Why read The Pomegranate Gate?

Book cover of The Pomegranate Gate

Book description

The first adventure in the Mirror Realm Cycle, a Spanish Inquisition-era fantasy trilogy inspired by Jewish folklore, with echoes of Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden.

Toba Peres can speak, but not shout; sleep, but not dream. She can write with both hands at once, in different languages, but she keeps…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Pomegranate Gate as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Douglas Weissman

Author

It was one of the rare books I've found that created full fantasy based of Jewish myths and legends, rather than stop at magical realism. It was incredibly immersive in its world-building with established characters and a great sense of wonder that permeated every page, with a pace that kept pushing both in the "real" world and in the magical one.

From Douglas' 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Judith Starkston

Author

The Pomegranate Gate takes place in two realms—Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and a fantastical realm of the semi-immortal Maziks that is inspired by Jewish folklore and mysticism. Its complex conspiracies and heartbreaking betrayals kept me glued to the page.

The two main characters, Toba and Naftaly, are humans with mysterious Mazik connections. Both are endearingly quirky and faulty, flavored with humor. Being heroic is the last thing either would expect of themselves, and yet both won over other characters’ loyalties and my heart.

From Judith's 3 favorite reads in 2023.