The Crimson Gate

Gr 10 Up—This series installment gives readers a bloody and inventive second look at a world gone awry in the wake of a cult's international takeover. Harlow Wintergreen is a teenager torn between two loves and in hot pursuit of the evil, blood-thirsty goddess Isiris, who has hijacked her appearance and dreams. Now the real Harlow must track Isiris across a violent and virus-riddled world to save her friends and the rest of humanity before the apocalypse arrives and Isiris remakes the world in her own horrific image. Miller presents Harlow as an independent female protagonist through two temporally alternating narratives, one set "before" Harlow's push past the titular gate and one set "after." The effect is slightly jarring but in keeping with the overall atmosphere, expertly creating additional suspense. Although the story does prominently feature a love triangle, the protagonist's internal and external struggle with it is a refreshing departure from the genre's norm. Those who can tolerate torture scenes and a certain level of gore will enjoy this novel. Although this book isn't recommended for the squeamish, fans of The Walking Dead who wish for more world travel and cult conspiracies will likely be pleased.