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The Keepers #1
A Wizard Named Nell
A Courageous Choice
In the magical world of Eldearth, Witches and Wizards live side by side with Humans, Weefolk, though elusive, are abundant, and Dragons and Unicorns still walk the land. But the present Imperial Wizard, Keeper of the Light that protects Eldearth, is aging and ill. If a new apprentice is not found soon, Eldearth may succumb to the evil powers of the dark Lord Graieconn. There is a long tradition in Eldearth that the keeper must be a Wizard, and only boys can be Wizards, but so far, all the boys who have attempted the difficult quest to become Apprentice Keeper have failed. Time is running out.
Princess Arenelle, a promising young Witch, has just reached eleven, the age of Magic, and wishes to undertake the quest. Her father, King Einar, forbids it, fearing for her safety and claiming that her heart is too soft. Against the King's wishes, Nell sets out into the unknown with her pet demidragon, Minna. Aided by Folk she meets along the way and an albino Dragon that she rescues from near death, Nell battles the fearsome forces of nature, Evil, and ignorance that are amassed against her. It will require all of her strength, cunning, and courage to defeat them. Does Nell have what it takes to become the next Apprentice Keeper?
In the magical world of Eldearth, Witches and Wizards live side by side with Humans, Weefolk, though elusive, are abundant, and Dragons and Unicorns still walk the land. But the present Imperial Wizard, Keeper of the Light that protects Eldearth, is aging and ill. If a new apprentice is not found soon, Eldearth may succumb to the evil powers of the dark Lord Graieconn. There is a long tradition in Eldearth that the keeper must be a Wizard, and only boys can be Wizards, but so far, all the boys who have attempted the difficult quest to become Apprentice Keeper have failed. Time is running out.
Princess Arenelle, a promising young Witch, has just reached eleven, the age of Magic, and wishes to undertake the quest. Her father, King Einar, forbids it, fearing for her safety and claiming that her heart is too soft. Against the King's wishes, Nell sets out into the unknown with her pet demidragon, Minna. Aided by Folk she meets along the way and an albino Dragon that she rescues from near death, Nell battles the fearsome forces of nature, Evil, and ignorance that are amassed against her. It will require all of her strength, cunning, and courage to defeat them. Does Nell have what it takes to become the next Apprentice Keeper?
180 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
6 people are currently reading
1124 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French Koller
50 books27 followersJackie French Koller (born 1948) is an American author of picture books, chapter books, and novels for children and young adults. She lives and writes in western Massachusetts.
Koller is also an accomplished painter. Her interest in art inspired her to open The Little Black Dog Gallery in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Koller's young-adult novel If I Had One Wish was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie under the title You Wish!.
Koller is also an accomplished painter. Her interest in art inspired her to open The Little Black Dog Gallery in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Koller's young-adult novel If I Had One Wish was adapted into a Disney Channel Original Movie under the title You Wish!.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
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April 12, 2015The main character is just turning 11 as the story begins, and I would recommend the book for girls that age or younger. The writing is pedestrian and the fantasy world pretty run-of-the-mill, the good vs evil is straightforward, etc. Girls of ten or so will probably enjoy this because Nell is a princess and she has a pet dragon and a heart-shaped pendant with a magic ruby and she learns magic and she defies social conventions about what girls can't do.
July 2, 2012
The prologue of this book really struck my interest: two sides fighting for power, one side wins by creating a spell so bright and powerful that it sends the "bad side" to live underground where no light can reach. They are then *kept* underground by a wizard monitoring the magic that keeps the evil things at bay. But, the recent wizards haven't been as powerful, and consequently evil things are starting to creep back into the above-world. The hope? That a prophecy will be filled in which a new wizard will step up and send the evil things back underground.
This all definitely caught my interest. However, while this sets the basis for the story, there really is very little in *this* book (perhaps in sequels?) that deals specifically with these various power struggles. This book is geared, I think, to a younger audience than the prologue would indicate, so if a younger reader struggles a bit with the prologue, I'd encourage them to continue into the first few chapters of the book and then re-evaluate.
This book actually centers around Nell, an 11-year-old princess with a talent for magic beyond her years. She wants to do her part to help to fight back against the encroaching evils of the world, but her father isn't so keen to let her do so.
Nell believes she can succeed in the quest to become apprentice to the current wizard - despite the fact that all who have tried have failed, and despite the fact that she's a girl. And her struggles to achieve (or not) this quest is what the bulk of the book centers around.
"A Wizard Named Nell" really does feel like the first installment of a series. There's several plot points that aren't exactly tied up and the ending seemed rather rushed. But, it did leave me curious as to where the next book would go. I loved the dragons in this book, and Nell's interactions with them (really seemed like the author knew a lot about animals and interacting with their various personalities). And I liked Nell.
For me, the plot was a little slow/predictable, and I'm kind of over the whole adversity because you're a girl thing - it's been done so much. But, overall I was still interested.
There were a few things that I wondered were a bit mature for the targeted audience. Nothing graphic, but mainly I wondered about the chapters where Nell is encouraging a group of women to leave their abusive husbands/owners/fathers.
Mainly I felt some of the writing itself was a little redundant. The word choices were often the same (Nell "giggles" a great deal) and sometimes I wanted something more to described the situation/reactions. But, still, it seems like there's a lot of interesting concept to work with, and I'd be interested to read the next book to see if any of it is capitalized on.
This all definitely caught my interest. However, while this sets the basis for the story, there really is very little in *this* book (perhaps in sequels?) that deals specifically with these various power struggles. This book is geared, I think, to a younger audience than the prologue would indicate, so if a younger reader struggles a bit with the prologue, I'd encourage them to continue into the first few chapters of the book and then re-evaluate.
This book actually centers around Nell, an 11-year-old princess with a talent for magic beyond her years. She wants to do her part to help to fight back against the encroaching evils of the world, but her father isn't so keen to let her do so.
Nell believes she can succeed in the quest to become apprentice to the current wizard - despite the fact that all who have tried have failed, and despite the fact that she's a girl. And her struggles to achieve (or not) this quest is what the bulk of the book centers around.
"A Wizard Named Nell" really does feel like the first installment of a series. There's several plot points that aren't exactly tied up and the ending seemed rather rushed. But, it did leave me curious as to where the next book would go. I loved the dragons in this book, and Nell's interactions with them (really seemed like the author knew a lot about animals and interacting with their various personalities). And I liked Nell.
For me, the plot was a little slow/predictable, and I'm kind of over the whole adversity because you're a girl thing - it's been done so much. But, overall I was still interested.
There were a few things that I wondered were a bit mature for the targeted audience. Nothing graphic, but mainly I wondered about the chapters where Nell is encouraging a group of women to leave their abusive husbands/owners/fathers.
Mainly I felt some of the writing itself was a little redundant. The word choices were often the same (Nell "giggles" a great deal) and sometimes I wanted something more to described the situation/reactions. But, still, it seems like there's a lot of interesting concept to work with, and I'd be interested to read the next book to see if any of it is capitalized on.
August 12, 2016
A Wizard Named Nell is a MG feminist fantasy novel, the first book in a trilogy called The Keepers. It's a book that I read as a child and enjoyed, though it never became one of my favorites; I read The Song of the Lioness around the same time, which is quite similar but targeted toward an older audience, and I definitely preferred it to this. But The Keepers is certainly a worthwhile series, too, albeit for a different audience; it's equal parts quest fantasy and condemnation of gender and class inequality, and while it's a bit anvilicious, it's still a rather charming read. I quite enjoyed revisiting it.
Full review to come at Amara's Eden.
Full review to come at Amara's Eden.
February 23, 2018
Somewhat simplistic but a good base philosophy and really beautiful cover art (the reason I picked up the series) and a pretty quick read.
April 27, 2010
I actually liked this one a fair amount. It's another one of those books where there's a girl proving that she can do what boys can do, or better (it seems like there are a ton of those, nowadays). However, I think it's one of the better books of that sort.
I like that there are actually a fair amount of magical elements in this story—that's extremely rare for this kind of book, I've learned (usually there is magic, but not a whole lot). Anyway, I like the world. The characters are likable, and I found myself caring a considerable amount more about her safety and her quest. Maybe this is because the main character shows so much unusual kindness to those she meets. I don't know that kindness is a theme at all in the other books of this sort I've read (at least not so powerfully, and to strangers). I mean, what's strength and courage if you're hard? Well, it's still something, but it's not as easy to care about if lacks love, kindness, charity or some such (and not just in the revolutionary sort that applies to people generally, but rather a personable sort).
The writing is enjoyable. The book doesn't get boring. It holds the attention well, and it doesn't drag on forever. The ending might not seem conclusive, but it's enough for book one, and it resolves the plot's conflict (not necessarily the overall conflict). I'm curious about the rest.
The narration was good.
I like that there are actually a fair amount of magical elements in this story—that's extremely rare for this kind of book, I've learned (usually there is magic, but not a whole lot). Anyway, I like the world. The characters are likable, and I found myself caring a considerable amount more about her safety and her quest. Maybe this is because the main character shows so much unusual kindness to those she meets. I don't know that kindness is a theme at all in the other books of this sort I've read (at least not so powerfully, and to strangers). I mean, what's strength and courage if you're hard? Well, it's still something, but it's not as easy to care about if lacks love, kindness, charity or some such (and not just in the revolutionary sort that applies to people generally, but rather a personable sort).
The writing is enjoyable. The book doesn't get boring. It holds the attention well, and it doesn't drag on forever. The ending might not seem conclusive, but it's enough for book one, and it resolves the plot's conflict (not necessarily the overall conflict). I'm curious about the rest.
The narration was good.
June 24, 2017
Welp. Despite the many promising aspects of A Wizard Named Nell, this proved disappointing and I do not plan to finish the trilogy, in defiance of the ostentatious semi-cliff-hanger ending. I liked the unexpected reversal of gender-roles: . Sadly, this twist was handled with a lack of subtlety, falling instead back on tired gender stereotypes re, boys and girls. This good-idea-coupled-with-lack-of-nuance struck me as a pervasive problem throughout Nell, popping up again and again in the over-blown reactions of male characters, and Nell's predictably petulant responses. I also liked the way Nell's ignorance and naïvety regarding the realities of the 'others' (of class, race, or ability) in her realm was addressed, and I liked her generosity. Perhaps a 10-year-old would enjoy it, but I think I might take it right back to the Goodwill, rather than inflict myself a second time by gifting it over to the kid I bought it for. There's better children's lit out there, and I'd rather she set her standards a bit higher. And not be regaled with a bunch of re-hashed tropes about gender. #blerg
NB: I have a particular pet-peeve about books that won't stand alone; if Koller had done a better job wrapping things up, I might have rated a bit higher.
Also, I think this is a 2.5 star book.
NB: I have a particular pet-peeve about books that won't stand alone; if Koller had done a better job wrapping things up, I might have rated a bit higher.
Also, I think this is a 2.5 star book.
April 5, 2012
I first read this book in fifth grade, and I remember absolutely loving it. So much so that I begged the librarian to buy the others in the series when my school library only had the first one.
It was cute and short. I'll probably find and re-read the others too. Any kid that loves fantasy would like this book. It moves quickly and is very action oriented. I'd probably rate it higher if I wasn't 8 years older. Because its written for kids it's not too deep or anything, but the world building is still done well.
One qualm: Nell acted a lot older than eleven. I'm taking it in stride because it kind of fits with the book, but still.
Anyway, I'd recommend to any child.
It was cute and short. I'll probably find and re-read the others too. Any kid that loves fantasy would like this book. It moves quickly and is very action oriented. I'd probably rate it higher if I wasn't 8 years older. Because its written for kids it's not too deep or anything, but the world building is still done well.
One qualm: Nell acted a lot older than eleven. I'm taking it in stride because it kind of fits with the book, but still.
Anyway, I'd recommend to any child.
August 31, 2021
I read the first book in this series when I was pretty young, and I dismissed it then because I felt like it was a rip off of Harry Potter (the first spell in the book was “Wizzah wazzah wings!” and was used to give a small golden ball wings. Gah). Anyway, I came back to give it a second try now that I’m all growed up… And they were actually pretty good. There was decent world building, character development and a solid story. But ultimately, these books tackle a whole ton of stuff thematically that I was totally unaware of as a kid. I should have read them back then. It unashamedly dives head in to issues like privilege, gender inequality, colonialism, ableism, diversity and the importance of multiple perspectives. For kids books, they handled all of this very well. Plus’s it’s a fun and entertaining story. I highly recommend, especially for kids.
November 4, 2022
As the Imperial Wizard grows ill and darkness reaches closer to the Scepter that protects humanity, Princess Nell defies the rule that boys alone can be part of the great prophecy by sneaking away and attempting the dangerous quest, knowing that her failure could mean the dawn of an ancient evil! Koller brings young readers a decent fantasy adventure, heavy-handed in its message but led by a likeable lead and offering some light humour and heart. Can Nell prove herself worthy and fulfil the prophecy through her own magic and will?
January 22, 2024
Read w 8yo. Nell is a courageous, thoughtful, and compelling hero who felt both inspiring and relatable. I loved the messages about human worth and dignity through the lens of both gender and class. There’s also something really deep here about the collateral damage of maintaining the status quo that’s so rarely brought up in children’s lit. I loved this!
May 4, 2025
5/5 - I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and I'm excited to read book #2. The characters were enjoyable (especially Owen) and it had a fun quest. It did get a bit tiresome with the "you can't do that because you're a girl" but it was a kids book with a message that girls can conquer. An enjoyable, quick read
June 14, 2017
The story is set in the fantasy kingdom of Eldearth.
Koller's plot has elements that are similar to Baum's: "Wonderful Wizard
of Oz," and Rowling's: "Harry Potter."
The language and action are suitable for younger readers.
Koller's plot has elements that are similar to Baum's: "Wonderful Wizard
of Oz," and Rowling's: "Harry Potter."
The language and action are suitable for younger readers.
March 8, 2024
A middle grade fantasy that I probably would have enjoyed as a nine- to eleven-year-old. And it’s a series I feel comfortable recommending to the appropriate age. I would say there’s a lot of social awareness/moralism attempting to be conveyed which I think fits the age of the author/publication.
June 20, 2019
This audiobook kept me fully engaged and wanting to know what happened next.
January 3, 2020
Good for young girls getting into fantasy.
January 29, 2020
I love this novel
January 6, 2021
Wonderful kid's story.
April 26, 2022
A fun read that I probably would have loved as a kid.
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February 22, 2024Rereading a series I loved as a teen out of curiosity.
Read
March 7, 2026Cute and also I'm way too old for this book - the overall tone of the writing really challenged me as an adult, like my intelligence was being tested.
July 31, 2014
Synopsis: " the magical world of Eldearth, Witches and Wizards live side by side with Humans, Weefolk, though elusive, are abundant, and Dragons and Unicorns still walk the land. But the present Imperial Wizard, Keeper of the Light that protects Eldearth, is aging and ill. If a new apprentice is not found soon, Eldearth may succumb to the evil powers of the dark Lord Graieconn. There is a long tradition in Eldearth that the keeper must be a Wizard, and only boys can be Wizards, but so far, all the boys who have attempted the difficult quest to become Apprentice Keeper have failed. Time is running out.
Princess Arenelle, a promising young Witch, has just reached eleven, the age of Magic, and wishes to undertake the quest. Her father, King Einar, forbids it, fearing for her safety and claiming that her heart is too soft. Against the King's wishes, Nell sets out into the unknown with her pet demidragon, Minna. Aided by Folk she meets along the way and an albino Dragon that she rescues from near death, Nell battles the fearsome forces of nature, Evil, and ignorance that are amassed against her. It will require all of her strength, cunning, and courage to defeat them. Does Nell have what it takes to become the next Apprentice Keeper?"
My Review: This is a great middle grade fantasy, thought it is definitely geared more towards girls but boys could also enjoy the adventure portions of it. It plays off a lot of familiar themes in fantasy and contains the classic good versus evil storyline. I have noticed that one thing I dislike about fantasy novels is the similarity in the names of the 'big evil force' and the 'big good force' and they always seem to be unpronounceable, kind of irritating. I also noticed in this book there were several made up words in the beginning (and were kindly defined in the footnotes of the page) but that really tapered off through the rest of the book so it seemed kind of pointless. Those minor issues aside I really enjoyed the book, it was quick reading and a fun story with all the elements I look forward to in a fantasy. I enjoy where the story is going and plan to continue reading the series.
Princess Arenelle, a promising young Witch, has just reached eleven, the age of Magic, and wishes to undertake the quest. Her father, King Einar, forbids it, fearing for her safety and claiming that her heart is too soft. Against the King's wishes, Nell sets out into the unknown with her pet demidragon, Minna. Aided by Folk she meets along the way and an albino Dragon that she rescues from near death, Nell battles the fearsome forces of nature, Evil, and ignorance that are amassed against her. It will require all of her strength, cunning, and courage to defeat them. Does Nell have what it takes to become the next Apprentice Keeper?"
My Review: This is a great middle grade fantasy, thought it is definitely geared more towards girls but boys could also enjoy the adventure portions of it. It plays off a lot of familiar themes in fantasy and contains the classic good versus evil storyline. I have noticed that one thing I dislike about fantasy novels is the similarity in the names of the 'big evil force' and the 'big good force' and they always seem to be unpronounceable, kind of irritating. I also noticed in this book there were several made up words in the beginning (and were kindly defined in the footnotes of the page) but that really tapered off through the rest of the book so it seemed kind of pointless. Those minor issues aside I really enjoyed the book, it was quick reading and a fun story with all the elements I look forward to in a fantasy. I enjoy where the story is going and plan to continue reading the series.
November 1, 2020
Reading this book again was like taking a glimpse of my old, young self. I remember first finding this book in the library, sitting on the floor, pulling it out, and I just couldn't stop reading it. Now that I'm older, I can see why this book caught my attention so much. It definitely hits all the checklist that childhood me liked: female protagonist/princess, magic/fantasy, dragons, a prophecy, some of that girl power/feminist feel, and a fantasy quest feel. I think this book is very similar to the Two Princesses of Bamarre, though this book is for a younger audience. The writing is simplistic and it definitely is meant for young readers, but I think the story still is pretty great to read. I think the title itself speaks to the "feminist" thing where Nell said, "Why can't girls be wizards?" and decided to prove everyone wrong. I wish there was a bit more in this book, though. I read it so fast and I feel like even 3rd grader me read this pretty fast too. Of course, this is just a nitpicky kind of thing and I don't exactly remember my younger self's experience, but I do think Nell's journey was so rushed and perhaps could have spent a little longer on each person she met and each stage of her journey. Or spent more time building up the relationship between Owen and Nell while they were practicing his training. Oh, one thing that made me chuckle was Nell telling her father that the court was whispering it would have been better if she were a boy, and his response was to force the court on water and bread rations. Just thought that was a hilarious and creative way to get people to shut up.
Still, overall, I like this book. Probably with a lot of nostalgia, but I think this book is still one of those perfect stories to read to a kid and just experience something magical. Nell is a good character where she shows weaknesses at times, but she doesn't endlessly complain or give up. Definitely can't wait to again pick up the next book in the series and read about Nell and Owen's full journey!
Still, overall, I like this book. Probably with a lot of nostalgia, but I think this book is still one of those perfect stories to read to a kid and just experience something magical. Nell is a good character where she shows weaknesses at times, but she doesn't endlessly complain or give up. Definitely can't wait to again pick up the next book in the series and read about Nell and Owen's full journey!
March 1, 2010
Eleven-year-old Arenelle, called Nell, is the only child of the King of Xandria, one of the kingdoms of Eldearth. She has much potential in the magical arts, and would love to be Imperial Wizard -- especially now that the old Imperial Wizard is dying and needs a successor. But because she is a girl, she won't even get the chance to try -- her father forbids it. Nell is determined to have a chance and prove her worth, and so she runs away from home, determined to find the Imperial Wizard and persuade him to at least consider her. During her difficult and dangerous journey, Nell learns much about her land that she never knew, and proves that she can be brave when she needs to.
Young readers who love magical fantasy tales featuring strong girl characters are sure to enjoy this first book in an enchanting trilogy. Nell is a wonderful and very likable character that readers will cheer on in her quest to prove her worth.
Young readers who love magical fantasy tales featuring strong girl characters are sure to enjoy this first book in an enchanting trilogy. Nell is a wonderful and very likable character that readers will cheer on in her quest to prove her worth.
January 19, 2013
Book 1 of The Keepers series. Princess Arenelle, the daughter of King Einar of Eldearth, would very much like to be the next Imperial Wizard. Since the current Imperial Wizard is getting too old to be effective, and since the kingdom is threatened by the evil lord of the dark, it's important that a new apprentice be found. Nell has turned 11 and it's time for her to study magic--but, because she's a girl, she's restricted to studying witchcraft rather than wizardry. Nell finds a substitute to take her place at the school of witchcraft and takes off to complete the required quest to ensure her place as the new apprentice.
Lots of fast paced adventure and a lot of inventive (and sometimes magic) solutions to the problems Nell encounters along the way.
Girls who like fantasy, 4th grade and up. I listened to the audio book and that would be appropriate for a slightly younger group.
Lots of fast paced adventure and a lot of inventive (and sometimes magic) solutions to the problems Nell encounters along the way.
Girls who like fantasy, 4th grade and up. I listened to the audio book and that would be appropriate for a slightly younger group.
May 9, 2013
This series has potential. The story line is interesting but after the book was done it felt very much like we'd just finished listening to chapter one. Also, the audio version leaves a lot to be desired in what should have been great moments of excitement because the reader never put more emotion in to any of the peril moments than she did the casual exchanges. My 12 year old son and I enjoyed the story and will be getting the next book. My only content concern is that at one point she undresses completely to bath and wash her clothing and she stays that way through a "phone call" where she thinks how good it is that a young man can't see her. She hangs out by a fire overnight before her dragon accidentally scorches her underwear in the morning before she puts it back on. Granted, she is VERY dirty and is due for a washing of some sort in the book but this part came up when I had teenage boys in my car and I was embarrassed.
February 18, 2009
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It's the story of a Princess named Nell who sets out to save her Kingdom of Eldearth. To save the kindgom she must set out to find the Imperial Wizard and convince him to take her as an apprentice even though she's not a boy.
It's a spirited tale of girl power. Nell is kind and strong and clever. I would recommend this book to girls who liked the Dealing with Dragons Series. My only complaint is that the ending a abrupt (even for a series), Koller really leaves readers hanging so they HAVE to pick up the next volume to figure out what happens to Nell. Pooh. Annoying.
It's a spirited tale of girl power. Nell is kind and strong and clever. I would recommend this book to girls who liked the Dealing with Dragons Series. My only complaint is that the ending a abrupt (even for a series), Koller really leaves readers hanging so they HAVE to pick up the next volume to figure out what happens to Nell. Pooh. Annoying.
January 18, 2016
I listened to this book in the car. The narration was very good. I enjoyed this book, and was going to give it a high rating, and then the book ended so abruptly, I wanted to give it a lower rating. Then I noticed it was book one. The ending still didn't feel like it was going to go any further. Now I have to see if I can get the next two books.
This book is in the new style of making a girl the hero. The princess goes out to pass all the tests that are needed to train with the Wizard, so she can save her country. The men have not been able to pass the tests, and the wizard is getting old. She needs her father's permission to do the training.
This book is in the new style of making a girl the hero. The princess goes out to pass all the tests that are needed to train with the Wizard, so she can save her country. The men have not been able to pass the tests, and the wizard is getting old. She needs her father's permission to do the training.
October 17, 2015
Okay, so I know this for younger kids, but I read it a couple years ago. It was so good. But, I never got to finish the last 10 pages or the rest of the series (however many that may be). So I really want to read it again. All I remember is that a princess, I think, wants to become a keeper or whatever and she goes on a three day journey or however long it takes, where she can only go alone and she acquires a dragon and a something else and cannot eat or drink anything except for a sip of water at sunset. And that it was very good. And the end.
March 5, 2013
A Quickie Review
An old-school fantasy quest, A Wizard Named Nell is set in a fantastical land full of spellcasters and mythical creatures. It's the typical "girl outdoes all the prior guys" tale that many of us have seen a thousand times before, but it still works moderately well. Some parents may quibble with a guy pretending to be Nell, and dressing up as a girl, throughout much of the book.
Score: 3.5/5
An old-school fantasy quest, A Wizard Named Nell is set in a fantastical land full of spellcasters and mythical creatures. It's the typical "girl outdoes all the prior guys" tale that many of us have seen a thousand times before, but it still works moderately well. Some parents may quibble with a guy pretending to be Nell, and dressing up as a girl, throughout much of the book.
Score: 3.5/5
July 29, 2013
An average fantasy and a somewhat slow start to what may become a very good series. The relationship between Nell and Owen is well done by the end of the book, but my main problem with this story is that the author TELLS us what Nell is feeling rather than showing us. Let the characters act out their feelings rather than explaining them to us. Still, it picks up by the end, so further stories may be more enticing (and better written).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews