A parent might reach for this book when their child feels underestimated or is fascinated by tales of impossible quests. It tells the story of Kerish, a young prince who is not the chosen one, but who takes it upon himself to save his dying kingdom by undertaking a perilous journey. He must find a legendary savior locked behind seven gates, each guarded by a powerful sorcerer. This classic high fantasy adventure explores deep themes of courage, perseverance against all odds, and the idea that true strength comes from determination, not just destiny. It's a perfect fit for a 9 to 12-year-old reader ready for a complex, multi-book saga that values intelligence and heart as much as heroism.
Enemies and some side characters are killed, but these events are not a primary focus.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with peril and fantasy violence. Death occurs, but it is not dwelt upon or described graphically. The central conflict is a classic good versus evil struggle, presented in a secular fantasy context. The resolution of this first volume is hopeful, as Kerish succeeds in his initial goal, but it is also a clear setup for a much longer, more arduous journey, implying that victory is a process, not a single event.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10 to 12-year-old who loves epic fantasy and feels like an underdog. This child might be a younger sibling or someone who feels overshadowed, and they will resonate with a hero who isn't the strongest or most destined, but the most determined. They should be a reader who enjoys detailed world-building and is ready to commit to a longer series.
Parent Prep
Parents should know this is Book 1 of "The Seven Citadels" series. The book can be read cold, as the world is well-explained. The challenges from the sorcerers can be psychologically intense, involving illusions and trickery, which might be more unsettling for some sensitive readers than straightforward physical threats. No specific pages require previewing. A parent has heard their child say, "No one thinks I can do it," or express frustration at not being as good at something as a friend or sibling. The child needs a story that shows an ordinary person (in a royal context) achieving extraordinary things through sheer will and courage, rather than innate magical ability or prophecy.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will focus on the adventure: the magic, the monsters, and the excitement of each gate. They will see a straightforward story of a brave prince. An older reader (11-12) will appreciate the nuances of Kerish's character, the political maneuvering within his family, and the theme that true heroism is about choice and perseverance, not just being "the chosen one."
What Makes It Special
Unlike many fantasies where the protagonist is the prophesied hero, Kerish's quest is to find the hero. This makes him more relatable and his bravery more profound; it's born of determination, not destiny. The episodic structure, with each sorcerer's gate presenting a unique puzzle, gives the book a mythic quality reminiscent of ancient legends like the Labors of Hercules.
Read plot summary
The land of Galkis is dying, blighted by a strange curse. The only hope is a legendary savior, the Forged of the Godborn, who was imprisoned centuries ago behind seven gates, each guarded by one of seven sorcerers. When all others fail, Kerish, the overlooked third son of the Emperor, takes on the impossible quest to find and free this savior. This first book in a seven-part series follows Kerish as he overcomes the initial gates, using his wits, courage, and unexpected alliances to face magical and psychological challenges.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Kerish is the Emperor's third son and not expected to be a great hero. Why do you think he was the one to take on the quest when his stronger, more famous brothers did not?
2
Each of the sorcerers Kerish faces has a different kind of power. Which gate do you think was the most difficult for him to pass, and why was intelligence or kindness sometimes more important than strength?
3
Kerish gets help from his half-brother Gidjabol, who he doesn't fully trust. When is it a good idea to accept help from someone, even if you have doubts about them?
4
This book is the first of seven. How did you feel when the story ended after Kerish had only passed the first few gates? Does a story need to have a complete ending to be satisfying?
