Fragments

Keeper of Light #2

by Kathryn Jordan

The growing darkness looms like a storm. As those seeking to restore goodness and justice carry on, they begin to unravel a much more sinister and mysterious threat to the Light. Meanwhile, Eloekim and his friends seek a place of refuge for their people, setting out on a journey fraught with dangers, temptations, and unexpected allies. They don’t know what awaits them at journey’s end, or who they can truly trust.

517 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2021

About the author

Kathryn Jordan is an indie author who writes faith-filled, YA and NA fantasy. She likes to describe herself as neurospicy, slightly unhinged, and unapologetically weird. She enjoys digital art, taking walks, watching crows, and reading books by her fellow indie authors. Much of her time is dedicated to raising and homeschooling her three awesome kids, but creating is a nonnegotiable outlet, a creature within she must heed.

Her works include the Keeper of Light series, The Girl Who Has Stars on Her Shoulder (a companion novel), The Wolf Warden, House of Dragons and Lord of Dragons (Books One and Two of The Emberstone Trilogy). She also has written a short story, The Stone, available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. Visit her official website to subscribe, explore her books, connect on social media, and more!

Reviews

[Becky Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Keeper of Light series felt like the cozy fading days of summer. Everyone was happy and laughter rang through the dappled forest frequently. I felt as though Robin Hood or King Arthur could walk onto the page at any moment. As the seasons change, slowly but surely, this book has organically flowed into the late days of fall and winter. There’s a hint of bitter winter in the wind and this book feels more dangerous. The stakes have been raised without compromising the morals, friendship, loyalty, and sweetness I adored in the first book.

The message and theology of the book are excellent. I love the depth of the faith conveyed here. I found myself caught up in aptly timed words that perfectly touched my soul in the moment I was reading them.

Kathryn’s world-building is spectacular, and her language is kind and considerate. There's a grace and thoughtfulness to her word choices. Her narrative voice feels like that of Tolkien or Lewis. She touched on deep topics with sensitivity, which makes this book a safe read for anyone in the family.

This book has all the fantasy elements I enjoyed in Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle. It was an enjoyable, satisfying read with plenty of action, twists and turns, and defining characteristic moments.

I cannot wait to read the next one!

Edit to add:
I'm going to say one more thing about this book: Christian fiction can be called preachy. I've read books where the faith seemed shoved in as an afterthought. That is NOT this book. The Christianity is fluid and natural. It is clear that this is the air Kathryn Jordan was breathing as she wrote the book and I love books like that!

[Jewel Plank · Rating 4 out of 5]

My my, what a place to pick up from after Shadows. Our friends are thrown across kingdoms because it is clear they are unwanted. This book's title, Fragments, couldn't be better selected. There's plenty of danger lurking around the corner, but what kept me interested the most was the question of the romances. That says a lot, too, because I'm not much of a romance person. Brendamina, Eloekim--the emotional mess---, and Lisona are my favorite, despite the fact we didn't see very much of the princess in this book. I love far off quests, but what I love more is when the band is all together on said quests. This book is great, don't get me wrong, but I seriously can't wait to see everyone back together in Bloodshed✨️

I love the theme that we are supposed to give everything to God. When we die to ourselves and trust God with what's next, that's how we truly have peace.

I dove into this one much quicker than the first, which I was extremely grateful for.

Content:
There are two particular occasions where women being mistreated is a heavy topic. The first leaves you to guess what happened, not descriptive, and I love how the whole thing was handled. The second is in a dream, and I personally think while nothing bad was said or described, that some parts could've been a little less descriptive.

There is also a seductive woman at one point trying to tempt some of the characters. Fear not, this book holds its place in clean fiction, nonetheless.

My personal age suggestion is 16+

[Kathleen Grymes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is more personal than my usual reviews but this book has been very personal to me. This book was so good and really felt like you were going on a journey with the characters. It took me longer to read this one mostly because I was busy but also because there were many times I needed to pause from the story while I thought through something from the book.

A word I was left pondering through as I read this book was complacency and the dangers of allowing complacency in our lives. The complacency woven throughout this story in many of the characters shows how easy it is to miss out on what God is telling us. For the elders, it was overlooking evil that was affecting so many people. As a leader, myself, I found myself relating to both Rammul in his desire to want to believe the best in the people he's pouring into, and Eloekim in his fears and concerns over making the right choices or leading well.

We, as leaders, can't become so complacent in our ministry and position that we lose our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. My heart broke for Rammul because it was such a tough position to be in. But I also pray that should a moment ever come up in my ministry, I would have the discernment and courage to address it early so that others would not be hurt in the process of my neglect and fear. Rammul in his pain couldn't see the damage that was taking place when he excused and overlooked the accusations.

The right choice is not always easy, and can come with pain, but it's important that we make those tough decisions through prayer and the Lord's wisdom.

My favorite quote comes from the conversation between Elias and Andor where Andor says, "So then, it is not that you believe He is incapable of using all things for His purpose. It is that you doubt His purpose is good. That He is good." -p.497

That quote hit home for me. All God asks of me is surrender to Him and His plans.

[Miteya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed following Eloekim and his companions on their dangerous journey toward refuge. The uncertainty of who to trust added depth and suspense to the plot. What stood out most to me was the strong character development each friend brought something meaningful to the story. The themes of justice, goodness, and resisting darkness were beautifully woven throughout. The pacing was balanced, with moments of action and reflection. I also appreciated the emotional undertones and moral struggles the characters faced. The author’s writing made the stakes feel real. It’s an engaging and thought-provoking read I’d recommend.

[Renée Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the continuation of this story. I got to know Amorhi better, as much of the book is dedicated to her making discoveries and her background and growing in her faith and relationships in the present. Amorhi's story is beautiful and touching.

I was also intrigued by the developments of the ancient prophecy.

Great worldbuilding — I'm feeling at home in these pages!