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The Ring Keeper
A girl conceals an enchanted ring. A young soldier fights to protect her. Demons hunt them.
Growing up in a peaceful village, Ana has kept a secret all her life. She possesses an enchanted ring, the legacy from a mother she never knew. When powerful demons attack the village, attempting to kill her and take the ring, keeping it hidden is no longer possible.
Guarded by Zarek, a resourceful young soldier, Ana begins a desperate journey to escape the enemies hunting her. They must reach the borders of Sarine with its enchanted defense. Without Ana’s help, the barrier will fall, allowing the demons to destroy the kingdom and, with it, Ana’s only chance to discover the truth about the ring and the fate of her long-lost mother.
The pursuit grows ever closer, until cornered at last, Zarek sacrifices himself to protect her. Badly injured, his wounds are too serious to survive. Only the ring’s power offers him a chance to live. Ana must unlock its healing magic, and endure the agony of using it before the demons return to kill them both.
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Adult Fantasy
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Young Fiction
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Young Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Growing up in a peaceful village, Ana has kept a secret all her life. She possesses an enchanted ring, the legacy from a mother she never knew. When powerful demons attack the village, attempting to kill her and take the ring, keeping it hidden is no longer possible.
Guarded by Zarek, a resourceful young soldier, Ana begins a desperate journey to escape the enemies hunting her. They must reach the borders of Sarine with its enchanted defense. Without Ana’s help, the barrier will fall, allowing the demons to destroy the kingdom and, with it, Ana’s only chance to discover the truth about the ring and the fate of her long-lost mother.
The pursuit grows ever closer, until cornered at last, Zarek sacrifices himself to protect her. Badly injured, his wounds are too serious to survive. Only the ring’s power offers him a chance to live. Ana must unlock its healing magic, and endure the agony of using it before the demons return to kill them both.
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Adult Fantasy
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Young Fiction
Winner FAPA President’s Book Awards 2023 Silver Medal - Young Sci-Fi/Fantasy
- GenresFantasy
548 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
About the author
A.J. Park
11 books114 followers AJ Park is an Award-Winning Fantasy author. Her stories focus on adventure with all the fantasy staples: courage, dangerous quests, magic, love, betrayal and satisfying endings.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 7, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Ring Keeper is feels very much like Ron Howard's Willow, combined with a bit of The Wheel of Time, a splash of Lord of the Rings and oddly, Little House on the Prairie. I add the last bit only because of the diction and style.
When I first started the book, I wasn't impressed. The writing style was odd; the sentences were very short and the author does a lot of telling, not showing, which can make for boring reading. However, once I got used to her style of writing, I started to really enjoy this book. The story is wonderful, full of twists and turns, with lots of horrible, evil villains and the protagonists to counteract their evil ways. As a hopeless romantic, I enjoyed the TWO romance arcs in this story, and as a lover of adventure stories, reveled in the descriptions of the harrowing journeys many of the characters take. I was a bit disappointed that there were several questions left unanswered (how did Zarek find Blackbane? Does Tess get a HEA? What happens to Ara? Why did the Warding come back?), but ultimately, it doesn't matter. The story is very enjoyable and a great edition to anyone's bookshelf who enjoys romance and adventure.
The Ring Keeper is feels very much like Ron Howard's Willow, combined with a bit of The Wheel of Time, a splash of Lord of the Rings and oddly, Little House on the Prairie. I add the last bit only because of the diction and style.
When I first started the book, I wasn't impressed. The writing style was odd; the sentences were very short and the author does a lot of telling, not showing, which can make for boring reading. However, once I got used to her style of writing, I started to really enjoy this book. The story is wonderful, full of twists and turns, with lots of horrible, evil villains and the protagonists to counteract their evil ways. As a hopeless romantic, I enjoyed the TWO romance arcs in this story, and as a lover of adventure stories, reveled in the descriptions of the harrowing journeys many of the characters take. I was a bit disappointed that there were several questions left unanswered (how did Zarek find Blackbane? Does Tess get a HEA? What happens to Ara? Why did the Warding come back?), but ultimately, it doesn't matter. The story is very enjoyable and a great edition to anyone's bookshelf who enjoys romance and adventure.
December 7, 2022
Demons at night, a ring that heals, an unknown heritage.
The day two strangers came to town Ana’s life completely changed. Raised by her grandmother til she passed & then taken in by a loving couple who owned the local inn, Ana kept busy helping & serving those around her. She knew nothing about her true identity & her destiny. All she had tying her to her past was a ring with a green stone.
Risking everything Zekar & Dane set out on a dangerous quest to find the missing girl with the powerful healing ring in hopes to save their beloved emperor & kingdom before the demons destroy everything.
I felt a bond with the heroine as she kept going & going in spite of the hardships & as she showed strength, empathy & a desire to help those in need.
This book will keep you up late as you navigate devotion, betrayal, compassion, empathy, endurance, sacrifice & love.
The day two strangers came to town Ana’s life completely changed. Raised by her grandmother til she passed & then taken in by a loving couple who owned the local inn, Ana kept busy helping & serving those around her. She knew nothing about her true identity & her destiny. All she had tying her to her past was a ring with a green stone.
Risking everything Zekar & Dane set out on a dangerous quest to find the missing girl with the powerful healing ring in hopes to save their beloved emperor & kingdom before the demons destroy everything.
I felt a bond with the heroine as she kept going & going in spite of the hardships & as she showed strength, empathy & a desire to help those in need.
This book will keep you up late as you navigate devotion, betrayal, compassion, empathy, endurance, sacrifice & love.
December 6, 2022
I loved every word of The Ring Keeper! The story was riveting, and I loved the romantic elements, which are my favorite part of reading fantasy. This story was stunning, and I was thrilled at the ending. Can’t wait for more.
December 6, 2022
A very well written and entertaining story. An enjoyable reading experience.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
April 25, 2023
After reading War's Ending, which I liked very much, I couldn't wait until A J Park's next book came out. This book was like, what? Three or four years in the making? So it breaks my heart that I didn't love it. For me, it was just all right. Compared to the first book, the second book seems like it was written by a completely different author. What happened? Change of editor? Was the author experimenting with a different style of storytelling?
War's Ending had more colorful world building and more plot twists, and interesting characters. There was more adventure and suspense. It was a book I couldn't put down. The Ring Keeper, on the other hand, I could put down. It was a bit of a trudge to get through. The writing style was light and pleasant, but some of the chapters were bloated with too much Pallas life details and drawn-out polite conversations between characters, which dulled things down. Some of the journeys that took place dragged on for so many pages, it took away from their feeling of adventure. There was no really cool plot twists either, like in the first book. The story just seem to kind of drowsily wander from point a to point B. Even with the mothers backstory thrown in the middle. My biggest problems with this book was that there were too many POVs among characters I thought were rather bland. They were nice characters, but they lacked any outstanding personality differences. Also, i'm really sorry to say this, but the demons were lame. Simpleton screeching, shadow beings that lurked around in the forest? Oh, come on. And if they were so evil, why did they just kind of lollygag for 20 years? You feared them in the beginning of the book, but then they just kind of faded away in the background. I'm sorry to say this too, but the process of killing off these demons was so quick, that for me, it felt lazy.
It wasn't a terrible book. It had some really good scenes and some cool chapters, and Holdrith liven things up. But the book as a whole was just okay.
War's Ending had more colorful world building and more plot twists, and interesting characters. There was more adventure and suspense. It was a book I couldn't put down. The Ring Keeper, on the other hand, I could put down. It was a bit of a trudge to get through. The writing style was light and pleasant, but some of the chapters were bloated with too much Pallas life details and drawn-out polite conversations between characters, which dulled things down. Some of the journeys that took place dragged on for so many pages, it took away from their feeling of adventure. There was no really cool plot twists either, like in the first book. The story just seem to kind of drowsily wander from point a to point B. Even with the mothers backstory thrown in the middle. My biggest problems with this book was that there were too many POVs among characters I thought were rather bland. They were nice characters, but they lacked any outstanding personality differences. Also, i'm really sorry to say this, but the demons were lame. Simpleton screeching, shadow beings that lurked around in the forest? Oh, come on. And if they were so evil, why did they just kind of lollygag for 20 years? You feared them in the beginning of the book, but then they just kind of faded away in the background. I'm sorry to say this too, but the process of killing off these demons was so quick, that for me, it felt lazy.
It wasn't a terrible book. It had some really good scenes and some cool chapters, and Holdrith liven things up. But the book as a whole was just okay.
March 12, 2023
At the start, I would have rated this 3 stars, because the sentences seemed a bit too simple, lacking in metaphors , but it got much better until the end, which gave more depth to the feelings and brought me much closer to the characters.
Good imagination, and the plot does keep you on your toes to a triumphant end after despair and failure to defeat evil.
The plot building is very interesting, it doesn't just go from past to present in a straight line or just use flashbacks, but it doesn't complicate the narrative either - it's like a circle, starting in the present, going back to the past and then getting back to the present again.
An aspect I found very unusual is that, despite the existence of demons and a demon dimension where they were invoked from, there is no deity, angels or prayer, no mention of religion at all in a world where technology doesn't exist.
And this was also weird to me: there are artifacts, books and magic, but only the main characters except one can only use it, or better said are used by it, despite some of them being descended from a wizard.
I liked that it is a standalone, and I could read the whole story at once, and I also liked the HEA, therefore I gave it an additional half star for that.
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Good imagination, and the plot does keep you on your toes to a triumphant end after despair and failure to defeat evil.
The plot building is very interesting, it doesn't just go from past to present in a straight line or just use flashbacks, but it doesn't complicate the narrative either - it's like a circle, starting in the present, going back to the past and then getting back to the present again.
An aspect I found very unusual is that, despite the existence of demons and a demon dimension where they were invoked from, there is no deity, angels or prayer, no mention of religion at all in a world where technology doesn't exist.
And this was also weird to me: there are artifacts, books and magic, but only the main characters except one can only use it, or better said are used by it, despite some of them being descended from a wizard.
I liked that it is a standalone, and I could read the whole story at once, and I also liked the HEA, therefore I gave it an additional half star for that.
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2022
Our protagonist, Ana, is pulled by her twin brothers. One courting demons and sorcery, the other the ruler of an empire protected by magic, Ana brings her own specialty to the mixture. She bears a ring of unknown powers. This ring is her legacy from her mother who she never knew.
Once the power of her ring is known she becomes a target for those of evil. Her brother who is attracted to evil kidnaps her and holds her for ransom. The power of her ring begins to drain her life. She must get away. She discovers that the fate of the empire depends on her ability to unlock the ring’s secrets. Somehow, she finds she has to escape.
She must find the will and strength to use her ring. She discovers that the magic of her can save the lives of everyone, both her brothers. Ana has come to love both of them. She also knows that if she does not step and use this ring for good. She may destroy them all.
This is the first novel I have read by AJ Park. I am very impressed. Her storyline, her characters, the depth of her writing are such that I can not wait for her next novel. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.
Once the power of her ring is known she becomes a target for those of evil. Her brother who is attracted to evil kidnaps her and holds her for ransom. The power of her ring begins to drain her life. She must get away. She discovers that the fate of the empire depends on her ability to unlock the ring’s secrets. Somehow, she finds she has to escape.
She must find the will and strength to use her ring. She discovers that the magic of her can save the lives of everyone, both her brothers. Ana has come to love both of them. She also knows that if she does not step and use this ring for good. She may destroy them all.
This is the first novel I have read by AJ Park. I am very impressed. Her storyline, her characters, the depth of her writing are such that I can not wait for her next novel. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.
December 20, 2024
The Ring Keeper by A.J. Park had me hooked from the first chapter. Packed with action and adventure, everyone is hunting for Ciriana - both good guys and daemons. Unbeknownst to her, she's special. Fortunately, she's found by the good guys, but they are pursued by the bad ones until they reach the White City, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. About a third of the way into the book, Ciriana discovers her history, and we see the past, including the villain's backstory and his descent into evil. His terrible deeds and schemes are revealed. The last third brings us back to the present, where there's a race against time to stop the villain's plans to overthrow the kingdom and save everyone from destruction.
I loved this book, the last page left me wanting more, and I just was not ready for this story to end
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved this book, the last page left me wanting more, and I just was not ready for this story to end
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 3, 2023
This is an excellent young adult fantasy book. Park has created a world that is vast and colorful, with a wide variety of characters to live there. This story spans two kingdoms ruled by a pair of brothers identical in appearance, but directly opposing in temperament. With magical items in play, each with their own costs, the brothers will vie for control of the whole land. While the brothers fight for control, it is the women of the story who will truly decide the fate of everyone in the kingdom.
This book is a great fit for readers who enjoy magical stories in ancient kingdoms. Strong, brave men willing to fight for the women they love. Female protagonists full of warmth and are willing to suffer to stand up for what they believe. An excellent venture into a far away land.
This book is a great fit for readers who enjoy magical stories in ancient kingdoms. Strong, brave men willing to fight for the women they love. Female protagonists full of warmth and are willing to suffer to stand up for what they believe. An excellent venture into a far away land.
January 19, 2023
Initial thoughts - That's a lot of the same stuff for the first seven chapters. I don't know if I'm going to be able to finish this book.
Beyond chapter seven - I spiraled down a wormhole of intrigue, adventure, undying love, deception, and overall, what I would consider a happy ending. I loved it. I had trouble when the storyline flipped back to the present, seeing as the past storyline was epic (and important), because I was SO INTO what was happening with Allia. It threw me for a minute until both storylines started to weave together.
This is a long book - over 600 pages - but once it gets going it truly picks up. I couldn't put it down. A great fantasy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beyond chapter seven - I spiraled down a wormhole of intrigue, adventure, undying love, deception, and overall, what I would consider a happy ending. I loved it. I had trouble when the storyline flipped back to the present, seeing as the past storyline was epic (and important), because I was SO INTO what was happening with Allia. It threw me for a minute until both storylines started to weave together.
This is a long book - over 600 pages - but once it gets going it truly picks up. I couldn't put it down. A great fantasy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2023
I want to start off saying that I was excited bout this book. However, it was a bit difficult to get into primarily because the writing style is a bit different. I felt that the writing could be improved; such as sentence structure or longer sentences. I also felt that at times the descriptions did not evoke feelings or emotional response - almost like it was telling or informative.
However, once I got past the writing style I found the story to be very interesting. This is a great book really and I would recommend it for YA audiences, or those who remember Willow.
I received a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion of the work.
However, once I got past the writing style I found the story to be very interesting. This is a great book really and I would recommend it for YA audiences, or those who remember Willow.
I received a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion of the work.
July 14, 2023
The Ring Keeper: An Epic YA Fantasy
A. J. Park
A. J. Park is a master of word, scenes, characters, and world!
An enemy known as the SHEKKAR can kill with a swipe of their claws!
What can heal poison, mortal wounds?
The ring!
The draw back is the healing can kill the ring keeper!
Will Allia have her happy ever after?
Will Callonen find his true love alive?
Will Ana find her mother?
Will Ana find her happy ever after?
Who is Captain Tak/Zarek?
Ana was his best friend will they have a happy ever after?
What will kill Haldreth?
Oh so many questions that you will find the answer to if you read this book!
A. J. Park
A. J. Park is a master of word, scenes, characters, and world!
An enemy known as the SHEKKAR can kill with a swipe of their claws!
What can heal poison, mortal wounds?
The ring!
The draw back is the healing can kill the ring keeper!
Will Allia have her happy ever after?
Will Callonen find his true love alive?
Will Ana find her mother?
Will Ana find her happy ever after?
Who is Captain Tak/Zarek?
Ana was his best friend will they have a happy ever after?
What will kill Haldreth?
Oh so many questions that you will find the answer to if you read this book!
January 20, 2023
This is a hard one for me to review. I liked the book, the characters, the wold building. There is enough action and nice dialog. So all in all a good book to read.
But I hate the jumping back in time parts in books. Always have a problem with them. And this book jumps back in time for quite a bit.
This is probably just me. So don't mind my review just read the book. 3 start only because of the going back in time parts..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But I hate the jumping back in time parts in books. Always have a problem with them. And this book jumps back in time for quite a bit.
This is probably just me. So don't mind my review just read the book. 3 start only because of the going back in time parts..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2022
This is a high fantasy novel following two timelines; a past timeline and a present timeline; culminating in a grand finale. Ciriana's growth as a character is well written. Though, I found I really enjoyed Allia's arc more. There are many memorable side characters. The story is action packed with adventure, magic, plot twists, fight scenes and light romance. Everything a good fantasy needs!
TW: SA, torture, blood, violence
TW: SA, torture, blood, violence
December 25, 2022
This was such an amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. Ann is such a creative writer, I could visual the story so much it felt like I was actually there. I would recommend this book to every reader. It is not just a fantasy book, it includes, love, deception, bravery, honour, trust and so much more. Ann has captured so much in her book I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Ann for providing me a copy to read.
December 10, 2022
An interesting book about twin brothers as different as chalk and cheese- one craves power and wants it any way he can gain it. Flows well the “good” guys have some “ bad” in them as people tend to.
I also liked the female characters but didn’t like that their “power “ made them vulnerable after using.
I also liked the female characters but didn’t like that their “power “ made them vulnerable after using.
March 25, 2023
wow
This book is very good, but it does contain some serious triggers! There is sexual & emotional abuse here, but it is dealt with in a realistic way & as sensitively as can be done while maintaining the story. The characters are all very real & have both strengths & weaknesses, which makes the story very intense!
This book is very good, but it does contain some serious triggers! There is sexual & emotional abuse here, but it is dealt with in a realistic way & as sensitively as can be done while maintaining the story. The characters are all very real & have both strengths & weaknesses, which makes the story very intense!
July 30, 2023
This was a nice read that often read more middle-grade than YA. I liked the characters, the story, the progression of it all, and even the flashback that splits the current story into two parts. While I was left very curious about the origins of it all, this was a book worthy of bringing on vacation to read while relaxing. Easy to pick up and put down. Solid.
June 29, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable story filled with exciting action, and twisted treachery! Filled with endearing characters, a major villain and one or two minor ones, add some demons to the mix; makes for quite an epic tale. It will definitely keep you turning those pages.
Thanks to the author and bookfunnel for the opportunity to enjoy this book.
Thanks to the author and bookfunnel for the opportunity to enjoy this book.
April 17, 2023
I found this to be an enjoyable epic read. There was plenty of political intrigue, action, and danger to keep the read interesting. The romance was satisfying and I liked the fact that I could read it as a standalone without having to read a whole series first.
February 20, 2024
Clever & Complex
Very well thought out. Description of the lay of the land would have made sense, even if the map hadn’t been so wonderful! The cast of characters list also helpful. Makes you want more.
Very well thought out. Description of the lay of the land would have made sense, even if the map hadn’t been so wonderful! The cast of characters list also helpful. Makes you want more.
August 25, 2024
This deserves ten stars
The best book I've read in some time. A story of unparalleled bravery, honor, faithfulness, kindness and love. Also a story of deception, betrayal, and so much evil.
The best book I've read in some time. A story of unparalleled bravery, honor, faithfulness, kindness and love. Also a story of deception, betrayal, and so much evil.
January 2, 2026
Storytelling at its very best! Characters and events seem real and never boring too the mind! Ms Parks writing skills are high caliber and very engaging! There's never a dull moment in her amazing books! Money is not wasted when buying her books!
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July 16, 2023
A very young YA book. I liked it well enough but I am not the intended audience.
April 18, 2024
I love this book that was written really well with such a great plot of a story that kept me interest from start to finish with interest characters that were develop really well. I highly recommend this to all liking this type.
June 25, 2024
This is the first book I have read by A. J. Park and I loved everything about it. The world building, the characters and the storyline were all excellent. Ana is an orphan who lives a quiet life until she meets Zarek and Dane who alert her to the evil forces that are seeking her out. What follows is a thrilling page turner filled with magic and mayhem along the way - highly recommended.
March 16, 2023
What would do if you were given a task without actually having agreed to it? One that meant saving the world around you by any means necessary? These are questions Ana asks herself every day. All because she's the unintended keeper of a healing ring she inherited from her mother.
I'm an avid lover of fantasy. This is one of those books that captures attention from the moment you start reading. Ana's plight draws you in from the moment you "meet" her. While young and naivé, she does her best to survive within the chaos that now surrounds her. Park has given us a character that's completely relatable. One for whom we sympathize at every turn.
Although the world Park has created might resemble the one we live within in certain aspects, it stands apart from the world we know of in this day and age. For Ana, she must fend for herself at every turn, all while dealing with people's rudeness and indignations, as well as the elements and numerous betrayals. Can you imagine what it would be like live to within such a world? I can. I confess it sounds chaotically exciting.
While this book is a standalone, it has the makings of a possible series. I'd love to see more of her mother and the king's world through their eyes, as well as more of the happiness they've fought so hard to obtain. Ana and numerous other characters definitely have the potential for additional stories. It would be awesome to see this world expand further. One can hope, right?
I'm an avid lover of fantasy. This is one of those books that captures attention from the moment you start reading. Ana's plight draws you in from the moment you "meet" her. While young and naivé, she does her best to survive within the chaos that now surrounds her. Park has given us a character that's completely relatable. One for whom we sympathize at every turn.
Although the world Park has created might resemble the one we live within in certain aspects, it stands apart from the world we know of in this day and age. For Ana, she must fend for herself at every turn, all while dealing with people's rudeness and indignations, as well as the elements and numerous betrayals. Can you imagine what it would be like live to within such a world? I can. I confess it sounds chaotically exciting.
While this book is a standalone, it has the makings of a possible series. I'd love to see more of her mother and the king's world through their eyes, as well as more of the happiness they've fought so hard to obtain. Ana and numerous other characters definitely have the potential for additional stories. It would be awesome to see this world expand further. One can hope, right?
April 28, 2024
Zarek and Dane need to find the girl Ana so she can help save the Emperor. They will have to overcome many obstacles. They will come face to face with many creatures that are quite deadly. Friends will be lost but some will be gained. Some intense and unpredictable moments. Truths will be found out and will have some uncertain consequences. A great book that has lots of twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews