Newcomb is showing us a different perspective, and the violence portrayed in the books are realistic to the story. A few surprising twists come into play, like who the "master" is, and the identity of Celeste, the girl that Tristin meets. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great fantasy book
Rating:
Summary: Continues the excellence
Review: Robert Newcomb is truly one of the brightest new stars in the fantasy world. He made his presence known with his first novel 'The Fifth Sorceress', and now he continues the high standards set by that book with his sophomore effort 'The Gates of Dawn'. With this new novel Newcomb demonstrates that his craft as a writer has improved by leaps and bounds, he writes more tightly and concisely, and though it is hard to imagine, his vision is clearer and more focused than it was with 'The Fifth Sorceress'. It is obvious that he has a plan, a goal, and a destination in mind with this story. Though the first book was chock full of detail and description of the realms, magics, and peoples of the world that Newcomb has created, with 'The Gates of Dawn' he delves more deeply into the workings of the craft of 'blood' sorcery that he has established, revealing many surprising intricacies as well as expanding the boundaries of the lands that the characters call home, which serves to broaden the scope and epic feel of the series. In this new book, Mr. Newcomb takes us further into the minds and hearts of his characters, causing the reader to sympathize more closely with characters that had already earned their place in the reader's heart from the first novel. The ridiculous fears and qualms that Mr. Newcomb's characters, and world, if not Mr. Newcomb himself were sexist that some readers had expressed after reading 'The Fifth Sorceress' can be safely laid to rest after one reads 'The Gates of Dawn'. There are few if any EVIL women in this book, and many GOOD women are introduced, and deeply developed. Just for the information of those doubters out there, this book had almost been completed by the time that 'The Fifth Sorceress' had been released, so Mr. Newcomb had always intended to have major female characters of a heroic nature play a significant role in the story. As most readers of Epic Fantasy know, by its very nature Fantasy is not for the faint of heart. Newcomb doesn't pull any punches, and renders violence in a very realistic manner. Fans of Jordan, and especially Martin, and Goodkind will feel right at home with Robert Newcomb's 'The Fifth Sorceress' and 'The Gates of Dawn', which serve as the first two books in his 'Chronicles of Blood and Stone' series. As with 'The Fifth Sorceress' as soon as I had finished 'The Gates of Dawn', I was anxious for the next book, and I will be counting the months, weeks, and days until the third volume is released.
Rating: 
Summary: Exhilarating action-packed epic fantasy
Review: The beloved monarchy counseled by a wise Directorate of Wizards kept the peace and enabled the Kingdom to flourish. However, the Pax Eutracia ends when the Sorceresses of the Coven return seeking victory at any cost. The Coven loses, but devastates the land. The king dies at the hands of his son, and his wife and most of the wizards are also dead. Eutracia reels from the destruction and lack of leadership to lead the recovery. The Sorceresses compelled Prince Tristan to kill his sire. He feels guilt even as he hides with his sister, her infant, and the sole surviving wizard council member Wigg. Joining the trio is wizard Faegan, who just came home. They need to help the country recover, but new terrors have surfaced. The source of all the magic jewels has mysteriously been diminished leaving the wizards in mortal risk of death and creatures created from taboo magic are causing havoc. Volume II of the Chronicles of Blood and Stone, THE GATES OF DAWN, is an exhilarating action-packed epic fantasy that takes readers into a different realm where magic works. Fans will value this novel because the prime charcaters seem very genuine. Tristan knows he must redeem himself, but knows not how. His sister has a baby to keep safe yet needs to help her brother on his quest. The wizards must use their magic to stop a vile opponent, but time and ebbing power loss leaves them in jeopardy, a new feeling for the immortal magicians. This powerful ensemble along with a bunch of nasties will leave the audience desiring a fast turn around for Volume III. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: An Ancient Threat from Beyond the Grave
Review: The Gates of Dawn is the second novel in The Chronicles of Blood and Stone series, following The Fifth Sorceress. In the previous volume, Tristan escaped from the Communion ritual, leaving three of the Coven dead and Succiu, the Second Mistress, greatly weakened from bloodloss. Rather than surrendering to Tristan, however, Succiu leapt from the tower and killed both herself and the unborn child within her. Tristan excised his unborn son and buried him there outside the Recluse. The violence of the ritual left Shailiha confused and crying yet unhurt, but Wigg was not certain whether she would ever fully recover from the ordeal of the Agonies. Geldon found a wagon to carry Shailiha and they charged down the road toward the Ghetto of the Shunned, trying to reach the portal leading to home before High Noon. However, they encountered the Minions of Day and Night in the Ghetto and Tristan fought a death duel with Kluge. When Tristan won, the Minions transfered their loyalty to him, so he left Traax in charge, taskng him with a very different mission, and rushed through the portal. In this novel, Tristan and the others are hiding in the Redoubt beneath the Palace. Wigg has been treating Shailiha for the damage done by the Agonies; she has almost fully recovered and her daughter Morganna is doing well. However, the overall situation in Eutracia is tumultuous. Geldon discovers that a huge reward has been offered for Tristan, dead or alive. The only consul to return to the Redoubt, Joshua, brings word that the consuls are being hunted by magical bird-like beings as well as by bloodstalkers and harpies. Tristan finds a mysterious woman praying at the gravesite of his parents. And Faegan keeps remembering lines from the Tome referring to a "child". Tristan is faced with another conspiracy headed by a child gifted with endowed blood, a wizard who is partially changed into a bloodstalker, and an assassin with poison-tipped weapons. The Paragon is slowly losing its potency and the powers of the wizards, which come from the stone, are also declining. Moreover, their every action seems to be forestalled by their enemies. This novel has the same action orientation as the first volume, but the plot flows smoother and scene changes occur less abruptly. The twists and turns are surprises, but carefully foreboded by prior happenings. The actions of the main characters are much more compatible with their personalities and experiences. Even the copyediting has improved. Overall, this volume is an great improvement over the first, providing a better setting for the creative aspects of the author. Recommended for Newcomb fans and anyone else who enjoys swords and sorcery with an innovative approach. -Arthur W. Jordin
Rating:
Summary: A near worthless effort
Review: This book is plodding and ponderous. The plot does not flow. Like the first book, Newcomb seems incapable of effectively linking plot elements. And the practice of displaying the thoughts of characters in italics, while unique and clever in the beginning of the first book, has long since become tedious and ridiculous in the second book. If the book was written well, the reader would "know" the thoughts of key characters at important junctures in the book. I feel sorry for those who bought the second book, after the disaster that was Newcomb's first effort. Not sure what Newcomb does for a living, but he should not give up his day job to write. His is most certainly a weak talent for writing.
Rating:
Summary: Do not waste your time on this book
Review: This is a horribly written book. Plain and simple. I read the first book, enjoyed it, despite the fact that it was a bit on the predictable and pulpy side, and thought that the second one would continue the fun. I was disappointed, that's for sure. Whoever edited this work should be drawn and quartered, I could not go on after 134 pages of this swill. Same words repeated 2-3 times on the same page, not acceptable. Not to mention the incredibly annoying back-and-forth of the two wizards and their irritating information-hiding from the main character. In a word - crapola.
Rating:
Summary: To me not as good as the first one but still really good!
Review: When I read this book, I read it really quickly. I liked this one more in some ways because it had more variety, love, surprise, suspense and so on, not just violence and sex.
I loved how Tristin is growing up and how Shailia is discovering more things in her life. Also this book has a new character that caught my attention. I love this book and cant wait to read the next one!
Rating:
Summary: The Suspense is Addictive
Review: With his sequel to the Fifth Sorceress, there is only one disappointment for me...that is that the suspense is a killer and I can't read these books fast enough. The Gates of Dawn is suspensful and action packed but don't worry, the characters from the first novel are even further developed and the new characters including some new women heroines are a great addition. The author continues to paint an exciting adventure that you just can't help taking sides. I've chosen my side and I just can't wait for the next volume to see how it all comes out. If you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings, you will love this series. I can't put it down.
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