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Keepers of Forest and Flame
"The play is the thing..."
Wren Vesper's life has changed dramatically in just a few short days. She and her mother have moved to their old family home in Sedgwick Cove, Maine. She discovered that she is, in fact, a witch. And rather than spending the start of her summer vacation hanging out with her friends, she spent it defeating an ancient and terrible Darkness hellbent on laying claim to her magic. Now all she wants is to have an uneventful summer, beginning her magical education and sunning herself at the beach.
Unfortunately, uneventful isn’t really an option in a place like Sedgwick Cove.
Before she knows it, Wren has been swept into helping with the summer solstice celebration, including the elaborate pageant that the local high school students put on every year. But beneath the excited buzz of preparations, a plot is lurking, one that could unleash the very Darkness that Wren nearly lost her life to defeat. Because the Darkness is only sleeping, licking its wounds and biding its time in the shadows. Wren might have won the battle, but on the night of the solstice, she may just lose the war.
Keepers of Forest and Flame is the second book in E.E. Holmes' Vesper Coven series, set in the World of the Gateway.
Wren Vesper's life has changed dramatically in just a few short days. She and her mother have moved to their old family home in Sedgwick Cove, Maine. She discovered that she is, in fact, a witch. And rather than spending the start of her summer vacation hanging out with her friends, she spent it defeating an ancient and terrible Darkness hellbent on laying claim to her magic. Now all she wants is to have an uneventful summer, beginning her magical education and sunning herself at the beach.
Unfortunately, uneventful isn’t really an option in a place like Sedgwick Cove.
Before she knows it, Wren has been swept into helping with the summer solstice celebration, including the elaborate pageant that the local high school students put on every year. But beneath the excited buzz of preparations, a plot is lurking, one that could unleash the very Darkness that Wren nearly lost her life to defeat. Because the Darkness is only sleeping, licking its wounds and biding its time in the shadows. Wren might have won the battle, but on the night of the solstice, she may just lose the war.
Keepers of Forest and Flame is the second book in E.E. Holmes' Vesper Coven series, set in the World of the Gateway.
- GenresFantasy
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
376 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Holmes
33 books1,046 followersE.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 21, 2024
I love this author
Best book series ever! I don't want it to ever end. All her books keep me hooked. One of my all time favourite authors.
Best book series ever! I don't want it to ever end. All her books keep me hooked. One of my all time favourite authors.
December 26, 2024
I Love Absolutely Everything by This Author
So, I was going to give this four and a half stars but as soon as they mentioned "the girl with the book," I started to get excited. I knew that this series was set in the World of the Gateway, but I wasn't sure if there would be an actual crossover. But as soon as that girl was mentioned, I knew it was going to be Jess from the Gateway Trackers. I absolutely loved that series, so I'm really excited if there's a possible crossover in the works.
As always, I absolutely ate this book up. E. E. Holmes is one of the authors that, as soon as they released a new book, I drop everything to start reading it immediately. I love her vivid worldbuilding, fully fleshed out characters, and engrossing plots. Keepers of Fire and Flame was no different. I had been anxiously awaiting the next book in Wren's story, and I tore through it in just a few days.
This book went more deeply into the lore and magic of Sedgwick Cove. It was great to understand how the magic works a bit better, but I think my favorite part was in the evolution of Wren as she learns to stop doubting herself and trust her magic instead of being afraid of it. This book also introduced a possible love interest for her, though things are just getting started and are somewhat strained between them at the end of this book. But I have a feeling Luca will be back.
So now I'm even more excited about this series than I already was. I can't wait to see what's next for Wren and the other witches of Sedgwick Cove. There are still a lot of answers that we need, but one thing I always appreciate about Holmes's work is that she doesn't really leave readers hanging on huge cliffhangers. I will say this book has a bit of a cliffhanger, but it didn't make me mad, just made me excited for the next book. I will say that if you're enjoying this series so far but you haven't read the books in the Gateway Trilogy/Trackers, this book has set up a crossover so you might want to go check them out. I promise they are excellent and original, like all of Holmes work.
So, I was going to give this four and a half stars but as soon as they mentioned "the girl with the book," I started to get excited. I knew that this series was set in the World of the Gateway, but I wasn't sure if there would be an actual crossover. But as soon as that girl was mentioned, I knew it was going to be Jess from the Gateway Trackers. I absolutely loved that series, so I'm really excited if there's a possible crossover in the works.
As always, I absolutely ate this book up. E. E. Holmes is one of the authors that, as soon as they released a new book, I drop everything to start reading it immediately. I love her vivid worldbuilding, fully fleshed out characters, and engrossing plots. Keepers of Fire and Flame was no different. I had been anxiously awaiting the next book in Wren's story, and I tore through it in just a few days.
This book went more deeply into the lore and magic of Sedgwick Cove. It was great to understand how the magic works a bit better, but I think my favorite part was in the evolution of Wren as she learns to stop doubting herself and trust her magic instead of being afraid of it. This book also introduced a possible love interest for her, though things are just getting started and are somewhat strained between them at the end of this book. But I have a feeling Luca will be back.
So now I'm even more excited about this series than I already was. I can't wait to see what's next for Wren and the other witches of Sedgwick Cove. There are still a lot of answers that we need, but one thing I always appreciate about Holmes's work is that she doesn't really leave readers hanging on huge cliffhangers. I will say this book has a bit of a cliffhanger, but it didn't make me mad, just made me excited for the next book. I will say that if you're enjoying this series so far but you haven't read the books in the Gateway Trilogy/Trackers, this book has set up a crossover so you might want to go check them out. I promise they are excellent and original, like all of Holmes work.
June 16, 2025
I’ve loved every book that has come out from her, but this one is driving me crazy. How does only a week pass in between book 1 & 2, but all of a sudden Bernadette is Nova’s aunt, no longer cousin, and Ostara is Nova’s mother, no longer grandmother? How is Asteria no longer in charge of the conclave, either because she died in book one, or it’s been 10 years like in book 2?!?!? Book 1 ended with EVERYONE knowing Sarah Claire was still in Bernadette, book 2 they find out when Persi and Wren visit her in the Keep?!?!? The mirror in the lighthouse was thrown on the ground in book 1, book 2 it was still hanging up?!? That was a major moment in book 1. And finally, Persi and Wrens relationship is still developing in book 2 after they were already ok in book 1?!?!? WHAT?!?!?!? I understand it’s a lot to keep track of, especially when writing multiple series at the same time, but MAJOR family dynamics and MAJOR parts from book 1 completely being ignored or written differently in book 2 makes it really hard to get through. If there’s a book 3, will Nova and Bernadette be sisters now?
January 20, 2025
Brilliant
Loved this story and can't wait for the next book. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as the gateway books but I'm booked.
Loved this story and can't wait for the next book. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as the gateway books but I'm booked.
November 16, 2025
Considering I didn't think I was going to pick up a book for the rest of this year, the fact I finished this was a true testament to E E Holmes' writing.
Losing myself in her world, this time the Vesper Witches was such a wonderful feeling. I didn't realise how much I missed their world or them but I started reading and it wasn't long before I was falling back in love with Wren and everyone around her. The story and Wrens learning made me want to keep coming back, I think I was just as eager to find out what her affinity was and I wasn't disappointed at all.
Losing myself in her world, this time the Vesper Witches was such a wonderful feeling. I didn't realise how much I missed their world or them but I started reading and it wasn't long before I was falling back in love with Wren and everyone around her. The story and Wrens learning made me want to keep coming back, I think I was just as eager to find out what her affinity was and I wasn't disappointed at all.
December 29, 2025
There must be more
This novel, the second of the Vesper Coven books picks up on the story of Wren Vesper who recently discovered she is a hereditary witch. Here Wren begins her magical training and faces her own insecurities and fears as well as the danger of the Darkness.
The characters are enjoyable, the setting easy to imagine and the internal and external dangers Wren confronts are easy to relate to.
This novel, the second of the Vesper Coven books picks up on the story of Wren Vesper who recently discovered she is a hereditary witch. Here Wren begins her magical training and faces her own insecurities and fears as well as the danger of the Darkness.
The characters are enjoyable, the setting easy to imagine and the internal and external dangers Wren confronts are easy to relate to.
December 27, 2024
GREAT BOOK!
This series is so good! Book 2 picks up more of the story. As wren & her friends are working together to get the Midsommer pageant put together, the darkness is festering. Wren is finding out about her powers, hopefully she’ll be able to ward off the darkness. I can’t wait for the next book!
This series is so good! Book 2 picks up more of the story. As wren & her friends are working together to get the Midsommer pageant put together, the darkness is festering. Wren is finding out about her powers, hopefully she’ll be able to ward off the darkness. I can’t wait for the next book!
December 29, 2024
Does not disappoint!
E E. Holmes has created a masterpiece. On the surface this an engaging tale of a young girl coming of age and finding herself. At a deeper level it is a tale for those on the spiritual path of listening to our inner guidance and being open to the emptiness and wisdom of staying with the I don't know stance.
E E. Holmes has created a masterpiece. On the surface this an engaging tale of a young girl coming of age and finding herself. At a deeper level it is a tale for those on the spiritual path of listening to our inner guidance and being open to the emptiness and wisdom of staying with the I don't know stance.
February 17, 2025
Wonderful Read
As with all Holmes stories, I rushed to read it thru then was sorry it ended. Great continuation of the Vesper series. Very believable characters that have you turning the pages to read what happens next. If you believe in Witches, I highly recommend but read the previous book first.
As with all Holmes stories, I rushed to read it thru then was sorry it ended. Great continuation of the Vesper series. Very believable characters that have you turning the pages to read what happens next. If you believe in Witches, I highly recommend but read the previous book first.
February 22, 2025
Wow. I love this new series by E.E. Holmes. The characters are well developed and make me want to get to know each of them. Just like with the Gateway ones.
I’m a super fan of your Gateway Series!
And the Vesper Coven one is proving to be just as fun, nail-bitting suspenseful and adventurous!
Thanks for the grand, magical adventures.
I’m a super fan of your Gateway Series!
And the Vesper Coven one is proving to be just as fun, nail-bitting suspenseful and adventurous!
Thanks for the grand, magical adventures.
May 6, 2025
last line in the title
I was so excited to read the last line in the book. I love when a series brings in characters from a previous series! The book does have some action with a small dose of mystery. I’m curious to see what happens in the next book. Not my best review, but that last line got me.
I was so excited to read the last line in the book. I love when a series brings in characters from a previous series! The book does have some action with a small dose of mystery. I’m curious to see what happens in the next book. Not my best review, but that last line got me.
June 27, 2025
Still very much a YA series in my opinion. The author messed up one of the characters in this one though. In book 1 Ostara was Nova's grandmother. In book 2 she suddenly becomes her mother. Towards the end of this book she's referred to as her grandmother again before switching back to being her mother. There were several other things that changed from book 1 to book 2. It was very distracting.
August 7, 2025
Another great book
Wren Vesper is definitely having an extraordinarily hard time trying to find her magic, and avoid the Darkness or those trying to take the power. This is book 2 and will grab you like book 1 did. I don’t know when/if book 3 will be released but I can’t wait to see what is in store for Wren. I’ll be impatiently waiting for it to be available.
Wren Vesper is definitely having an extraordinarily hard time trying to find her magic, and avoid the Darkness or those trying to take the power. This is book 2 and will grab you like book 1 did. I don’t know when/if book 3 will be released but I can’t wait to see what is in store for Wren. I’ll be impatiently waiting for it to be available.
August 7, 2025
Wren Vesper is definitely having an extraordinarily hard time trying to find her magic, and avoid the Darkness or those trying to take the power. This is book 2 and will grab you like book 1 did. I don’t know when/if book 3 will be released but I can’t wait to see what is in store for Wren. I’ll be diving into it soon.
October 3, 2025
I have to say that I absolutely loved this book, Wren and Bea remind me a lot of Jess Bellard, that's why I am really looking forward to reading the next book..
as about the bad guy in this book, I already had the feeling that SHE ( i won't say the name) was the one. She was off to me, and Bea's reaction to her confirmed it..
as about the bad guy in this book, I already had the feeling that SHE ( i won't say the name) was the one. She was off to me, and Bea's reaction to her confirmed it..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
Another hit from E. E. Holmes!
A little slower-going to start than Daughters, but WELL worth the payoff... The last 30% of the book was un-put-downable! Already dying for the next book in this series!
A little slower-going to start than Daughters, but WELL worth the payoff... The last 30% of the book was un-put-downable! Already dying for the next book in this series!
December 30, 2024
Fantastic Book!!!
I absolutely loved this book. E.E. Holmes’s books always keep me on the edge of my seat and looking forward to the next new book she writes. I am so excited for the next book in this series!
I absolutely loved this book. E.E. Holmes’s books always keep me on the edge of my seat and looking forward to the next new book she writes. I am so excited for the next book in this series!
January 3, 2025
Another Great Book
I have to say like the other books of hers I have read I was sad to see it end. But on the flip side that means I can look forward to more of her books. It��s a great series spun off of the Gateway Series
I have to say like the other books of hers I have read I was sad to see it end. But on the flip side that means I can look forward to more of her books. It��s a great series spun off of the Gateway Series
January 7, 2025
Once again E.E. Holmes has my attention. This boy ok was just as good as the first one, then she brings Jess into the story. I can’t wait to see how this is going to play out. Please finish the next book in this series, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat.
January 20, 2025
like what!!! thinking crossover?? E.E. Holmes easily became my favorite author.. this book had me captivated from the get go, that plot twist in the middle of the book and the ending.. can’t wait for the next chapter
January 30, 2025
Excellent
Once again a beautiful but terrifyingly heart stopping story. It has poignant moments and budding romance. Overall a brilliant continuation of a story that will continue to unfold.
Once again a beautiful but terrifyingly heart stopping story. It has poignant moments and budding romance. Overall a brilliant continuation of a story that will continue to unfold.
February 1, 2025
4.5. A good YA book and did enjoy it but was not a book I longed to get back to because it is a different genre that I usually read.
But I would recommend for anyone looking for light but mystery witch reading.
But I would recommend for anyone looking for light but mystery witch reading.
February 4, 2025
I loved this sequel and especially the twist at the end. I hope this storyline continues! Wren is a great character who deserves to be enlarged upon as do her family. Great storyline, characters and premis. More please!
February 20, 2025
Vesper Coven adventure
I enjoyed this book. Wren Vesper is slowly settling into her new life in Sedgewick Cove and beginning to learn more about her abilities. However, there are those who are interested in her abilities as well who do not have good intentions.
I enjoyed this book. Wren Vesper is slowly settling into her new life in Sedgewick Cove and beginning to learn more about her abilities. However, there are those who are interested in her abilities as well who do not have good intentions.
March 11, 2025
Witches
This book was quite an interesting read. Any book that holds my interest is a great book!
I really liked the characters and their parts in the story, not to mention the location. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This book was quite an interesting read. Any book that holds my interest is a great book!
I really liked the characters and their parts in the story, not to mention the location. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
May 6, 2025
Very entertaining. I wanted to keep reading more
sharbie@windstream.net the story of Wren vesper picks up just a couple weeks after the incident on the beach. I loved reading about Wren getting to know all her new friends and learning about her magic.
sharbie@windstream.net the story of Wren vesper picks up just a couple weeks after the incident on the beach. I loved reading about Wren getting to know all her new friends and learning about her magic.
May 20, 2025
Love it
I enjoy series books so I can get to know the characters more and continue on in their adventures. I don't like when some writers overly explain the characters or situations in case you haven't read #1 yet, and book 2 here did not disappoint. Can't wait for #3.
I enjoy series books so I can get to know the characters more and continue on in their adventures. I don't like when some writers overly explain the characters or situations in case you haven't read #1 yet, and book 2 here did not disappoint. Can't wait for #3.
May 31, 2025
So looking forward to the next one!
The last sentence just blew my mind! I did not see that coming. Well, the book is awesome, of course; everything Ms. Holmes writes is. And now I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next book.
The last sentence just blew my mind! I did not see that coming. Well, the book is awesome, of course; everything Ms. Holmes writes is. And now I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next book.
July 16, 2025
I enjoyed the continuation of this story about the Vesper witches, but it seemed the ending was abrupt and ended too quickly. The characters are well done, and I liked how Wren had a crush on Luc. His mother was creepy though. The climax was exciting.
October 14, 2025
always delivers
I love reading E.E. Holmes. She has not disappointed me with a book yet. I. Keepers of Forest Flame we continue to follow the Vesper Coven and their part in stopping the darkness and protecting the source.
I love reading E.E. Holmes. She has not disappointed me with a book yet. I. Keepers of Forest Flame we continue to follow the Vesper Coven and their part in stopping the darkness and protecting the source.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews