The Pomegranate Gate

A fantastic book in the true sense of the word. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

What an absolute thrill ride! The truest example if a fantasy action adventure that everyone will adore.

We follow Toba and Naftaly in a myth inspired tale filled with heritage, deception, persecution, magic and love as they must flee religious persecution and end up finding things out about themselves they never expected.

Honestly I loved ~everything~ about this book. There were some unknown aspects to me given it is centred around Jewish characters, but they author guides you through with ease especially as there are fae-like folk and the story building of that to wrap one’s head around as well. My edition had a helpful glossary in the back for the religious terms I was unfamiliar with. It was all blended beautifully. I’d be interested in a Jewish person’s perspective of how this read!

The pace of the storytelling is so well done, which is harder with split perspective- and there was never a time I got tired of one or the other.

The romance between Naftaly and Bartisly was so delightful and heart-meltingly sweet when I realised what was going on.

I’m so so excited for the next books in the series.

I received an early proof from Solaris - thank you.

Beautifully plotted, this gorgeous tale weaves its way through the lives of several people: connected in strange ways. Jewish history and mythology are as subtly meshed together as the lives of the protagonists, which become more and more entangled as their choices, fates and heritage catch up with them...

Although this book is medium rather than fast-paced, I was unable to stop reading, as the story of a girl discovering who she truly is steps into the story of a young man fleeing violent persecution, underlaying a story of court politics and a long-hidden secret, and a savage inquisition raging in two worlds. It’s a wonderfully crafted jewel-box of a book, opening up with every page to give you new details and secrets as the truth begins to bloom. There’s high drama and subtle romance and dark tragedy, but also a good deal of humour and a deft tone, told in prose that is smooth without being flowery. I was completely enchanted and am hoping for a sequel!

The Pomegranate Gate by Ariel Kaplan is a thrilling fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey through two different worlds bound by a mysterious gate. The story follows Toba Peres and Naftaly Cresques, two characters with unique abilities and experiences. When the Queen of Sefarad orders all Jews to leave or convert, Toba and Naftaly are forced to flee, but they soon become separated. Toba finds herself in an ancient world, where she discovers that her fate, as well as Naftaly's, is bound to a dangerous conflict that threatens to destroy both worlds.

Kaplan's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with them. The fantasy elements of the novel are intriguing, especially the mysterious pomegranate gate that connects the two worlds. The story's themes of identity, belonging, and the consequences of power are relevant and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Pomegranate Gate is an exciting and well-written fantasy novel that will captivate readers with its unique world-building and relatable characters. Kaplan's storytelling skills shine through, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.

"The Pomegranate Gate" by Ariel Kaplan is a mesmerizing tale of two worlds bound together by a mystical gateway. Toba Peres and Naftaly Cresques are forced to flee their home after the Queen of Sefarad orders all Jews to leave or convert. However, an unfortunate encounter separates them, and Toba finds herself following an orange-eyed stranger through a pomegranate grove into a mysterious ancient world.

Kaplan's intricate and poetic writing style creates a vivid image of both the real and the ancient world, making it easy for readers to be fully immersed in the story. The characters of Toba and Naftaly are complex and relatable, making their journey and their plight all the more emotional.

The use of the pomegranate gate as a linking device between the two worlds is both creative and unique, making the story all the more intriguing. The underlying theme of an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy both realms adds a layer of tension and urgency to the plot.

Overall, "The Pomegranate Gate" is a beautifully crafted and imaginative novel that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and history. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating and thought-provoking story.

I absolutely LOVED this. The world building was beautifully polished, I could see the logic behind all the magic, and the use of Jewish myths was artful. The characters were delightful, I was rooting for all the right people right through, and can only be happy the ending suggests more to come. Recommended.

Toba - half mazik - brought to the other realm by Barsilay and Asmel. Staying in asmel’s castle.
Naftaly - son of a tailor, a bad tailor himself.
the inquisition tells all jews to convert or leave penniless. He leaves with a convoy, sees Toba disappear and stays with Tobas grandma, Elena and the old woman in a small town untill the next moon.
The book has two narrators Toba and Naftaly, both young I think around 20.
In the Toba part we follow her learning more about the Maziks and their magic and learning more about herself and what she can do.
Naftaly is accompanied by Elena and “The Old Woman” trying to find Toba and getting into trouble.
The book is truly incredible and the first Jewish fantasy book I’ve read. The worldbuilding is SO good and detailed. The book starts with a glossary of people, places and names which is very helpful following everything. The book has taken very real parts of history in the inquisition and the repeated forcing of Jews to convert. While the book is heavy and very sad at times, “The Old Woman” is the true star of jokes and one liners. Every character is so well fleshed out. I cannot wait for the next part of this series. The way this book sucked me in, was just stellar. A true 5 star read for me. The book has two delightful queer characters and hope to read more about them in the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the earc.

P.S. I read the British version from NetGalley, but going to assume besides spelling the book is the same.

Anyone looking for some epic high fantasy would be well-served looking out for this novel. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC.

When I started reading The Pomegranate Gate, I had some reservations. Historical fantasy can be very hit or miss for me, and with so many POV characters, I was concerned the complex plot would come across as disjointed and confusing.

My fears were totally unfounded.

While the first few chapters were slightly puzzling — which is true of most epic fantasy, where it takes a reader a moment to find their feet — the promise of answers and the cast of loveable characters kept me engaged. I adore Toba with all my heart, and her interactions with Barsilay often made me laugh out loud. I found Naftaly to be the most relatable; I know you’re not meant to quote ARCS, but these lines cemented his character for me; “Naftaly […] never felt a desire to change diapers or have a house of his own: somehow, even his eyes had never been able to see that far. What he wanted was simpler: to be useful, to anyone.” Don’t even get me started on ‘the old woman’ (in true folktale fashion, we don’t ever discover her name). If the next book I read doesn’t feature a hero with a grumpy, sarcastic, old woman following them around and pulling them out of trouble, I don’t want it!

The Pomegranate Gate is not a retelling, but folktales clearly inspired the novel. There are moments that seem oddly familiar, almost nostalgic, and yet totally unique in the same instance — a surefire sign of a talented storyteller. And, while I’m gushing about Kaplan’s talents, let’s talk about the plot. I’m in total awe of Kaplan’s ability to weave such an intricate, detailed narrative. The Pomegranate Gate is as much a mosaic as it is an epic fantasy; drops of information are shared in one character’s POV, and only later do we discover it was foreshadowing a plot point in another character’s journey. When all the 'tiles' begin to click together, it’s incredibly satisfying. Yet, by the end of the novel, there are still more pieces to uncover. The next instalment can't come soon enough.

The Pomegranate Gate is a truly fantastic start to this historical, portal fantasy series, and I would recommend it to anyone that loved The Priory of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty and The Wolf & The Woodsman by Ava Reid.

I was initially drawn to this book because it's a Jewish fantasy. I loved the natural weaving in of Shabbat, mikveh and other Jewish cultural & religious aspects of life. I think they fell into the story perfectly and were just allowed to exist as part of the world - I loved that because at times it seems authors are made to labour too much over educating the reader over elements like this.

I really enjoyed how this story differed from my expectations. I was expecting Toba and Naftaly to be LIs for one another, given that they're the MCs. However they weren't! Instead we got what a beautiful relationship between Naftaly and Barsilay which I'm really hoping grows in the sequel.

I also loved Toba as an MC, especially when it came to her relationships with other characters. Elena's brutal, selfish love for her granddaughter was so compelling to read. Toba's dynamic with Toba Bet was also amazing - two characters from one was just such a fun concept that played into the plot so well. I mean the ending was just incredible - it was not something I saw coming but I loved it (brutal as it was for one character). Toba Bet and Asmel's relationship was interesting - I'm not sure how into her infatuation with him I am, especially since she's a descendant of his wife. I enjoy the dynamic between Toba and Asmel as a mentor/mentee kind of thing (or something paternal).

I'm so excited for the rest of this series - there's so many characters I want to spend more time with including all I've already mentioned as well as the Courser, the Peregrine and the Old Woman (who I feel must have more going on than we realise).