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Brilliant Darkness #1.5
The Keeper: A Brilliant Darkness Story
Peree knows what he’s doing as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel.
He knows Fennel’s Sightless. He knows that means the Scourge can’t hurt her while she gathers fresh water for her people. He knows how to wield his bow and arrow to take out the revolting flesh-eaters when they swarm around her. He’ll motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. And most important, he'll make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects. Peree knows his duty is to his people and his people alone, and not to the Water Bearer.
What he doesn’t know is that he's falling in love with her.
This companion story to THE SCOURGE (Brilliant Darkness, #1), a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist, stands alone for new readers and allows series fans a glimpse of the first few days of Peree and Fenn's relationship from Peree's Lofty point of view.
Recommended series reading order:
THE SCOURGE
THE KEEPER: A Brilliant Darkness Story
THE DEFIANCE
THE GATHERER: A Brilliant Darkness Story
THE FIRE SISTERS
He knows Fennel’s Sightless. He knows that means the Scourge can’t hurt her while she gathers fresh water for her people. He knows how to wield his bow and arrow to take out the revolting flesh-eaters when they swarm around her. He’ll motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. And most important, he'll make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects. Peree knows his duty is to his people and his people alone, and not to the Water Bearer.
What he doesn’t know is that he's falling in love with her.
This companion story to THE SCOURGE (Brilliant Darkness, #1), a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist, stands alone for new readers and allows series fans a glimpse of the first few days of Peree and Fenn's relationship from Peree's Lofty point of view.
Recommended series reading order:
THE SCOURGE
THE KEEPER: A Brilliant Darkness Story
THE DEFIANCE
THE GATHERER: A Brilliant Darkness Story
THE FIRE SISTERS
45 pages, ebook
First published November 25, 2013
18 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Henley
21 books441 followersA.G. Henley is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and fantasy books and stories, including the Love & Pets adult romantic comedy series. The first book in her young adult Brilliant Darkness series, THE SCOURGE, was a Library Journal Self-e Selection and a Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist. She’s also a clinical psychologist, but she promises not to analyze you... much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 17, 2016
Let it be known that I love his POV 10000000000000000x more than hers.
January 11, 2018
I loved Peree's POV of the first chapter of the first book.
We see his struggles and his confusions of doing what is best for his people but also what is best for the Water Beaer, Fennel.
he knows he must hate the Groundlings, his been told all his life. But the more he observes Fenn, the more fascinated and impressed he is with her.
Her courage and bravery he admires, despite being sightless, she walks with such grace that he can't help but stare at her and her beauty.
yet he risks angering and losing the trust of his people but it seems he worries more losing the trust of Fenn.
This is such a wonderful companying novella to the first. I loved Peree from the start but reading this book made me fall in love with him all over again
received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
We see his struggles and his confusions of doing what is best for his people but also what is best for the Water Beaer, Fennel.
he knows he must hate the Groundlings, his been told all his life. But the more he observes Fenn, the more fascinated and impressed he is with her.
Her courage and bravery he admires, despite being sightless, she walks with such grace that he can't help but stare at her and her beauty.
yet he risks angering and losing the trust of his people but it seems he worries more losing the trust of Fenn.
This is such a wonderful companying novella to the first. I loved Peree from the start but reading this book made me fall in love with him all over again
received a copy from the author herself, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
May 30, 2020
Well this was a short and sweet read. I liked getting the story from his point of view. I just wish it went back to when he first saw her as a child. It helped to highlight the romance between the two and it gives his opinion of situations so you can paint a better picture.
February 28, 2018
Although this short story comes chronologically after the first book in the “Brilliant Darkness” trilogy, it can be read as a standalone – which is how I read it. It is a lovely tale of love overcoming the prejudice incited by years of tradition and separation of two tribes – a bit like Romeo and Juliet, but so far without the tragedy or major violence. For me it was a compelling introduction to the trilogy, and I made sure that I bought the first book in the series as soon as I finished this tale.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic future, where the remaining humans have been divided into the symbiotic, but separated tribes of the Lofties (tree dwellers) and the Groundlings (ground dwellers), who reluctantly work together to fight and oppose the diseased, maddened, flesh eating Scourge. Peree is a Lofty, and he falls hard for the Groundling Water Bearer, Fennel. He must protect Fennel, while she carries out her duties, but tradition dictates that is where is relationship with her should end. It doesn’t take long for Peree to have other ideas.
I liked the world created in this book, and the well-thought out characters that populate it. I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
The setting is a post-apocalyptic future, where the remaining humans have been divided into the symbiotic, but separated tribes of the Lofties (tree dwellers) and the Groundlings (ground dwellers), who reluctantly work together to fight and oppose the diseased, maddened, flesh eating Scourge. Peree is a Lofty, and he falls hard for the Groundling Water Bearer, Fennel. He must protect Fennel, while she carries out her duties, but tradition dictates that is where is relationship with her should end. It doesn’t take long for Peree to have other ideas.
I liked the world created in this book, and the well-thought out characters that populate it. I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 11, 2013
"Suddenly the choice is easy. I choose her."
This novella is told entirely on Peree's POV and although it was great to be on his mind, I admit I'm still a bit disappointed, because I wanted more!
Greedy much?
I wanted his POV is some crucial scenes ahead in the story! All that angst and romance!
Anyway, still it was nice to read the beginning of the story and his impressions of the Groundlings.
March 30, 2021
Peree is the new Keeper of the new Water Bearer. The Water Bearer goes to the waterhole and harvests water for both the Grounders and the Lofties, while her Keeper shoots arrows to keep the Fleshies/Scourge (zombies) off her while she does her job. But Lofties and Grounders are forbidden to have a relationship, though Peree has a crush on the Water Bearer, watching her closely before they officially took over from the previous Keeper and Water Bearer.
I love new dystopian stories, and this one has action, and forbidden romance, and factions, and zombies. But the problem with dystopian stories is that the societies created beg for the readers to try to figure them out and find if there are flaws or not. I cracked up laughing each time they called them Fleshies. Not only does it sound like a little kid word, but as zombies, wouldn’t they be lacking flesh in places? It would make more sense to call the regular humans Fleshies, since they have flesh. There was this big deal of how hard it was to do the job of a Water Bearer, which I really didn’t get. As she was blind, the zombies wouldn’t touch her (no real reason given). So, why was it then so dangerous for her and why was she so scared of them? Why was it so hard for her? She seemed really affected by the zombie moans and the smell, but couldn’t she just plug her ears (with cotton or wax or something?) Maybe those questions are answered in the main series since that is from her point of view while this short is from Peree’s point of view. So, I really don’t get why it was such a big ordeal for her to go to the watering hole and pull up several bags of water (my opinion is that part is where the big chore should have been since that takes muscle power, but that seemed like nothing for her to do. And why don’t the zombies go into the cave the Grounders are in? It doesn’t sound like there is anything blocking them that Fennel has to move out of the way when she goes to retrieve the water. I do love the idea of putting a blind girl at the center of the story, and I love the admiration Peree has for her. And I love seeing her through his eyes. Will I continue on with the series? Yes, mainly because I like Peree and Fennel and I liked the rivalry and distrust between the Grounders and the Lofties, who both look out for their own communities. The story (which mainly covers the first meet of Peree and Fennel) ends just as the action gets started, leading into the next book, making this more of a teaser than an actual novella.
I love new dystopian stories, and this one has action, and forbidden romance, and factions, and zombies. But the problem with dystopian stories is that the societies created beg for the readers to try to figure them out and find if there are flaws or not. I cracked up laughing each time they called them Fleshies. Not only does it sound like a little kid word, but as zombies, wouldn’t they be lacking flesh in places? It would make more sense to call the regular humans Fleshies, since they have flesh. There was this big deal of how hard it was to do the job of a Water Bearer, which I really didn’t get. As she was blind, the zombies wouldn’t touch her (no real reason given). So, why was it then so dangerous for her and why was she so scared of them? Why was it so hard for her? She seemed really affected by the zombie moans and the smell, but couldn’t she just plug her ears (with cotton or wax or something?) Maybe those questions are answered in the main series since that is from her point of view while this short is from Peree’s point of view. So, I really don’t get why it was such a big ordeal for her to go to the watering hole and pull up several bags of water (my opinion is that part is where the big chore should have been since that takes muscle power, but that seemed like nothing for her to do. And why don’t the zombies go into the cave the Grounders are in? It doesn’t sound like there is anything blocking them that Fennel has to move out of the way when she goes to retrieve the water. I do love the idea of putting a blind girl at the center of the story, and I love the admiration Peree has for her. And I love seeing her through his eyes. Will I continue on with the series? Yes, mainly because I like Peree and Fennel and I liked the rivalry and distrust between the Grounders and the Lofties, who both look out for their own communities. The story (which mainly covers the first meet of Peree and Fennel) ends just as the action gets started, leading into the next book, making this more of a teaser than an actual novella.
May 18, 2021
There wasn't really any new information in the novella but it was nice to get Peree's viewpoint on the beginning of the story.
October 23, 2022
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/04/...
4 stars — I might be in the minority, but I kind of love alternative POV short stories. I love getting in the head of another major character and seeing things through their eyes. And that’s what this short story from Peree gave me.
The problem? It was too short. It just made me want more. It did answer a question I had that was seriously burning me, so there’s that! But getting this taste just made want to know what he was thinking at each point along their journey. I’m greedy. 😛
4 stars — I might be in the minority, but I kind of love alternative POV short stories. I love getting in the head of another major character and seeing things through their eyes. And that’s what this short story from Peree gave me.
The problem? It was too short. It just made me want more. It did answer a question I had that was seriously burning me, so there’s that! But getting this taste just made want to know what he was thinking at each point along their journey. I’m greedy. 😛
August 24, 2020
Peree is the new Keeper. He is a Lofty, even though he was born a Groundling but given up in the exchange. Fennel is the New Water Bearer, which means she gets water for the Lofty’s but more for the Groundlings. She is blind, all of the Water Bearers have bee blind and the Scourge, flesh eating creatures, can’t get her, but the Keeper’s job is to kill as many as he can that get close to her. There needs to be a great trust between the Water Bearer and the Keeper. Peree has thought Fenn (even though he didn’t know her name) is beautiful and he has watched her for a few years. I can’t wait to get to the rest of the series in hope that they can come together.
February 5, 2017
This is my first reading of anything written by A.G. Henley. I liked how her characters were presented, and I enjoyed the slight romantic vibe between these two adolescents while they were performing the tasks expected of them to help benefit their individual societies in this post-apocalyptic world. I look forward to reading more from this author and getting to know the characters in this series better.
September 13, 2020
Peree’s story adds so much more depth to this world. While it was amazing to read the first novel through Fenn’s lack of eyesight, Peree gives the reader more details into this world. I loved all of the story, even though it’s all scenes from the first novel. It’s great to see into his head and heart.
December 14, 2017
Good short from Peree's POV. Since I had just finished the first book, The Scourge, everything was still fresh and it just added to the story and explained a couple things about him. I received a book in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2023
My only complaint about this novella is that it is too short. To be honest, I could handle the whole first book from Peree's perspective. While I didn't feel like I was missing visual descriptions from the first book in the series, it was certainly a nice addition to have them here. Nice, too, to get Peree's Lofty perspective of the events in the first few chapters of the book.
August 11, 2017
I wish it were longer.
December 19, 2017
I love tis it gives his point of view.
July 11, 2018
cute little novella from peree’s perspective of when he meets fenn!
March 4, 2021
Told from a different persons view, this is a revealing, terrifying and yet very emotionally touching book. One to love.
July 11, 2023
Great view of Peree’s side of things for the first chapter or so. :) Can’t wait to read more!
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed Peree’s point of view much more than Fennel’s if I’m being honest. I think this whole series is a must read and I often recommend it to friends. The tension is gripping and setting the books down becomes almost impossible.
June 17, 2013
Peree’s job is to protect sightless Fennel, shooting arrows at the horrifying flesh-eaters from high up in the trees as she collects water for the community. She is the person chosen to collect water because being sightless, the flesh-eaters can’t hurt her. Peree’s job is not so much to protect her as it is to insure a continuing supply of water for his people. But, he slowly falls in love with Fennel.
This is a five-star, truly great book. Henley paints beautiful pictures with her words from the first page. Many times an author works and reworks the first few pages of a book so the prose is exceptional on those pages but the writing quickly deteriorates afterward. The writing in The Keeper is exceptional throughout.
What am I going on about here? The writing is never my focus. I love a good story and was not disappointed in that regard for a second. Flesh-eaters? Yuck! I don’t usually love horror. It’s like going for the cheap thrill. But, this book was not about horror. It was about the relationship between two communities balanced precariously, on the edge of war, between the lofties, who lived in the trees, and the groundlings. The real story is how Peree starts out watching Fennel, fascinated by how she manages, being sightless. Then, he must protect her and make sure she is able to collect the water. He tells her stories, challenges her, whatever he needs to do. In the process his feelings for her grow, until he no longer just wants to protect the water supply for his community. He falls for Fennel and wants to protect her.
What I loved about it: Fennel is not some fragile, incapable blind person. She’s tough. Even though she’s afraid, she’s brave. She’s an admirable heroine.
What I didn’t love: It was only 45 pages! I was so impatient when I was looking for a book to read I only looked at the cover and the description, missing the important info that The Keeper is a novella.
I wanted more! I found that it was a companion book to The Scourge, and quickly downloaded it.
This is a five-star, truly great book. Henley paints beautiful pictures with her words from the first page. Many times an author works and reworks the first few pages of a book so the prose is exceptional on those pages but the writing quickly deteriorates afterward. The writing in The Keeper is exceptional throughout.
What am I going on about here? The writing is never my focus. I love a good story and was not disappointed in that regard for a second. Flesh-eaters? Yuck! I don’t usually love horror. It’s like going for the cheap thrill. But, this book was not about horror. It was about the relationship between two communities balanced precariously, on the edge of war, between the lofties, who lived in the trees, and the groundlings. The real story is how Peree starts out watching Fennel, fascinated by how she manages, being sightless. Then, he must protect her and make sure she is able to collect the water. He tells her stories, challenges her, whatever he needs to do. In the process his feelings for her grow, until he no longer just wants to protect the water supply for his community. He falls for Fennel and wants to protect her.
What I loved about it: Fennel is not some fragile, incapable blind person. She’s tough. Even though she’s afraid, she’s brave. She’s an admirable heroine.
What I didn’t love: It was only 45 pages! I was so impatient when I was looking for a book to read I only looked at the cover and the description, missing the important info that The Keeper is a novella.
I wanted more! I found that it was a companion book to The Scourge, and quickly downloaded it.
May 27, 2013
This review first appeared on my blog, Read Books and Live Green
How I would blurb it: A great short story with a great insight into Peree's character, for those who are anxiously awaiting the the second book in the series.
I was so excited for this short story. A.G. Henley's first book was sooooo good! And when I realized there was going to be a short story from Peree's POV? I immediately went and bought the book!!
MY THOUGHTS
Okay first of all, the cover......WOW! It goes with the cover for the first book so well!! The blue color really stands out and makes you connect the two books! (Sadly though on my kindle the cover is in black and white. :'( If only I had bought it later!) I really love looking at these covers!!
Second of all....I LOVE PEREE!! Not only are he and Fenn great together, but he is just so awesome!!!
Getting insight into what Peree was thinking in the beginning of The Scourge was really interesting. He was a fun character to read about.
I also really liked the ending. It was right when Peree came to a great realization!
Be forewarned if you read the first book then you already know most of what will happen. Reading this is purely so you can get insight into Peree's view of Fenn and his life among the lofties.
And on top of that there was an excerpt from the next book and from the looks of it, it sounds good!!!
OVERALL
This was a fun enjoyable read that fans of The Scourge will love!
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YES!!
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES!!!!! (99 cents on Amazon!!)
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: ONLY IF YOU LIKE SHORT STORIES
WILL I READ THE NEXT BOOK: YEAH!!!
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: OF COURSE
How I would blurb it: A great short story with a great insight into Peree's character, for those who are anxiously awaiting the the second book in the series.
I was so excited for this short story. A.G. Henley's first book was sooooo good! And when I realized there was going to be a short story from Peree's POV? I immediately went and bought the book!!
MY THOUGHTS
Okay first of all, the cover......WOW! It goes with the cover for the first book so well!! The blue color really stands out and makes you connect the two books! (Sadly though on my kindle the cover is in black and white. :'( If only I had bought it later!) I really love looking at these covers!!
Second of all....I LOVE PEREE!! Not only are he and Fenn great together, but he is just so awesome!!!
Getting insight into what Peree was thinking in the beginning of The Scourge was really interesting. He was a fun character to read about.
I also really liked the ending. It was right when Peree came to a great realization!
Be forewarned if you read the first book then you already know most of what will happen. Reading this is purely so you can get insight into Peree's view of Fenn and his life among the lofties.
And on top of that there was an excerpt from the next book and from the looks of it, it sounds good!!!
OVERALL
This was a fun enjoyable read that fans of The Scourge will love!
WOULD I READ THIS BOOK: YES!!
WOULD I BUY THIS BOOK: YES!!!!! (99 cents on Amazon!!)
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK: ONLY IF YOU LIKE SHORT STORIES
WILL I READ THE NEXT BOOK: YEAH!!!
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR: OF COURSE
October 18, 2013
The Keeper by A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge, a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Award: Peree knows his duty as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel, is to make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects when the flesh-eating Scourge roam the forest. He will motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. He knows his duty is to his people and his people alone. What he doesn’t know is that he's falling in love with her.
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in a kind of cave man type of era. There are three main races. The Groundling's who live on the ground and have control of the water. It is a sightless Groundling who has the job water bearer and collects the water. The Loftie's who live in the trees with wooden planks between the trees for walk ways who protect the water bearer from the Scourge, they are called Keeper's. The Scourge are kind of like zombies, but they bite and kill so are feared. However for some reason they cannot touch a sightless person, which is why a sightless Groundling is the one to collect the water.
A new water bearer and new keeper are chosen and the novella tells us about their burgeoning relationship. . . are they even allowed to have feelings for each other?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by A.G. Henley? As I already have The Scourge I will definitely be reading it.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? The novella gives a great taster of what is to come in the book (hopefully)
A score out of 5? 5
MY REVIEW
This novella is set in a kind of cave man type of era. There are three main races. The Groundling's who live on the ground and have control of the water. It is a sightless Groundling who has the job water bearer and collects the water. The Loftie's who live in the trees with wooden planks between the trees for walk ways who protect the water bearer from the Scourge, they are called Keeper's. The Scourge are kind of like zombies, but they bite and kill so are feared. However for some reason they cannot touch a sightless person, which is why a sightless Groundling is the one to collect the water.
A new water bearer and new keeper are chosen and the novella tells us about their burgeoning relationship. . . are they even allowed to have feelings for each other?
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, I did.
Would I like to read the series/more by A.G. Henley? As I already have The Scourge I will definitely be reading it.
Would I recommend this novella/Series? The novella gives a great taster of what is to come in the book (hopefully)
A score out of 5? 5
January 18, 2018
The Keeper by A.G. Henley is a fantastic snippet into Peree’s POV for those who needed more after The Scourge. Set during the first part of the book and leading up to just before Fenn’s surprise, I found myself falling for the Lofty boy a little more as I read.
Peree is a bit of a mystery at the beginning of the series. I loved seeing his initial meeting with Fenn through his eyes. This is a boy who fell head over heels for a girl who he shouldn’t. And I love that that doesn’t stop him. And his relationship with Shrike is expounded here as well and I felt myself tear up just thinking about how close they seemed.
For Peree being the Keeper means that he must protect the Water Bearer. If he fails his people go without water. The leaders of his community remind him that he isn’t a keeper of the Water Bearer but a keeper for his people. He protects them by ensuring they receive their fair share of the water. This is a concept Peree struggles with. He’s been watching Fenn for years as they’ve grown up, hoping to one day be the Water Bearer and now that he is he finds that he is more concerned with her safety than that of his people. It creates a conundrum for him, one he attempts to find a solution to in this short novella.
Overall I loved having these chapters from Peree’s perspective. I’d always wondered what it was like for him to view Fenn from the safety of his trees while the Scourge surrounds her and well I get my answer here. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, I highly suggest you follow it up with this!
Peree is a bit of a mystery at the beginning of the series. I loved seeing his initial meeting with Fenn through his eyes. This is a boy who fell head over heels for a girl who he shouldn’t. And I love that that doesn’t stop him. And his relationship with Shrike is expounded here as well and I felt myself tear up just thinking about how close they seemed.
For Peree being the Keeper means that he must protect the Water Bearer. If he fails his people go without water. The leaders of his community remind him that he isn’t a keeper of the Water Bearer but a keeper for his people. He protects them by ensuring they receive their fair share of the water. This is a concept Peree struggles with. He’s been watching Fenn for years as they’ve grown up, hoping to one day be the Water Bearer and now that he is he finds that he is more concerned with her safety than that of his people. It creates a conundrum for him, one he attempts to find a solution to in this short novella.
Overall I loved having these chapters from Peree’s perspective. I’d always wondered what it was like for him to view Fenn from the safety of his trees while the Scourge surrounds her and well I get my answer here. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, I highly suggest you follow it up with this!
November 23, 2013
This is a short story about two peoples...one who lives in caves and another who live in the trees. A third group...some kind of monsterous creatures called the Scourge lurk in the forest and try to kill everyone. Only a sightless water fetcher can get water for both peoples without being attacked. The Keeper is from the trees and charged with protecting the water fetcher.
I found the world building to be great and the story very intriguing. This is a dystopia as it is set after the fall of our civilization, but there is a lot of fantasy elements here too and mystery...like why the water fetcher is protected from the scourage. There is a bit of a connection between the keeper and the water fetcher, and no doubt a romance is brewing...which I am interesting in seeing in future stories.
The only negative I would mention (and it isn't much of one) is I have no idea what the Scourge people are....how they became what they are, how they seem to have unlimited numbers, why their primary goal seems to be attacking people, etc. I'm sure a lot of that is covered in the other books, but I haven't read them yet. The mysteries and questions from this book only make me more interested in reading the other books, which I am looking forward to doing.
NOTE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. It was included in Darkest Worlds, an anthology.
I found the world building to be great and the story very intriguing. This is a dystopia as it is set after the fall of our civilization, but there is a lot of fantasy elements here too and mystery...like why the water fetcher is protected from the scourage. There is a bit of a connection between the keeper and the water fetcher, and no doubt a romance is brewing...which I am interesting in seeing in future stories.
The only negative I would mention (and it isn't much of one) is I have no idea what the Scourge people are....how they became what they are, how they seem to have unlimited numbers, why their primary goal seems to be attacking people, etc. I'm sure a lot of that is covered in the other books, but I haven't read them yet. The mysteries and questions from this book only make me more interested in reading the other books, which I am looking forward to doing.
NOTE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. It was included in Darkest Worlds, an anthology.
June 8, 2013
I already LOVE Peree, and now getting to see the beginning of his and Fenn’s story through his eyes, I love him even more.
I didn’t think that was possible, but I do. le sigh…
And not just Peree, but seeing Fenn through his eyes is a highlight as well, giving me an even greater respect for her and her courage.
Peree also gives us an invaluable view of the Lofties and what life looks like for them, further establishing the idea that the Lofties and the Groundlings are two groups of people who fiercely care for their own, who are acting on years of presumptions and prejudice (but who both grudgingly need each other), and how those prejudices have affected both their groups. Having now seen both sides, it makes Peree and Fenn’s curiosity about each other and their tentative willingness to look beyond their cultural conditioning all the more special.
Overall, The Keeper isn’t necessary to the larger storyline, but I would highly recommend it due to the more well-rounded perspective and the fantastic character development it provides.
I didn’t think that was possible, but I do. le sigh…
And not just Peree, but seeing Fenn through his eyes is a highlight as well, giving me an even greater respect for her and her courage.
Peree also gives us an invaluable view of the Lofties and what life looks like for them, further establishing the idea that the Lofties and the Groundlings are two groups of people who fiercely care for their own, who are acting on years of presumptions and prejudice (but who both grudgingly need each other), and how those prejudices have affected both their groups. Having now seen both sides, it makes Peree and Fenn’s curiosity about each other and their tentative willingness to look beyond their cultural conditioning all the more special.
Overall, The Keeper isn’t necessary to the larger storyline, but I would highly recommend it due to the more well-rounded perspective and the fantastic character development it provides.
March 5, 2015
The Keeper is stunningly spot-on. I love this book quite honestly and for more than one reason. First off, The Keeper gives readers a glimpse at what Peree is feeling at each moment we've previously read from Fenn's perspective. The Keeper gives readers more to think about. After reading The Keeper Peree's character felt more real, relatable, and more developed. By reading from Peree's perspective I gained more understanding about Peree's character and the ones he is close to, this is a kind of understanding that I would never had gained solely reading The Scourge. What amazes me the most is how much The Keeper enhances The Scourge. While The Keeper is only up until midway through chapter three of The Scourge the way readers perceive Peree and other minor characters throughout the rest of the story is with a greater understanding that can only be gained from understand another perspective. A.G. Henley does an impeccable job using The Kepper to help accent and complement The Scourge as well as stand on it's own.
December 12, 2013
This is Peree’s point of view.
This book takes place a bit before Pereel is to meet the person he’s to keep safe from the Scourge while collecting water for both communities… But as you know more than protecting someone’s life is what Peree has in mind. You are going to witness his feelings towards Fenn (and since when), his relationship with family; and honestly, you will laugh, and be a but more surprised about this character.
The book will tell his POV ‘til when he provides Fenn the rope for her swimming time.
For more, and the snapshot, click here
This book takes place a bit before Pereel is to meet the person he’s to keep safe from the Scourge while collecting water for both communities… But as you know more than protecting someone’s life is what Peree has in mind. You are going to witness his feelings towards Fenn (and since when), his relationship with family; and honestly, you will laugh, and be a but more surprised about this character.
The book will tell his POV ‘til when he provides Fenn the rope for her swimming time.
For more, and the snapshot, click here
May 31, 2013
This is getting 4 stars and not 5 simply because I wasn't on the edge of my seat as I was with The Scourge. That has nothing to do with the story or the writing, but rather it stems from the fact that I already know what the Scourge are and what becomes of Fenn and Peree and so, by extension, this novella was less gripping. This is often the case with books written from an alternate character's POV. Having said that, I still really enjoyed it and am very much looking forward to reading Book Two this summer!
May 30, 2013
I was so excited to see that there was a companion story to The Scourge, and that it was from Peree´s POV. It really helped me understand the depth of Peree´s feelings for Fennel from the very beginning, and his thoughts about her and their world. The sneek peek of Book 2 was awesome, and made me even more excited than I already was1 The Keeper was everything I was expecting and more, and it is on my Favorite´s List along with The Scourge.
September 27, 2017
This is a novella from Peree's perspective. It gives a unique insight on what it's like to be a lofty. I first got into this series in the Shatter Worlds Box Set (Which I wholly recommend you buy and read) in The Scourge. That is most definitely a book you want to read if you're gonna get into this series. It begins there then continues in The Defiance. You will LOVE this epic series, which is unlike any other I have found so far.
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