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Kingdom Keepers #7
The Insider
Deep within the catacombs beneath an Aztec temple, a Disney witch doctor is summoning powers that should be left alone. As terrifying wraiths and demons attack the Archives on the Walt Disney Studios lot, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, Finn, Willa, Philby, Maybeck, and Charlene are summoned to Disneyland fresh from high school graduation. They must stop an enemy that hasn't been clearly identified.
In this, the final installment in the epic Kingdom Keepers series, betrayal and ambition push the boundaries of loyalty. Chasing scattered clues in pursuit of a long-lost icon--whose magic offers a fighting chance against an evil that Walt Disney himself created--the Keepers find their hearts and minds tested in the park where it all began. Bonds that once threatened to fray are renewed under the pressure for survival. As the five are pushed to their limits--and then beyond--feelings intensify behind self-imposed walls of well-kept secrets.
With its dazzling action sequences and moments of touching intimacy, Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider will leave readers breathless, cheering, and biting their nails. It's a winner-take-all battle for magical good--but then why is Disneyland burning out of control?
In this, the final installment in the epic Kingdom Keepers series, betrayal and ambition push the boundaries of loyalty. Chasing scattered clues in pursuit of a long-lost icon--whose magic offers a fighting chance against an evil that Walt Disney himself created--the Keepers find their hearts and minds tested in the park where it all began. Bonds that once threatened to fray are renewed under the pressure for survival. As the five are pushed to their limits--and then beyond--feelings intensify behind self-imposed walls of well-kept secrets.
With its dazzling action sequences and moments of touching intimacy, Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider will leave readers breathless, cheering, and biting their nails. It's a winner-take-all battle for magical good--but then why is Disneyland burning out of control?
609 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
227 people are currently reading
5477 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
186 books2,098 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
May 2, 2014
I'm a Disney lover so I'm a little biased... I have enjoyed the entire series but I felt like this one was the best out of all of them. I enjoyed seeing more of the good guys (even little cameo appearances) it made it more entertaining. The story was fast, and interesting. I felt like I got a good sucker punch mid-book that I may never recover from though!
My only issue: What. The. Heck. with the ending. So this is the end of the Kingdom Keeper series but the book leaves it WIDE open for more... so is there going to be another series that involve the same characters as adults?
Great read.
My only issue: What. The. Heck. with the ending. So this is the end of the Kingdom Keeper series but the book leaves it WIDE open for more... so is there going to be another series that involve the same characters as adults?
Great read.
April 4, 2014
I have a LOT of opinions on this book, and due to being that this is the 7th book in the series and I've totally put the time in...i think i get to voice them! Also, TONS of SPOILERS, read at your own risk, you've been warned!
Alright, to begin with, I wanted to love this book. This series started so strong, and then got bogged down in the middle, but there was hope for me in the last part of book 6, hoping this would end and be everything I was hoping for. Alas, it was not.
The book took a REALLY long time to get into, it was like Ridley Pearson(author) was just trying to get more attention by adding other people's opinions/views of how the story should go. HATED it!! There were so many times that I don't think he had anyone review this ahead of time, there were times, it would just jump from idea to something else for no apparent reason and didn't make sense either. From a picky standpoint there were some spelling and some repeat phrases back to back.
Next, the storyline was darker than I expected at first, and to be honest, kind of unnecessary. There seemed to be so much added "drama" that was pointless and it really was dragging out the book SO much. The main Kingdom Keepers were fine for the most part, the whole Philby and Finn battling for the lead was annoying, I don't know if it was meant for more drama or what, but it got old. Bringing Dillard back was annoying as all get out!! I mean seriously? The whole thing was just bizarre and weird!!! Who would ever think that was alright? Hated that. The whole middle chunk of the book nothing was mentioned about an insider then all of a sudden one the keepers would remember and look at everyone as if they're all bad, it really got old.
Couldn't believe Wayne died. All the drama, nothing really got resolved with Wayne, and then he just dies. It was dumb, and not heroic, not befitting for this great character.
Also, the way there were all of a sudden all of these overtakers from every Disney show or movie was a lot, but how come we hardly ever see the good characters that are supposedly there to help the kingdom keepers? It gets a little annoying having a bazillion bad characters, but not showing hardly any of the good, and yet the author throws in Elsa because she's the newest popular character...really?? You have SO many good people to use in these stories and yet it was so limited and annoying!! I wanted to see Beast or Cinderella, Belle, Donald...soooo many people!
I hated the whole destroying Disneyland with Tia Dalma, Cruella was annoying, it wasn't a good build up, it was just frustrating. I had to force myself to get back into the book, it didn't keep me interested throughout the book, which is sad because I've been waiting and waiting for this book!
I know it's a harsh review; however wanted the ending to be spectacular and it didn't reach that for me!
Alright, to begin with, I wanted to love this book. This series started so strong, and then got bogged down in the middle, but there was hope for me in the last part of book 6, hoping this would end and be everything I was hoping for. Alas, it was not.
The book took a REALLY long time to get into, it was like Ridley Pearson(author) was just trying to get more attention by adding other people's opinions/views of how the story should go. HATED it!! There were so many times that I don't think he had anyone review this ahead of time, there were times, it would just jump from idea to something else for no apparent reason and didn't make sense either. From a picky standpoint there were some spelling and some repeat phrases back to back.
Next, the storyline was darker than I expected at first, and to be honest, kind of unnecessary. There seemed to be so much added "drama" that was pointless and it really was dragging out the book SO much. The main Kingdom Keepers were fine for the most part, the whole Philby and Finn battling for the lead was annoying, I don't know if it was meant for more drama or what, but it got old. Bringing Dillard back was annoying as all get out!! I mean seriously? The whole thing was just bizarre and weird!!! Who would ever think that was alright? Hated that. The whole middle chunk of the book nothing was mentioned about an insider then all of a sudden one the keepers would remember and look at everyone as if they're all bad, it really got old.
Couldn't believe Wayne died. All the drama, nothing really got resolved with Wayne, and then he just dies. It was dumb, and not heroic, not befitting for this great character.
Also, the way there were all of a sudden all of these overtakers from every Disney show or movie was a lot, but how come we hardly ever see the good characters that are supposedly there to help the kingdom keepers? It gets a little annoying having a bazillion bad characters, but not showing hardly any of the good, and yet the author throws in Elsa because she's the newest popular character...really?? You have SO many good people to use in these stories and yet it was so limited and annoying!! I wanted to see Beast or Cinderella, Belle, Donald...soooo many people!
I hated the whole destroying Disneyland with Tia Dalma, Cruella was annoying, it wasn't a good build up, it was just frustrating. I had to force myself to get back into the book, it didn't keep me interested throughout the book, which is sad because I've been waiting and waiting for this book!
I know it's a harsh review; however wanted the ending to be spectacular and it didn't reach that for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2014
I was really disappointed with this final installment. And I really wonder if Ridley will stick to that and keep it the final installment. I hope so. The entire story was disjointed, incomplete and hard to read.
April 14, 2014
I had high hopes for this book. I really enjoyed the beginning of the series, but then it sort of got mired in the middle as didn't seem to make progress for several books, just changes in location. The end of Book 6 seemed to jolt things back on track and I was pulling for a strong ending.
There were lots of twists and tension, so not the problem the middle books had, but it didn't really grab me.
There were lots of twists and tension, so not the problem the middle books had, but it didn't really grab me.
November 29, 2014
Finn Whitman and the rest of the Kingdom Keepers team are back in this final adventure for one more fight against the Disney villains known as the Overtakers. The Overtakers seek to burn Disneyland to the ground destroying the magic with them. The Keepers are on a race against time to find the missing pieces to bring Mickey Mouse back to the parks and stop the Overtakers plan. One thing is for sure though: there is an enemy within their ranks and "It begins and ends with lightning." Want to read more? Be sure to check this book out with the rest of the series and find out for yourself.
This was an amazing finale to Ridley Pearson's Young Adult Disney series! I have been a fan of this series since the first one came out and I enjoyed the adventures of the Kingdom Keepers team who fought against the overtakers and seek guidance from their mentor Wayne. I am now ecstatic to know that there is a sequel series coming out next year called the Return and I will wait patiently to read it and dive back into the Disney Kingdom Keeper's Universe to find out what happens next. If you are a fan of Disney, action, adventure, a little romance, and the Disney theme parks, then definitely check out the Kingdom Keepers series.
This was an amazing finale to Ridley Pearson's Young Adult Disney series! I have been a fan of this series since the first one came out and I enjoyed the adventures of the Kingdom Keepers team who fought against the overtakers and seek guidance from their mentor Wayne. I am now ecstatic to know that there is a sequel series coming out next year called the Return and I will wait patiently to read it and dive back into the Disney Kingdom Keeper's Universe to find out what happens next. If you are a fan of Disney, action, adventure, a little romance, and the Disney theme parks, then definitely check out the Kingdom Keepers series.
October 8, 2018
Final book in the Kingdom Keepers, I've been reading this series for years! It's one of the first books I read in English. I loved this one. There were a lot of Disney characters in it and it was action packed!
May 7, 2023
I am pleasantly surprised with this book. It finished really well, but it did leave on sort of a cliff hanger.
I got really confused at times, but then it was eventually sorted out. I really loved the characters they brought into the book, though I was a little disappointed that Ariel didn't appear because she's appeared before.
I felt like it sort of dragged on up until the point they met up with Minnie, then it started to pick up.
I probably could have finished this much sooner had I not had books to read for school in the fall and what not.
I got really confused at times, but then it was eventually sorted out. I really loved the characters they brought into the book, though I was a little disappointed that Ariel didn't appear because she's appeared before.
I felt like it sort of dragged on up until the point they met up with Minnie, then it started to pick up.
I probably could have finished this much sooner had I not had books to read for school in the fall and what not.
June 16, 2015
This book is a Horcrux. Scathing review forthcoming.
---------------------------------------------
Okay, it's been about a week and a half, I think I can finally bring myself to write this review...
It's (somehow) been a few years since the Finn and the DHI Crew had their last adventure, which ended in pyramids and labyrinths and monsters and the death of who we're told is a bestest best best friend ever. Lest the Kingdom Keepers series ends without plugging the park that started it all, the half dozen or so teenagers skip graduation and head to Disneyland for the final chapter of their ongoing but nonsensical conflict with the Overtakers, a group of Disney villains who are plotting to stop the Disney magic forever (whatever that means), and however long it takes (and believe me, they are taking their sweet time). Meanwhile there are hormones and power struggles among the team and oh whatever, they'll be just fine. Non-Mickey Mickey will see to that.
So. The series has come to an end.* As expected, this book delivered more of the same (though probably even worse), meaning:
• The characters are still as flat and inconsistent and poorly developed as ever, and there are way too many of them. They haven't grown or changed or developed since they were pre-teens, and any scene from this book could have been dropped in the first and it would have fit right in. They all have the same voice, and despite the author's continual insistence that they've become the BEST of friends throughout all their adventures, they are constantly needling and insulting each other. I'm pretty sure the author knows next to nothing about teenagers.
• The writing is still stiff and hard to follow. There are about 50/600+ pages of actual story, and the rest is an unstructured, neverending stream of bad action scenes that are awkward and impossible to picture. There are short, stinted sentences everywhere that make it so hard to follow the scene and "plot", and the dialogue is so unnatural that it's almost impossible to picture most of these conversations actually being had. It's so hard to describe, but it just doesn't make sense. I'm also pretty sure that the author must not know how human beings converse.
• The technology still doesn't make sense, and neither does the existence of the "Fairlies" in the first place. I'm pretty sure that the author doesn't understand literary genre or the purpose of editing.
• The Disney details are still inaccurate and inconsistent. It's almost like he heard some of the complaints and tried to make some sense of why the characters look different from their film/theme park counterparts, but if that's the case then the entire premise doesn't make sense -- Maleficent certainly wouldn't be able to blend in very well unless she actually looked like the Maleficent people recognize, and yet she (and everyone else) doesn't. If I didn't know any better, I would be pretty sure that the author has never even been to Walt Disney World or seen any Disney movies, and was basing his writing on secondhand reports.
This book had a very real effect on my mood for the days I was reading it. I read it on vacation, so I wanted to put it down to spend more time with family, but the longer it took to read, the longer it would be sitting on the shelf unread, and since I HAD to finish the series after all this time and buildup I just read it as quickly as I could, and literally felt an immediate lightness come upon me after turning the last page. It's just not a good book, and as always it takes a decent, fairly promising premise and mashes it up beyond repair. This book could EASILY have had some 400 pages edited out of it, and it probably would have been the better for it. It alternates between constant, pointless action scenes (what are they even trying to achieve half the time??), a few dramatic tentpole moments that don't really resonate much, and constant paragraph- and page-sized jumps from the action and dialogue to muse about how the characters are growing up and changing and how their relationships are developing (even though they aren't, they don't, and they never do), and then of course after SEVEN BOOKS, the last of which is over SIX HUNDRED PAGES LONG and features like four endings, we're left with a cliffhanger which basically undoes EVERYTHING that has happened in the entire series. (WHAT.) There are Easter eggs throughout for no reason, and there are pointless cameos, obviously in an attempt to grab readers' attention (and seriously, WHERE ARE THE GOOD CHARACTERS?? They hardly ever show up, but they surely outnumber the bad guys in a big way), but they're random and scattered and sometimes just an odd mention, even from obscure sequels and properties most people probably aren't even familiar with. Or, on the other hand, they show up out of nowhere, demanding you care about them just based on who they are, even if they barely resemble who they are, and play a pivotal role for whatever reason (I'm looking at you, Violet Parr), probably because the author needed some way to make his flimsy plot work so he just threw someone in there to carry it for a while. I do have to say that the timely inclusion of Elsa was one of the most transparent attempts to ensnare new readers, especially when you consider that the quote on the back of the book, attributed to Elsa, wasn't even said by her in the book. I guess they picked what they thought was a meaningful line of dialogue and just decided to throw Elsa underneath it, without even caring if it matched what was in the book. Also, who decides that after 6.5 books you can just go ahead and change the writing style to present tense? I have some serious doubts as to Ridley Pearson's literary credentials, as the only thing of his I've read that was worth reading was something that he co-wrote, and even that had some issues (though that might have been a biased view based on having read the KK books...).
A few parting shots: For the last couple of books in this series I took to turning down the page corner whenever I read something inconsistent or inaccurate about Disney, or even just bad writing, and while it was trending pretty well for the first 50 pages or so, this book reached a new high at 95+. Ouch. Also, while I remember, for this book the author actually had FANS write portions of the story. If that's not a desperate attempt at hype and fan interaction (and perhaps lack of ideas where to take the story?) I don't know what is. I don't know if I've ever seen such a tacky gimmick in a long-standing book series.
This book was literally taxing to read. It's the last book of the series, so I guess I'm glad I saw it through, just because I'm an absurd completist, but I'm sorry to report that it only became worse as it went along, all the way through to the ridiculous cliffhanger (at the end of SEVEN BOOKS?!?) that undid the entire series and the threat of an impending follow-up trilogy... When the high point of a book is the point that it's closed for good, that's a problem. If the Kingdom were ever really in the hands of these Keepers, it would have been lost years ago.
Phew. I feel better. A little.
* FOR NOW. Worst. End the madness.
---------------------------------------------
Okay, it's been about a week and a half, I think I can finally bring myself to write this review...
It's (somehow) been a few years since the Finn and the DHI Crew had their last adventure, which ended in pyramids and labyrinths and monsters and the death of who we're told is a bestest best best friend ever. Lest the Kingdom Keepers series ends without plugging the park that started it all, the half dozen or so teenagers skip graduation and head to Disneyland for the final chapter of their ongoing but nonsensical conflict with the Overtakers, a group of Disney villains who are plotting to stop the Disney magic forever (whatever that means), and however long it takes (and believe me, they are taking their sweet time). Meanwhile there are hormones and power struggles among the team and oh whatever, they'll be just fine. Non-Mickey Mickey will see to that.
So. The series has come to an end.* As expected, this book delivered more of the same (though probably even worse), meaning:
• The characters are still as flat and inconsistent and poorly developed as ever, and there are way too many of them. They haven't grown or changed or developed since they were pre-teens, and any scene from this book could have been dropped in the first and it would have fit right in. They all have the same voice, and despite the author's continual insistence that they've become the BEST of friends throughout all their adventures, they are constantly needling and insulting each other. I'm pretty sure the author knows next to nothing about teenagers.
• The writing is still stiff and hard to follow. There are about 50/600+ pages of actual story, and the rest is an unstructured, neverending stream of bad action scenes that are awkward and impossible to picture. There are short, stinted sentences everywhere that make it so hard to follow the scene and "plot", and the dialogue is so unnatural that it's almost impossible to picture most of these conversations actually being had. It's so hard to describe, but it just doesn't make sense. I'm also pretty sure that the author must not know how human beings converse.
• The technology still doesn't make sense, and neither does the existence of the "Fairlies" in the first place. I'm pretty sure that the author doesn't understand literary genre or the purpose of editing.
• The Disney details are still inaccurate and inconsistent. It's almost like he heard some of the complaints and tried to make some sense of why the characters look different from their film/theme park counterparts, but if that's the case then the entire premise doesn't make sense -- Maleficent certainly wouldn't be able to blend in very well unless she actually looked like the Maleficent people recognize, and yet she (and everyone else) doesn't. If I didn't know any better, I would be pretty sure that the author has never even been to Walt Disney World or seen any Disney movies, and was basing his writing on secondhand reports.
This book had a very real effect on my mood for the days I was reading it. I read it on vacation, so I wanted to put it down to spend more time with family, but the longer it took to read, the longer it would be sitting on the shelf unread, and since I HAD to finish the series after all this time and buildup I just read it as quickly as I could, and literally felt an immediate lightness come upon me after turning the last page. It's just not a good book, and as always it takes a decent, fairly promising premise and mashes it up beyond repair. This book could EASILY have had some 400 pages edited out of it, and it probably would have been the better for it. It alternates between constant, pointless action scenes (what are they even trying to achieve half the time??), a few dramatic tentpole moments that don't really resonate much, and constant paragraph- and page-sized jumps from the action and dialogue to muse about how the characters are growing up and changing and how their relationships are developing (even though they aren't, they don't, and they never do), and then of course after SEVEN BOOKS, the last of which is over SIX HUNDRED PAGES LONG and features like four endings, we're left with a cliffhanger which basically undoes EVERYTHING that has happened in the entire series. (WHAT.) There are Easter eggs throughout for no reason, and there are pointless cameos, obviously in an attempt to grab readers' attention (and seriously, WHERE ARE THE GOOD CHARACTERS?? They hardly ever show up, but they surely outnumber the bad guys in a big way), but they're random and scattered and sometimes just an odd mention, even from obscure sequels and properties most people probably aren't even familiar with. Or, on the other hand, they show up out of nowhere, demanding you care about them just based on who they are, even if they barely resemble who they are, and play a pivotal role for whatever reason (I'm looking at you, Violet Parr), probably because the author needed some way to make his flimsy plot work so he just threw someone in there to carry it for a while. I do have to say that the timely inclusion of Elsa was one of the most transparent attempts to ensnare new readers, especially when you consider that the quote on the back of the book, attributed to Elsa, wasn't even said by her in the book. I guess they picked what they thought was a meaningful line of dialogue and just decided to throw Elsa underneath it, without even caring if it matched what was in the book. Also, who decides that after 6.5 books you can just go ahead and change the writing style to present tense? I have some serious doubts as to Ridley Pearson's literary credentials, as the only thing of his I've read that was worth reading was something that he co-wrote, and even that had some issues (though that might have been a biased view based on having read the KK books...).
A few parting shots: For the last couple of books in this series I took to turning down the page corner whenever I read something inconsistent or inaccurate about Disney, or even just bad writing, and while it was trending pretty well for the first 50 pages or so, this book reached a new high at 95+. Ouch. Also, while I remember, for this book the author actually had FANS write portions of the story. If that's not a desperate attempt at hype and fan interaction (and perhaps lack of ideas where to take the story?) I don't know what is. I don't know if I've ever seen such a tacky gimmick in a long-standing book series.
This book was literally taxing to read. It's the last book of the series, so I guess I'm glad I saw it through, just because I'm an absurd completist, but I'm sorry to report that it only became worse as it went along, all the way through to the ridiculous cliffhanger (at the end of SEVEN BOOKS?!?) that undid the entire series and the threat of an impending follow-up trilogy... When the high point of a book is the point that it's closed for good, that's a problem. If the Kingdom were ever really in the hands of these Keepers, it would have been lost years ago.
Phew. I feel better. A little.
* FOR NOW. Worst. End the madness.
January 17, 2024
Book 7 finished off an incredible series of fun, friendship and magic. 🥹 Ridley Pearson is a fantastic writer and his imagery is stunning. 100000/100000 recommend. These books were amazing. Looking forward to the next 3 book series.
November 25, 2014
Wow. What a terrible ending to this series. The first books were pretty good. I liked the idea of walking around in Disney World at night and having all the villains come alive. I was really looking forward to a great ending. Unfortunately, it was just like all the other books. They did tons of stuff and then it ended. The end. Hope you enjoyed the series.
I can't believe I actually bought this. It was terrible. I wanted to hear more about Finn and Amanda, and Philby and Willa, and Maybeck and Charlene. It was so boring. If you've read all the other books and you want to read this one it's not really essential because it's just like all the other ones. If you've never read the series and you're interested don't bother because you will be disappointed.
I can't believe I actually bought this. It was terrible. I wanted to hear more about Finn and Amanda, and Philby and Willa, and Maybeck and Charlene. It was so boring. If you've read all the other books and you want to read this one it's not really essential because it's just like all the other ones. If you've never read the series and you're interested don't bother because you will be disappointed.
March 15, 2015
It's been six years since Finn, Philby, Willa, Maybeck and Charlene agreed to become DHI's for Disney, unknowingly being thrown into the truly real world of the Disney heroes- and villians. Now post-high school graduates, the five Kingdom Keepers must travel from Orlando to Disneyland on the other side of the country to stop what just might be the greatest threat to Disney since the company was created. In the final book of the 'Kingdom Keepers' series, author Ridley Pearson manages to combine history with fantasy, with allusions to different Disney movies throughout the entire book. I would recommend this book to anyone Disney fans who want a good series they will be able to remember even after many years.
April 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this series! I'm a major Disney geek, and this was a great book for Disney fans!
I was hoping to see more Amanda and Finn moments, like maybe they date or something before the series ended, but I was surprised by Charlene and Maybeck's moment at the end and of Philby and Willa.
One of my all time favorite series by far! I also follow the KK Insider website and write for the contests. So fun!
I was hoping to see more Amanda and Finn moments, like maybe they date or something before the series ended, but I was surprised by Charlene and Maybeck's moment at the end and of Philby and Willa.
One of my all time favorite series by far! I also follow the KK Insider website and write for the contests. So fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 27, 2014Great book except for the ending. I wanted to "hear" the last "clue" and wanted to actually find out who Wayne was a little more in depth. Also just dropped Wanda. It feels like Finn and the gang are done...but there's a whole new world of keepers (and books) planned.
November 30, 2024
3.5 rounded down, further evidence that everyone needs a good editor (this felt like the book version of olive garden never ending pasta)
November 5, 2019
This book was SOOOO GOOOOD!!!! It kept me in the book at all times and it is full of the Disney magic!!! Any Disney fan should read this book and the other books in the series!!
August 25, 2014
This series is about Disneyland that's been thriving for years and it's the happiest place on earth, but as an uprising of dark forces starts five children have to stop this uprising before it makes an impact on Disneyland, the theme of this book is that it's always good to have mentors as when the kingdom keepers had Wayne (a imagineer at Disneyland) for a mentor and Walt Disney before him as a mentor for Wayne, but the keepers had Wayne to help them through challenging mysteries and tough trials.
I personally thought this book was amazing because when one problem was solved for the keepers a battle would arise and I just love the fantasy in this book and the author is very descriptive so Ridley could give you a better visual than most books.
I would recommend this book to action lovers, and mystery cravers because of all the problem solving, battles, and the suspense in this book I really love.
I personally thought this book was amazing because when one problem was solved for the keepers a battle would arise and I just love the fantasy in this book and the author is very descriptive so Ridley could give you a better visual than most books.
I would recommend this book to action lovers, and mystery cravers because of all the problem solving, battles, and the suspense in this book I really love.
September 10, 2014
2.5 stars.
This book was quite disappointing. Such a long book and I felt like the first half of the book seemed to drag on.
I have never understand why more of the good characters have never stepped up to fight if the "Disney Kingdom" is in jeopardy from the various villains. I could not get over how at the final battle 99% of the characters, most who have special powers of their own, chose to hide out underground instead of defend themselves. And having Elsa as one of the three characters that actually is there with the Kingdom Keepers at the end because she is the current Disney favorite - kind of ridiculous.
There were a lot of unresolved issues (why the two groups of OTs and who was in which group, are the Cryptos really on the side of the Keepers, etc.) and the ending - huh? What happened? Did Wayne leave a message? It felt like a giant cliffhanger in what is supposed to be the final book of the series.
Like I said, it was a bit of a disappointment.
This book was quite disappointing. Such a long book and I felt like the first half of the book seemed to drag on.
I have never understand why more of the good characters have never stepped up to fight if the "Disney Kingdom" is in jeopardy from the various villains. I could not get over how at the final battle 99% of the characters, most who have special powers of their own, chose to hide out underground instead of defend themselves. And having Elsa as one of the three characters that actually is there with the Kingdom Keepers at the end because she is the current Disney favorite - kind of ridiculous.
There were a lot of unresolved issues (why the two groups of OTs and who was in which group, are the Cryptos really on the side of the Keepers, etc.) and the ending - huh? What happened? Did Wayne leave a message? It felt like a giant cliffhanger in what is supposed to be the final book of the series.
Like I said, it was a bit of a disappointment.
April 2, 2015
Another great story that has its good moments and not so good moments. A great good verses evil book with the good being triumphant, but not without loss. I felt this book was a bit darker than the prior stories. It seemed like there was more death and destruction in this story. The good thing is that those particular scenes are done descreetly without the descriptive gore. There were times where it seemed slow, but not at a snail's pace. I can say though that there is plenty of action and you won't be disappointed. It's great seeing kids work together as a team and thinking things through instead of individuals wanting things handed to them. There are many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering as you read page to page in each chapter throughout the book.
January 12, 2016
I enjoyed this series immensely - I mean, the characters at Disney World coming alive at night? Genius! Then all of the sudden... I just had to stop. All of the sudden, the book was dealing with demons, and the evil queen is taking over people's souls and a ton of dark, weird, creepy stuff. So like... what happened? Okay, there was a lot of magic in the other books in this series, but nothing like this book, which just reeked of evil notions. I only read the first couple of chapters before I ditched it. Anyways, the rest of the series is great!
September 14, 2016
The Stupidest Book I've Ever Read...
Not even worth my time to review. Shallow, meandering, hollow. Disappointing, frustrating, annoying. I'm so bugged at the blatant lack of writing effort that I don't even feel like giving the time it would take to properly write the reasons why. I didn't love this series to begin with. This book didn't help. Good riddance.
Not even worth my time to review. Shallow, meandering, hollow. Disappointing, frustrating, annoying. I'm so bugged at the blatant lack of writing effort that I don't even feel like giving the time it would take to properly write the reasons why. I didn't love this series to begin with. This book didn't help. Good riddance.
April 8, 2014
Good but.. The epilogue is confusing
January 21, 2021
“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.” Walt Disney
This was a fantastic ending to this book series. It culminated with Mickey Mouse, reminding all Disney fans that it did indeed start with a mouse. It brought all of the Disney magic together for a climactic and stunning conclusion.
This was a fantastic ending to this book series. It culminated with Mickey Mouse, reminding all Disney fans that it did indeed start with a mouse. It brought all of the Disney magic together for a climactic and stunning conclusion.
April 17, 2022
This is a prime example of a childhood series that should have stayed in the past. It has taken me basically ten years to finally finish the whole series because of how painful the last few books are. I can say I have officially finished with it!
August 11, 2021
Suspenseful and always leaves me ready for the next book!!
March 11, 2022
Review to come
October 10, 2022
Honestly the books would have been so much better if I read them when I bought them. Still good tho
February 7, 2024
Loved the series. I just felt like this last book really dragged on. It had a lot of unnecessary rambling & the Keepers running around the parks for nothing.
April 8, 2025
Nice read.
April 24, 2018
The Insider
PLOT: Somehow Tia Dalma manages to free the Evil Queen and Chernabog. The Keepers are called to Disneyland in a final battle where they will have to find the missing piece that will complete the 13 pieces of Mickey that were hidden in the park in hopes that they will be in time to resurrect Mickey who'll be essential to defeating the Over Takers once and for all as they plan to bring the park (where it all started) to an end.
MY THOUGHTS:
*Hands down the most AWESOME moment is Willa's transformation when learning that the only thing causing her fear is herself.! Finn has a powerful moment in the last book but Willa turns FEARLESS and FIERCE. It's so empowering! I was thinking GO WILLA! Reading that I think something went off in me and I was having the same moment Willa had. Nothing holds you back but yourself. Willa truly did turn into SUPERWOMAN!
*Hang on a sec! Judge Doom and the Weasels aren't Disney! There were Disney characters in that movie at the end, but Who Framed Roger Rabbit definitely wasn't considered a Disney movie nor did it have anything to do with Disney. Is this attraction a Cali only thing? Did Disney buy the rights to the characters from WFRR?
*Now seeing as I've never been to Disney land I don't know this could be, but since when is Mickey's house in Toon town two-leveled?
*I kept waiting for Wayne to pull another switch of the old hologram. While I'm not surprised. I really didn't think this book would end without someone dying and I'm just glad it wasn't May beck. I do feel like Wayne's death is the beginning of the end of an era. It begin with Wayne and how fitting it ends with him. It's very bittersweet.
*Ok really? Books into the series and Amanda STILL has a problem admitting her feelings for Finn.
*Whose mind would be twisted enough to think that giving you a "present" of the person closest to you that died as a hologram would be a good idea? Am I not the only one that sees that this might be more hurtful than helpful? A hologram will never be the real Dillard and frankly, it's just freaky to have a replica always around like that.
*I think one of the freakiest/darkest moments for me (possibly in the series) was Storey serving as a host for Usula. But then I didn't expect her to live through it either. When she woke up I thought hunh. I thought for sure Ursula had knocked her off before she took on her body.
*I was reading along just fine without confusion until I came to chapter 70 and there's a part about Charlene, Maybeck and Judge Doom and the Partner's Statue.
REVIEW: 10 It started out slow. Tia Dalma's trek dragged on for some chapters. But the plot picked up and it felt like the core of the story was restored for the original book. Every action sequence involving the Disney characters was enjoyable. Though some of the characters were questionable because they were in no ways related to Disney. The Insider not only had good action scenes, but it had warm (aww) moments. (The reunite with Mickey and Minnie). It had sad moments (the death of Wayne). It had moments that had you on the edge of your seat (Finn's death not once but twice and possibly May beck's) Even though you knew there was no way Finn was really gonna die. The hero is NEVER killed off. This one was less about the Keeper's love triangles. I liked how the book ended with Mickey's restoration of the Kingdom. YAY! But it threw me for a loop that the book ended with another incomplete quest as I was thinking this was going to be the last book in the series. I was satisfied also that we've seen the bulk of the characters. I think there are other books after this one so I guess the story continues. But if they do I hope they follow in the spirit of this one and don't venture off again.
PLOT: Somehow Tia Dalma manages to free the Evil Queen and Chernabog. The Keepers are called to Disneyland in a final battle where they will have to find the missing piece that will complete the 13 pieces of Mickey that were hidden in the park in hopes that they will be in time to resurrect Mickey who'll be essential to defeating the Over Takers once and for all as they plan to bring the park (where it all started) to an end.
MY THOUGHTS:
*Hands down the most AWESOME moment is Willa's transformation when learning that the only thing causing her fear is herself.! Finn has a powerful moment in the last book but Willa turns FEARLESS and FIERCE. It's so empowering! I was thinking GO WILLA! Reading that I think something went off in me and I was having the same moment Willa had. Nothing holds you back but yourself. Willa truly did turn into SUPERWOMAN!
*Hang on a sec! Judge Doom and the Weasels aren't Disney! There were Disney characters in that movie at the end, but Who Framed Roger Rabbit definitely wasn't considered a Disney movie nor did it have anything to do with Disney. Is this attraction a Cali only thing? Did Disney buy the rights to the characters from WFRR?
*Now seeing as I've never been to Disney land I don't know this could be, but since when is Mickey's house in Toon town two-leveled?
*I kept waiting for Wayne to pull another switch of the old hologram. While I'm not surprised. I really didn't think this book would end without someone dying and I'm just glad it wasn't May beck. I do feel like Wayne's death is the beginning of the end of an era. It begin with Wayne and how fitting it ends with him. It's very bittersweet.
*Ok really? Books into the series and Amanda STILL has a problem admitting her feelings for Finn.
*Whose mind would be twisted enough to think that giving you a "present" of the person closest to you that died as a hologram would be a good idea? Am I not the only one that sees that this might be more hurtful than helpful? A hologram will never be the real Dillard and frankly, it's just freaky to have a replica always around like that.
*I think one of the freakiest/darkest moments for me (possibly in the series) was Storey serving as a host for Usula. But then I didn't expect her to live through it either. When she woke up I thought hunh. I thought for sure Ursula had knocked her off before she took on her body.
*I was reading along just fine without confusion until I came to chapter 70 and there's a part about Charlene, Maybeck and Judge Doom and the Partner's Statue.
REVIEW: 10 It started out slow. Tia Dalma's trek dragged on for some chapters. But the plot picked up and it felt like the core of the story was restored for the original book. Every action sequence involving the Disney characters was enjoyable. Though some of the characters were questionable because they were in no ways related to Disney. The Insider not only had good action scenes, but it had warm (aww) moments. (The reunite with Mickey and Minnie). It had sad moments (the death of Wayne). It had moments that had you on the edge of your seat (Finn's death not once but twice and possibly May beck's) Even though you knew there was no way Finn was really gonna die. The hero is NEVER killed off. This one was less about the Keeper's love triangles. I liked how the book ended with Mickey's restoration of the Kingdom. YAY! But it threw me for a loop that the book ended with another incomplete quest as I was thinking this was going to be the last book in the series. I was satisfied also that we've seen the bulk of the characters. I think there are other books after this one so I guess the story continues. But if they do I hope they follow in the spirit of this one and don't venture off again.
June 30, 2020
The "Kingdom Keepers" series was my love and my life in middle school. To say I was a die-hard fan would be an understatement. For some odd reason, I never got around to reading the last book in the series, despite how eager I was for its release. With some more time on my hands during this pandemic, I decided to finally pick it up.
Reading this book was filled with nostalgia, but, in the end, I was disappointed. The story was all over the place. It felt as if Pearson was trying to make a climax of every chapter. Suspense and action are good tools, but they were overused. The characters also seemed unrealistic at times. In this book, they're seniors in high school, so basically almost adults. However, there were still moments when their dialogue and actions made them seem like they were still the twelve/thirteen-year-olds from the first book. In addition, there was no real climax and resolution. The end of the book left me unsatisfied. In reality, it frustrated me. All the work the Keepers had done throughout the previous chapters seemed unnecessary. When they finally achieved their main goal, it didn't affect the outcome of the major events in any significant way. Many of the events throughout the book were passed over as the story went on - many of them deserved greater reflection. However, the story did effectively address the effects of the death of a loved one on an individual's mental state. However, this was ruined by the insensitive return of a character, sort of, for no reason - at all. Literally, no reason.
Pearson also tried to add in too many Disney characters. It seemed as if he introduced a new one in every chapter. Yes, I know the book is Disney-centered, but everything in moderation, please.
The ending also leads into a second "Kingdom Keepers" series, which makes me cringe. The seventh book already felt stretched out. The series needs closure. Enough is enough.
Overall, I was disappointed. This series has played a major role in my life, but this last book did not live up to my expectations. I would recommend it to those, like me, who want to finish the original "Kingdom Keepers" series out of sheer dedication.
Reading this book was filled with nostalgia, but, in the end, I was disappointed. The story was all over the place. It felt as if Pearson was trying to make a climax of every chapter. Suspense and action are good tools, but they were overused. The characters also seemed unrealistic at times. In this book, they're seniors in high school, so basically almost adults. However, there were still moments when their dialogue and actions made them seem like they were still the twelve/thirteen-year-olds from the first book. In addition, there was no real climax and resolution. The end of the book left me unsatisfied. In reality, it frustrated me. All the work the Keepers had done throughout the previous chapters seemed unnecessary. When they finally achieved their main goal, it didn't affect the outcome of the major events in any significant way. Many of the events throughout the book were passed over as the story went on - many of them deserved greater reflection. However, the story did effectively address the effects of the death of a loved one on an individual's mental state. However, this was ruined by the insensitive return of a character, sort of, for no reason - at all. Literally, no reason.
Pearson also tried to add in too many Disney characters. It seemed as if he introduced a new one in every chapter. Yes, I know the book is Disney-centered, but everything in moderation, please.
The ending also leads into a second "Kingdom Keepers" series, which makes me cringe. The seventh book already felt stretched out. The series needs closure. Enough is enough.
Overall, I was disappointed. This series has played a major role in my life, but this last book did not live up to my expectations. I would recommend it to those, like me, who want to finish the original "Kingdom Keepers" series out of sheer dedication.
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