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Windsingers #3
The Limbreth Gate
The Limbreth Gate is book three in The Windsingers series, following Harpy’s Flight and The Windsingers, which introduced her popular gypsy characters, Ki and Vandien.
Ki’s enemies entice her to the domain of the Limbreth, a bored and arrogant local god. He reveals to Ki the secrets of her past, and forces her to view her brief life from his own timeless perspective, thereby manipulating her to do his will. From this spell, Ki’s lover Vandien, assisted by a savage Brurjan, attempt to rescue her. But what is the difference between “rescue” and “kidnapping” – snatching her away from her chance for enlightenment and creative fulfillment? And who is to say what one’s purpose in life should be?
Ki’s enemies entice her to the domain of the Limbreth, a bored and arrogant local god. He reveals to Ki the secrets of her past, and forces her to view her brief life from his own timeless perspective, thereby manipulating her to do his will. From this spell, Ki’s lover Vandien, assisted by a savage Brurjan, attempt to rescue her. But what is the difference between “rescue” and “kidnapping” – snatching her away from her chance for enlightenment and creative fulfillment? And who is to say what one’s purpose in life should be?
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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684 people want to read
About the author
Megan Lindholm
71 books1,000 followersThe author also writes under the pseudonym Robin Hobb. Her real name is Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 1, 2018
Third instalment in the series and Ki and Vandien are drawn into another adventure.
Yoleth, a Windsinger with a personal agenda, has some issues with Ki and builds up a scheme in which to remove her from this world and enter through a Limbreths’ gate, without the possibility to come back.
We follow Ki into this new world and not only that; the inhabitants of this world live in peace and harmony with all living things, do not eat meat or put animals to work. The river’s water makes one to forget all memories, feelings and beliefs and follow only the Limbreths’ call. Vandien finds out something is wrong and tries to enter through the Gate in order to save Ki, until is too late.
The story is enjoyable enough but drags on more than one occasion. We find out a secret from Ki’s life which could have been developed further but, unfortunately, it is not. And I appreciate the author’s love for nature and animals which is shown in every of her books, but somehow here it was used to a worldbuilding not to my liking. Or better said, I did not like the end of the path for an outsider in the Limbreths’ world.
Anyway, for a short holiday it was a lovely read and, as always, Lindholm/Hobb’s writing makes the story worthy of your time.
Yoleth, a Windsinger with a personal agenda, has some issues with Ki and builds up a scheme in which to remove her from this world and enter through a Limbreths’ gate, without the possibility to come back.
We follow Ki into this new world and not only that; the inhabitants of this world live in peace and harmony with all living things, do not eat meat or put animals to work. The river’s water makes one to forget all memories, feelings and beliefs and follow only the Limbreths’ call. Vandien finds out something is wrong and tries to enter through the Gate in order to save Ki, until is too late.
The story is enjoyable enough but drags on more than one occasion. We find out a secret from Ki’s life which could have been developed further but, unfortunately, it is not. And I appreciate the author’s love for nature and animals which is shown in every of her books, but somehow here it was used to a worldbuilding not to my liking. Or better said, I did not like the end of the path for an outsider in the Limbreths’ world.
Anyway, for a short holiday it was a lovely read and, as always, Lindholm/Hobb’s writing makes the story worthy of your time.
October 14, 2022
It not only improves on part 2 but also adds context and meaning to it. While not as good or deep as part 1, this is a story that works really well, has some darker elements and does to trope of seperating our protagonists right. I both hope for and dread there beeing consequences in the next book.
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October 31, 2024Sadly and sort of shockingly for me tbh I will be adding this to the DNF pile. Seems weird to get halfway through the third book in a three book series and pack it in...
Also this is written by Robin Hobb, literally one of my top fav authors of all time - which is why I trudged my way through the first two books and into the third.
Life is too short and there are too many other books pulling at my soul. Sorry Hobb, this series was not for me ❤️
Also this is written by Robin Hobb, literally one of my top fav authors of all time - which is why I trudged my way through the first two books and into the third.
Life is too short and there are too many other books pulling at my soul. Sorry Hobb, this series was not for me ❤️
September 25, 2016
Megan Lindholm is able to give heroism to 'common' people as KI and Vandien, who are able to survive their adventures in determination alone. At the same time she is able to create a world full of magic around them, which feels very natural.
I also love the addition of the new character Hollyika to this mix.
I also love the addition of the new character Hollyika to this mix.
November 11, 2017
This is an odd book.
I read it without reading the first two books in the series, or anything else by the author under her Megan Lindholm name. I knew of her talent as Robin Hobb of course, and that the switch of pen names was partially driven by a decision to relaunch her career with a more mainstream angle.
Well, now I understand that a little better.
The Limbreth Gate tells the tale of Kip, a gypsy/hero whose enemies trick her into a different world as punishment for the events of the previous books. This world is one dominated by an alien power, one where people lead a life of simplicity, peacefulness, and utter respect to other creatures. They hate the sun and will eat no meat - and just by being there, Kip starts to become one of them. And on the other side of the gate, the story follows her would-be rescuers and two people of the world beyond the gate, forced through to maintain balance.
The adjustment to new circumstances of Kip, and those forced beyond the Limbreth Gate, makes up the meat of the book. This is a story of philosophical enlightenment and traveling. There's maybe only one fight. The magic is powerful and pervasive, but a far cry from the wizards' spells and and learning that we are used to. We don't meddle in the affairs of the mighty, or see the whole continent, or any of that. In short, we do virtually none of the things we're used to doing in fantasy.
It's quite refreshing and, personally, its a shame that the career took off as Hobb rather than Lindholm because I prefer her ideas here. However, her writing isn't yet as refined here. The prose has a pleasingly poetic touch but less would have been more; it lacks the directness of Hobb's writing. More distractingly, the plot is uneven, meandering along over the same point repeatedly before suddenly accelerating over what I thought would be important ground. I read this book in a very stop-start way, partly due to life, but mainly due to the book.
The characterisation - often held up as *the* Hobb strength - is good. Some people says it doesn't compare but I'm happy with it. The complaint made by some who've read the whole series that Kip is annoyingly different isn't one I can comment on all that much, but I can believe it. All I can really say is caveat emptor if considering starting the series based on this review.
And I would like people to read these books based on this review. There's some flaws here in terms of the prose, and the quirks mean this isn't for everyone*, but most of the book is an enjoyable read. Those looking for an adventure fantasy that puts the emphasis more on fantasy and less on blood and guts, but don't want the fairy tale style of Gaiman, might well find what they're looking for here. I'm not sure I'm that person myself, but I'd like that person to find these books if they haven't.
*But then what is?
I read it without reading the first two books in the series, or anything else by the author under her Megan Lindholm name. I knew of her talent as Robin Hobb of course, and that the switch of pen names was partially driven by a decision to relaunch her career with a more mainstream angle.
Well, now I understand that a little better.
The Limbreth Gate tells the tale of Kip, a gypsy/hero whose enemies trick her into a different world as punishment for the events of the previous books. This world is one dominated by an alien power, one where people lead a life of simplicity, peacefulness, and utter respect to other creatures. They hate the sun and will eat no meat - and just by being there, Kip starts to become one of them. And on the other side of the gate, the story follows her would-be rescuers and two people of the world beyond the gate, forced through to maintain balance.
The adjustment to new circumstances of Kip, and those forced beyond the Limbreth Gate, makes up the meat of the book. This is a story of philosophical enlightenment and traveling. There's maybe only one fight. The magic is powerful and pervasive, but a far cry from the wizards' spells and and learning that we are used to. We don't meddle in the affairs of the mighty, or see the whole continent, or any of that. In short, we do virtually none of the things we're used to doing in fantasy.
It's quite refreshing and, personally, its a shame that the career took off as Hobb rather than Lindholm because I prefer her ideas here. However, her writing isn't yet as refined here. The prose has a pleasingly poetic touch but less would have been more; it lacks the directness of Hobb's writing. More distractingly, the plot is uneven, meandering along over the same point repeatedly before suddenly accelerating over what I thought would be important ground. I read this book in a very stop-start way, partly due to life, but mainly due to the book.
The characterisation - often held up as *the* Hobb strength - is good. Some people says it doesn't compare but I'm happy with it. The complaint made by some who've read the whole series that Kip is annoyingly different isn't one I can comment on all that much, but I can believe it. All I can really say is caveat emptor if considering starting the series based on this review.
And I would like people to read these books based on this review. There's some flaws here in terms of the prose, and the quirks mean this isn't for everyone*, but most of the book is an enjoyable read. Those looking for an adventure fantasy that puts the emphasis more on fantasy and less on blood and guts, but don't want the fairy tale style of Gaiman, might well find what they're looking for here. I'm not sure I'm that person myself, but I'd like that person to find these books if they haven't.
*But then what is?
June 23, 2022
5 sterren- Nederlandse paperback
Wat een heerlijk boek is dit! Zoals ook de vorige delen van deze reeks is de schrijfstijl prettig & het verhaal spannend en meeslepend.
Ki en Vandien beleven weer enorme avonturen. Het is niet voor de hand liggend en het verhaal word nooit saai!
Je kan het boek niet weglegggen en tegelijker tijd is het jammer als je het uit hebt.
Dit boek lezen is genieten! Op naar get volgend deel
Wat een heerlijk boek is dit! Zoals ook de vorige delen van deze reeks is de schrijfstijl prettig & het verhaal spannend en meeslepend.
Ki en Vandien beleven weer enorme avonturen. Het is niet voor de hand liggend en het verhaal word nooit saai!
Je kan het boek niet weglegggen en tegelijker tijd is het jammer als je het uit hebt.
Dit boek lezen is genieten! Op naar get volgend deel
March 2, 2010
Not really my favourite of the quartet. I find it somewhat wince-worthy, somehow -- I don't like seeing Ki the way she is in this book, really. Still, the world-building that I love continues, hinting at some larger events, and also filling in parts of Ki's past with the deftest touches -- filling in about her mother, explaining why the harpies attacked her family...
Ki and Vandien are an awesome couple, strong both together and alone. In fact, the way they seem to have to be separated before the plot kicks off, in this book and the second book, suggests that together they're a lot stronger, because they temper each other -- Ki's caution tempers Vandien's impulsiveness, but he pushes/tugs her on to do things she wouldn't otherwise do.
I have to pause for a second to appreciate again how strong Ki's character is while also being feminine -- not really conforming to any stereotypes.
Ki and Vandien are an awesome couple, strong both together and alone. In fact, the way they seem to have to be separated before the plot kicks off, in this book and the second book, suggests that together they're a lot stronger, because they temper each other -- Ki's caution tempers Vandien's impulsiveness, but he pushes/tugs her on to do things she wouldn't otherwise do.
I have to pause for a second to appreciate again how strong Ki's character is while also being feminine -- not really conforming to any stereotypes.
September 19, 2012
...Maybe this third book in the quartet is the most difficult to appreciate. In terms of structure and emotional charge it is the best of the quartet so far I think but definitely a more challenging read than the previous two. Lindholm is clearly progressing as a writer over the course of this series. Something that can be seen in the final volume, Luck of the Wheels (1989), as well. Ki and Vandien remain two of Lindhom's most intriguing creations and I am very much enjoying to way in which she develops these characters. The Limbreth Gate made me want to reach for the next one immediately after finishing it. Unfortunately there is a to read stack to consider though, it will have to wait its turn. I will try to read and review that book before the year is out and wrap up this series.
Full Random Comments review
Full Random Comments review
October 4, 2020
I was pleased to find that for me this book improved from the last one in the series. There is an expansion of the Windsingers and a bit more backstory into Ki which gives a bit more meaning behind her life and the events that have happened so far. The side characters were more interesting -I particularly liked Chess, a young boy in a rough situation who finds his own path. The ending did feel a little abrupt though. I would have liked a little more to resettle after all that has happened and for characters to reconnect. Overall a good addition to the quartet, I'm interested to see where this will go in the final book.
December 17, 2020
This 3rd book in the series is stronger than the 2nd, even though once again Ki and Vandien are apart for most of it. Despite this, their love for each other is very obvious, and yet again a lovely example of a strong couple that support and respect each other.
A different problem this time to solve, and a new character to add to the very good characters already developed by Lindholm. A clear look into the excellence that develops in her later books with Fitz and the Fool.
A different problem this time to solve, and a new character to add to the very good characters already developed by Lindholm. A clear look into the excellence that develops in her later books with Fitz and the Fool.
April 1, 2008
The weakest of the Ki and Vandien books. Like Windsingers, too much time is spent on separate plotlines for Ki and Vandien, and Ki's storyline is particularly unsatisfying, as she is not Ki through most of it.
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/667882...
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/667882...
June 28, 2021
Yet another unputdownable story of Ki and Vandien.
This time, the Windsinger council are plotting against Ki, as they have discovered exactly who she is, and so Yoleth, one of the council, who hates what Ki is, and wants to use her to gain enough power to lead the council in her own way, tricks Ki into going through the Limbreth Gate, and onto another world, where there is no return.
What she didn't plan for, though, is Rebeke finding out about it and, as the only Windsinger with the true shape and strength of the Windsingers of ancient times, who got to that position thanks to the help she had from Ki and Vandien, Rebeke decides to do something about it.
But, before she can act, Vandien decides that he is going to go after Ki, and get her back however he can. The circumstances of his interference brings troubles all around, and it will take a miracle to find Ki, and bring her back home.
This was yet another story that the reader has to sift through layer upon layer of complexities. Where characters aren't always what they seem, and where, sometimes, it's the smallest things that can make the biggest differences.
I loved it, and now want to read the last book in the Ki and Vandien quartet: Luck of the Wheels - that's after I've caught up on my sleep, of course! Lol
This time, the Windsinger council are plotting against Ki, as they have discovered exactly who she is, and so Yoleth, one of the council, who hates what Ki is, and wants to use her to gain enough power to lead the council in her own way, tricks Ki into going through the Limbreth Gate, and onto another world, where there is no return.
What she didn't plan for, though, is Rebeke finding out about it and, as the only Windsinger with the true shape and strength of the Windsingers of ancient times, who got to that position thanks to the help she had from Ki and Vandien, Rebeke decides to do something about it.
But, before she can act, Vandien decides that he is going to go after Ki, and get her back however he can. The circumstances of his interference brings troubles all around, and it will take a miracle to find Ki, and bring her back home.
This was yet another story that the reader has to sift through layer upon layer of complexities. Where characters aren't always what they seem, and where, sometimes, it's the smallest things that can make the biggest differences.
I loved it, and now want to read the last book in the Ki and Vandien quartet: Luck of the Wheels - that's after I've caught up on my sleep, of course! Lol
September 2, 2024
Again with the windsinger quartet we are seeing the gestation of what would end up being the genuis of Robin Hobb. Here however the plot does literally plod on too slowly and it will be a slog to read; I only plowed through because I'm obsessed with RH and wanted to see the seeds of her writing.
The characters are great though and charming, well described and you will end of caring for them, something that will only strengthen when she eventually moves on to the Elderly epic.
On its own merits i wouldn't really recommend it but like me if you want to see how RH went from caterpillar to butterfly this will interest you.
The characters are great though and charming, well described and you will end of caring for them, something that will only strengthen when she eventually moves on to the Elderly epic.
On its own merits i wouldn't really recommend it but like me if you want to see how RH went from caterpillar to butterfly this will interest you.
March 16, 2022
The Limbreth gate is portal between two worlds. Ki is lured through it thinking Vandien has gone before when one goes through another comes out and this Chess ends up in a very different world. Canadian find out and manages to break through to go after Ki. We found out notes about her and why most of the windsingers are not her friend.
February 25, 2023
The Limbreth was the whole world, the people, the plants, the land and the weather. It was lonely and bored and found Ki to be exceptionally interesting. Lured through the manufactured gate by thinking she was following Vandien and bewitched by drinking the water from the streams we are led to wonder if she will survive and escape.
February 15, 2024
I love these books following the lives of Ki an Vandien. I thought it could of gone on a little longer I never want these books to end. Going through the gate is like a parallel universe but not one I'd like to live in.
September 14, 2017
My favorite of the 3 in the series. I love the strange world they inhabit. I admire the skill of her writing going all the way back to her days writing under Lindholm.
June 29, 2018
Great story, terrible ending. The Limbreth is/are fare more interesting than the windsingers, which featured so heavily in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Very different from Robin Hobb, more mystical. The whole book seemed too slow and dreamy.
April 5, 2023
This one took me months to read. It was... really rather dull and Ki basically had her personality drained from her. It was due to the Limbreth ofc, but that didnt change thr meandering pace.
March 12, 2017
Not bad at all, the only other books from Robin Hobb/Megan Lindholm that I actually like... The Ship and Shaman series failed to drag me in but bot this one.
February 10, 2017
Really good with some crazy plot twists that revealed things from the earlier books I would not have guessed.
September 19, 2014
Again, I loved it... But it made me sad. Plus, it's a lot like that dream where you're trying to run away from something but the faster you try to go, the slower you actually move. Ki is on a bad journey and won't snap out of it and Vandien can't catch up. Throw in a random brute, a jealous bitch, and a few other incidental characters (some we already know), and that's pretty much it.
Will he catch up in time? Will they get out?
Well, if course. The real question is how many times can they get a pass before the Windsinger connection ruins everything.
Poor Vandien. He gets some real scars in this one.
Will he catch up in time? Will they get out?
Well, if course. The real question is how many times can they get a pass before the Windsinger connection ruins everything.
Poor Vandien. He gets some real scars in this one.
April 23, 2009
This was the best of this series so far...A big fan of Robin Hobb, I was curious when I heard about these earlier books written under the name Megan Lindholm.
Beginning with the second book, The Windsingers, I could see some of the elements and themes which Ms. Lindholm developed in the Mad Ship series. The Ancients feel like the Others in the Mad Ship series...a species alien and powerful and almost unfathamable to humans. The charactors are not totally good or evil--but only perspective makes them so.
Beginning with the second book, The Windsingers, I could see some of the elements and themes which Ms. Lindholm developed in the Mad Ship series. The Ancients feel like the Others in the Mad Ship series...a species alien and powerful and almost unfathamable to humans. The charactors are not totally good or evil--but only perspective makes them so.
November 18, 2012
Hier herken ik Robin Hobb weer in!
Spannend, apart. Beter dan deel 2 en een heel stuk beter dan deel 1.
Nu kom je pas te weten waarom de kinderen van Ki zijn gedood, wel een beetje laat. Ook in de Boeken … had ze er een handje van om pas na verloop van tijd duidelijkheid over achtergronden te geven, en dan nog steeds niet volledig. Hier zitten ook nog andere elementen in van de Boeken…: die stenen bijvoorbeeld. Er is nog een vierde deel, want dit verhaal is nog niet uitverteld, maar in deze uitgave moet die nog vertaald worden.
Spannend, apart. Beter dan deel 2 en een heel stuk beter dan deel 1.
Nu kom je pas te weten waarom de kinderen van Ki zijn gedood, wel een beetje laat. Ook in de Boeken … had ze er een handje van om pas na verloop van tijd duidelijkheid over achtergronden te geven, en dan nog steeds niet volledig. Hier zitten ook nog andere elementen in van de Boeken…: die stenen bijvoorbeeld. Er is nog een vierde deel, want dit verhaal is nog niet uitverteld, maar in deze uitgave moet die nog vertaald worden.
September 27, 2008
It's interesting to see an author grow. I've done it in reverse, reading Megan Lindholm era books after having read Robin Hobb's Farseer books. It's possible to see the writer she was going to become, ... but she isn't there yet, in this series. I'm glad I'm nearly finished with it--not because it's bad (though of the quartet, this book is particularly dull) but because it isn't anything like as good as it ought to be.
April 28, 2018
3.5 stars. This book really surprised me for the better. After reading the two previous books in the series, I was not expecting to enjoy this one quite as much as I did. But I did. I can't really explain it other than to say that I cared for Ki and Vandien and wanted to know what would happen to them. Overall, a very decent read.
March 10, 2015
This book. Oh, this book. All I can say is: the feels! I look forward to reading the last book - which was the first of the series that I'd ever read. I don't remember it at all, but know that I loved it dearly.
July 10, 2008
While this book didn't really go anywhere, it did keep me engrossed. The characters were interesting and it had some unique ideas.
February 2, 2012
Até agora, o pior da série.
Não gostei das 'filosofias' do Limbreth, nem da maneira como descarta alguns personagens.
Não gostei das 'filosofias' do Limbreth, nem da maneira como descarta alguns personagens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews