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The Keeper's Saga #1
The Keeper's Calling
They come from two different worlds. One fateful discovery will bring them together. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.
Chase Harper's to-do list for senior year never included fall in love and fight for your life, but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.
312 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2012
4 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Nelson
9 books83 followersKelly Nelson was raised in Utah and now resides in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband and of course lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. As a young girl she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper's Calling.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 14, 2012
The Keeper's Calling is a really fun read for young adults and adults alike. Time travel, romance, magic, adventure--this book has a little of something for everyone. You know a book is good when you carry it everywhere, stealing a glance at your bookmarked page during stolen moments throughout a hectic day!
Enter the vivid settings of the lush Pacific Northwest, the rustic southern Utah territory, and glimpses of various places and times throughout history and you will find Chase Harper, our protagonist. I was quickly captivated by Chase Harper, a senior at Hilhi in Oregon who discovers a magic counter--a gold device resembling a pocket watch--that takes him back in time. Chase becomes the new "Keeper" of the magic counter, and he soon discovers he is not the only one who holds such a coveted device. Chase literally fights for his life, for the safety of the counter, and for the heart of Ellie Williams, a beautiful girl from 1863 who has a history with the counter and its magical powers. I highly recommend!
Enter the vivid settings of the lush Pacific Northwest, the rustic southern Utah territory, and glimpses of various places and times throughout history and you will find Chase Harper, our protagonist. I was quickly captivated by Chase Harper, a senior at Hilhi in Oregon who discovers a magic counter--a gold device resembling a pocket watch--that takes him back in time. Chase becomes the new "Keeper" of the magic counter, and he soon discovers he is not the only one who holds such a coveted device. Chase literally fights for his life, for the safety of the counter, and for the heart of Ellie Williams, a beautiful girl from 1863 who has a history with the counter and its magical powers. I highly recommend!
February 26, 2012
I wrote the book I would most love to read and even after reading it more times than I can count, I still love it. I hope everyone enjoys reading Chase Harper's adventures as much as I enjoyed writing them.
August 15, 2012
I loved this book! I loved how it didn't take 7 chapters to introduce the characters and get going. It only took a couple pages. That was impressive. Secondly, this book is proof that you don't need foul language or smut in a story to be successful. I love how the author kept this book super clean. There is defensive action fighting but that's nothing compared to the violence that my family reads about in the scriptures. And I just eat up a wholesome love story. I'm not only comfortable with my 12 year old son reading this book, I really hope he does so he can use it as a standard for other books he will read in the future. Another fun aspect for me is that this is a local (Oregon) author so it was a thrill to read a story that highlighted places I'm familiar with. This book was such a joy to read and left me wanting more. The time travel idea isn't new, but the author created such an interesting concept and it works splendidly! The Keeper's Calling wasn't just a good read, it was a GREAT read. I can't wait for book 2.
*My mom and I thought the book was so successful (she read the book without my recommendation while watching my kids one weekend recently) that we nominated it for a 2012 Whitney Award which is given to LDS authors. Here's the link (hopefully) if you feel so inclined. Nominating is SO easy.
http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/no...
*My mom and I thought the book was so successful (she read the book without my recommendation while watching my kids one weekend recently) that we nominated it for a 2012 Whitney Award which is given to LDS authors. Here's the link (hopefully) if you feel so inclined. Nominating is SO easy.
http://whitneyawards.com/wordpress/no...
September 26, 2014
Ran into the author at Costco and she convinced me her books were worth the read. So glad she did, this story was surprisingly fantastic. Loved the romance and the twist with time travel. I thought this book was great, but loved the 2nd and 3rd even more, looking forward to when the 4th comes out! And my 9 year old is now reading these and loving them.
May 16, 2012
I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive when I learned that "The Keeper’s Calling" dealt with time travel. That’s tricky. It reminds me of the question, “What would happen if I went back and shot my grandfather?”
However, I’d heard good things about the book, so I kept an open mind and dove in.
At its very heart, it’s the story of seventeen-year-old Chase Harper. Like many young men his age, Chase meets a pretty girl (Ellie) who is different from all the other ones he had met before. There’s only one slight problem. He’s from 2011. She is from 1863. I’ve heard of May-December romances before, but this is a bit extreme.
Since there is time travel involved, Ellie and Chase are about the same age when they meet. Factor in Chase already has a girlfriend, and things get a bit sticky.
So, what is the rest of the story about? I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll share what’s on the back of the book:
“Chase Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included “fall in love” and “fight for your life,” but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.”
There were many aspects of this book I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a character driven action / adventure / fantasy book. The action and adventure elements in the book play a supporting role to the characters. I actually cared when something happened to the characters.
I found the overall plot to be quite unique and unexpected. I kept wanting to categorize the book like, “Oh, it’s like such-and such” but I kept getting surprised.
Another thing I enjoyed was the insight on how a seventeen-year-old young man thinks. It brought back a lot of memories what I was that age … uh, a few years ago. Even more remarkable was that the book was written by a female, Kelly Nelson. I’m not saying that females can’t write good male characters, but I was impressed on how dead-on Nelson was.
Who would enjoy this? Who wouldn’t? It’s a clean read—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
And the best part? This is book one in a series. While it has a satisfying conclusion, it leaves the door wide open for all sorts of shenanigans to happen in the future … or past … or, well, you get my point.
However, I’d heard good things about the book, so I kept an open mind and dove in.
At its very heart, it’s the story of seventeen-year-old Chase Harper. Like many young men his age, Chase meets a pretty girl (Ellie) who is different from all the other ones he had met before. There’s only one slight problem. He’s from 2011. She is from 1863. I’ve heard of May-December romances before, but this is a bit extreme.
Since there is time travel involved, Ellie and Chase are about the same age when they meet. Factor in Chase already has a girlfriend, and things get a bit sticky.
So, what is the rest of the story about? I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll share what’s on the back of the book:
“Chase Harper’s to-do list for senior year never included “fall in love” and “fight for your life,” but things rarely go as planned. Tarnished gold and resembling a pocket watch, the counter he finds in a cave during the summer of 2011 will forever change the course of his life, leading him to the beautiful Ellie Williams and unlocking a power beyond his wildest imagination.
In 1863, Ellie Williams completes school in Boston and returns to the Utah Territory only to discover that her grandfather and his counter, a treasured family heirloom, are missing. When Ellie is abducted and told she must produce the counter or die, an unexpected rescuer comes to her aid.”
There were many aspects of this book I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a character driven action / adventure / fantasy book. The action and adventure elements in the book play a supporting role to the characters. I actually cared when something happened to the characters.
I found the overall plot to be quite unique and unexpected. I kept wanting to categorize the book like, “Oh, it’s like such-and such” but I kept getting surprised.
Another thing I enjoyed was the insight on how a seventeen-year-old young man thinks. It brought back a lot of memories what I was that age … uh, a few years ago. Even more remarkable was that the book was written by a female, Kelly Nelson. I’m not saying that females can’t write good male characters, but I was impressed on how dead-on Nelson was.
Who would enjoy this? Who wouldn’t? It’s a clean read—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
And the best part? This is book one in a series. While it has a satisfying conclusion, it leaves the door wide open for all sorts of shenanigans to happen in the future … or past … or, well, you get my point.
April 23, 2012
This was an amazingly well written and created story. I was a bit surprised at how well the author created and explained a believable time travel theory. The characters were engaging and believable. Chase is a strong character with understandable motives and actions. Ellie is a convincing character for her time period and has some spunk to her. Their romance is wonderful and really pulled me along with their emotional highs and lows. It was an interesting experience to read a romance that is solely from the point of view of the guy, but made for a wonderfully adventurous story that still had great romantic elements. An enthralling introduction to what I hope continues to be a wonderful series.
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www.cleanromancereviews.com
July 23, 2013
I was given this series as a birthday present. What a perfect gift! Not only do I enjoy reading, but I love a great book. I was unsure at first when I received this book, but once I started I could not finish. I read straight through the first 2 books and anxiously await the third to be released.
These series looks at time travel and the fantasy world of magicians and magic. The author blends history and future and fantasy quite well. I like how the characters work together, the theme of romance verses friendship and how to make choices that effect history and future.
Great read! Loved this series!
These series looks at time travel and the fantasy world of magicians and magic. The author blends history and future and fantasy quite well. I like how the characters work together, the theme of romance verses friendship and how to make choices that effect history and future.
Great read! Loved this series!
April 9, 2013
This story was fantastic. I loved diving into the world of Chase Harper. Since the story was from the point of view of a boy, I was leery of my connection to the main character; however, the author did a great job making the reader relate just as if it was a female main character. I liked seeing the relationship expand from the perspective of the reluctant teenage boy.
This story had action in all of the right places. I didn't feel like the fighting scenes were misplaced, because they were brief and necessary for the understanding of the story. A lot of times, I think fighting scenes in books are overused and I end up skimming over them With this book, I read every scene because they were tastefully done.
This book is part of a series, and I was worried it would end with the major cliffhanger that almost all trilogies begin with and leave you screaming at the inconclusive ending of the story. To my delight, this book ended peacefully but still left me wanting to find out more about Chase Harper's story and calling. I'm excited to read the next book
Well done, Kelly Nelson. Bravo!
This story had action in all of the right places. I didn't feel like the fighting scenes were misplaced, because they were brief and necessary for the understanding of the story. A lot of times, I think fighting scenes in books are overused and I end up skimming over them With this book, I read every scene because they were tastefully done.
This book is part of a series, and I was worried it would end with the major cliffhanger that almost all trilogies begin with and leave you screaming at the inconclusive ending of the story. To my delight, this book ended peacefully but still left me wanting to find out more about Chase Harper's story and calling. I'm excited to read the next book
Well done, Kelly Nelson. Bravo!
June 19, 2012
Kelly did a great job writing this book. Like others, I was apprehensive about a time travel book since there are so many places and events that can be solved through repeated time traveling. I believe this was somewhat solved with the reluctance of Chase, and the simple rules of time ever travel in this world. I look forward to the next two books as the story picked up the pace from about the half way point onward and has set the sage for a much more aggressive storytelling.
The characters felt believable and sympathetic, easily relatable even in an extraordinary world with extraordinary circumstances. The writing flowed smoothly from one scene to another with only a few places where it suffered from any jarring. All in all, I loved this book.
The characters felt believable and sympathetic, easily relatable even in an extraordinary world with extraordinary circumstances. The writing flowed smoothly from one scene to another with only a few places where it suffered from any jarring. All in all, I loved this book.
March 19, 2012
I loved this book! Such a fun read. It is fast paced and kept me wanting more. I particularly loved the time travel, I love reading about different time periods and with this book you get a little smidgen of a bunch of time periods.
The main characters are so love-able, I was rooting for them from start to finish. Not to mention that I have a bit of a crush on the teenage Chase:)
This book is great!
If you are looking to find it, this book is available on Amazon:)
The main characters are so love-able, I was rooting for them from start to finish. Not to mention that I have a bit of a crush on the teenage Chase:)
This book is great!
If you are looking to find it, this book is available on Amazon:)
March 17, 2012
I loved this book! It seriously has it all; action, adventure, romance, and a bit from the future as well as the past. I highly recommend this book to everyone! Well done, Kelly Nelson!
April 7, 2012
Excellent first book. I can't wait for the next book of this series!
January 23, 2023
It was pretty good, though hard to follow at times :)
December 2, 2014
Let me start by saying I LOVE LOVE LOVE audio books. It's so nice to be able to listen to a book to distract me from the every day jobs of being a mom :).
This book grabbed me from the very beginning! Chase and his family go on a camping trip and while there Chase decides to go on a bike ride, he find himself in a cave. Inside this cave he finds what looks like a pocket watch. Well we all know looks can be deceiving. Chase is swept from the present and finds himself in 1863.
I love stories about time travel, and I love the twist this book had. Chase seems to be on track for his Senior year in High School, until that fateful camping trip. Now he has found his life turned up side down. Responsible for a counter that gives him the ability to time travel, along with a girl he now feels he needs to protect.
Chase finds out that there is quite a responsibility in holding this counter. He seems to be finding himself in a lot of trouble over and over. Someone is seeking the item he has found. He has to find a way to keep it safe and out of the hands of those who would want to do evil with it.
I love this story. Chase is such a swoon worthy guy! Handsome, lovable, and a gentlemen to boot. He loves his family and will do any thing to protect the new girl Ellie that has entered his life. She is also in danger because the counter use to belong to Ellie's grandfather.
The story moves well, and Nelson brought the past to life for me. I love that. I felt like I was traveling through time right along with the characters. How fun would it be to be able to go back in time to where you wanted to see things happen. I t would be so fascinating to me.
Chase finds that he has feelings for Ellie, but has to keep them on the down low. I love Ellie. She was so cute. The way Nelson wrote her part is awesome. A girl transported into the year 2011 from 1863 was fun. She had to get use to the new things. Like a dishwasher. hehe! I cannot imagine not having one, but reading Ellie's point of view was awesome. Made me think about how thankful I am for modern convinces ;).
The struggle to keep Ellie safe along with the counter is quite the ride. What I love even more about this book was that it was clean and written so beautifully. This book has suspense, time travel and a romance to boot. It was AWESOME! I enjoyed every moment of this book.
I hope that you take the opportunity to read or listen to this wonderful book. I will be listening to it again with my son. I know for a fact he will love this book! Which makes me like it even more. A book that gets my son who refuses to read interested is TOP NOTCH to me.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I will definitely be picking that one up!
Source: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way. I was not compensated in any way for this book. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
This book grabbed me from the very beginning! Chase and his family go on a camping trip and while there Chase decides to go on a bike ride, he find himself in a cave. Inside this cave he finds what looks like a pocket watch. Well we all know looks can be deceiving. Chase is swept from the present and finds himself in 1863.
I love stories about time travel, and I love the twist this book had. Chase seems to be on track for his Senior year in High School, until that fateful camping trip. Now he has found his life turned up side down. Responsible for a counter that gives him the ability to time travel, along with a girl he now feels he needs to protect.
Chase finds out that there is quite a responsibility in holding this counter. He seems to be finding himself in a lot of trouble over and over. Someone is seeking the item he has found. He has to find a way to keep it safe and out of the hands of those who would want to do evil with it.
I love this story. Chase is such a swoon worthy guy! Handsome, lovable, and a gentlemen to boot. He loves his family and will do any thing to protect the new girl Ellie that has entered his life. She is also in danger because the counter use to belong to Ellie's grandfather.
The story moves well, and Nelson brought the past to life for me. I love that. I felt like I was traveling through time right along with the characters. How fun would it be to be able to go back in time to where you wanted to see things happen. I t would be so fascinating to me.
Chase finds that he has feelings for Ellie, but has to keep them on the down low. I love Ellie. She was so cute. The way Nelson wrote her part is awesome. A girl transported into the year 2011 from 1863 was fun. She had to get use to the new things. Like a dishwasher. hehe! I cannot imagine not having one, but reading Ellie's point of view was awesome. Made me think about how thankful I am for modern convinces ;).
The struggle to keep Ellie safe along with the counter is quite the ride. What I love even more about this book was that it was clean and written so beautifully. This book has suspense, time travel and a romance to boot. It was AWESOME! I enjoyed every moment of this book.
I hope that you take the opportunity to read or listen to this wonderful book. I will be listening to it again with my son. I know for a fact he will love this book! Which makes me like it even more. A book that gets my son who refuses to read interested is TOP NOTCH to me.
I cannot wait for the next book to come out. I will definitely be picking that one up!
Source: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way. I was not compensated in any way for this book. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
June 21, 2014
I wanted to like this book. I really did. The author is local: I came across the title when I saw her at a Costco book signing. And aside from being generally a fan of fantasy, YA or otherwise, I was immediately attracted to the blurb on the promo materials in which the reviewer celebrated the lack of vampires! (Seriously, I just Cannot Do Vampires!)
But... it just wasn't that great. I had to fight not to put it down through at least 50% of it, and I rarely abandon books. The problems are several: a not particularly original magical system, predictable plot, poor (slow) pacing, awkward dialog (internal and especially external), and multitudinous situations that strain the bounds of credulity - and no, I don't mean the whole time travel / magic thing! I mean the idea that a 17 year old girl can transplant from 1863 to 2011, move in with a relatively functional family, and enroll in *high school* without arousing some Serious suspicions in the adults around her. Arrgh.
So, what I liked: No vampires. No sex or language - clean as a whistle, really! And it's always fun to read things set in my own town.
But aside from that? Just not that great.
Honestly, it's the sort of thing I would be perfectly comfortable handing to my 13 year old niece to read, 'cause there's just no garbage in it, and she probably wouldn't be Nearly as picky as I over the rest. But as an adult? Well, I've read worse (*cough* *cough* Wildwood!), but that's hardly a glowing recommendation.
But... it just wasn't that great. I had to fight not to put it down through at least 50% of it, and I rarely abandon books. The problems are several: a not particularly original magical system, predictable plot, poor (slow) pacing, awkward dialog (internal and especially external), and multitudinous situations that strain the bounds of credulity - and no, I don't mean the whole time travel / magic thing! I mean the idea that a 17 year old girl can transplant from 1863 to 2011, move in with a relatively functional family, and enroll in *high school* without arousing some Serious suspicions in the adults around her. Arrgh.
So, what I liked: No vampires. No sex or language - clean as a whistle, really! And it's always fun to read things set in my own town.
But aside from that? Just not that great.
Honestly, it's the sort of thing I would be perfectly comfortable handing to my 13 year old niece to read, 'cause there's just no garbage in it, and she probably wouldn't be Nearly as picky as I over the rest. But as an adult? Well, I've read worse (*cough* *cough* Wildwood!), but that's hardly a glowing recommendation.
October 6, 2013
I met the author I this book and she told me to read it. I was curious so I picked it up. I couldn't finish it. The author is very nice but the book is poorly written and lacking in detail and character development. I really wanted to like this book, but I don't and I couldn't. Sad.
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June 20, 2024The book I have decided to write my review has called me back to it many times and has been one of my favorites and I hope to entice you to read it as well. This book is "The Keeper's Calling" by Kelly Nelson and it is an enchanting fantasy novel that offers readers an exciting and magical adventure filled with mystery, action, and heartwarming moments. If you are looking for something with a wild adventure with soft young love and time travel with old history I would personally recommend this book for all ages.
One of the standout features of the novel is its seamless blend of fantasy elements with themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Now I personally connect with the characters, especially Chase Happer and Ellie. Chapter three is particularly engaging, as it allows you to delve deeper into their relationship and witness their interactions firsthand. The author's ability to create relatable and endearing characters likely contributed to your enjoyment of the story, making it easy for you to become emotionally invested in their journey.
As they go on their journey they encounter various challenges, mysteries, and adventures that test their courage, friendship, and determination. I love how Chase and Ellie's journey is filled with excitement and intrigue. As they navigate through the twists and turns of their quest. They confront their fears, confront ethical dilemmas, and discover truths about themselves and the world around them. Theirs is a tale where every challenge met and every mystery solved brings them closer to understanding not only their mission but also themselves.
One of the standout features of the novel is its seamless blend of fantasy elements with themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both action-packed and emotionally resonant, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Now I personally connect with the characters, especially Chase Happer and Ellie. Chapter three is particularly engaging, as it allows you to delve deeper into their relationship and witness their interactions firsthand. The author's ability to create relatable and endearing characters likely contributed to your enjoyment of the story, making it easy for you to become emotionally invested in their journey.
As they go on their journey they encounter various challenges, mysteries, and adventures that test their courage, friendship, and determination. I love how Chase and Ellie's journey is filled with excitement and intrigue. As they navigate through the twists and turns of their quest. They confront their fears, confront ethical dilemmas, and discover truths about themselves and the world around them. Theirs is a tale where every challenge met and every mystery solved brings them closer to understanding not only their mission but also themselves.
August 8, 2017
This is probably 2.5, rounded up. Ms. Nelson uses the English language well. I did not enjoy the story greatly--maybe young YA fiction level??--although it got better as it went on. I do not want to read on in the series.
I thought it very odd that the kids did not go back in time to prevent Ellie's grandfather's death. This seemed a gross oversight.i thought it odd that he did not do something about obtaining after-the-fact some insurance for Ellie, although his solution would also work. I did not really care for the ages of the main characters, that they were high school seniors. Maybe I just wasn't fully prepared for YA fiction. This was OK. Just not as great as I had hoped it would be.
I thought it very odd that the kids did not go back in time to prevent Ellie's grandfather's death. This seemed a gross oversight.i thought it odd that he did not do something about obtaining after-the-fact some insurance for Ellie, although his solution would also work. I did not really care for the ages of the main characters, that they were high school seniors. Maybe I just wasn't fully prepared for YA fiction. This was OK. Just not as great as I had hoped it would be.
December 4, 2017
I met the author a week ago and picked up the book. I read the first chapter and found myself not wanting to put it down. I picked up the rest of the series just to read the first chapter of the remaining books in the series. After each chapter I realized I couldn't put them down either. I settled on getting the first book. I really fell in love with the characters and storyline.
December 19, 2018
2 or 2.5 stars, Sorry guys but this one is a DNF. I am not 100% sure why but I was not enjoying it and don't see the point of continuing when I am not feeling it. Looks like other have like it but I found that it did not capture my interest. I will not be continuing with the series.
December 30, 2021
Wasnt sure at first. It felt immature. But it definitely improved as i got further into it. Clean. Some violence. Want to get my hands on the rest of the books in the series. Perfect for teens on up.
January 13, 2015
I normally don't listen to audio books, because I'm always afraid of what the narrator will sound like. For some books, I've heard that the narrator can ruin the book, but the guy who narrated Keeper's Calling was actually pretty great.
This book is about Chase Harper, a senior in high school, and one of the sweetest male protagonist I've read about in a while--which I'll get to in a minute.
Chase and his family were enjoying the last bit of summer camping in Zion's National Park in Utah, when he decides to go off and explore on his own. In a dark cave, Chase finds a golden pocket watch, and messes with a few strange buttons on the inside. Suddenly, Chase sees three people dressed like they were from the late 1800's. His reaction was perfect. He thought that he was on the scene of a western movie set. It is only when he sees that the two men were going to hurt their captive--Ellie Williams--that he begins to realize there's something beyond any explanation he could think of going on.
It is then that he discovers the gold pocket watch he now carries actually a time traveling device.
Can I just say how much I love time travel stories?
With Ellie by his side, Chase begins to learn how to use the counter. A whole new world--or should I say times?--was opened up to him. He was faced with many problems. How to keep Ellie safe from the Sniffers, how to control where and when he landed when using the counter, the Erie Canal, and what exactly his purpose was as guardian of his counter.
Although I thoroughly enjoy the time-travel aspect of the story, I was grateful that Chase maintained contact with his family. With most time-travel stories I've read or watched, it seems the minute the character goes into the past or future, they leave behind their family until their journey is over. Chase however used his current time-line as an anchor, always coming back when the small tasks he accomplished were over. It made him more relate-able, because had I been in his place, I would have gone back if I could too.
Now to explain why I think Chase is one of the sweetest male protagonists I've ever read about. I won't spoil the story, but the romance in this book was so cute--and it was realistic, in the fact that he didn't suddenly fall head over heels. The attraction was there in the beginning, obviously, but it took time for Chase to discover his feelings for Ellie. And it was just so cute! He treated her like a princess and did anything he could to keep her safe. Oh, it was super sweet. I loved it!
Overall, this was a clean and fun story about the beginning of a boy's journey through time. And, I'm excited for the next books! In this one we only get a small taste of the bigger picture, and I'm very intrigued to see what exactly that picture will be.
I give this a 5 out of 5!
This book is about Chase Harper, a senior in high school, and one of the sweetest male protagonist I've read about in a while--which I'll get to in a minute.
Chase and his family were enjoying the last bit of summer camping in Zion's National Park in Utah, when he decides to go off and explore on his own. In a dark cave, Chase finds a golden pocket watch, and messes with a few strange buttons on the inside. Suddenly, Chase sees three people dressed like they were from the late 1800's. His reaction was perfect. He thought that he was on the scene of a western movie set. It is only when he sees that the two men were going to hurt their captive--Ellie Williams--that he begins to realize there's something beyond any explanation he could think of going on.
It is then that he discovers the gold pocket watch he now carries actually a time traveling device.
Can I just say how much I love time travel stories?
With Ellie by his side, Chase begins to learn how to use the counter. A whole new world--or should I say times?--was opened up to him. He was faced with many problems. How to keep Ellie safe from the Sniffers, how to control where and when he landed when using the counter, the Erie Canal, and what exactly his purpose was as guardian of his counter.
Although I thoroughly enjoy the time-travel aspect of the story, I was grateful that Chase maintained contact with his family. With most time-travel stories I've read or watched, it seems the minute the character goes into the past or future, they leave behind their family until their journey is over. Chase however used his current time-line as an anchor, always coming back when the small tasks he accomplished were over. It made him more relate-able, because had I been in his place, I would have gone back if I could too.
Now to explain why I think Chase is one of the sweetest male protagonists I've ever read about. I won't spoil the story, but the romance in this book was so cute--and it was realistic, in the fact that he didn't suddenly fall head over heels. The attraction was there in the beginning, obviously, but it took time for Chase to discover his feelings for Ellie. And it was just so cute! He treated her like a princess and did anything he could to keep her safe. Oh, it was super sweet. I loved it!
Overall, this was a clean and fun story about the beginning of a boy's journey through time. And, I'm excited for the next books! In this one we only get a small taste of the bigger picture, and I'm very intrigued to see what exactly that picture will be.
I give this a 5 out of 5!
July 6, 2012
The second I read the back cover and realized that there would be time travel in this book, I was hooked! Some people are skeptical about time travel in novels, but for me it's a sure way to get me to read. Let's just say I liked the device used to time travel and how it was used. But I am getting ahead of myself...
Chase Harper is our protagonist, a normal, 17 year old boy, who plays soccer, and has a girlfriend. Life changes for him while on a camping trip when he finds an old watch in a cave. Immediately, the story moves ahead with a lot of action, as Chase is transported back to 1863 where he meets Ellie. Kelly does a fun job with her two main characters. Though they come from different time periods, they start forming a great connection. The reader picks up on this way before the characters do.
Here are the main things I really liked about the story:
-Kelly does an incredible job of writing the POV of a 17 year old male.
-Very interesting story behind the time travel device and what it means to be a "keeper".
-The story keeps moving throughout without a lot of lagging moments; in other words, it was hard to put down.
-Though the main characters are teenagers, adults will be pulled into the story because of the depth of the plot.
This first book ends well, but still leaves you excited to read the next book in the series. The Keeper's Calling is full of action, angst, and romance as Chase Harper travels through the centuries on his quest of duty and love. Readers will enjoy traveling along with Chase as he forges relationships not bound by time.
Chase Harper is our protagonist, a normal, 17 year old boy, who plays soccer, and has a girlfriend. Life changes for him while on a camping trip when he finds an old watch in a cave. Immediately, the story moves ahead with a lot of action, as Chase is transported back to 1863 where he meets Ellie. Kelly does a fun job with her two main characters. Though they come from different time periods, they start forming a great connection. The reader picks up on this way before the characters do.
Here are the main things I really liked about the story:
-Kelly does an incredible job of writing the POV of a 17 year old male.
-Very interesting story behind the time travel device and what it means to be a "keeper".
-The story keeps moving throughout without a lot of lagging moments; in other words, it was hard to put down.
-Though the main characters are teenagers, adults will be pulled into the story because of the depth of the plot.
This first book ends well, but still leaves you excited to read the next book in the series. The Keeper's Calling is full of action, angst, and romance as Chase Harper travels through the centuries on his quest of duty and love. Readers will enjoy traveling along with Chase as he forges relationships not bound by time.
November 8, 2012
Also On my Blog: http://theperksofbeingaborkworm.blogs...
^Link to Book review
Rating: 4
Review:
My dad got me this book because the author was doing signings at a Costco in Oregon. So this is my first signed my the author book.
The Storyline: It was exciting, creative, and different from anything else I have read. It is sad and cute. I just loved it!
The Writing Style: It is well written and keeps your attention and doesn't bore you at all.
The Characters: I loved that all the main characters were introduced within the first two or three chapters instead of taking seven. I loved Ellie SO much. Something about her made me love her and want what is good for her. I really liked Chase but even though he is the main character I still liked Ellie more.
The Pace of the Book: It was well paced for the amount of time that was covered and what happened. It gets just a bit slow in the middle because less is happening but it picks up again and is really good.
Waiting for the Next Book: This book has such a happy nice ending I feel like it doesn't need a sequel but It has one. There is not even a title or release date for the next book so I will have to keep my eyes out for it.
Other Stuff: It is a fabulous book. The rating is a 4.5 instead of a five because it wasn't a book that I felt like I couldn't put down when reading it until the very end. It didn't quite make my favourite's but it is still wonderful. I would defiantly recommend this book for someone who wants a happier (for the most part), cute book.
^Link to Book review
Rating: 4
Review:
My dad got me this book because the author was doing signings at a Costco in Oregon. So this is my first signed my the author book.
The Storyline: It was exciting, creative, and different from anything else I have read. It is sad and cute. I just loved it!
The Writing Style: It is well written and keeps your attention and doesn't bore you at all.
The Characters: I loved that all the main characters were introduced within the first two or three chapters instead of taking seven. I loved Ellie SO much. Something about her made me love her and want what is good for her. I really liked Chase but even though he is the main character I still liked Ellie more.
The Pace of the Book: It was well paced for the amount of time that was covered and what happened. It gets just a bit slow in the middle because less is happening but it picks up again and is really good.
Waiting for the Next Book: This book has such a happy nice ending I feel like it doesn't need a sequel but It has one. There is not even a title or release date for the next book so I will have to keep my eyes out for it.
Other Stuff: It is a fabulous book. The rating is a 4.5 instead of a five because it wasn't a book that I felt like I couldn't put down when reading it until the very end. It didn't quite make my favourite's but it is still wonderful. I would defiantly recommend this book for someone who wants a happier (for the most part), cute book.
January 31, 2015
This book has been on my to-read list for a while, so when I was approached by the author to review an audio copy, I was thrilled. This is the first book I have listened to, and I really enjoyed the change. I listed while I drove around town running errands, and I was taken on an enjoyable ride.
I have a soft spot for books that have Utah settings. The Keeper's Calling starts off in Zions. Chase goes out on his bike, and finds an old relic similar to a pocket watch in a cave. What happens next is an exciting ride that leads him to Ellie. Together they start a journey that doesn't end where they started. The author does a great job of writing a teenage boy. Chase is immediately likable and I found myself cheering for him. Ellie is also a doll, and is fun to watch as she tries to adjust to a different life. This book is very fun and I enjoyed Chase's journey as he figures out how to adjust his life to be a keeper. I was happy with the result of him not staying in the Old West in the beginning and how Chase and Ellie had to adjust to their new circumstances. I also loved what a caring, thoughtful guy Chase was. I also enjoyed how their relationship wasn't instant, it developed in a more realistic way. I thought the jumps into different time periods were very exciting too!
I received an audio book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have a soft spot for books that have Utah settings. The Keeper's Calling starts off in Zions. Chase goes out on his bike, and finds an old relic similar to a pocket watch in a cave. What happens next is an exciting ride that leads him to Ellie. Together they start a journey that doesn't end where they started. The author does a great job of writing a teenage boy. Chase is immediately likable and I found myself cheering for him. Ellie is also a doll, and is fun to watch as she tries to adjust to a different life. This book is very fun and I enjoyed Chase's journey as he figures out how to adjust his life to be a keeper. I was happy with the result of him not staying in the Old West in the beginning and how Chase and Ellie had to adjust to their new circumstances. I also loved what a caring, thoughtful guy Chase was. I also enjoyed how their relationship wasn't instant, it developed in a more realistic way. I thought the jumps into different time periods were very exciting too!
I received an audio book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2012
Kelly Nelson has crafted an intriguing story of time travel and young love. Her main character, the teenager Chase Harper, grows and matures through the narrative, especially closer to the end when the tone of the story shifts and flows into something more tender. It's difficult to explain, but there is a change in the feel of the story and it happens organically. I was left wanting to know what happens next, not only with Chase and Ellie, but with a couple of the minor characters as well because Kelly's writing endeared me to them even in the brief moments they were present. The story was slow in a couple of places, there was one scene that felt out of place, and I didn't really care about the real plot that only made an appearance once (in that one out-of-place-feeling scene). Otherwise what I mentioned above is what stuck me to the book.
October 21, 2012
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
While not a favorite of the year, The Keeper's Calling was still an entertaining read. I was expecting something a little more young-adult though. It seemed to be below level: the writing, the action, etc. While it is no Hunger Games or Mortal Instruments, the story line is enjoyable enough. One thing done well in the book is the time travel. I was skeptical about it at first, especially when I first got to the part in the book, but I was proven wrong. The main character, Chase, has a magic counter that allows his to manipulate time and travel in it. By doing so he becomes keeper and meets a girl from the 1800's who knows about the magic involved. Before long, Chase is fighting for his life and to protect his Keeper abilities.
So if you are looking for a fun, short read, that isn't challenging, you found your book.
While not a favorite of the year, The Keeper's Calling was still an entertaining read. I was expecting something a little more young-adult though. It seemed to be below level: the writing, the action, etc. While it is no Hunger Games or Mortal Instruments, the story line is enjoyable enough. One thing done well in the book is the time travel. I was skeptical about it at first, especially when I first got to the part in the book, but I was proven wrong. The main character, Chase, has a magic counter that allows his to manipulate time and travel in it. By doing so he becomes keeper and meets a girl from the 1800's who knows about the magic involved. Before long, Chase is fighting for his life and to protect his Keeper abilities.
So if you are looking for a fun, short read, that isn't challenging, you found your book.
September 28, 2012
Chase Harper is a high school senior, living a normal life of sports, family togetherness, and enjoying the modern ways of 2011. When Chase discovers a pocket watch in a cave--his life and body begin to change as he adjusts to his new calling as "keeper" of the magical device that offers ability for time-traveling. When he meets Ellie and saves her life, you can't help but hope Chase and Ellie will have a happy ending--even though she's from 1863 and he's from 2011. Each character fulfilled their purpose in the book and made this a fun and believable read. The author, Kelly Nelson and her description of pirates, sword play, and various other era's, locations, and clothing left me happily surprised. I look forward to the second book in The Keepers Calling Saga, since this one had surprises on most every page!
October 5, 2012
History placement and description were interesting and insightful. Characters fleshed out nicely. Sci-Fi/Fantasy moments were inventive and colorful. My only lament was that the narrative takes a little getting use to, and as such, can be distracting from the story. But, beware you'll be hooked like I was from the moment...sorry, no spoiler.
I actually gave this book to my son for his sixteenth birthday. I read part of it before giving it and the rest after--it was that good. My son loved it and wanted to know when the next one comes out.
Excellent young adult read. Currently awaiting books two and three.
I actually gave this book to my son for his sixteenth birthday. I read part of it before giving it and the rest after--it was that good. My son loved it and wanted to know when the next one comes out.
Excellent young adult read. Currently awaiting books two and three.
March 4, 2015
This book was so much fun to read. I am sometimes hesitant to read books that involve time travel. It can be difficult to make them seem real and believable. However, I loved the way Kelly incorporated time travel in this book. This book was so exciting and had so much fun dialog. I found myself laughing out loud at things that would happen. It was hard for me to put the book down once I started it. The best part about this book is that it is the first of a four book series. I love it when a good story continues on to other books. After having read all four books I must say that this is one of my all time favorite series!
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