Into the Lightning Gate is an exciting, fresh take on the sci-fi thriller, with grand, multi-dimensional set pieces, an intriguing storyline, and a diverse cast of enjoyable, well-conceived characters.
I was excited to finally read Robert Roth’s Into the Lightning Gate after hearing so many wonderful things about it. Fast-paced, adventure-filled plot? Check. Unique premise combining the best parts of alt-history, near-future settings, and holes purposefully ripped in the fabric of space/time? Check. Delightful cast of characters, including a gay, multiracial lead who’s charming as hell and a fearsome, badass villain who I both desperately want to meet and would run away from if I ever did? Check.
The story started off slow, giving me time to enjoy learning about Cameron Maddock, the main character, before taking off at breakneck speed about a third of the way in. Some may find that inconsistent, but it was going up that giant first hill on a roller coaster for me. You know that big drop is coming, but you’re not sure exactly when. It was delicious. And then the world gets so big! But Roth did an excellent job building things out. Info dumps were sparing and usually given in an easily digestible narrative format.
But the characters! Cam is one of my new favorite all-time heroes, combining effortless charm, engaging wit, and a down-to-earth sensibility that made me instantly like him. But all the characters were well developed, with individual personalities and quirks that made them unique. Roth has a flair for conversational writing. The banter is top-notch. Extra points to Roth for making his work gender inclusive. No one’s gender is assumed based on their appearance, so Roth sticks with they/them pronouns unless the character or someone who knows them confirms otherwise. I was pleased to see a queer main character and multiple characters on different parts of the queer spectrum. I was especially pleased to see non-binary representation as well, without all those clunky are you he or she assumptions.
Roth includes a slow-burn romance, which takes a backseat to the action. I’m glad it’s there and that it wasn’t shoehorned into the story unnecessarily. Who’s got time for love when you’re constantly running for your life?
The story contains descriptions of death and violence, mentions of racism, homophobia, and abusive parents, and light drug use.