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The Gate
Bryan Armstrong and Kyle Detwiler, two college students on the cusp of graduation, are the lucky winners of a contest to become interns on the paranormal television show The Specter Slayers.
Their excitement turns to jubilation when they discover that they'll be aiding in the investigation of The Danver Church, one of the most haunted places in America. Nestled in the remote mountains of Pennsylvania, the church is world renowned for the massacre that occurred there forty years earlier.
Accompanied by best-selling horror author Katie Upshaw, they attempt to survive a dream job that quickly turns into a nightmare. The church, adorned with satanic symbols and imagery, is the home of things far worse than any of them could have imagined.
Their excitement turns to jubilation when they discover that they'll be aiding in the investigation of The Danver Church, one of the most haunted places in America. Nestled in the remote mountains of Pennsylvania, the church is world renowned for the massacre that occurred there forty years earlier.
Accompanied by best-selling horror author Katie Upshaw, they attempt to survive a dream job that quickly turns into a nightmare. The church, adorned with satanic symbols and imagery, is the home of things far worse than any of them could have imagined.
Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2012
15 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Jason Brant
35Ìýbooks278Ìýfollowers"JASON BRANT" is an anagram for Bas Trojann, a former Bigfoot hunter who, after being abducted (and subsequently returned) by aliens, decided to hang up his ghillie suit and enter the world of professional arm wrestling. Despite back-to-back first place finishes in the South Dakota World International Championship League, Bas receded from athletics to invent cheese and give Al Gore the initiative to create the internet.
Nearly a decade after writing the bestselling self-help series, Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (Cut into Four Pieces) for the Soul, Bas has left his life of notoriety and critical acclaim behind him to write existential, erotic poetry.
His wife washes their clothing on his abs.
Nearly a decade after writing the bestselling self-help series, Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (Cut into Four Pieces) for the Soul, Bas has left his life of notoriety and critical acclaim behind him to write existential, erotic poetry.
His wife washes their clothing on his abs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 17, 2021
The Gate
By: Jason Brant
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
This is a creepy story filled with a lot more than a ghostly church. I thought it was going to be a haunted house story with this strange TV ghost hunting group but this is more fantastic and horrible than that!
There is a terrific backstory to the haunted place. The characters are unique and well developed. The world build and atmosphere created is dark and dreadful. The crew assembles and the nightmare begins.
The book starts bringing more and more clues to light until wham! The crew isn't in Kansas anymore Dorothy! Things, creatures, and impossible situations come into being and they have to find a way to survive.
This book is imaginative, creepy, suspenseful, and ends just right! The narration is great too! I received this book from freeaudiblecodes.
By: Jason Brant
Narrated by: Robert Martinez
This is a creepy story filled with a lot more than a ghostly church. I thought it was going to be a haunted house story with this strange TV ghost hunting group but this is more fantastic and horrible than that!
There is a terrific backstory to the haunted place. The characters are unique and well developed. The world build and atmosphere created is dark and dreadful. The crew assembles and the nightmare begins.
The book starts bringing more and more clues to light until wham! The crew isn't in Kansas anymore Dorothy! Things, creatures, and impossible situations come into being and they have to find a way to survive.
This book is imaginative, creepy, suspenseful, and ends just right! The narration is great too! I received this book from freeaudiblecodes.
August 13, 2012
I'm not really certain where the author comes up with his ideas, but I think I'm glad I can only live in his brain through his books. Another great one from him. The book kept me glued wondering what would happen next.
August 20, 2012
Some freaky sh*t with Brant's own dash of humor thrown in. I thought about 2/3 through that I was reading a Sephen King novel.
December 31, 2012
Ummm...let me; okay. I am not a harpy. Can I start there? I feel that to a certain extent I have to disclaimer my reviews of my latest reads because as I mentioned in an earlier review of The Mourning House, I am struggling mightily with the novella format on Kindle, mostly due to the length of the books, and am still viewing them through eyes much more acclimated to the depth that comes with a hundred or more additional pages. Anyway others are reviewing as if they know Mr. Brant and I will feel guilty because I will come off as though I don't think we read the same book.
This book was entertaining and fast paced. Let me start with that. The characters were well described and fleshed out, and Mr. Brant's writing style was great. It is not a hard book to enjoy or get through. There was a lot of dark comedic banter between the characters, and I found myself smiling more than once at their interactions.
Here's where my guilt comes in. Much of why it is so easy to read is that it simply isn't that deep or innovative. While reading it I was reminded over and over of the formula from The Blair Witch Project, which was really cool and innovative when it came out (mostly because of marketing and the first person filming), but is dated now and doesn't translate to books in any profound way. I was also reminded at several points of Quarantine, the movie with Jennifer Carpenter.
What you're left with is a fairly generic concept that is difficult to make shine except through exceptional details, and although the author does a great job of establishing backstory through Katie's subject knowledge, and does a wonderful job of describing surroundings and creatures, he simply doesn't have enough space or real avenue to overcome the simplistic by-numbers overall theme and plot. I felt like I was reading something out of one of those Reader's Digest things they used to have at school book fairs, but with more blecchy gooey descriptions like in The Mist or Creepshow 2 than the rating system of those short stories would allow given the grade level of the audience.
Again. I may simply demand too much. But when I look at the innovation I've seen in some other novellas in the genre, and remember such stories as Sun Dog, Rose Madder, The Regulators...those are mind stretching. Intricate. Impeccably fleshed out and with supernatural twists that defy imagination because they are truly out there. The Gate is not on that level.
These stories also have far more room to stretch their legs, and in this author's defense? That is huge. Game changing. So again, do not take my review and three stars as an indicator that I didn't like this book or that it is not worth reading. I did and it is. I guess I am simply something of a snob, and the book's only real problem was its own spoiled reader in this case!
Recommended for light enjoyment, pacing, thrills and some freaky imagery. Not recommended for those looking for major depth, plot innovation, or old fashioned psychologically satisfying ghost or supernatural horror.
This book was entertaining and fast paced. Let me start with that. The characters were well described and fleshed out, and Mr. Brant's writing style was great. It is not a hard book to enjoy or get through. There was a lot of dark comedic banter between the characters, and I found myself smiling more than once at their interactions.
Here's where my guilt comes in. Much of why it is so easy to read is that it simply isn't that deep or innovative. While reading it I was reminded over and over of the formula from The Blair Witch Project, which was really cool and innovative when it came out (mostly because of marketing and the first person filming), but is dated now and doesn't translate to books in any profound way. I was also reminded at several points of Quarantine, the movie with Jennifer Carpenter.
What you're left with is a fairly generic concept that is difficult to make shine except through exceptional details, and although the author does a great job of establishing backstory through Katie's subject knowledge, and does a wonderful job of describing surroundings and creatures, he simply doesn't have enough space or real avenue to overcome the simplistic by-numbers overall theme and plot. I felt like I was reading something out of one of those Reader's Digest things they used to have at school book fairs, but with more blecchy gooey descriptions like in The Mist or Creepshow 2 than the rating system of those short stories would allow given the grade level of the audience.
Again. I may simply demand too much. But when I look at the innovation I've seen in some other novellas in the genre, and remember such stories as Sun Dog, Rose Madder, The Regulators...those are mind stretching. Intricate. Impeccably fleshed out and with supernatural twists that defy imagination because they are truly out there. The Gate is not on that level.
These stories also have far more room to stretch their legs, and in this author's defense? That is huge. Game changing. So again, do not take my review and three stars as an indicator that I didn't like this book or that it is not worth reading. I did and it is. I guess I am simply something of a snob, and the book's only real problem was its own spoiled reader in this case!
Recommended for light enjoyment, pacing, thrills and some freaky imagery. Not recommended for those looking for major depth, plot innovation, or old fashioned psychologically satisfying ghost or supernatural horror.
September 6, 2012
Bryan didn't want the intern job that his fun-loving football playing best friend, Kyle won, but he needed an internship to graduate. Ghost hunting seemed like such a crock to him, and he wanted no part of that show. He was going to spend the weekend before finals chasing ghosts in an abandoned church in the middle of nowhere instead of studying. The church they will be shooting the show in is shrouded in mystery... several people having gone there and never returned again. Once they find the church, they are thrown into a bizarre world of monsters and and prophetic ancient texts. With a beautiful horror writer and three egotistical and beer-guzzling show hosts, this unlikely crew of five finds their worst nightmare wrapped in the stench of Hell.
The Characters were great in this story. I loved the friendship between Bryan and Kyle, and their banter had me laughing aloud several times while reading. The beautiful, bad ass writer, Katie Upshaw, eerily reminded me of myself in ways. The show crew members were characters I loved to hate. Not far into the book, I was hoping to see them be the first to go if anyone had to die, and the karma that hit them was quite fitting. The story was one that I couldn't easily figure out, which is usually the case with books. I was surprised more than once at a particular turn the story had taken. His monsters are unlike any of the monsters in recent books I've read. They were vividly etched into my memory and thus have now entered my nightmares (thanks, Jason!). This was Jason Brant's longest book so far, but I was still yearning for more at the end. Sequel, please! (that's just me being greedy)
The Characters were great in this story. I loved the friendship between Bryan and Kyle, and their banter had me laughing aloud several times while reading. The beautiful, bad ass writer, Katie Upshaw, eerily reminded me of myself in ways. The show crew members were characters I loved to hate. Not far into the book, I was hoping to see them be the first to go if anyone had to die, and the karma that hit them was quite fitting. The story was one that I couldn't easily figure out, which is usually the case with books. I was surprised more than once at a particular turn the story had taken. His monsters are unlike any of the monsters in recent books I've read. They were vividly etched into my memory and thus have now entered my nightmares (thanks, Jason!). This was Jason Brant's longest book so far, but I was still yearning for more at the end. Sequel, please! (that's just me being greedy)
September 28, 2012
I would actually rate The Gate at 4.5 to 4.75 Stars. Since Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ doesn't allow for a partial star, I rounded up.
Everything I have come to expect from Jason came through in The Gate. The characters are 100% believable. He uses a mix of real life personalities, Smart to Stupid, and the characters feel like you would meet this group in real life, and their interactions would play out as written. I especially enjoyed his 'Specter Slayers' group, and fully approve of how their story line evolves through out the book.
Jason has an extremely vivid imagination, and makes the setting not only believable, but made it feel like real history. He leaves just enough to the imagination that you feel that you want to find the church on Wikipedia or Google to see if what he describes matches what you imagined.
This book had more of a horror feel to it than others he's written, and to be honest, if it was ever made into a movie, I would not go to see it. The book was a little more than I think I could handle. I'm sure my sister and husband would be lining up to see it. It was a perfect pre-halloween book.
My main complaint in the book was the homosexual humor. I think it would have been just as good without the few paragraphs devoted to it, but that's just me.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Gate, and would recommend it to those who enjoy both Thrillers & Horror.
Everything I have come to expect from Jason came through in The Gate. The characters are 100% believable. He uses a mix of real life personalities, Smart to Stupid, and the characters feel like you would meet this group in real life, and their interactions would play out as written. I especially enjoyed his 'Specter Slayers' group, and fully approve of how their story line evolves through out the book.
Jason has an extremely vivid imagination, and makes the setting not only believable, but made it feel like real history. He leaves just enough to the imagination that you feel that you want to find the church on Wikipedia or Google to see if what he describes matches what you imagined.
This book had more of a horror feel to it than others he's written, and to be honest, if it was ever made into a movie, I would not go to see it. The book was a little more than I think I could handle. I'm sure my sister and husband would be lining up to see it. It was a perfect pre-halloween book.
My main complaint in the book was the homosexual humor. I think it would have been just as good without the few paragraphs devoted to it, but that's just me.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Gate, and would recommend it to those who enjoy both Thrillers & Horror.
March 8, 2015
I have been intrigued by The Gate since I first saw it pop-up in my recommended books on Amazon way back in January. Great cover work, it reminds me of The Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. I’ve always loved the contrast of a house of horrors in the happiest place on earth…I digress, back to The Gate.
Imagine if you will, that you’ve been dumped, and you’re dum bass best friend has signed you up to “volunteer� on the worst reality show on television with two drunken hosts. The “job�- to spend the night recording ghosts at the site of a grisly mass murder; oh yeah, it’s the fortieth anniversary of the murder, the only suspect just killed himself the night before and you only find out at the last minute. This is Bryan’s reality.
The Gate has all of the hallmarks that I look for in a book: an escape from reality, one reasonable, rational character (I can identify with this guy compared to all of the fools I deal with on a daily basis), great fast paced action, and some tongue in cheek douchebaggery (Can I say douchebaggery? It’s my review…so I can).
This book had some great buildup and I could not wait to get back to the action and witty dialogue. I have decided that the Leviathan is like cowbell…I want some more.
Imagine if you will, that you’ve been dumped, and you’re dum bass best friend has signed you up to “volunteer� on the worst reality show on television with two drunken hosts. The “job�- to spend the night recording ghosts at the site of a grisly mass murder; oh yeah, it’s the fortieth anniversary of the murder, the only suspect just killed himself the night before and you only find out at the last minute. This is Bryan’s reality.
The Gate has all of the hallmarks that I look for in a book: an escape from reality, one reasonable, rational character (I can identify with this guy compared to all of the fools I deal with on a daily basis), great fast paced action, and some tongue in cheek douchebaggery (Can I say douchebaggery? It’s my review…so I can).
This book had some great buildup and I could not wait to get back to the action and witty dialogue. I have decided that the Leviathan is like cowbell…I want some more.
June 16, 2013
I really, really enjoyed this book.
It was scary, as expected, but not soul destroyingly so. The thought of the existence of a gateway to hell, or even another dimension inhabited by the creatures depicted in this book is enough to send shivers down my spine.
The story was well written, and the description of the church and the surrounding area was so well described, it felt as if I had actually seen it myself. It was also fast paced and kept me interested right through to the surprising end. The characters were great too � the good and the bad, so much so that I wanted to give the ‘Ghost busters� a slap, on more than one occasion.
What I really enjoy about Jason Brant’s writing is that I end up thinking about the story long after I have put the book down. I always walk away with the feeling of ‘what if� ……………nah too scary to go down that route.
A really good read, highly recommended.
It was scary, as expected, but not soul destroyingly so. The thought of the existence of a gateway to hell, or even another dimension inhabited by the creatures depicted in this book is enough to send shivers down my spine.
The story was well written, and the description of the church and the surrounding area was so well described, it felt as if I had actually seen it myself. It was also fast paced and kept me interested right through to the surprising end. The characters were great too � the good and the bad, so much so that I wanted to give the ‘Ghost busters� a slap, on more than one occasion.
What I really enjoy about Jason Brant’s writing is that I end up thinking about the story long after I have put the book down. I always walk away with the feeling of ‘what if� ……………nah too scary to go down that route.
A really good read, highly recommended.
September 9, 2012
Absolutely one of the best books I have read this year. If you haven't had a chance to read a book by Jason Brant, you are missing out. Fans of Stephen King and Charlie Huston will dig this one for sure. Quick witted humor, terror-inducing monsters, and whole lotta awesome. Read it, read it, read it.
September 17, 2012
This book gave me goose bumps it creeped me out that bad. Solid writing/story telling. Loved the characters. Jason Brant even gave a nod to the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which in my opinion, instantly made this book awesome! Well done. Loved it!
October 19, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. I love something different and this was it. Started as a the regular haunted investigation and packed an awesome twist.
August 13, 2012
Jason Brant outdid himself this time! The Gate is twice the length of his other books, and though I liked them all, this one is my favorite.
The Gate starts off with two college boys, Bryan and Kyle, being accepted as interns on a television show called The Specter Slayers. Bryan is the studious one and his fiancé just broke off their engagement, leaving him depressed. Kyle is the hot football player that scores all the chicks. The Specter Slayers is a show about paranormal investigators that go into supposedly haunted churches and prove that there is paranormal activity in them.
Bryan is not thrilled about this opportunity, but Kyle talks him into it with the enticement of what airtime will do to his resume. This starts their journey to the Danver church, a church that an eccentric old man bought, and then supposedly killed a whole group of his friends in.
They get to the church after a long drive, and not being able to find it, through woods that seem to get mysteriously darker and creepier the farther they drive into them. Once there, they meet the Specter Slayers, two creeps that do not believe in the paranormal, they just like to cash in, plus their nerdy tech guy. Bryan and Kyle are told that famous horror author, Katie Upshaw, will be joining them for their night in the Danver church.
But Katie has secrets that she is hesitant to share. Secrets about the church…secrets that might get them all killed�
I really cannot tell you more because if I do, it will ruin the surprise. And believe me, I never knew what was coming! It is not at all what you will expect, I will tell you that. It is about as far from normal as you could ever imagine.
This book is full of humor, at least in the first half. I laughed my way through it, never knowing what was waiting for me right around the corner. When I did get passed the humor, I spent the rest of the book with my jaw hanging open, not knowing what to expect next. I will admit to my heart jumping up in my throat a time or two as well. Delving into Satanic rituals and biblical theories (NOT in a boring way!), The Gate will have you holding your breath, and pulling the covers up to your eyes at night, fearfully hoping you are not the next to get sucked in.
Quotes from the book:
“First, I never want to see you swivel your hips like that again. Second, you stepped in my mashed potatoes.�
“Jesus jumped up Christ, look at the size of that crack!�
“We saw something that she couldn’t handle…�
“We don’t need it coming back because it heard you.�
For more reviews of Great books, please visit
The Gate starts off with two college boys, Bryan and Kyle, being accepted as interns on a television show called The Specter Slayers. Bryan is the studious one and his fiancé just broke off their engagement, leaving him depressed. Kyle is the hot football player that scores all the chicks. The Specter Slayers is a show about paranormal investigators that go into supposedly haunted churches and prove that there is paranormal activity in them.
Bryan is not thrilled about this opportunity, but Kyle talks him into it with the enticement of what airtime will do to his resume. This starts their journey to the Danver church, a church that an eccentric old man bought, and then supposedly killed a whole group of his friends in.
They get to the church after a long drive, and not being able to find it, through woods that seem to get mysteriously darker and creepier the farther they drive into them. Once there, they meet the Specter Slayers, two creeps that do not believe in the paranormal, they just like to cash in, plus their nerdy tech guy. Bryan and Kyle are told that famous horror author, Katie Upshaw, will be joining them for their night in the Danver church.
But Katie has secrets that she is hesitant to share. Secrets about the church…secrets that might get them all killed�
I really cannot tell you more because if I do, it will ruin the surprise. And believe me, I never knew what was coming! It is not at all what you will expect, I will tell you that. It is about as far from normal as you could ever imagine.
This book is full of humor, at least in the first half. I laughed my way through it, never knowing what was waiting for me right around the corner. When I did get passed the humor, I spent the rest of the book with my jaw hanging open, not knowing what to expect next. I will admit to my heart jumping up in my throat a time or two as well. Delving into Satanic rituals and biblical theories (NOT in a boring way!), The Gate will have you holding your breath, and pulling the covers up to your eyes at night, fearfully hoping you are not the next to get sucked in.
Quotes from the book:
“First, I never want to see you swivel your hips like that again. Second, you stepped in my mashed potatoes.�
“Jesus jumped up Christ, look at the size of that crack!�
“We saw something that she couldn’t handle…�
“We don’t need it coming back because it heard you.�
For more reviews of Great books, please visit
August 14, 2013
I don't know what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. The premise was interesting - two college students end up getting an internship on an episode of "Specter Slayers" (a Ghost Hunters type show). Their destination - an old church in the backwoods of Pennsylvania. Apparently the church has a history of a group of hypothesized devil worshipers disappearing. The church is thought to be a gate to the supernatural. They arrive at the church meeting up with the "Specter Slayers" and a famous horror author - who is there for her own mysterious reasons. They investigate the location, filming for the show, and supernatural occurrences start happening.
My issues -
1. The writing is very basic and not fully developed. I kept thinking of the R.L. Stein "Fear Street" books I read in 5th grade.
2. The characters were poorly developed and exaggerated caricatures of real life people. It's fine to pull from real life to build your characters - but the two "Specter Slayers" were an obvious parody of the Ghost Hunters on SyFy. At one point one of the college students even says "No wonder South Park made fun of them." Poor taste when the two "Specter Slayers" are portrayed as inept, creepy, and beer swilling.
3. The story has been done before. (spoilier alert) The characters end up going through the gate, entering a Lovecraftian world. The world is not very well developed by the author.
Overall, very disappointed. I stuck through with the book until the end - hoping for it to be better...but it just wasn't. Much better suited for young adult readers - just take the swearing out. The author has great potential, just needs more work at the craft.
My issues -
1. The writing is very basic and not fully developed. I kept thinking of the R.L. Stein "Fear Street" books I read in 5th grade.
2. The characters were poorly developed and exaggerated caricatures of real life people. It's fine to pull from real life to build your characters - but the two "Specter Slayers" were an obvious parody of the Ghost Hunters on SyFy. At one point one of the college students even says "No wonder South Park made fun of them." Poor taste when the two "Specter Slayers" are portrayed as inept, creepy, and beer swilling.
3. The story has been done before. (spoilier alert) The characters end up going through the gate, entering a Lovecraftian world. The world is not very well developed by the author.
Overall, very disappointed. I stuck through with the book until the end - hoping for it to be better...but it just wasn't. Much better suited for young adult readers - just take the swearing out. The author has great potential, just needs more work at the craft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2014
Decent spooker....
At first I Was a little disappointed that what I thought was going to be a book with a kind of supernatural experience , turned out to be a sea monster and other strange creature kind of book. But, I stuck with it and read to the end and, I have to say I enjoyed it. I liked the characters They were very real and vibrant for me, as were the writers descriptions of scenery and surroundings.
At first I Was a little disappointed that what I thought was going to be a book with a kind of supernatural experience , turned out to be a sea monster and other strange creature kind of book. But, I stuck with it and read to the end and, I have to say I enjoyed it. I liked the characters They were very real and vibrant for me, as were the writers descriptions of scenery and surroundings.
September 16, 2012
Check out my blog for my review!
February 10, 2022
Sloooooooooooow starter and not a huge payoff.
The main character's love life is addressed at the beginning but never really explored.
His lady's man, alpha jock, best friend comes across as a decent person but nothing much else.
The TV crew are egotistical jerks, more interested in making a show than exploring the supernatural.
The super cool, super strong, super tough, female writer adds nothing other than a lofty position, upon which she looks down at the bumbling imbeciles she is stuck with.
The alternative dimension they pass through is interesting, with weird and detailed creatures, an encounter with an ancient deity/god/demon, but this only happens in the last few chapters.
Starts off slow, stays slow, a small burst of energy at the end and then it's over.
The main character's love life is addressed at the beginning but never really explored.
His lady's man, alpha jock, best friend comes across as a decent person but nothing much else.
The TV crew are egotistical jerks, more interested in making a show than exploring the supernatural.
The super cool, super strong, super tough, female writer adds nothing other than a lofty position, upon which she looks down at the bumbling imbeciles she is stuck with.
The alternative dimension they pass through is interesting, with weird and detailed creatures, an encounter with an ancient deity/god/demon, but this only happens in the last few chapters.
Starts off slow, stays slow, a small burst of energy at the end and then it's over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
Just a super fun monster tale with some fun characters.
October 31, 2021
Way too much preamble. The "horror" action was just..silly. Loved the Asher Benson series, but this was a total letdown.
August 15, 2014
The Gate is a standalone horror novel by thriller author Jason Brant, telling a story of ghosts, demons, other dimensions, and douchey TV show hosts.
Through a contest Bryan and Kyle win an internship on the popular ghost hunting television show The Specter Slayers. Thinking it would be nothing more than just an easy one night job, Bryan and Kyle drive out into the Appalachian Mountains to hunt ghosts. When they arrive they’re shocked to learn that they’re doing more than just rearranging papers and standing in the background: they’re actually participating in the show! And on top of that a world-renowned author shows up with intentions not fully revealed from the get-go.
Having to deal with the obnoxious stars of The Specter Slayers is all at first the hardest part of the night, but as time goes on and they start learning more about the Church and what may have taken place forty years earlier things take a turn for the horrible. Eyeless demons, acid-spewing centipedes, and giant sea monsters are on the queue of things that Bryan and Kyle have to deal with over the course of one night. There’s no guarantee anyone is going to make it, and even if they survive they may not get home.
I enjoyed this novel very much, and as I was reading it I started kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. There are subtle hints throughout the beginning of the novel that something evil was occurring, and I had to strain my knowledge of the occult to catch everything - and I’m not even sure I did catch EVERYTHING. Jason Brant flexes his muscles in this novel with occult facts and horrors beyond our world. There are terrors aplenty in this book, and my only disappointment comes from the fact that I’m already done reading it.
Through a contest Bryan and Kyle win an internship on the popular ghost hunting television show The Specter Slayers. Thinking it would be nothing more than just an easy one night job, Bryan and Kyle drive out into the Appalachian Mountains to hunt ghosts. When they arrive they’re shocked to learn that they’re doing more than just rearranging papers and standing in the background: they’re actually participating in the show! And on top of that a world-renowned author shows up with intentions not fully revealed from the get-go.
Having to deal with the obnoxious stars of The Specter Slayers is all at first the hardest part of the night, but as time goes on and they start learning more about the Church and what may have taken place forty years earlier things take a turn for the horrible. Eyeless demons, acid-spewing centipedes, and giant sea monsters are on the queue of things that Bryan and Kyle have to deal with over the course of one night. There’s no guarantee anyone is going to make it, and even if they survive they may not get home.
I enjoyed this novel very much, and as I was reading it I started kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. There are subtle hints throughout the beginning of the novel that something evil was occurring, and I had to strain my knowledge of the occult to catch everything - and I’m not even sure I did catch EVERYTHING. Jason Brant flexes his muscles in this novel with occult facts and horrors beyond our world. There are terrors aplenty in this book, and my only disappointment comes from the fact that I’m already done reading it.
October 30, 2019
Awesome short horror. Bryan is trying to get through his finals when his happy-go-lucky friend, Kyle, announces he entered them into an internship and they won. The internship is for a popular ghost hunting show that Kyle loves and Bryan wants nothing to do with. But he needs an internship in order to graduate. The filming is the weekend prior to finals, which Bryan was planning on using as a cram session. Relunctantly he decides to go along. The site is in the middle of nowhere and is a run-down, abandoned church. Bryan almosts leaves when the 'crew' shows up. It's only the two stars, Travis and Joey, and their techy Ben. Travis fired everyone else prior to the filming and Bryan and Kyle are the "help". Travis is able to convince him to stay by promising a higher title on the credits, which will look very good for Bryan's resume. Famous paranormal author, Katie Upshaw, is also tagging along. Bryan realizes that they know nothing about the history of Dancers Church and that lack of knowledge could have a heavy price tag.
November 5, 2013
1. The author of this story is a fantastic writer. The characters, the situations they were in, their dialogue...all felt real. Every scene, (except for the paranormal scenes..just because I don't believe in all that stuff but it's still fun to read)... in this story felt as though it could take place in real life and that's what's so intriguing about this story. And I absolutely love authors who give you an ending that is not depressing, especially after all the gore and torn body limbs. It's nice to have an ending that lifts your spirits a bit. Well kind of. :-)
2. My only complaint: The author describes the way Katie looks in great detail but he never gave a description of what Kyle or Bryan looked like. That annoyed me because they are the main characters. I wanted to know what they looked like from the mind of the author. Eh... Not a big deal though.
3. Overall, this is a great way to liven up a boring night.
2. My only complaint: The author describes the way Katie looks in great detail but he never gave a description of what Kyle or Bryan looked like. That annoyed me because they are the main characters. I wanted to know what they looked like from the mind of the author. Eh... Not a big deal though.
3. Overall, this is a great way to liven up a boring night.
May 9, 2015
Kyle and Bryan are two college students whom are given a unique opportunity to intern for an episode of the fictitious reality ghost hunting show called the "The Spectral Slayers". The subject of tonight's investigation will be The Danver Church. A site where 40-years ago to the day six people disappeared under very suspicious circumstances. Upon arrival at the church, Kyle and Bryan are greeted by the show's hosts, who prove to be Grade A Chuckle-Heads, and a semi-famous paranormal author. The night starts out in typical ghost hunting fashion, with EVPs and EMF detectors being waved around like TV rating dousing rods. However, as the night progresses, the Danver Church becomes something far more horrific than any of the investigators bargained for. The Gate is a fun, quick, Lovecraftian adventure with a modern twist.
October 20, 2014
This is the second Jason Brant book I've read, the other being The Dark. It was really creepy and pretty scary. It is on the shorter side, I think my Nook said 175 pages. But it took me a couple days to read because I refused to read it at night; I had nightmares the one time I tried to read it before bed and would rather not invite those images into my head. I think Jason Brant would be excellent at telling scary stories while camping because I would for sure be freaked the f*@^ out like I was reading this book.
The only bad thing I have to say, well there are two, there were some editing mistakes, but I've seen worse, and also the ending. It left me wanting more, The Dark did the same thing.
YOU KILL ME WITH THOSE ENDING JASON BRANT!!
The only bad thing I have to say, well there are two, there were some editing mistakes, but I've seen worse, and also the ending. It left me wanting more, The Dark did the same thing.
YOU KILL ME WITH THOSE ENDING JASON BRANT!!
September 2, 2013
Dare to Open the Gate!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, even with the editing errors. I must admit, though, that it wasn't quite what I expected. I expected a haunting and a gateway to hell or the spiritual realm, with paranormal phenomena. Paranormal, check. The rest? Not so much. This book didn't give me what I expected, and that's perfectly okay, because the story I did get was unique and thrilling all the same. This was a wild ride, full of believable characters that I could picture clearly, even some with not clear motivations. There were spooky elements, specters, and even other worlds or planes of existence with truly horrific sci-fi creatures. If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy The House on Mayberry Road by Troy McCombs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, even with the editing errors. I must admit, though, that it wasn't quite what I expected. I expected a haunting and a gateway to hell or the spiritual realm, with paranormal phenomena. Paranormal, check. The rest? Not so much. This book didn't give me what I expected, and that's perfectly okay, because the story I did get was unique and thrilling all the same. This was a wild ride, full of believable characters that I could picture clearly, even some with not clear motivations. There were spooky elements, specters, and even other worlds or planes of existence with truly horrific sci-fi creatures. If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy The House on Mayberry Road by Troy McCombs.
November 5, 2012
I definitely like a book that ties my stomach in knots and THE GATE was no exception! I felt like I knew Bryan and understood him well. His interactions with Kyle throughout the book had me laughing out loud, drawing some pretty odd looks from my family members as I stayed glued to the story. Jason's vivid imagination had my blood pumping ramped for several hours straight. I was able to picture every small detail described through Bryan's eyes and it seriously makes me wonder if such a place as The Danver Church actually exists.
Well done, Jason! Thanks for the great read!
Well done, Jason! Thanks for the great read!
July 5, 2013
In The Gate a couple of college students become interns for a Ghost Hunters-esque television program. The students end up in a remote location and of course they encounter something they could never have anticipated. I love reading about haunted locations and I'm even a fan of the shows the book pokes fun at and I expected one thing and got something I hadn't bargained for which is both good and bad. The scares didn't really start until I was pretty deep in the book, but once they began it was horror horror horror of the deep dark variety!!
August 20, 2013
From reading the story summary, I was expecting a horror novel, where characters go into a haunted house and meet their demise in gruesome, horrific fashion. However, for most of the book, it was really a sit-com. At one point, I glanced down at my progress and noticed I was at the 60% mark in the book - and NOTHING scary or horrific had happened at that point at all! People did indeed start meeting with unfortunate circumstances in the last third of the book, but it wasn't horrific, it was kind of silly. I really, really disliked this book.
September 12, 2014
I am very disappointed .
When I read the story summary, I was expecting a horror novel, where characters go into a haunted house and deal with ghosts . However, for most of the book, nothing happened. At around 70% mark in the book - People start meeting with unfortunate circumstances in the last third of the book, but it wasn't horrific, it was kind of silly. I really, really disliked this book.
When I read the story summary, I was expecting a horror novel, where characters go into a haunted house and deal with ghosts . However, for most of the book, nothing happened. At around 70% mark in the book - People start meeting with unfortunate circumstances in the last third of the book, but it wasn't horrific, it was kind of silly. I really, really disliked this book.
November 8, 2015
Yet another brilliant story by one of my favourite authors!
It was creepy and gripping the entire way through, it had some funny moments that I found helped keep the level of creepiness nicely balanced.
I never tire of his books! I absolutely love them and really wish The Gate had a sequel. I'm interested to know more about some aspects of the story (which I won't mention here incase of spoilers)
It was creepy and gripping the entire way through, it had some funny moments that I found helped keep the level of creepiness nicely balanced.
I never tire of his books! I absolutely love them and really wish The Gate had a sequel. I'm interested to know more about some aspects of the story (which I won't mention here incase of spoilers)
September 15, 2014
Awful. I expected a haunted church story and got monsters. The one female character also turns out to be a lesbian without it being at all relevant, but while we find out this intensely personal thing about her, we never get any hint as to her motives for being so obsessed with the church. Between that and a mean-spirited jab at the Ghost Hunters (who I've always been fond of) this book left a bad taste in my mouth. It's written pretty well, which is why I don't give it one star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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