Darkness to Light: K.B. Hoyle’s Gateway Chronicles Part 2

It’s possible that you might finish Book 1 of the Gateway Chronicles —The Six— and not continue on. And I suppose that, by sheer force of will, you could complete Book 2 —The Oracle— and somehow be content living with a host of unsolved riddles (for more on these books, see my last Gateway Chronicles post).

But by the time you’ve read Book 3 —The White Thread— putting down this series is simply not an option. Trust me, friend, you’ll be captivated for good.

A Daring Voyage

Choosing a favorite Gateway Chronicle is like picking out just one favorite ice cream flavor. It’s pretty much impossible. But for me, The White Thread always rises to the top. I think I know why: there’s something about an epic sea voyage, full of danger and strange new lands, that always draws me in. I know I’m not alone. If you’ve found delight in the enchanted islands of C.S. Lewis’ Voyage of the Dawn Treader, or traveled in the thousand-year-old wake of Eric the Viking, Sinbad the Sailor, or the even more ancient Odysseus or Jason, you’ll understand The White Thread’s allure.

In this third installment of the Gateway Chronicles, Darcy Pennington and the five other teens have returned to the alternate world of Alitheia to solve riddles left them by the enigmatic Oracle, and to rescue a friend from the Oracle’s lair. Along the way, they encounter powerful spells, monstrous beings, and unlikely allies. And of course, a year spent on a small sailing vessel forces the teens to face their own weaknesses, and learn to rely on each other.

One of the key elements of The White Thread is the developing friendship between Darcy and the conflicted, impetuous crown prince of Alitheia, Tellius. In this revised edition, K.B. Hoyle dives even deeper into the murky waters between them, and gives Tellius a more integral role to play. There are many expanded sections that give readers clearer insight into Tellius’ emotions and motivations, and one chapter that’s entirely (and masterfully!) reworked. In the earlier version, Darcy journeys across the Oracle’s island on her own. Now, Tellius joins her on the quest. Their shared adventure makes clear to readers (whether Darcy and Tellius admit it or not) that these two are perfectly matched.

Darcy scowled at him. “You’re really confusing, you know. One day it’s like you hate me, and the next you won’t leave me alone.”
He lowered his brow. “I’ve never hated you, and I’ll always care when you get hurt.”
“Well, I’m all better now.”
He huffed and put his hands on his hips.
“Really!” She jumped once, ignoring how the action made her ankle ache.
Tellius’s gaze turned withering. “You’re not going alone. I’m coming with you.”

A Dramatic Confrontation

The Enchanted is the psychological hingepoint of the Gateway Chronicles. In this fourth volume, the teenage protagonists are maturing into young adulthood, and growing in both their abilities and reliance on one another. Tellius is crowned king, and together with Darcy and her companions, must face down the dark lord Tselloch in their most harrowing confrontation yet.

The relationship between Darcy and Tellius is, hands down, one of the deepest and richest I’ve experienced in young adult literature across genres. Yes, there is physical attraction and a roller-coaster ride of emotions, but their developing romance is not just about sensation. Through her characters, K.B. Hoyle gives readers a gift: meaningful insight into what real love looks like. There’s a deep commitment beneath the waves of action and emotion—a willingness to place the other’s interests above one’s own, to sacrifice and even die for one another.

As in The White Thread, the revised version of The Enchanted includes many reworked scenes and additions that will delight existing Gateway fans and deepen the experience for newcomers. One whole chapter—a duel between Darcy and Tellius!—is almost entirely new. In the previous Enchanted, Tellius’ actions sometimes left me feeling just as confused and angry with him as Darcy is. In this new edition, there are many wonderful, telling glimpses into his character that help reveal his true thoughts and intentions, even when his actions might suggest otherwise.

She risked a look up, into his face. His expression was almost blank, but his jaw was tight and his lips pursed and twitching, and deep in his eyes, something was turning—like he might shout at her or burst into tears, or both. But he nodded tersely and lowered his arms.

By the end of The Enchanted, you’ll find yourself more deeply invested than ever in Hoyle’s characters, and in your desire to see them triumph in their quest. But the greatest perils lie ahead…

Note: The first volume of the Gateway Chronicles, The Six, is now available on audiobook! Click here for details.