Loins girded, knives sharpened
Mantle of the World Ruler
by Kate Gateley
Altona: Friesen Press, 2023
$31.99 / 9781039155251
Reviewed by Myshara McMyn
*
Kate Gateley’s second novel, Mantle of the World Ruler, is as epic as its predecessor with new serving of action, magic, and romance.
After finishing Tides of the Sovereign, I was a bit skeptical about diving back into a world whose characters I didn’t feel entirely connected to. Even so, I felt that Julia and Domhnall might need another chance to convince me. The world and magic system had enticed me, and I decided that was reason enough to learn more about what Julia and Dom were going to encounter as they moved towards their fated moment.
Julia’s character development topped the first novel. She’s learning from her mistakes and understanding where her reactions to Domhnall are coming from. In the first novel, I wasn’t wholly a fan of her because she kept assuming that Dom was treating her like a helpless woman. In reality, he was reacting with his peculiar trauma as well: having failed to protect her in all their previous lives, Dom wants nothing more than to finally succeed in protecting the woman he loves. Eventually, both end up realizing how their actions are affecting one another and are able to find ways to communicate that they want to change their behaviours. Their actions reflect their personal evolution as well, and I could see the beginnings of a healthier relationship blooming between these lovers lost in time.
I spoke about the pacing of the first novel in my review of Tides of the Sovereign, and I would be remiss not to mention it here. This second novel feels quite long, but the downtime the characters have is more constructive this time around. Cowichan Valley author Gateley strengthens the connections between the characters as they prepare for the challenges they were about to face. Mantle still loses a bit of tension as the story meanders through Dom and Julia’s romantic daydreams, but reader do feel lost in the possible future with them. When those parts subside, the action and tension pick up.
The magic system became clearer as more of it was explained. It’s complicated, with different magic users being able to acquire and use magic differently, but now that we’re seeing more from Cassius’ point of view, it’s clear how his magic differs from Julia’s and why he hunts her through time. Julia draws her power from the water around her, finding herself more powerful the closer she is to a well, ocean, or lake. She understands the give-and-take of her magic and that she isn’t the only one who decides if her choices are worthy. It can be a crime of natural to take more than is due to you.
Cassius is different. He steals magic from the life-force of the people around him. He drains them, leaving them for dead in a trail of bodies that keeps Julia and Dom up to date on his movements. The reason that Julia gains so many allies, she learns, is because of the imbalance Cassius has caused the natural world. There are many groups and individuals who feel nature’s offence and wish to help.
Gateley has given us a beautiful second novel that sets up the Lost Wells Trilogy for an epic finale. Julia is almost ready to face Cassius, and their many allies are getting into place… I’m glad I gave Julia and Domhnall another chance. They’ve convinced me that their tale is a worthy one.
*
Myshara McMyn is a marketing coordinator, social media manager, and aspiring writer living in the Shuswap. She runs the blog Lit&Leta. She spends her time teaching Dungeons and Dragons, reading as much as she can, and helping out on her family’s farm. She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing. [Editor’s note: Myshara McMyn has reviewed books by Elle Tesch, Jae Waller, Kate Gateley, S.M. Freedman, Tiana Warner, Brooke Carter, Becky Parisotto, Sara Desai, Tara Moss, and Sonya Lalli for BCR.]
*
The British Columbia Review
Interim Editors, 2023-26: Trevor Marc Hughes (non-fiction), Brett Josef Grubisic (fiction and poetry)
Publisher: Richard Mackie
Formerly The Ormsby Review, The British Columbia Review is an online book review and journal service for BC writers and readers. The Advisory Board now consists of Jean Barman, Wade Davis, Robin Fisher, Barry Gough, Hugh Johnston, Kathy Mezei, Patricia Roy, and Graeme Wynn. Provincial Government Patron (since September 2018): Creative BC. Honorary Patron: Yosef Wosk. Scholarly Patron: SFU Graduate Liberal Studies. The British Columbia Review was founded in 2016 by Richard Mackie and Alan Twigg.
“Only connect.” –E.M. Forster