WIT’CH GATE

Fourth doorstopper of a promised five in California veterinarian Clemens’s epic fantasy (Wit’ch War, 2000, etc.). A Kirkus review can mean nothing to a fantasy-adventure fan in full-flowering adolescence, as endless Internet reviews by awed young readers praising Clemens make clear. Forget fine writing. Elena’s ruby-red fingers, which bloomed early in volume one, can still be pricked for drops of her pent and healing magick. “After practicing her arts, Elena understood the flows of her own power, but in this matter, sending a part of her magick into another, control was critical. Too much energy and she could burn Queen Tatral into a smoking cinder.” Some call this roast beef and gravy. Okay, the Blood Diary has at last released its magick to Elena and her army and we last see her in a scintillating moment of bliss that . . . Clemens warns us cannot last forever.