From Publishers Weekly
Card's newest series opener can't decide whether it's a thought experiment featuring a nifty magic system, a YA urban fantasy, or a series of fantasy interludes, so it settles for performing all three tasks satisfactorily, if not spectacularly. Danny North, descendant of exiled mages from another world, is taken aback when he comes into his true powers as a gatemage. He could reconnect his people with their long-lost home world, but gatemages are usually killed to maintain a fragile peace among the exiled clans. Fleeing his home, Danny finds refuge and slowly explores his potential, planning to open the first Great Gate in 14 centuries. Meanwhile, on the far-off world of Westil, a young gatemage named Wad finds love, conspiracies, and betrayal in a remote castle while struggling to recall his hazy past. Though occasionally uneven and meandering, this ambitious tale is well crafted, highly detailed, and pleasantly accessible. (Jan.)
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Review
As always, everyone will be struck by the power of Cards children, always more and less than human, perfect yet struggling, tragic yet hopeful, wondrous and strange.--_Publishers Weekly_ starred review on Ender's Shadow _
*Threads from all the other books in the series flow through this narrative,which fills gaps, fleshes out familiar characterizations, and introduces well-limned new ones. Enders angst, combined with his handling of the intrigue swirling around him, ensures the depth for which the series is famous.--*Booklist_ on Ender in Exile