“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
— Matt often reflects on his past experiences and the ongoing influence of the Old Ones.
Archivist's Choice
Evil Star
Anthony Horowitz (2006)
Genre
Thriller / Fantasy / Young Adult
Reading Time
360 min
Key Themes
See below
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Two teens from different worlds, chosen by prophecy, must unite to stop an ancient evil from opening a gate between dimensions, a threat that spans continents from Peru's deserts to a looming cosmic shadow.
Synopsis
Matt Freeman, after surviving Raven's Gate, thinks his ordeal is over. He soon learns he is one of five children destined to fight the Old Ones. He gets a new identity and a fresh start in London, but the past quickly returns when mysterious forces target him. With his new guardian, Richard Cole, Matt escapes to Peru. There, he finds the second of the Five, a street orphan named Pedro, who has a unique link to the ancient Incan sun god, Viracocha. They must learn to trust each other despite language and cultural differences, all while being chased by Nightwing, a malevolent group led by Salamanda. Their search leads them to the Nazca Lines and an ancient temple where the Old Ones plan to open another gate, the Gate of the Sun, and unleash their full power. Matt, Pedro, and Richard race to stop the ritual. Pedro makes the ultimate sacrifice to close the gate, saving the world but leaving Matt with the heavy task of continuing the fight.
Reading time
360 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Action-packed, Dark, Adventurous
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes YA thrillers with a blend of ancient mythology and modern-day espionage, or if you're a fan of Anthony Horowitz's other works like 'Alex Rider'.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer standalone novels, dislike cliffhangers, or are not interested in stories with supernatural elements and significant violence for a young adult audience.
Plot Summary
Escape and a New Beginning (or Not)
After the terrible events at Raven's Gate, Matt Freeman lives with his social worker, Mrs. Deverill, in London. He tries to live a normal life and go to school, but nightmares and the trauma of his past haunt him. One day, on his way home, he sees a man with a distinct scar. This sight brings back a strong feeling of dread from Raven's Gate. This shatters his peace, confirming his fears that the Old Ones are still active and he is not safe. He tells Mrs. Deverill, but she dismisses it as a hallucination, making Matt feel even more alone.
The Arrival of Richard Cole
Matt's life changes again when Richard Cole, a mysterious and knowledgeable man, appears. Cole says he works for a secret group fighting the Old Ones and confirms Matt's fears. He explains that Matt is one of 'The Five,' children with special powers who will either save or destroy the world. Cole tells Matt that another of The Five, a boy named Pedro, is in Peru and is in great danger. He also reveals that the Old Ones are looking for The Five and getting ready to open a new gate, which will bring their full power into the world. Matt, though at first unwilling, understands how serious the situation is.
Journey to Peru and a Desperate Search
Matt and Richard Cole begin a dangerous trip to Peru. In Lima, they immediately encounter the city's hidden side, a world very different from Matt's past. They learn that Pedro, a street orphan, is known for his unusual abilities and has become a target. The Old Ones' agents, led by the ruthless Salamanda, are already in the city, using their resources to track Pedro. Matt and Richard navigate dangerous slums, corrupt officials, and the constant threat of Salamanda's men, trying to find Pedro before it is too late. The search is hard because of the language barrier and Pedro's tendency to hide.
Pedro's World and the Power of the Sun
After several close calls and a tense chase through Lima's crowded markets and hidden alleys, Matt and Richard find Pedro. Pedro is a thin, cautious boy, at first not trusting the strangers. But when Matt connects with him through their shared unusual abilities, Pedro starts to open up. Pedro shows his power, which connects to the sun's energy. He can draw warmth and power from it, using it to heal or, when very stressed, as a defensive burst of light and heat. This power is wild and untrained, very different from Matt's telekinesis, but just as strong. They realize the Old Ones want to control or stop this power.
Salamanda's Trap and the Nazca Lines
Salamanda, a rich and powerful businessman secretly working for the Old Ones, eventually corners and captures Pedro. Matt and Richard, upset by this setback, find out that Salamanda plans to take Pedro to a remote place linked to the ancient Nazca Lines. These mysterious drawings, Richard explains, are not just old art but also hold great power and connect to the next Gate. They realize Salamanda plans to use Pedro's powers, or sacrifice him, to help open this new Gate. Matt and Richard, despite being outnumbered, decide to rescue Pedro and stop the Gate from opening, knowing the world's fate rests on them.
The Nazca Plateau and Ancient Secrets
Matt and Richard arrive at the desolate Nazca Plateau, where Salamanda has a heavily guarded compound. They manage to get inside, finding that Salamanda is using advanced technology and ancient rituals to control the energy of the Nazca Lines. Richard explains that the Lines are channels for huge cosmic power, and Salamanda is trying to align them to open the second Gate, called the Gate of the Sun. They see the terrifying scale of Salamanda's operation and the ruthless efficiency of his guards. Pedro is held captive, his energy slowly being drained or controlled to power the ritual. Matt feels a growing sense of urgency and determination.
The Ritual Begins and Pedro's Plea
As the sun sets over the Nazca Plateau, Salamanda begins the ritual to open the Gate of the Sun. Pedro is placed at the center of a complex energy grid, his powers forcefully amplified and channeled. The air crackles with energy, and strange, unsettling sounds come from the ground. Matt, hidden nearby, feels a psychic link to Pedro, seeing flashes of the boy's fear and pain. Pedro, despite being weak, tries to communicate with Matt, his thoughts conveying a desperate plea and a warning about the immense power being released. Matt realizes he must act immediately, even if it means risking everything.
Showdown at the Gate of the Sun
Matt launches a desperate attack on Salamanda's operation. Using his growing telekinetic abilities, he creates distractions and disables guards, drawing Salamanda's attention. A fierce fight follows between Matt and Salamanda, who reveals his own link to the Old Ones and his fanatical loyalty to their return. Matt struggles against Salamanda's greater resources and many men. Meanwhile, Richard Cole works to disrupt the ritual's energy flow. The fight is intense, with the world's fate at stake as the Gate of the Sun begins to flicker open, threatening to unleash the Old Ones.
Pedro's Sacrifice and the Gate's Closure
Just as the Gate of the Sun is about to fully open, unleashing the Old Ones, Pedro makes a heroic and tragic choice. Using all his remaining power, he releases a massive, uncontrolled burst of solar energy, overwhelming Salamanda's machinery and stopping the Gate from opening. This act, while successful in preventing the Old Ones' full emergence, comes at a terrible cost. Pedro is consumed by the power he uses, his body turning into pure light. The Gate collapses, leaving behind a scarred landscape and a deep sense of loss. Salamanda is defeated, his plans ruined, but The Five are now one less.
Aftermath and a New Mission
After the battle at Nazca, Matt is left stunned by Pedro's sacrifice. He feels guilt and sorrow, struggling with the idea that he could not save his fellow member of The Five. Richard Cole, though also grieving, reminds Matt that Pedro's sacrifice was not in vain; it bought them time. He explains that the Old Ones will not give up and that there are still three other members of The Five to find. Matt, hardened by his experiences and driven by a desire for revenge for Pedro, accepts his role in the larger conflict. He knows his fight is far from over, and the next Gate waits in another part of the world.
Principal Figures
Matt Freeman
The Protagonist
Matt transforms from a traumatized survivor into a determined warrior, accepting his role as one of The Five and committing to the fight against the Old Ones, despite immense personal loss.
Richard Cole
The Supporting
Cole remains a steadfast guide, reinforcing his commitment to the cause and providing the necessary support and information for Matt's journey.
Pedro
The Supporting
Pedro tragically sacrifices himself to close the Gate of the Sun, becoming a symbol of the high stakes and personal cost of the war against the Old Ones.
Diego Salamanda
The Antagonist
Salamanda serves as a primary antagonist, embodying the immediate threat of the Old Ones' human agents, and is ultimately defeated, though the larger threat remains.
Mrs. Deverill
The Mentioned
Mrs. Deverill's role is largely static, representing the normal world Matt must leave behind.
The Old Ones
The Antagonist
The Old Ones remain the primary, unseen antagonists, their threat growing more immediate with each opened Gate.
Themes & Insights
Destiny vs. Free Will
The series often asks if Matt and The Five are merely acting out a prophecy or if they can choose their own paths. Matt at first resists his destiny, wanting a normal life, but is repeatedly pulled back into the supernatural conflict. Pedro's sacrifice, while fulfilling part of the prophecy (stopping the Gate), also feels like a choice, a desperate act of free will against a powerful force. The characters deal with the huge weight of their fated roles while trying to make their own decisions within those limits.
““You are one of The Five, Matt. There's no escaping that. It’s what you do with it that matters.””
The Burden of Power
Matt and Pedro both have extraordinary powers, but these abilities come with great responsibility and personal cost. Matt struggles to control his telekinesis, often using it when scared or angry, while Pedro's sun power is raw and dangerous, eventually leading to his death. The book shows that power is not good or evil; its effect depends on the user's choices and the sacrifices they will make. The characters learn that their gifts are both a help and a burden, isolating them even as they empower them.
““His power was a wildfire inside him, beautiful and terrible all at once.””
Sacrifice and Loss
A main theme is that winning against evil often requires a great sacrifice. Pedro's death at the end of the book is a clear example, as he gives his life to stop the Gate from fully opening. This loss deeply affects Matt, fueling his resolve but also burdening him with grief. The story stresses that the fight against the Old Ones has heavy casualties, and the heroes must be willing to pay a high price for the world's safety. It shows the emotional cost of war and heroism.
““The Gate was closed, but the price… the price was too high.””
The Corrupting Influence of Evil
The Old Ones' influence reaches beyond direct fights, corrupting people like Salamanda and various institutions. Salamanda, a rich and powerful man, willingly serves the Old Ones, driven by a twisted desire for power and a belief in their superiority. His actions show how human greed and ambition can be used by darker forces. The widespread corruption Matt and Richard find in Peru — from officials to street gangs — shows how the Old Ones' evil presence seeps into society, making it hard to tell friend from foe and highlighting evil's hidden nature.
““Power. That’s all they care about. And they’ll give it to those who serve them.””
The Nature of Good and Evil
The book explores the clear difference between good and evil, shown by The Five and the Old Ones. However, it also looks at the complexities within this, especially in the struggles Matt faces and the sacrifices made by characters like Pedro. The Old Ones are shown as an ancient, clearly evil force, while the fight against them is messy and full of moral problems and personal costs. It suggests that good is not just the absence of evil, but an active, often painful, choice.
““There are things in this world that are simply evil, Matt. And they must be fought.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Five
A group of five children destined to confront the Old Ones.
The concept of 'The Five' is a central plot device, serving as the driving force behind the narrative. It establishes a clear prophecy and a sense of shared destiny for the protagonists. Each member of The Five possesses unique powers and abilities, making their collective strength essential to defeating the Old Ones. This device creates a quest structure, as Matt and Richard must locate the other members, and also heightens the stakes, as the loss of any member (like Pedro) has significant consequences for the overall mission.
The Gates
Dimensional portals that allow the Old Ones to enter Earth.
The Gates are critical plot devices that mark the progression of the Old Ones' plan and provide distinct objectives for Matt and his allies. Each Gate represents a specific location and a unique challenge, requiring different strategies and presenting new dangers. The opening of a Gate signifies a major escalation in the conflict, threatening to unleash more of the Old Ones' power onto Earth. The 'Gate of the Sun' in Peru, specifically tied to the Nazca Lines and Pedro's powers, demonstrates the varied nature of these portals and their connection to ancient sites and specific powers.
Prophecy
An ancient prediction foretelling the conflict between The Five and the Old Ones.
The overarching prophecy serves as a foundational plot device, providing context and direction for the characters' actions. It establishes the high stakes of the conflict, suggesting a preordained battle for the fate of the world. While giving purpose, it also creates a sense of foreboding and fatalism, as characters grapple with the implications of their predestined roles. The prophecy is slowly revealed through Richard Cole, guiding the characters toward their next objectives and explaining the significance of their powers and encounters.
Ancient Artifacts/Sites
Historical locations or objects imbued with supernatural power.
Ancient artifacts and sites, specifically the Nazca Lines in Peru, are crucial plot devices that link the supernatural conflict to real-world history and mysticism. These locations are not merely backdrops but active components in the Old Ones' plans, serving as conduits for power or points of ingress for the Gates. They add a layer of depth to the world-building, suggesting that the conflict between good and evil has ancient roots and is intertwined with humanity's past. The manipulation of the Nazca Lines by Salamanda demonstrates their potent, mystical significance.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes you have to do what's right, even if it means doing something wrong.”
— Matt grapples with difficult moral choices throughout his mission.
“There are some things that are better left undisturbed, some doors that should never be opened.”
— Referring to the ancient evil and its potential reawakening.
“Fear is a powerful weapon, and often, it's the only one they need.”
— Discussing the methods used by the Old Ones and their followers.
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.”
— A character alludes to the hidden nature of the evil forces at play.
“You can't fight fire with fire. Sometimes you have to be smarter, more cunning.”
— Matt considers strategies for defeating the Old Ones.
“Every choice has a consequence, and some consequences are irreversible.”
— Matt faces the repercussions of his actions and decisions.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can keep you going, but it can also blind you.”
— A character reflects on the double-edged nature of hope in dire circumstances.
“The world is full of shadows, and sometimes, the darkest ones are the ones you least expect.”
— Matt discovers hidden threats and betrayals.
“It's not about how strong you are, but how determined you are to keep fighting.”
— Matt finds inner strength despite overwhelming odds.
“History repeats itself, not because we forget, but because we fail to learn.”
— Reflecting on the cyclical nature of the conflict with the Old Ones.
“Sometimes the only way to save something is to let it go.”
— A difficult decision involving sacrifice and acceptance.
“The truth is rarely simple, and often, it's more terrifying than any lie.”
— Matt uncovers shocking revelations about the true nature of the evil.
“Even in the darkest night, there is always a flicker of light, if you know where to look.”
— Matt finds moments of hope and guidance amidst despair.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
'Evil Star' continues the story of Matt Freeman, who discovers he is one of five Gatekeepers destined to prevent the Old Ones from returning to Earth. It directly follows the events of 'Raven's Gate,' where Matt first encountered the Old Ones and closed the titular gate, realizing his unique abilities and the larger supernatural conflict he is embroiled in.
About the author
Anthony Horowitz is a prolific British author known for his engaging mystery and thriller novels. He is the creator of the bestselling Sherlock Holmes novels, including 'The House of Silk' and 'Moriarty,' as well as the acclaimed 'Hawthorne and Horowitz' series, featuring 'The Word is Murder' and 'The Sentence is Death.' Horowitz also penned the Alex Rider series for young adults, which has sold over 19 million copies worldwide.
