The Crossing Gate

The Crossing Gate
Age Range
16+
Release Date
January 04, 2022
ISBN13
1649532644
ISBN10 or ASIN
   

She can’t grow up. Literally.

In the kingdom of Elpax, juveniles must walk through the mysterious Crossing Gate to become adults—and seventeen-year-old Lenora is determined that her third attempt at crossing to adulthood will be successful. Even though adulthood means facing horrible realities, such as sin-spots appearing on her body whenever she commits a sin, it also means being able to have a job. And Lenora needs to work to support her struggling family.

But Lenora’s Crossing Day goes horribly wrong.

Accused of trying to start a revolution, Lenora must obey the kingdom’s laws to the letter if she wants to take suspicion off herself. But following the rules isn’t as easy as it sounds. Especially when she meets a mysterious and handsome stranger who makes her feel emotions she’s never experienced before—even though juveniles in Elpax aren’t supposed to be capable of falling in love.

With the long arm of the law looming over her and her family, Lenora must walk a tightrope between following the rules and investigating why she’s unable to cross. Not to mention discovering where her new adult emotions are coming from. But as Lenora uncovers more of Elpax’s terrible secrets, she realizes that fighting the system might be the only way to save her family, her country, and her first love.

The first in an epic series perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, The Crossing Gate combines the tropes of classic YA dystopia with a Greek-inspired setting and fantasy elements that will whisk readers away on a journey like no other.

She can’t grow up. Literally.

In the kingdom of Elpax, juveniles must walk through the mysterious Crossing Gate to become adults—and seventeen-year-old Lenora is determined that her third attempt at crossing to adulthood will be successful. Even though adulthood means facing horrible realities, such as sin-spots appearing on her body whenever she commits a sin, it also means being able to have a job. And Lenora needs to work to support her struggling family.

But Lenora’s Crossing Day goes horribly wrong.

Accused of trying to start a revolution, Lenora must obey the kingdom’s laws to the letter if she wants to take suspicion off herself. But following the rules isn’t as easy as it sounds. Especially when she meets a mysterious and handsome stranger who makes her feel emotions she’s never experienced before—even though juveniles in Elpax aren’t supposed to be capable of falling in love.

With the long arm of the law looming over her and her family, Lenora must walk a tightrope between following the rules and investigating why she’s unable to cross. Not to mention discovering where her new adult emotions are coming from. But as Lenora uncovers more of Elpax’s terrible secrets, she realizes that fighting the system might be the only way to save her family, her country, and her first love.

The first in an epic series perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, The Crossing Gate combines the tropes of classic YA dystopia with a Greek-inspired setting and fantasy elements that will whisk readers away on a journey like no other.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Hunger Games Vibes
(Updated: June 25, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.3
Writing Style
 
3.0
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
When Lenora doesn't go through the crossing gate to enter adulthood, she gets a lot of heat. The word rebel keeps getting thrown around while other people think she's just being ridiculous and immature. But when you're still classified as a "juvenile" it's hard to get any answers about what happens after. How can someone feel comfortable with crossing into adulthood when nobody will give you the information to feel comfortable to?

It isn't only that. Lenora also gets dizzy every time she tries and it prevents her from doing so. Then, she meets Erick. He gives her the courage she needs to cross into adulthood. But during the crossing, a horrible accident occurs and she winds up enemy number one. Now, she has to try whatever she can to save her mom, but that proves hard when her face is plastered everywhere. Thankfully, she has some good friends.

When I first started reading this book, I got major Hunger Games vibes. The people are oppressed by the government and there are so many absurd rules put into place. If you're young, you aren't able to learn anything about being adult. If you do or break any of the rules, you get "sin spots" on your back or chest.

Lenora is a curious teen who just wants answers and understands how wrong things are. She questions everything because in her eyes, women are being oppressed. As for her friend Jason, I adore him and will always be team Jason. He's so sweet and will do anything for Lenora, even when her eyes aren't on him.


Final Verdict: Overall, THE CROSSING GATE is dystopian novel with Greek elements and Hunger Games feels. For readers who enjoy these two things then you should definitely check it out. It's a unique setting with a fast-paced plot full of twists and turns.
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