Introduction to the Mithermages
Best known for his science fiction masterpiece Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card ventured into contemporary urban fantasy with the Mithermages (also styled as Mither Mages) series. Conceived over decades, the series blends Norse, Greek, Egyptian, and other ancient mythologies with a modern-day coming-of-age story. In this universe, the ancient gods were actually powerful mages from the planet Westil (also called Mitherkame) who were trapped on Earth (Mittlegard) when the trickster Loki closed the Great Gates 1,400 years ago. Over generations of exile, their power has waned, and the remaining magical families live in secretive, isolated compounds, hiding from normal humans (known as drowthers).
The Recommended Reading Order
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the series in Publication Order, beginning with the first full-length novel rather than the chronological prequel. While the prequel novella sets up the magic system, the main trilogy provides a much more engaging and user-friendly introduction to the modern-day lore.
- The Lost Gate (Book 1) — Start here. It introduces the protagonist Danny North and explains the world from the perspective of an outsider learning about the families' secrets for the first time.
- The Gate Thief (Book 2) — Continues Danny's journey as his powers grow and he faces Loki.
- Gatefather (Book 3) — The final installment that concludes the trilogy's main conflict and settles the fate of both Earth and Westil.
- Stonefather (Novella) — Read as a companion prequel. While chronologically first, it features a completely different protagonist and setting. Reading it after the main trilogy (or between books 1 and 2) allows you to appreciate the lore without derailing the momentum of Danny's story.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the series consists of only one companion novella and a core trilogy, you only have to decide when to slot in the prequel. Here is how the two orders compare:
The Publication Order
This is the order in which the stories were released to the public. It allows the magic system to unfold as Card originally intended for his readers.
- Stonefather (Novella, published in the Wizards anthology in 2007; published standalone by Subterranean Press in 2008)
- The Lost Gate (Novel, 2011)
- The Gate Thief (Novel, 2013)
- Gatefather (Novel, 2015)
The Chronological Order
If you want to read the history of the world in the exact sequence it occurred, the chronological order places the novella first. However, keep in mind that the tone and characters of the novella differ significantly from the main trilogy.
- Stonefather (Novella — takes place centuries before the main trilogy on the world of Westil)
- The Lost Gate (Novel — set in the modern era on Earth)
- The Gate Thief (Novel — direct sequel to The Lost Gate)
- Gatefather (Novel — concludes the trilogy)
Deep Dive into the Books
Stonefather (Novella, 2008)
First published in the 2007 anthology Wizards before receiving a standalone release, this novella follows Runnel, a young peasant boy who leaves his impoverished village for Mitherhome, the grand city of the water mages. Runnel finds work in the household of the city's sole stone mage. As Runnel discovers his own rare, forbidden ability to shape stone, he inadvertently sparks conflicts within the rigid, elemental magical factions. Stonefather is an excellent lore-builder, illustrating how magic works on Westil before the gates were closed.
The Lost Gate (Novel, 2011)
The story shifts to modern-day Virginia, where Danny North is raised in the compound of the North family (the descendants of the Norse god Odin). In this society, those born without magic are called drekkas. Danny is long believed to be a drekka until he secretly discovers his ability to create portals. Danny is a Gatemage—the rarest and most feared class of mage, historically hunted and executed by other families to prevent anyone from reopening the Great Gates. Forced to flee for his life, Danny must learn to survive in the drowther world while unlocking his forbidden abilities.
The Gate Thief (Novel, 2013)
Danny is now living a relatively quiet life in mock-exile, but his peace is short-lived. The ancient trickster Loki, who has survived for centuries by stealing the gates and powers of other Gatemages, sets his sights on Danny. The novel expands on the mechanics of gate magic, the politics of the exiled families, and the mounting tension as the boundaries between Earth and Westil begin to fracture.
Gatefather (Novel, 2015)
The trilogy reaches its climax in this final book. Danny faces a massive cosmic threat that endangers both Earth and Westil. To save both worlds, he must fully step into his role as the Gatefather, navigating complex metaphysical choices and resolving the ancient divide that trapped the mages on Earth. While some readers note that the final book focuses more on philosophical magic concepts and has a slower pace, it serves as the definitive end to Danny's story arc.
What to Know Before You Start
Card's magic system is highly structured, operating on elemental affinities. Mages can manipulate water, wind, stone, wood, or iron. Gatemages are unique because their magic is spatial, linking points in space and even healing biological tissue that passes through their gates. The clash of modern urban settings with ancient mythological identities (like the North family representing Norse myths) provides a unique flavor that distinguishes the series from typical contemporary fantasy. The series is complete, with Card having no active plans to write a fourth installment or spin-off novels.